Trivia Tangents

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...

Ready 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...

Ever 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 betwe...

Ever 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...

Have 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...

The 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 the Swift Quake , they break down the tour’s massive cultural impact. Get ready to learn how Roman mytholog...

From 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...

In 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, t...

Have 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 a...

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 Jan...

Join 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. . . . If you enjoyed this episode please submit a positive rating on Spotify and share the episode with a friend!  Your suppo...

In 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 horribl...

This 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. Plu...

Have 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 Hous...

Get 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 f...

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...

Inspired 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...

Curious 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...

Jump 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...

Have 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 synerg...

Get 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 l...

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 episod...

Ever 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’...

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...

Learned 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 42...