Trivia Tangents

Lina Osofsky

Trivia Tangents is your go-to edutainment podcast where host Lina Osofsky puts specialists in the spotlight and quizzes them on passions they know inside and out. From niche crafts and fandoms to science, history, and unexpected rabbit holes, no curiosity is off-limits. Each week brings new guests, surprising fun facts, and lively conversations. Tune in to laugh, learn, and stock up on trivia-ready knowledge!

  1. JAN 22

    Tangent No. 1 The Time a Rat Gave Birth in My Car

    In this first-ever Mini Tangents episode of Trivia Tangents, I’m telling the absolutely unhinged (and very real) story of the time my Toyota Corolla became a home for rats—twice. What started as an innocent Easter-egg chocolate mistake turned into newborn baby rats in my trunk during an 8-hour move from Santa Barbara to Davis, a crowd of strangers offering solutions, a pet snake plot-twist I still think about, and a smell I will never, EVER, forget. This episode is pure storytime chaos: panic, gross discoveries, bad ideas, worse smells, and the realization that my car may have been cursed—especially in Davis. If you like wild true stories that make you say “there is no way this actually happened,” this one’s for you. Stay tuned for the next Mini Tangent, which somehow involves another car and Hawaii. *** If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a positive rating, share it with a friend, and follow to get notified when new episodes drop on Thursdays! 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/

    15 min
  2. Italian Fashion: From Medieval Buttons to Modern Kidswear

    JAN 15

    Italian Fashion: From Medieval Buttons to Modern Kidswear

    In this episode, I sit down with my friend Isabella, co-founder of Kiki & Isa, a children’s clothing brand built from friendship and a shared love of fashion. We talk about how the brand started, what the “Made in Italy” label really means today, and the challenges small brands face in a world of fast fashion (pronto moda). Isa shares what goes into her design process, why comfort and personalization matter so much in kids’ clothing, and how sustainability plays a role in everything they create. We also get into the surprising impact of Chinese entrepreneurs in the Italian fashion industry, plus some first-hand stories from shopping together in Milan. Of course, since this is Trivia Tangents, I put Isa’s historical fashion knowledge to the test. We talk about how buttons were once a major status symbol in medieval Florence, which led to something called sumptuary laws — and how people even found creative loopholes, like paying a kind of “frivolity tax” to wear whatever they wanted. We wrap up by comparing the challenges of fast fashion with more mindful ways to shop, including buying pre-loved clothing — like in Italy, where apps like Vinted are widely used. It’s a fun mix of fashion, history, and real talk with one of my favorite people. You can find Kiki & Isa here: https://kikieisa.it/ @kikiandisalab *** 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/

    53 min
  3. Hair Talk: La Belle-Poule, Hot Tool Origins and Pro Secrets

    12/11/2025

    Hair Talk: La Belle-Poule, Hot Tool Origins and Pro Secrets

    In this episode, I’m weaving into the world of hair with my hairstylist and friend, Kelly! We cover everything from outrageous historical hair trends to celebrity inspo, modern styling advice, and the myths we all heard growing up. I even put Kelly’s knowledge to the test with some hair history trivia: La Belle-Poule, the invention of hot tools, the iconic shag… nothing is off limits. Kelly shares pro secrets from behind the chair, including her go-to products, her personal hair routine, and how she gently talks clients out of getting the notorious “breakup bangs.” This episode truly feels like the way we gab during our appointments every six weeks — fun, honest, and full of great hair tips. Enjoy! Find Kelly here: kellysauer.glossgenius.com https://www.instagram.com/paramourhair_bykelly/ Products mentioned: Unite Texturizing Spray Unite Purple Shampoo Redken All-Soft Shampoo Amika Hair Products Sources: History of Hair Denver Public Library Top Hairstyles Through the Decades Celebs with the Shag Hairstyle *** 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 03:08 Hair Hot Takes 04:33 Trivia Q1: La Belle-Puole 05:44 La Belle-Poule Patriotic Hairstyle 08:12 From Weird Barbie to Salon Pro 09:42 Bring Back Hollywood Glam Waves! 10:58 The "Karen" 13:38 Trivia Q2: 1920's Beauty Parlors 14:43 The 1920's Rise of the Beauty Parlor  16:47 Current Hair Trends and Personal Preferences 18:50 Hair Myth Busting 20:24 Go-To Products 22:08 Haircare Routine 24:15 Affordable Hair Products for All 26:30 Why Lina Started Trivia Tangents 27:06 Trivia Q3: The Shag 30:36 The Allure of the Shag Haircut 32:10 "The Rachel" Haircut Requests 33:24 Nostalgic Hairstyles We Want Back 35:36 Hairstyles We Hope Stay in the Past 37:06 Breakup Bangs 40:52 Conclusion 41:42 Where to find Kelly!

    44 min
  4. LinkedIn Co-Founder on Real Connections, Online Transparency, and the Future of Networking

    11/19/2025

    LinkedIn Co-Founder on Real Connections, Online Transparency, and the Future of Networking

    In this episode of Trivia Tangents, I sit down with Konstantin Guericke, Co-Founder of LinkedIn, a Stanford mentor and community organizer, and someone who has spent decades thinking about how trust, technology, and human connection shape our careers. Konstantin shares his path from growing up in Germany to landing in Silicon Valley, and we talk about what professional networking looked like before the digital era changed everything. We dive into the early inspiration behind LinkedIn, how the team imagined the platform would be used, and the surprising ways people use it today. We also explore the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of solving problems that truly matter, ethics of modern networking and how transparency online affects our behavior.  And because this is Trivia Tangents, I challenge Konstantin with a few trivia questions along the way—covering the early days of recruiting, the launch of the LinkedIn job site, and the evolution of reference checks before and after everything went digital. Topics Discussed: ✨ How LinkedIn’s original vision shaped its early design 💭 Konstantin’s entrepreneurship advice 📜 What networking looked like before digital tools existed 💯What you should actually be sharing on LinkedIn 🔍 Trust, transparency, and ethical dilemmas in modern networking 💬 The impact of online visibility on professional behavior 🧠 How public achievements influence self-comparison and mental health 🤝 Balancing in-person trust-building with online connection-making *** 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 Konstantin Guericke and LinkedIn 01:56 Journey from Germany to Stanford University 05:58 Navigating Early Career Challenges in Silicon Valley 07:49 Building Professional Relationships for Career Advancement 12:09 Trivia Q1 13:24 Trivia Q2 14:51 The Original Vision Behind LinkedIn 19:30 The Role of Trust in Professional Connections 21:40 Influence of 'Free Agent Nation' on LinkedIn's Concept 25:57 The Importance of Trustworthy Connections 29:24 Reflections on Potential Failure 31:52 The Importance of Solving Personal Problems in Entrepreneurship 33:45 LinkedIn's Original Name 36:28 How LinkedIn Has Changed Over Time 41:40 Unexpected Features and User Engagement 45:05 LinkedIn's Exponential Growth 46:31 LinkedIn's Early Competitors 50:10 Fishbowl Networking 52:40 The Role of LinkedIn in Today's Professional Landscape 55:08 Trivia Q3 56:28 Reference Checks 58:34 Game Theory 59:56 Reference Checks (continued) 01:03:28 Ethical Behavior In A Non-Anonymous World 01:05:49 Mental Health and Social Media Impact 01:10:49 How You SHOULD Be Posting On LinkedIn 01:12:52 Balancing Online vs Offline Connections 01:17:40 Who You Should Be Connecting With On LinkedIn 01:21:40 Future Predictions and Societal Changes

    1h 30m
  5. From Code to Crosswords: Aimee Lucido on Puzzles, Trivia, and Creative Curiosity

    10/30/2025

    From Code to Crosswords: Aimee Lucido on Puzzles, Trivia, and Creative Curiosity

    In this episode of Trivia Tangents, I chat with Aimee Lucido — a former software engineer who turned her love of puzzles and trivia into a dream career writing games for Bloomberg and crosswords forThe New Yorker, and The New York Times. Aimee shares how she made the leap from tech to creative writing, how a pandemic hobby with trivia flash cards snowballed into her role as Bloomberg’s Quizmaster for Pointed, and why she believes the best trivia questions have a game hidden inside them. We talk about her time on game shows, our shared obsession with Codenames, and the release of her new book Words Apart, which explores the relationship between two sisters through poetry, crosswords, and art. This episode is full of insight, laughter, and the kind of tangents that make trivia so much fun. Aimee reminds us that sometimes the boundaries that keep us stuck are the ones we’ve built ourselves — and that curiosity really can lead you anywhere. Topics Discussed: 🧩 How Aimee transitioned from software engineering to creative writing 🧠 The puzzle-like logic behind great trivia questions 🎧 How pop culture and current events inspire her work 🎮 Her experiences competing on game shows 🎲 Why Codenames is the ultimate friendship test 📚 The inspiration behind her new book, Words Apart Find Aimee Lucido here: https://aimeelucido.com/ Bloomberg News Quiz: Pointed The New Yorker Crosswords The NYT 60 Seconds With Aimee Lucido *** 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 Aimee Lucido 04:11 Transition from Tech to Creative Writing 17:32 Incorporating Software Engineering into Writing 21:01 Overcoming Feelings of Being Stuck 23:18 Advice for Aspiring Writers and Puzzle Makers 24:15 Trivia Question 1 28:54 Cultural Influences in Puzzle Making 30:16 Pop Culture and Puzzle Inspiration 34:07 Sources of Puzzle Entertainment 34:38 Favorite Words in Puzzle Making 39:37 Board Games and Puzzle Dynamics 43:17 Trivia Question 2 45:42 Game Show Adventures 49:54 Strategies for Trivia and Puzzle Solving 54:43 Trivia Games and Creative Questioning 58:45 The Quizmaster 59:45 Writing for Children 01:03:52 Introducing 'Words Apart'

    1h 12m
  6. Muscles, Myths, & Metabolism – Trivia with a Trainer

    10/23/2025

    Muscles, Myths, & Metabolism – Trivia with a Trainer

    Ever wondered what actually goes on in the world of personal training beyond the gym selfies and fitness fads? In this episode of Trivia Tangents, I’m joined by Sulyn Harvey, a personal trainer living in Europe, to talk about all things health, wellness, and the science behind staying strong. We kick things off with some fitness trivia (because of course we do 😏): Who was the real “Godfather of Fitness”? What’s the molecule that powers your every move? And how many calories are really in a pound of fat? But as always, the trivia is just the start. Sulyn shares her journey from UC Davis to Germany, what inspired her to start her own online training business, and how she helps clients build healthier relationships with food, movement, and themselves. Expect laughter, myth-busting, and a few spicy tangents (literally, she’s obsessed with mouth-numbing Sichuan food 🌶️). 🎧 Tune in for: Fitness facts that actually make sense Honest talk about the fitness industry Why your scale doesn’t tell the whole story And what real, sustainable health looks like Links: Sulyn’s business: Catalyst Coaching Sulyn’s Instagram: @sulynharvey Sulyn’s TikTok :@sulynharvey *** 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  01:17 Meet Health & Fitness Coach, Sulyn 04:54 The Godfather Of Modern Fitness 08:23 Sulyn's Fitness Journey 16:31 Transitioning from In-Person to Online Coaching 24:14 Understanding Energy in the Body 28:17 Nutrition Beyond Calories 31:04 Reframing Food Relationships: 80/20 Rule 34:57 Cultural Perspectives on Diets 37:45 Quality of Food: US vs Europe 39:50 Lifestyle, Work-Life-Balance, Walkable Cities: US vs Europe 42:38 Szechuan Comfort Food 46:49 Understanding Weight Loss & Calories 48:08 Debunking Myths: The Scale and Body Fat Loss 51:20 The Importance of Muscle 56:00 The Misconception of Cardio vs. Strength Training (EPOC) 57:22 The Reality of Weight Loss Fads 01:00:13 Mindset and Self-Compassion in Your Fitness Journey 01:03:21 Conclusion

    1h 10m
  7. BIG BROTHER Trivia With My Little Brother

    10/16/2025

    BIG BROTHER Trivia With My Little Brother

    In this episode of Trivia Tangents, I quiz my little brother on his absolute favorite show: BIG BROTHER. He’s basically a walking encyclopedia of the series: he knows every winner, watches the live feeds, and can break down the most complex strategies like a true superfan. Even though I’m the one asking the questions, he ends up teaching me so much about the show — from what a “backdoor” is to why being the first houseguest is actually a curse. We get into competition strategies, iconic Big Brother lingo, and how you’d even begin to train if you wanted to be a contestant yourself. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or have no idea what Big Brother is, this episode is full of fun facts, wild strategies, and plenty of sibling banter. So grab your key, take a seat in one of the orange chairs, and let’s dive into the world of Big Brother trivia with my little brother. Topics Discussed: 🎯 HOH Competitions 👑 The First HOH “Curse” 🧠 Game Strategy 101 🚪 What It Means to “Backdoor” Someone 💔 Showmances and 🤝Alliances 🎭 Throwing a Competition 🏆 Iconic Winners: Derrick Levasseur and Dan Gheesling *** 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 Big Brother 03:40 Trivia Warm Up 04:56 Types Of Comps 11:43 How To Train For Comps 13:11 Head Of Household (HOH) 17:37 Throwing A Competition 21:55 Cody Calafiore and Game Strategy 24:27 The Dynamics of Big Brother Alliances 27:26 Favorite Big Brother Winners and Their Strategies 28:30 What Makes a Great Big Brother Winner? 32:01 Navigating the Block: Timing and Strategy 33:42 What It Means To "Backdoor" 36:37 Showmances: The Double-Edged Sword 45:06 Current Season Insights and Predictions

    49 min
  8. More Than Paradise: Hawaii’s Stories Through Trivia

    10/02/2025

    More Than Paradise: Hawaii’s Stories Through Trivia

    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. Links Finding Ohana Netflix Film Moloka’i novel by Alan Brennert Maia Kealoha (Lilo actress) with Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green Article Hula novel by Jasmin Iolani Hakes Hawaiian grocery delivery service Farm Link Hawaii Best 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/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 Trivia Tangents and Hawai'i 01:18 Hawai'i Disclaimer 05:08 Movies Filmed In Hawai'i 09:34 Lake Tahoe Giving Island Vibes 10:25 Live Action Lilo & Stitch 12:17 Sarah's Fav Movies 14:37 Living In Hawai'i 15:20 Bug Tangent 17:17 Diving into Hawaiian Mythology 17:43 Pele The Goddess of Fire 24:26 The Legend of the Naupaka Flower 26:59 Nature and Spirituality in Hawai'i 29:56 Sustainable Living and Local Initiatives 33:01 Fruits of Hawai'i 34:27 James Dole Controversy 35:53 Banana Tangent 37:23 The Evolution of Pidgin Language 39:55 Lychee or Lychee 41:27 Mango In Hawai'i 42:30 The Concept Of A "Beach Mango" 44:21 Sarah's Fav Fruit 46:55 Hawai'i's Forbidden Island 50:05 Conclusion

    52 min
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About

Trivia Tangents is your go-to edutainment podcast where host Lina Osofsky puts specialists in the spotlight and quizzes them on passions they know inside and out. From niche crafts and fandoms to science, history, and unexpected rabbit holes, no curiosity is off-limits. Each week brings new guests, surprising fun facts, and lively conversations. Tune in to laugh, learn, and stock up on trivia-ready knowledge!

Information

  • Creator
    Lina Osofsky
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lina Osofsky
  • Show Website
    Trivia Tangents