Episode 17: Start a RESTAURANT With Us

In this second episode of the Food Series, Foti and Fotini imagine opening their very own Greek-American fusion restaurant. From brainstorming the perfect name (“Opa Grill”? “The Souvlaki Shack”? “Greek Pizza Bagel”?), to crafting fusion dishes like Loukaniko Pigs in a Kouv (short for Kouverta!), Greek Loaded Fries, and Brizola Burgers, every minute captures their creativity, humor, and cravings. Whether debating how Greek fries should be cut or inventing “Greek kombucha,” this episode brings together culinary aspirations and cultural pride. Tune in to part two of this episode and part three of the Food Series to listen to the final menu and restaurant name!

Q&A to answer in the comments:

What would you name our Greek-American restaurant, and what dish would you add to the menu?

Episode 16: Honoring Notable Greek-Americans: How Dr. George Papanicolaou Saved Millions

In this episode of OPA Ora, Foti and Fotini honor Dr. George Papanicolaou, the brilliant Greek American scientist behind the revolutionary Pap smear test. Through discussions involving history and personal reflections, they explore his immigrant journey from Greece to the U.S., his perseverance through decades of doubt, and the humility that defined his work. As second-generation Greek Americans, Foti and Fotini connect Papanicolaou’s story to their families’ roots, connecting common themes of resilience and pride in cultural heritage.

Q&A to answer in the comments:

Whether or not you’re Greek American, is there someone from your culture who continues to inspire you? In what way do they motivate you or shape your sense of identity?

Episode 15: Public Transportation: NJ vs. EU – Can YOU Survive NJ Transit?!

In this episode, Foti and Fotini talk about the chaotic world of public transportation, placing it in the context of NYC/NJ vs. Europe. From standing-room-only buses in New Jersey (thanks everyone rushing to get to NYC on the 166 at 7am), sweaty subway rides in New York, spotless metros in Paris, and figuring out who wins the title of worst airport – Newark or Paris – all the way to laid-back ferry policies in Greece, they compare transportation systems across continents. They share chaotic travel stories and laugh at the culture-dependent unspoken rules of commuting.

Q&A to answer in the comments:

How’s the public transportation in YOUR area? Do you love it or hate it? 

Episode 14: The Summer I Went to Greece (And Aruba)

In Episode 14, Foti and Fotini exchange stories on their eventful summers. Fotini lands back from a beach-every-day Greece marathon (minus her usual island-hopping, though in exchange for a new reading arc), while Foti explains his quick five-day Aruba escape packed with ATV off-roading and unexpected tans. Fotini’s gift for Foti, a souvenir bracelet, explodes on the sidewalk, and Fotini’s yearly ferry-delay saga finally comes to an end. It is clear that Zurich’s airport is clearly Fotini’s second home, and towards the end, Foti’s discussion of fall plans begins- from continuing his long diner shifts to an unpaid internship (work-study program via his school), and talks of a NEW video episode for OPA Ora. Listen to this episode and see if they lived up to their dreams from the summer plans episode!

Q&A to answer in the comments:

How did you spend your summer, and what would you do differently or would plan for next summer?

Episode 13: RISKY Greek Food Hills We’ll DIE On - GETTING PERSONAL

For this rapid-fire Q&A that turns un-rapid, Foti and Fotini debate Greek food (feta on fries, spanakopita vs. pita), declare war on kalamata olives, Foti admits (AGAIN) that he doesn’t drink coffee but somehow make cappuccinos at work, and choose between hosting Greek Easter or a Greek wedding. They also single out the bigger drama queen, describe each other in three words, evaluate podcast guests they’d like on OPA Ora, and end with the songs that make them feel proud to be Greek. 

This episode is the short-form questions episode part of their two-part “GETTING PERSONAL” episodes series. This is the second and final episode in this series.

Q&A to answer in the comments:

Do you like olives and feta?

Episode 12: NEVER Hand Someone a Knife - GETTING PERSONAL

In this episode, Foti and Fotini flip the mic inward and answer the questions friends would ask if they were sitting right across the table. From first Greek words to cherished traditions and superstitions (like handing someone a knife)…nothing’s off the table. 

They get candid about behind-the-scenes podcast life (editing, procrastination, and who actually does the work 👀), what their big fat Greek families are really like, and which episode they loved making most.

This episode is the long-form questions episode part of their two-part “GETTING PERSONAL” episodes series. The next episode will be the short-form/rapid-fire Q&A style.

Q&A

For this episode’s Q&A, instead of asking you a question, we’re turning the spotlight and letting you all ask questions about us that we can answer in the comments!

Episode 11: Architecture Across the Atlantic

Hello OPA Ora!! In their FIRST MINI EPISODE (well, not-so-mini mini episode), Foti and Fotini dive into the quirks, beauties, and critiques of architecture across Greece, the U.S., and beyond. From the charm of Spanish-style roofs to the slippery Greek asphalt, they explore how climate, culture, and history shape the buildings locals know and love, and how Google Maps can lead you straight into a cliffside nightmare. Be prepared to learn why Greek streets are slippery, and New Jersey houses are pink. Also expect to learn more than just architecture, like Italian influences, the rare Italo-Greek dialect, and even Fotini’s attempt at sounding intellectual by sneaking in Brutalism to the conversation – until Foti didn’t know what she was TAWKIN about (listen until the end to understand).

Q&A to answer in the comments:

What is your favorite architectural feature of your own home country?

Episode 10: Our (sort of) Euro Summer Plans

As Fotini prepares to leave for Greece tomorrow, she and Foti catch up on their wildly different summer plans and chaotic travel stories. From an aesthetic book hunt sidequest in Edgewater to layovers in Zurich and a canceled ferry (year after year), it’s peak OPA Ora SUMMER VIBES.

We also talk about why Foti didn’t want to go on vacation this year (sorry, Aruba), NEW podcast mics, a Love Island quote living in Fotini’s head rent-free (you’ll know it when you hear it), and whether Fotini’s mom is actually buying a house in Greece. Between everything, we also cover the Fourth of July, airline drama, and geography – with MANY side conversations along the way.

Q&A to answer in the comments:

Where is your family from in Greece, and do you visit there often? We’d love to hear about your roots and how you spend your summers! 🇬🇷❤️

Episode 9: SWISS CHEESE IN SWITZERLAND

Hello OPA Ora!! Foti is experimenting with a new audio feature in this episode as he and Fotini dive into their travel dreams, high school realities, and the most ambitious Google Doc of all time: the senior trip master plan. From nearly exploding mid-air over Switzerland to taste-testing Swiss cheese in its country of origin, they explore it all. Also on the table: Jersey Italian culture, Greek water brand naming, and a Google doc that nobody but Foti seems to respect. Will they ever take the senior trip? Will the pod rebrand to My Big Fat Greek Podcast? And does anyone actually want to go to Washington? Tune in for geography debates, friendship roasts, and the kind of energy that only comes from two co-hosts and a dying microphone battery.

Episode 8: Debrief from our FIRST Greek Fest of 2025

In this spontaneous and chaotic kitchen-table conversation, Foti and Fotini recap their local Greek festivals. Hear about topics ranging from awkward ice cream scooping shifts to the rise and fall of festival food expectations. Between stories about school finals, questionable lamb gyros, GOYA gossip, and volunteer job flops, they somehow tie it all together with laughs, opinions, and an accidental PSA about Chipotle’s BOGO day. 

NOTE: Hi! Just a quick heads-up before you listen: this episode is a little all over the place. It’s less structured and more spontaneous. Think of it as a long voice note you didn’t know you needed. We still hope you enjoy it, but if you're new here, maybe start with another episode. 

No Q&A for today's episode😊