Épisodes

  • More Than Paradise: Hawaii’s Stories Through Trivia

    More Than Paradise: Hawaii’s Stories Through Trivia
    Oct 2 2025
    This week on Trivia Tangents, I sit down with my Auntie Sarah, who has lived in Waikīkī, O’ahu for the past six years, to explore some fun and fascinating pieces of Hawaii’s story. From blockbuster movies filmed on the islands, to the fiery legends surrounding volcanoes, to the controversial history behind Hawaii’s most famous fruits — it’s a mix of trivia and deeper conversations.But this isn’t just a postcard version of paradise. We also look at the bigger picture: how movies often overlook native culture, why the pineapple industry was problematic, and the spiritual significance of the land itself. Sarah shares her enlightening experiences as a non-native Hawaiian resident, and we talk about the importance of cultural education, environmental awareness, and supporting community initiatives like Farm Link.Hawaii is more than beaches and resorts — it’s a living culture with values rooted in respect for the land (mālama ʻāina). Come for the trivia, stay for the reminder that we can all learn something from the Hawaiian way of caring for community and environment.✨ Topics Covered in This Episode: 🎬 Movies filmed in Hawaii (and how they often overlook native culture)🌋 Pele, the goddess of fire, and the spiritual side of volcanoes🌱 Living in Hawaii and raising environmental awareness🥭 Local fruits like lychee and mango (plus the controversial pineapple industry)🗣️ Hawaiian Pidgin and the art of “talk story”📚 Why cultural education is so important for kids in Hawaii🤝 Community initiatives like Farm Link that support local agriculture🌈 Respecting the land (mālama ʻāina) as a core Hawaiian value⛔ The forbidden island of Niʻihau😷 Hansen’s disease (previously known as leprosy) in Moloka’i 1800’s A note on language:We do our best to honor Hawaiian language and names in this episode. We know we won’t get everything perfect, but our effort comes from a place of respect. If you have corrections, we welcome thoughtful feedback shared with kindness — it helps us to keep learning. You’ll also hear me briefly use the phrase “mainland” in this episode; since recording this in June 2025, I’ve learned that “continental U.S.” is a more accurate and respectful term, and I’ll be using that going forward.LinksFinding Ohana Netflix FilmMoloka’i novel by Alan BrennertMaia Kealoha (Lilo actress) with Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green ArticleHula novel by Jasmin Iolani HakesHawaiian grocery delivery service Farm Link HawaiiBest Lychee In O’ahu Sun Chong Grocery***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 cover or want to be a guest?Fill out the form here: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/contactLet’s connect!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triviatangents/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@linabobinalinaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinaOsofsky/shortsWebsite: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Trivia Tangents and Hawai'i01:18 Hawai'i Disclaimer05:08 Movies Filmed In Hawai'i09:34 Lake Tahoe Giving Island Vibes10:25 Live Action Lilo & Stitch12:17 Sarah's Fav Movies14:37 Living In Hawai'i15:20 Bug Tangent17:17 Diving into Hawaiian Mythology17:43 Pele The Goddess of Fire24:26 The Legend of the Naupaka Flower26:59 Nature and Spirituality in Hawai'i29:56 Sustainable Living and Local Initiatives33:01 Fruits of Hawai'i34:27 James Dole Controversy35:53 Banana Tangent37:23 The Evolution of Pidgin Language39:55 Lychee or Lychee41:27 Mango In Hawai'i42:30 The Concept Of A "Beach Mango"44:21 Sarah's Fav Fruit46:55 Hawai'i's Forbidden Island50:05 Conclusion
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    52 min
  • The Lagree Pilates Effect: High Intensity, Low Impact (Trivia with My Fav Instructor)

    The Lagree Pilates Effect: High Intensity, Low Impact (Trivia with My Fav Instructor)
    Sep 25 2025

    In this episode of Trivia Tangents, I sit down with Aumi (my favorite Lagree Pilates instructor at Core40) and ride into the world of Lagree. If you’ve ever wondered how Lagree is different from traditional pilates, why the Megaformer machine costs over $18,000, or which celebrities swear by it, this episode is for you.

    We talk about Aumi’s journey into Lagree, starting with her search for a low-impact workout after struggling with high cortisol levels, and what it really took to become an instructor — from the rigorous certification process and mentorship, to the licensing required to teach this method. Aumi also shares thoughtful advice for aspiring instructors based on her own training experience. Along the way, we discuss Sebastian Lagree, the inventor of the method, and his journey on making his at-home practice into the workout that has a chokehold on everyone and their mom.

    In this episode we cover:

    🏋️‍♀️ How Lagree Pilates stands apart from traditional Pilates

    🎓 Aumi’s path to teaching and advice about: certification, mentorship, and licensing

    🌎 Sebastian Lagree’s story and how the method began

    💰 Why the Megaformer comes with an $18,000 price tag

    🌟 The influence of celebrity endorsements on Lagree’s rise

    🫶 The role of community, feedback, and connection in teaching

    Beyond the trivia, we dig into the heart of teaching: the community, the personality an instructor brings to every class, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into playlists, class design, and responding to client feedback. For Aumi, that’s where the sense of purpose lives — in the connections she builds and the community she helps create.

    Whether you’re a Lagree regular, a curious Pilates fan, or just here for the tangents, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this high-intensity, low-impact workout.

    ***

    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 cover or want to be a guest? Fill out the form here: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/contact

    Let’s connect!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triviatangents/

    TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@triviatangentspod

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinaOsofsky/shorts

    Website: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/

    Chapters:

    00:00 Intro

    00:33 Guest Intro: Aumi!

    02:06 Understanding LaGree Pilates vs. Traditional Pilates

    04:31 Hot Take: Sticky Socks or Bare Feet

    06:24 Trivia Q1

    07:04 Sebastian Lagree

    08:26 Origins of Lagree

    10:03 Aumi's Journey Into Lagree

    13:15 Teacher Training and Certifications

    19:09 Trivia Q2

    19:32 Megaformer and Class Prices

    23:51 Crafting Routines and Fire Playlists

    29:20 Don't be 'That Person' with the Springs

    30:59 Celebrity Influence in Fitness Culture

    33:56 The Appeal of LaGree Pilates

    35:34 Building Community Through Fitness

    37:50 The Instructor's Perspective on Teaching

    43:04 Finding Purpose in Teaching

    47:09 Guys Doing Lagree

    48:19 Come to Aumi's Class in SF!
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    50 min
  • The Summer I Swam Pretty: Everything You Didn’t Know About Marathon Swimming

    The Summer I Swam Pretty: Everything You Didn’t Know About Marathon Swimming
    Sep 18 2025
    What does it really feel like to swim under the Golden Gate Bridge, cross an ocean channel at night, or share the water with whales? This week, I’m joined by marathon swimmer Lauren Lesyna, who takes us inside the fascinating world of open water swimming.I quiz Lauren on the female history of San Francisco’s Dolphin Club, the world’s longest unassisted swims, and myths about jellyfish stings — while she shares incredible stories from her own adventures.Lauren has tackled some of the world’s most iconic swims, from the English Channel and North Channel, to California classics like Catalina Channel, Angel Island, and Lake Tahoe, all the way to the Strait of Gibraltar. Along the way, she’s collected stories about whales, sea lions, bioluminescence, jellyfish stings, and the incredible team effort it takes to survive hours in the open ocean.From history-making swims to jellyfish stings in the shower (yes, really), Lauren brings epic stories, humor, and insights that will make you see the Bay in a whole new way.In this episode, we cover: 🏊‍♀️ The first woman to crash a men-only swim at SF’s Dolphin Club🌉 What it’s like to swim under the Golden Gate Bridge🕵️‍♂️ Did the Alcatraz escapees actually make it?🐋 Swimming alongside whales (and why sea lions are scarier)🌌 Bioluminescence in the Kaiwi Channel🦈 Menacing Cookie Cutter Sharks🩱 Jellyfish in swimsuits (the infamous post-swim shower story)🚤 How pilot boats keep swimmers alive (and fed!)Dive in now for laughs, swim history, and a few trivia tangents along the way. Don’t forget to follow Trivia Tangents so you never miss an episode!Links:LongSwims Database (Lauren Lesyna)Lauren’s website: https://www.swimsintheswells.com/Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne CoxGrayson - Lynne Coxhttps://dolphinclub.org/about/a-timeline/https://longswims.com/longest-swims/https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pee-jellyfish-stingHotel NymphiaFBI History: Alcatraz Escape ***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 cover or want to be a guest? Fill out the form here: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/contactLet’s connect!Website: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triviatangents/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@linabobinalinaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinaOsofsky/shortsChapters:00:00 Introduction to Open Water Swimming04:09 Zeta Weed: First Female Swimmer at Dolphin Club06:35 Sava Pool Name Origins07:12 The Dolphin Club's Colorful Past11:59 Female Presence at Dolphin Club15:58 The Rivalry Between Clubs18:49 Experiences in Cold Water Swimming21:36 Lauren's Bday Bay Swim25:06 Sharks in the Bay26:40 Lauren's Fav Bay Swims29:11 The Alcatraz Escapees: Did They Make It?31:55 Longest Unassisted Open Water Swim33:26 Inspiration from Legendary Swimmers34:58 Lynne Cox37:49 Facing the Challenges of Epic Swims39:27 Bioluminescence41:25 Cookie Cutter Sharks44:31 Pilot Boat Team49:44 Mental Preparation for Long Swims52:20 Physical Training for Long Swims55:14 Jellyfish: Myths and Facts57:52 Personal Jellyfish Encounters01:08:46 Concerns Beyond Jellyfish (Sea Lions)01:13:25 Advice for Aspiring Marathon Swimmers
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    1 h et 19 min
  • Remembering September 11

    Remembering September 11
    Sep 11 2025

    This week’s episode of Trivia Tangents is a bit different. Since it falls on September 11th, I wanted to pause our usual trivia format to honor and remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attacks of 2001. In this brief tribute, I reflect on the four hijacked flights, the courage shown by passengers and first responders, and the lasting impact of that day.

    We will never forget.


    Website: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/
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    5 min
  • Salsa Dancing: From Caribbean Roots to NYC

    Salsa Dancing: From Caribbean Roots to NYC
    Sep 4 2025

    Ever wondered why salsa dance is called SALSA? I chat with my bestie Hayley (an amazing salsa dancer) about the history, styles, and cultural roots that make salsa so irresistible.

    We cover how salsa originated in the U.S. with deep Caribbean influences, why the word “salsa” literally means “sauce,” and how legends like Eddie Torres, the “Mambo King,” shaped the dance. Hayley also shares her personal journey — from Colombia to San Diego’s Melomano Dance Studio — and how social dancing connects people across cultures.

    Topics:

    🌶️ Salsa’s origins and cultural mix

    🥁 Key salsa styles, from New York to Cuban salsa

    👯‍♀️ How social dancing builds community

    Whether you dance, love music, or love to eat salsa, this episode is packed with trivia, insider tips, and personal stories that’ll make you want to hit the dance floor (and might make you hungry!)

    Links:

    Tango Del Ray: https://www.tangodelrey.com/

    Melomano Dance Studio: https://www.instagram.com/melomanoent/?hl=en

    Grupo Niche: https://www.instagram.com/gruponicheoficial/?hl=en

    ***

    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 cover or want to be a guest? Fill out the form here: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/contact

    Let’s connect!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triviatangents/

    TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@triviatangentspod

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinaOsofsky/shorts

    Website: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Salsa Dancing

    05:56 The Roots of Salsa

    11:34 Why Hayley Loves Dance

    13:00 Exploring New Cultures

    14:45 Salsa Around The World

    19:25 The Mambo King

    21:30 On-One vs On-Two

    24:25 Structured vs. Social Learning in Salsa

    28:31 Exploring Salsa Styles and Their Cultural Significance

    29:45 The Many Flavors of Salsa

    33:16 Personal Growth and Connection Through Dance
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    42 min
  • THE LIFE OF A HOUSECAT: CAT TRIVIA

    THE LIFE OF A HOUSECAT: CAT TRIVIA
    Aug 21 2025

    In this purr-fect episode of Trivia Tangents, I dive into the mysterious world of cats with my friend Steph. We explore how cats domesticated themselves thousands of years ago, why the ancient Egyptians worshiped them as divine, and how they became some of the most popular pets in the world today. Along the way, I quiz Steph with cat trivia and we swap stories about our cats, Cucumber the teen mom, Oolong the mischievous troublemaker, and Peach the high-maintenance princess.

    We also talk about the surprising health benefits of owning cats, from lowering the risk of heart disease to the healing power of their purrs. Plus, we get into the weird science of toxoplasmosis and whether it plays a role in humans being so obsessed with cats. This episode is full of history, culture, science, and of course plenty of cat love. Listen if you love cats, and send the episode to someone who hates them :)

    Topics include:

    🐾 How cats domesticated themselves

    👑 Cats as divine beings in ancient Egypt

    📊 The rise of cats as America’s favorite pets

    💖 The surprising health benefits of cat ownership

    🌀 The strange science of toxoplasmosis and “mind control” mice

    😼 Personal stories about Cucumber, Oolong, and Peach

    So curl up like a cat and get ready for history, trivia, and tangents.

    Links

    Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology

    Cat purr actually helpful to our bones

    ***

    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 cover or want to be a guest? Fill out the form here: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/contact

    Let’s connect!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triviatangents/

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@linabobinalina

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinaOsofsky/shorts

    Website: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Cats and Trivia Tangents

    02:56 The Ancient Origins of Cats

    05:52 Steph's Journey with Oolong and Cucumber

    14:09 Caring for Indoor Cats

    15:52 Keeping Cats Mentally Stimulated

    17:00 Engaging with Feline Friends

    19:39 The Divine Nature of Cats

    22:43 Cats in the Modern World

    26:04 Celebrity Cat Companions

    31:37 Personality Reflections Through Cat Ownership

    34:36 Cats vs Dogs

    37:22 Taxoplasmosis

    41:45 Health Benefits of Cats

    43:28 Cultural Perspectives on Cats

    45:43 Crazy Cat Lady Stereotype
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    51 min
  • Uncorking Oregon: A Deep Dive into Willamette Wine Culture

    Uncorking Oregon: A Deep Dive into Willamette Wine Culture
    Aug 14 2025
    In this episode of Trivia Tangents, Lina is joined by Emily and Elyssa from the podcast Girls That Excel for a lively, wine-fueled deep dive into the world of Oregon wines, all kicked off by trivia questions you’ll want in your back pocket at your next tasting.They explore the evolution of wine packaging, younger generations’ changing tastes, and how Oregon's wine culture compares to California’s. Whether you’re a wine lover, a trivia nerd, or just curious about what makes Oregon’s Willamette Valley so special, this episode is a full-bodied conversation worth uncorking. Topics include: 🍷 Wine myths that need debunking 🧃 Why canned wine is having a moment 📍 Favorite Oregon wineries and wine bars 📱 How TikTok and word-of-mouth are reshaping winery research 🌀 Why Oregon wine tasting might just beat NapaSo pour a glass (or crack a can), and get ready to sip your way through stories, trivia, and tangents.Links:Girls That Excel Coffee Episode with LinaGirls That Excel website: girlsthatexcel.comBjornsson VineyardStoller Family EstateFox Farm VineyardsRaptor Ridge WineryLeft Coast EstateAtoZ WineryRex HillAndante VineyardLady Hill Winery***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 cover or want to be a guest?Fill out the form here: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/contactLet’s connect!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triviatangents/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@triviatangentspodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinaOsofsky/shortsWebsite: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Oregon Wines and Girls that Excel12:03 The Grape That Put Oregon on the Map19:11 Exploring the Wine Industry26:56 Screw Caps and Wine Snobs34:18 The Evolution of Wine Packaging37:46 Exploring Wine Preferences and Trends39:39 The Shift in Wine Culture Among Younger Generations42:18 Debunking Wine Myths and Hangover Remedies48:58 Oregon's Top Wineries and Recommendations59:11 Wine Preferences and Personal Favorites01:02:40 Researching Wineries: Methods and Insights01:07:14 AVAs01:10:35 Exciting Future Plans and Announcements
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    1 h et 13 min
  • Ultimate Freaky Friday Trivia: Story Origins, Musical Guests, Alternate Endings

    Ultimate Freaky Friday Trivia: Story Origins, Musical Guests, Alternate Endings
    Aug 7 2025

    How well do you really know Freaky Friday? With Freakier Friday the sequel releasing this month we’re rewinding to the 2003 Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis classic that defined a generation. In this trivia-packed episode, we unpack surprising casting what-ifs (Hilary Duff, anyone?), musical moments with artists like Gwen Stefani and Steve Lukather, and the alternate ending you didn’t see.

    Special guest Lauren joins to spill opinions on remakes, relive early 2000s teen queen drama, and predict what the new sequel might bring. Grab your fortune cookies, it’s about to get freaky.

    Songs mentioned in episode can be found here: Freakier Friday Spotify Playlist

    ***

    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 cover or want to be a guest? Fill out the form here: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/contact

    Let’s connect!

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triviatangents/

    TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@triviatangentspod

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LinaOsofsky/shorts

    Website: https://triviatangentspodcast.com/

    Chapters:

    00:00 Introduction to Trivia Tangents and Guest Introduction

    05:49 Anna Auditions and Mark Waters

    08:26 The Impact of Freaky Friday on Teen Culture

    10:13 Mother-Daughter Dynamics in Freaky Friday

    10:49 The Evolution of Freaky Friday Through Adaptations

    12:17 Remakes and Their Cultural Significance

    14:44 Final Thoughts on Remakes and Nostalgia

    16:15 The Case Against Reboots

    18:49 Fresh Takes on Classics

    20:07 Childhood Movies: Remakes and Reboots

    22:30 Rock Stars and Teen Rebellion

    29:23 The Evolution of Anna's Music

    29:36 Exploring Alternate Endings

    31:51 Cultural Representation in Film

    34:39 Ideal Body Swap Scenarios

    36:46 Predictions for Freaky Friday 2

    38:01 Lindsay Lohan's Comeback and Legacy
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    49 min