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Trivia TangentsChocolate: Where It Came From & How to Make ItWhat do ancient civilizations, antioxidants, and my dad’s kitchen have in common? CHOCOLATE.In this rich and delicious episode of Trivia Tangents, I quiz my dad, Michael, a world-traveling, bean-roasting, blender-wielding chocolate nerd, on everything from cacao’s mysterious origins to the science behind why dark chocolate is actually good for you.We dive into bitter compounds like theobromine, geek out over flavor profiles, and get deep into the chocolate-making process (spoiler: conching is not a beach activity). Plus, you’ll learn why cacao is technically a fruit, how to temper chocolate at home withou...2025-07-3152 minTrivia TangentsSummer Break July 10-31 AnnouncementHi everyone! Lina here, wanted to let you all know that I will be on summer break from July 10-31. In the meantime, feel free to listen to my previous episodes: Pickleball, Matcha, Foot Archery, and Rock Climbing. In this short episode I share my travel itinerary for July, reflect on my growth as a podcast host and also preview upcoming episodes!Upcoming episodes include:Chocolate trivia (July 31)Ultimate Freaky Friday trivia (Aug 7)Oregon wines trivia (Aug 14)Cat trivia (Aug 21)Salsa dancing trivia (Aug 28)2025-07-1016 minTrivia TangentsRock Climbing Culture: From Soles To Free Solo SummitsIn this episode of Trivia Tangents, we’re chalking up and roping in my friend Hannah, boulderer and belay queen, for a climb up the trivia wall. We debate bouldering vs. top-roping, GRIGRI vs. ATC, and dive into the retro rubber origins of climbing shoes. From the lingo of dynos, slabs, and spicy cruxes to what compels someone to attempt a Free Solo, we dig into what makes rock climbing such a wild mental and physical ride. Hannah also shares her scariest outdoor climbing story (spoiler: it involves pigeons).We’ve got pro climber shoutouts, trivia to fuel...2025-07-0352 minTrivia TangentsFlexible Foot Archery: A World Upside DownWhat happens when you mix circus skills, extreme flexibility, and a bow and arrow? In this episode of Trivia Tangents, we dive feet first into the fascinating world of foot archery; yes, that is archery performed upside down using your feet.I’m joined by my friend and real-life foot archer, Elizabeth, who shares how she discovered this wild niche hobby, what it takes to master it, and what it actually feels like to hit a bullseye with your toes. We also reflect on our shared background in gymnastics and how those early experiences shaped our approach to...2025-06-2656 minTrivia TangentsMatcha Mayhem: From Ancient Tea to TikTok TrendIn this episode of Trivia Tangents, we're whisking up some serious matcha energy with special guest Kyla, a self-proclaimed matcha enthusiast and at-home latte queen. From ancient tea rituals to the misty hills of Uji, Japan, to the neon-green lattes flooding your Instagram feed, we dig into matcha’s global takeover. Along the way, I quiz Kyla on matcha trivia, and we learn about what makes ceremonial grade actually ceremonial. Expect Bay Area cafe reviews, fun facts, and a few chaotic matcha hot takes. Grab your whisk, this one’s steeped in flavor!Where to find Kyla:2025-06-1945 minTrivia TangentsThe Pickleball Phenomenon: How a Backyard Game Became a Dinking CrazeReady to test your pickleball knowledge and learn the fascinating backstory of America’s fastest-growing sport? In this episode of Trivia Tangents, we’re serving up pickleball questions, surprising deep dives, and all the dinking details behind the phenomenon that’s taking over parks and rec centers nationwide. From how a backyard game born in the ‘60s became a cultural sensation, to the quirks and joys of finding the perfect pickleball partner, we’re exploring the paddles, the players, and the pickleball craze that’s sweeping the nation. Join me and my friend Nikki—our local pickleball enthusiast—as we dink, dive, a...2025-06-1244 minTrivia TangentsWelcome to Trivia Tangents: A Preview!Join Lina as she introduces you to Trivia Tangents, the podcast that blends education and entertainment in every episode. Learn about Lina’s journey from bar trivia champ to podcast host and how she transforms her guests’ unique passions, careers, and hobbies into trivia-packed deep dives, making learning as fun as it is surprising. From unexpected psychology tidbits to pop-culture gems, no topic is off-limits. So tune in and get ready to laugh, learn, and leave with trivia gold for your next game night!***If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a positive rating, share it w...2025-06-0802 minTrivia TangentsRebranding the Podcast: Trivia TangentsIn this episode, Lina announces the rebranding of her podcast from 'Learned and Trivia' to 'Trivia Tangents.' She discusses the changes in hosting, the new podcast format, and the exciting features of the rebrand, including a dedicated website and digital trivia starter packs. Lina expresses her enthusiasm for the new direction and shares a preview of upcoming episodes.***If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a positive rating, share it with a friend, and follow to get notified when new episodes drop every Thursday!Have a topic you’d love us to co...2025-06-0505 minTrivia TangentsBlue Origin Superstar: The Mission That Went Viral For All The Wrong ReasonsJoin us as we break down Blue Origin's latest spaceflight that was supposed to be historic for women in space—but became the internet's favorite disaster instead.We're diving into Katy Perry's absolutely cringe-worthy involvement, the tone-deaf celebrity moments, and how Blue Origin tried to package this as women's empowerment while getting completely roasted online. From bizarre rich people antics to social media meltdowns, we dissect how this mission went from "inspiring space history" to "getting trolled out of this earth."Lina and Alissa are serving up all the tea on why this became the sp...2025-05-2859 minTrivia TangentsThe Palm Trees of Los Angeles – Icons or Impostors?Palm trees are as iconic to Los Angeles as the Hollywood sign—but what if we told you most of them don’t even belong here? In this episode of Learned in Trivia, Lina and special guest Misia dive into the fascinating world of palm trees in LA. Misia shares her experiences living in the city while getting quizzed on trivia about native palm species and LA’s leafy impostors.The girls who google dig into the historical roots of palm planting during the early 1900s, the 1932 Olympics beautification project, and why urban planners today are rethinking palms...2025-05-0246 min
Girls That ExcelThe Psychology Behind the Office Coffee Pot W/Lina!In this episode, Girls That Excel is joined by Lina Osofsky from the Learned In Trivia podcast to explore the fascinating history and cultural impact of coffee in the workplace. They dive into how coffee evolved from a simple beverage to a vital part of office culture, influencing both productivity and social connections. Along the way, the hosts share their personal coffee rituals, bust some popular coffee myths, and sprinkle in fun trivia about the origins of coffee. The conversation wraps up with a lighthearted chat about the iconic figures they’d love to share a cup of coffee wi...2025-04-2840 minTrivia TangentsTiara Talk: Disney Princess Trivia and Fairy Tale SecretsReady to unlock the royal secrets behind Disney's most beloved heroines? In this episode, Lina and Alissa dive into the enchanted world of Disney Princesses.We'll explore the fascinating history of all 13 official Disney Princesses, from Snow White's debut in 1937 to the modern-day royalty. Discover which beloved characters surprisingly didn't make the official princess lineup and why. Get insider knowledge about the strict rules Disney Princess performers must follow at the parks, and join our discussion on the controversies surrounding the recently released live-action Snow White adaptation.Whether you're...2025-04-161h 17Trivia TangentsA Look Back on 420: The Truth Behind the 4/20 HolidayEver wonder where the term 420 came from? The real story might surprise you…This special Look Back episode revisits Learned in Trivia’s debut from May 2024, diving into the origins of "420"—who started it, why it stuck, and how it grew into a globally recognized cannabis holiday. Bay Area natives Lina and Alissa share their hot takes on stoner culture, plus a surprising connection between Taylor Swift’s latest album, TTPD, and 420. Tune in for trivia, laughs, and a little music talk!***If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating, share the epis...2025-04-0128 minTrivia TangentsLululemon Confessions: Insider Perks, Store Policies, and Pant ThievesEver wondered what really goes on behind the sleek storefronts of lululemon? In this episode, former lululemon educators Lina and Alissa spill all the insider tea—from the slightly concerning history of the brand’s name to the secret perks employees got (hello, free leggings!). They break down the bizarre store policies, including the magic words to get a product replaced, and share their craziest customer stories (yes, someone really stole an entire wall of leggings). Plus, they reveal what it was like working there: the intense training, the sales tactics, and the managers who made them cry—nothing is off...2025-03-181h 24Trivia TangentsPop Princesses: Ruling the World, One Hit at a TimeHave you ever wondered what makes a pop princess? This episode Lina and Alissa dive into the world of hit-makers like Britney Spears' iconic "Oops!," Taylor Swift's chart-dominating anthems, Christina Aguilera's powerhouse vocals, Sabrina Carpenter's catchy tunes, and Tate McRae's dance-floor bangers.Get ready for a musical journey that proves these queens don't just make music - they make history! Whether you want to be them or stan them, this episode is your backstage pass to pop royalty.***If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating, share the episode with a...2025-03-061h 04Trivia TangentsIt's Been A Long Time Coming... EPIC ERAS TOUR TRIVIAThe Eras Tour may have come to a close, but the trivia fun is just beginning! Swiftie Lina (who ranked in the top 0.5% of Taylor Swift listeners on Spotify) puts Alissa to the test with the ultimate Eras Tour quiz. From surprise songs and costume variations to the literal seismic activity of theSwift Quake, they break down the tour’s massive cultural impact.Get ready to learn how Roman mythology influenced the choreography and visuals, plus hear their predictions on Reputation (Taylor’s Version)—is 2025 finally the Year of the Snake? Test your knowledge on songs linked to Joe...2025-02-1850 minTrivia TangentsSuper Bowl Halftime ExtravaganzaFrom marching bands to music superstars, join Alissa and Lina as they explore how Super Bowl halftime shows became America's biggest musical event. The hosts break down their favorite performances, share surprising behind-the-scenes stories, and reveal how these massive productions come together. Learn what makes these 15-minute shows so special and why millions tune in each year, even if they don't care about football.
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If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend! Your support will help us grow our podcast and e...2025-02-0451 minTrivia Tangents2024 Trivia Wrapped: Reflecting on a Year of PodcastingIn this episode, Alissa and Lina celebrate their first year of podcasting by reflecting on their favorite trivia moments from 2024. They revisit topics like the truth behind 420, OJ Simpson’s connection to reality TV, In-N-Out Burger facts, and the evolution of parkour—all while exploring how trivia can spark deeper conversations and make learning fun. From cultural phenomena to quirky insights, the duo reflects on the growth of their podcast and the joy of sharing fun facts. Tune in for laughter, knowledge, and a celebration of trivia-packed memories! All topics discussed in this episode are based on previous Learned In T...2025-01-2842 minTrivia TangentsTrivia Inception: The Origins of Bar TriviaHave you ever wondered where bar trivia began or why we love it so much? In this episode, Lina and Alissa take you on a journey through the origins of trivia culture. Discover how trivia took off in the 1970s, how pub quizzes first emerged in England, and how a Canadian creation—Trivial Pursuit—became a global sensation.
Along the way, Lina and Alissa share personal stories from their own trivia adventures, reflect on the teamwork and laughter that make it so special, and reveal what inspired them to start their podcast. Whether you're a die-hard quizzer or j...2025-01-1430 minTrivia TangentsWhy New Year’s Resolutions Fail (And How to Make Them Work)New Year, same old resolutions? In this thought-provoking episode, Lina dives deep into the psychology behind New Year’s resolutions and why so many of them fizzle out before spring. From the importance of understanding your “why” to the critical role of psychological readiness, Lina shares insights on setting goals that stick.
Explore the connection between motivation, sustainable change, and January’s Capricorn energy—marked by ambition and responsibility—that shapes our mindsets as we kick off the year.
With reflections on personal growth (hello, Saturn Return!) and even a nod to Ariana Grande’s recent transfo...2024-12-3120 minTrivia TangentsUnwrapping Holiday Game HistoryJoin Alissa and Lina as they unwrap the surprising history of holiday games, from dangerous past traditions to modern favorites like White Elephant and Secret Santa. Discover how these playful rituals have evolved and brought people together through laughter and connection.
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If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend! Your support will help us grow our podcast and enable us to continue doing what we love: learning more trivia and sharing with our L.I.T. community!
Have a...2024-12-1744 minTrivia TangentsWizard of OZempic - The Wicked Curse of OzIn this enchanting and eerie episode, Alissa and Lina pull back the emerald curtain to explore the deep connections between Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. From the dazzling musical to the darker realities behind the original film, they uncover the hidden struggles faced by actors, including Judy Garland’s heartbreaking story, the grueling demands on Broadway performers, and even stunts gone horribly wrong.They also dive into the unsettling coincidences and tragedies that have sparked whispers of a curse surrounding the world of Oz. Is there truly a dark force lurking in this iconic story? Or is...2024-12-0354 minTrivia TangentsPop Cult-ure: MomTok, Money, Media, and moreThis week, Lina and Alissa explore the fascinating intersection of Mormonism and pop culture. From the surprising financial power of the church to the unique beliefs and practices that set Mormons apart, they dive into it all. Listen as the girls unpack reality TV's take on Mormon life (hello, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) and how cultural dynamics within the community play out on-screen. Plus, they discuss the Twilight saga’s unexpected Mormon connections, examine traditional gender roles, and reflect on the growing feminist discourse within the faith. A nuanced conversation about faith, family, and the media’s role...2024-11-1958 minTrivia TangentsDe-Stigmatizing the Halloween Cat: From Egyptian Gods to Witchy MythsHave you ever wondered why black cats are linked to Halloween, or where their mysterious superstitions come from? In this episode, Lina and Alissa dive into the folklore of black cats, exploring their connections to the Salem Witch Trials and the Black Plague. They also uncover how the Black Plague and rat infestations influenced modern portrayals of disease, like the tuberculosis pandemic in House of the Dragon season 2. By the end, you’ll see why Ancient Egyptians revered these majestic animals—and you might even be inspired to adopt one of your own!
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Black cats...2024-11-0541 minTrivia TangentsLatte but Not Least: The Pumpkin Spice StoryGet ready to spice up your life!! This week Lina and Alissa discuss the history, economics, and cultural phenomenon that is the pumpkin spice latte. Grab your favorite mug, settle in, and get ready to sip on some fascinating facts about the beverage that's become the unofficial mascot of fall. If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend! Your support will help us grow our podcast and enable us to continue doing what we love: learning more trivia and sharing with our L.I...2024-10-2247 minTrivia TangentsFantasy Football (FOR THE GIRLS)It’s that time of year again, PSL season jk — football season! And with it comes the buzz around ~fantasy~ football. When everyone and their Dads can only talk about their fantasy league. Want to join the conversation but have no clue what they’re talking about? In this episode, Lina and Alissa break down Fantasy Football 101. Tune in to learn the lingo, the origins of the game, how it works, and how it's different from sports betting. Whether you're eager to join the fun or just want to follow the chatter, this episode gives you the knowledge you didn’t...2024-10-0838 minTrivia TangentsDive Deep into the Magic of the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle: The HonuInspired by Lina’s summer in Hawaii, Lina and Alissa take listeners on a deep dive into the fascinating world of the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, also known as the Honu. In this episode, they share firsthand snorkeling adventures—including a close encounter with a jellyfish—while exploring the unique characteristics that make the Honu a true marvel of the ocean.
Discover how these majestic creatures, the largest hard-shelled sea turtles in the world, symbolize longevity, endurance, and wisdom. Learn about their endangered status and how you can play a part in their preservation. Lina and Alissa delve...2024-08-271h 00Trivia TangentsShe’s Sooooo Olympics - Trivia about the world's most prestigious sporting eventCurious about the secrets behind the world's greatest sporting spectacle? Lina and Alissa have the answers! Following their parkour discussion, the hosts explore the birth of elite professional athletics' most esteemed competition. Discover where and when the Olympics began and learn about the very first sport that kicked off this global tradition.
As the world watches the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France, Lina and Alissa unravel the complex process of selecting a host city. Is it truly an honor or more of a burden? Tune in to uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets, the economic and environmental impacts, and the...2024-08-071h 20Trivia TangentsThe Evolution of Parkour: From Viral Trend to Competitive SportJump into action with this episode of Learned In Trivia! Lina and Alissa explore the thrilling world of parkour, tracing its leap from viral internet sensation to professional competitive sport. While it might not be a TikTok trend today, it could one day be an Olympic event. Tune in to learn more about the journey of parkour!
If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend! Your support will help us grow our podcast and enable us to continue doing what we love: learning more trivia and s...2024-07-1748 minTrivia TangentsDecoding the Power Behind Logos and SlogansHave you ever found yourself buying something purely because of the brand? You've likely been influenced by the power of brand identity. In this week's episode, we delve into the psychology behind slogans and logos, uncovering how they captivate consumers. Join us as we explore the art of crafting an eye-catching logo, the secrets of creating a memorable slogan, and discover how the synergy between these elements shapes consumer perception and behavior.
If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend! Your support will help us grow o...2024-07-0759 minTrivia Tangents“That's that me, Espresso” - Origins of Coffee, Global Expansion and AddictionGet ready to caffeinate your curiosity with Lina and Alissa as they unravel the irresistible allure of coffee in America. With 73% of Americans under its aromatic spell daily, they delve into the legends and origins of this liquid gold, exploring the rich history of espresso while fangirling over Sabrina Carpenter’s latest songs. From Ethiopia’s ancient brews to Italy’s espresso culture, and the lush plantations of Brazil and Colombia, to the exotic flavors of Hawaii and Vietnam, this episode takes you on a global journey through coffee. Grab your favorite mug, settle in, and join the conversation about...2024-06-2448 minTrivia TangentsThe Craze of the Stanley (Isn’t it just a cup?)What's the fuss about Stanley cups? No, not the NHL hockey championships. In this episode, we delve into the realm of reusable water bottles and drinkware, spotlighting the coveted Stanley 1913 Quencher tumbler. It's the water bottle everyone and their mom are clamoring for. Tune in to discover the allure of the Stanley and the lengths people will go to snag one.
If you enjoyed this episode we would LOVE it if you’d submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend. Your support will help us grow our podcast and enable us to...2024-05-3050 minTrivia TangentsThe Psychology Behind In-N-Out BurgerEver wondered why all In-N-Out Burgers look identical? In this episode we dive into the psychology behind In-N-Out Burger. You’ll learn how it became one of the most successful burger chains in the West Coast. Test your knowledge on their “not so secret secret menu” and learn more about the history behind their restaurant layout, menu and more!
If you enjoyed this episode we would LOVE it if you’d submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend. Your support will help us grow our podcast and enable us to continue doing wha...2024-05-2241 minTrivia TangentsThe realiTEA of OJ Simpson (his connection to reality TV)Prompted by the recent passing of OJ Simpson we discuss his unexpected connections to the world of reality tv. As resident pop culture expert Alissa shares the most viral moments from shows such as “Juiced”, “Keeping Up With the Kardashians”, and “The Real Housewives”. Whether you know him from being a true crime aficionado or a reality show junkie, this episode is sure to captivate and inform!
If you enjoyed this episode we would LOVE it if you’d submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend. Your support will help us grow our podca...2024-05-2237 minTrivia TangentsThe Truth Behind the 4/20 HolidayLearned In Trivia’s debut episode to celebrate the recent 4/20 holiday. Listen to learn more about the origins of the term 420 including the creators, the reason behind it and ultimately the mass expansion of the now-famous annual cannabis holiday. Bay Area natives, Lina and Alissa share their hot takes on “stoners” and talk about the recent Taylor Swift album, TTPD and how it may be related to 420…
If you enjoyed this episode we would LOVE it if you’d submit a positive rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and share the episode with a friend. Your support will help u...2024-05-1825 min