Piqued Podcast

Monica Day and Trini Policaro
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Ever wonder how the Northern Lights work? Or who received the first Medal of Honor? How about why woodpeckers are the way they are? Join Trini and Monica, two former educators and life long learners, as they dive into these questions and more. Sit back with a couple of old friends, enjoy a couple of laughs, and maybe learn a thing or two!

  1. Mar 27

    What do you know about gasoline?

    Do you know how gasoline is made? Or what octane rating is and why it's actually pretty important? Are you curious why a small channel over 7000 miles away impacts the prices at our pumps? Join Trini and Monica as they explore the kind of crazy world of gasoline. Sources: Brain, M. (2000, April 1). How gasoline works. HowStuffWorks. https://science.howstuffworks.com/gasoline.htm Casey, S. (2023, January 26). What is it – Fuel truck. Mansfield Energy. https://mansfield.energy/2023/01/26/what-is-it-fuel-truck/ Casey, S. (2023, February 1). What is it – Fuel terminal. Mansfield Energy. https://mansfield.energy/2023/02/01/what-is-it-fuel-terminal/ Farley, C., Funakoshi, M., Kongkunakornkul, P., Jayaram, K., Sen, S., & Webb, S. (2026, March 11). How the Strait of Hormuz closure affects global oil supply. Reuters.com. Retrieved March 13, 2026, from https://www.reuters.com/graphics/IRAN-CRISIS/OIL-LNG/mopaokxlypa/  Harper, D. (n.d.). Gasoline. In Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://www.etymonline.com/word/gasoline Lumley, G. (2023, November). Where does oil come from and how is it formed? BKV Energy. https://bkvenergy.com/learning-center/where-does-oil-come-from/ Natural gas (Wikipedia article). (2026, March 12). In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 12, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_gas True Natural Gas. (2022, December 16). Fuel facts: The differences between natural gas and gas. True Natural Gas. https://www.truenaturalgas.com/blog/post/fuel-facts-the-differences-between-natural-gas-and-gas1  U.S. Energy Information Administration. (n.d.). Where our gasoline comes from. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/gasoline/where-our-gasoline-comes-from.php Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Light crude oil. In Wikipedia. Retrieved March 13, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_crude_oil

  2. Mar 10

    What are dreams?

    Have you ever woken up from a dream and felt an intense emotion afterwards? Or wonder what your dream is trying to tell you? Join Trini and Monica as they explore the world of dreams, some possible explanations as to why they happen, and why research into dreams is actually incredibly hard to study. Editor's note: we tried a new mic (we didn't like it) so the sound quality might be a little janky on this episode. Hopefully it won't interrupt listening too much! Back to our old faithful next week!

  3. Mar 2

    What do you know about honey bees?

    Do you know how bees really make honey? Or how they have very specific tasks that they only perform at certain stages of their lives. Join Trini and Monica as they take a deep dive into the world of honey bees. If you like the show, please be sure to leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts - reviews help new listeners find our show! Sources: https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/glossary/terms/royal-jelly/#:~:text=Royal%20jelly%20is%20a%20substance,milk%2C%20often%20called%20royal%20jelly. https://hannasbees.ie/royal-jelly-what-it-is-and-why-bees-make-it/   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeycomb https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/initiatives-and-highlighted-programs/peoples-garden/importance-pollinators/honey-bees  https://www.orkin.com/pests/stinging-pests/bees/honey-bees/honey-bee-life-span  https://beebeewraps.com/blogs/news/how-do-bees-make-beeswax?srsltid=AfmBOoq6ne7WBqpeZSqUaBPww_t8zloPqck0aR0FgzhP9gixYM8LD_2b https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/honeybee-sting-kill-bee https://www.honeyflow.com/blogs/beekeeping-basics/how-do-bees-make-honey?srsltid=AfmBOooY45_chdmqGElxrST8Vu7y2a62I1EreRv2grn2hfmm9VJerQ9d  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honey_bee#Pollination  https://justbeehoney.co.uk/blogs/just-bee-honey-blog/is-beekeeping-cruel?srsltid=AfmBOoq6HYRtwrgjhXefhpqZ2kAv77VSP8hO7bk1rohtR6FwuOds4LCH  https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2021/June-July/Gardening/Honey-Bees  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3758027/  https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/manuka-honey-medicinal-uses  https://www.clubhouse.ca/en-ca/articles/pasteurized-vs-unpasteurized-honey  https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bees-are-dying-at-an-alarming-rate

  4. Feb 23

    Piqued Grab Bag No. 1

    Our first grab bag! We took all the questions we've had over the past 20 episodes and answered them in a silly, all over the place romp! Find out how sharks actually retract their stomachs after they've emptied them, and if you can accidentally speak to hummingbird by hammering on the outside of your house. If you like the show, please be sure to subscribe and leave a review; comments are a great way to introduce new listeners to our show! Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9657402/#:~:text=Figure%202.&text=Glycemic%20response%20variables%20subtracted%20from,%E2%80%9C%C3%97%E2%80%9D%20represents%20the%20mean. .  https://spiders.ucr.edu/deadly-banana-spider-or-not#:~:text=But%20the%20overall%20message%20here,misidentification%20and%20unwarranted%20media%20hyperbole.  https://www.burkemuseum.org/collections-and-research/biology/arachnology-and-entomology/spider-myths/myth-spider-eggs-bananas  https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/leonardo-da-vinci/the-mona-lisa  https://www.straightdope.com/21343088/what-s-the-origin-of-yellow-bellied  https://iere.org/why-are-aquariums-so-relaxing/#Diving_Deep_The_Psychological_Benefits

  5. Feb 14

    What do you know about Valentine's Day?

    Content warning: adult language and themes of sexuality and romance are discussed in this episode. Have you ever heard of a vinegar valentine? Did you know the stories of the saints the day was named after (and how they were probably adapted to suit the needs of the church to combat a Roman fertility festival?)? Did you know that Cupid started out as a stud before evolving into a chubby baby angel? Join Trini and Monica as they have some fun exploring all things related to Valentine's Day.

  6. Feb 4

    Are Superfoods Really That Super?

    Do you know what the first food marketed as a superfood was? Are commonly known superfoods really that much better for you or is it all a product of mass marketing? Join Trini and Monica as they explore the world of superfoods, what makes them so necessary for a balanced diet, and how you can incorporate more to improve your overall health (and what the super foods can, and cannot, do for our bodies). Sources: Blerend, D. (2019, April 23). How We Turned Blueberries into Superfoods. Outside Online. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.outsideonline.com/health/nutrition/blueberries-superfood-benefits/  Briggs, B. (2015, October 28). Kale Tale: How a wild cabbage erupted into a trendy 'superfood'. Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2015/10/how-kale-became-trendy-superfood.html  Choline. (2026, January 5). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choline  Cleveland Clinic (2021, December 22). Amino Acids - Benefits and Food Sources. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22243-amino-acids  Cleveland Clinic (2021, December 27). Antioxidants: What They Do and Antioxidant-Rich Foods. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-do-antioxidants-do  Essential Amino Acids. (2026, January 24). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_amino_acid  Essential Fatty Acids. (2025, December 28). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_fatty_acid  Everitt, L. (2012, March 23). The Chia Craze. BBC News. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-17476690  FoodStruct (n.d.). Spinach Raw vs. Kale Raw - In Depth Nutrition Comparison. Retrieved February 1, 2026, from https://foodstruct.com/compare/spinach-nutrition-vs-kale-nutrition  Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (n.d.). Superfoods or Superhype? The Nutrition Source. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/superfoods/  Hassan, D. (2013, July 13). Flaxseed - is it the new superfood? MSU Extension. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/flaxseed_is_it_the_new_superfood  Hendley, J., & Fung, T., MD, RD, ScD (2025, March 4). Savoring the benefits of bone broth: Worth a Taste? Harvard Health. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/savoring-the-benefits-of-bone-broth-worth-a-taste  Hendley, J., & Fung, T., MD, RD, ScD (2025, June 16). Avocados nutrition: Health benefits and easy recipes. Harvard Health. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/avocado-nutrition-health-benefits-and-easy-recipes  McKenna, R. (n.d.). Nutritionally Speaking: Superfoods - what are they and why are they called 'super?'. Retrieved February 1, 2026, from https://soprissun.com/nutritionally-speaking-superfoods-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-called-super/  Misktas, C., RD, LD (2025, August 25). 10 Foods High In Flavonoids and Why You Need Them. WebMD. Retrieved February 1, 2026, from https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-flavonoids  Price Chopper (n.d.). The History of Avocados. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.pricechopper.com/blog/the-rise-of-avocados/  Restivo, J., & Fung, T., MD, RD, ScD (2024, February 21). Chia seed benefits: What you need to know. Harvard Health Publishing. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/chia-seed-benefits-what-you-need-to-know  Shubrook, N. (2024, August 19). Top 5 health benefits of kale. Good Food. Retrieved February 2, 2026, from https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/health/nutrition/health-benefits-kale  The Regents of the University of California, Davis Campus (2025, January 6). What Makes Superfood So Super? UC Davis. Retrieved February 1, 2026, from https://www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/what-makes-superfood-so-super

  7. Jan 28

    The Six Wives of Henry the VIII, Part Two

    Content Warning: This episode contains strong language and discussions of sexual abuse. Listener Discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is experiencing or is a survivor of abuse, help is available. Contact the Sexual Abuse Hotline, RAINN, either at 800-656-HOPE or visit their website, https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/ for resources available in your area. We covered the first three wives of Henry the VIII in our previous episode, but what do you know about Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr? Was Anna really ugly? Did Katherine H. actually seduce all those men? And exactly how cool is Henry's last wife? Join Trini and Monica as they learn about the incredible successes and unbelievable tragedies surrounding the final three wives of Henry the VIII. Sources: Anne of Cleves. (2026, January 17). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_of_Cleves  Borman, T. (n.d.). Anne of Cleves, The Great Survivor. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/anne-of-cleves/  Borman, T. (n.d.). Catherine Howard. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/catherine-howard/  Borman, T. (n.d.). Katherine Parr: Scholar, Stepmother, Survivor. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/katherine-parr/  Borman, T. (2021, January 6). Was Anne of Cleves Henry VIII's Most Successful Queen? HistoryExtra. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/anne-of-cleves-henry-viii-successful-queen-fourth-wife-tracy-borman/ ved-anne-of-cl Larson, R. L. (2016, July 10). The Letter that Saved Anne of Cleves' Life. Retrieved January 25, 2026, from https://tudorsdynasty.com/letter-saved-anne-of-cleves-life/  Mason, E. (2020, July 20). 11 Facts about Catherine Howards, fifth wife of Henry VIII. HistoryExtra. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/catherine-howard-facts-life-death-marriage-henry-viii-execution-ghost/  Sudeley Castle and Gardens (n.d.). 5 Fascinating Facts About the Queen Who Survived. Sudeley Castle. Retrieved January 26, 2026, from https://sudeleycastle.co.uk/news/5-fascinating-facts-about-the-queen-who-survived  https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/history-and-stories/catherine-howard/  Weir, A. (2000). The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Grove Press. If you're interested in learning more about each queen and the history of the palaces in the UK, consider checking out The Royal Historical Palaces podcast.

  8. Jan 22

    What do you know about octopuses?

    How do octopus's suckers work? How do they change color so quickly? And what is the actual correct way to say octopus in the plural? Join Monica and Trini as they learn more about the most intelligent alien-like mollusks of the sea. Sources: Baker, H. (2022, May 11). How Do Octopuses Change Color. Live Science. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://www.livescience.com/how-do-octopuses-change-color  Bradley, D. (2026, January 15). Are There Any Freshwater Octopuses? Aquarium Whisperer. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://aquariumwhisperer.com/are-there-any-freshwater-octopuses/  Bradley, D. (2024, February 28). Octopus Suction Cups: Everything You Need to Know. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://aquariumwhisperer.com/octopus-suction-cups/  Cephalopod Ink. (2025, November 25). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalopod_ink  Cephalopod Limb. (2025, November 30). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cephalopod_limb  D'Raven, K. M. (2024, September 5). The Octopus: A Multi-Cultural Symbol of Wisdom, Trickery and Resilience. Mysterious Times. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://mysterioustimes.co.uk/2024/09/05/the-octopus-a-multi-cultural-symbol-of-wisdom-trickery-and-resilience/  Encyclopedia Brittanica (2026, January 17). Octopus. Brittanica. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.britannica.com/animal/octopus-mollusk  Higgs, E. (2023, October 10). Octopi, Octopodes or Octopuses? What's the Correct Plural for Octopus? Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.iflscience.com/octopi-octopodes-or-octopuses-whats-the-correct-plural-for-octopus-71050  Horton, J. (n.d.). How Octopuses Work. How Stuff Works. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://animals.howstuffworks.com/marine-life/octopus.htm  Jones, L. (n.d.). 'Underwater city' reveals mysterious octopus world. BBC Earth. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.bbcearth.com/news/underwater-city-reveals-mysterious-octopus-world  Octopus. (2026, January 17). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octopus  National Wildlife Federation (n.d.). Octopus. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Octopuses  Nuwer, R., & Anderson, S. (2024, March 13). Ten Wild Facts about Octopuses: They Have Three Hearts, Big Brains and Blue Blood. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/ten-wild-facts-about-octopuses-they-have-three-hearts-big-brains-and-blue-blood-7625828/  Pester, P. (2025, February 12). Octopus: Facts about the 8-armed geniuses of the Sea. Live Science. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.livescience.com/55478-octopus-facts.html  Quaglia, S. (2024, September 22). Octopus Facts | Molluscs. BBC Earth. Retrieved January 17, 2026, from https://www.bbcearth.com/factfiles/animals/molluscs/octopus  Spider Zoon (2026, January 11). Octopus Lifecycle and Lifespan: Stages, Growth and Death. Animals. Retrieved January 18, 2026, from https://spiderzoon.com/animals/octopus-lifecycle-and-lifespan/

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About

Ever wonder how the Northern Lights work? Or who received the first Medal of Honor? How about why woodpeckers are the way they are? Join Trini and Monica, two former educators and life long learners, as they dive into these questions and more. Sit back with a couple of old friends, enjoy a couple of laughs, and maybe learn a thing or two!

Information

  • Creator
    Monica Day and Trini Policaro
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Monica Day and Trini Policaro
  • Show Website
    Piqued Podcast