In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barmann talk with Alyssa Boswell, the CEO of Upper Story and a former educator turned toy inventor.

Alyssa shares her journey from working in education and raising three boys to founding Upper Story and creating educational toys that make STEM learning fun.

The conversation explores her challenges, successes, and the thought process behind innovative products like Turing Tumble and Spintronics.

The episode dives into the importance of hands-on learning, the impact of STEM tools in classrooms, the value of guidance for new generations entering the workforce, and the necessity for lifelong learning.

You'll also get insights into the intersection of personal passion and professional growth, effective strategies for scaling STEM education, and the transformative potential of integrating play into learning.

This episode is a treasure trove for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and play.

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast00:18 Meet Alyssa Boswell: Founder of Upper Story01:07 The Inspiration Behind Upper Story03:06 Creating Turing Tumble: The First Game05:29 Spintronics: A New Way to Learn Electronics07:17 Bridge Building Toy: The Latest Innovation10:02 Challenges and Success in STEM Education12:31 Integrating STEM in Classrooms14:53 Staying Updated with Technology18:56 Advice for the Next Generation20:30 Choosing Between Sports: A Fifth Grader's Dilemma21:08 Teaching Technology: Transferable Skills Over Expertise22:16 Employers and the New Generation: Bridging the Gap24:24 Policy Makers and STEM Education: A Collaborative Approach28:02 Business Challenges and Growth: Lessons Learned32:58 The Value of Interns: Fresh Perspectives and Innovation35:54 Rapid Fire Questions: Personal Insights and Fun Facts