OPA Ora

Start a RESTAURANT With Us

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?

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

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?

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

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?

The Summer I Went to Greece (And Aruba)

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?

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

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?