Is this something to do with my hiatal hernia? It seems like way too often I have food "going down the wrong pipe" when I eat. It seems like it happens once a day or so. I'm not in a hurry, I'm a very slow eater.

More than likely. My husband's choking got so bad, before he had is hernia fixed that he had to have assistance to remove trapped food three times. He saw his Gastro doctor had an out patient surgery, where a tube with washers was used to stretch his esphogus out and fixed his hernia. He has not had any trouble eating or swollowing since.. You should see a GI doctor if you haven't already.
Respectfully yours, MG