Substack, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon
Hello there, welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research the Podcast. Our goal is to have fun learning science through the lens of science fiction and fantasy.
We are Jotham (Joe) Austin, II, a research scientist and author; Nick Elizalde, roaster of the coffee bean, entrepreneur and pop culture guru; and sometimes Georgia Geis (@atomic_number14), librarian, storyteller, and print maker. Episode Cover Art by Laina Joy !
So, What is this Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast?
It’s like playing a game of Telephone, where we will start in one place and let the conversation lead us down the winding scenic road exploring the science in science fiction, separating the facts from the Handwavium. We’ll have a little fun and you’ll learn a few facts you can use to impress your friends at a party or use as a conversation starter to go down your own rabbit holes.
It will not just be us rambling, fumbling and tumbling down the rabbit hole, but we will invite creators, thinkers and innovators on to talk about their research, creative process and join the lively conversation exploring the quirky science in fiction.
We know you have many choices of entertainment, so we will keep the episodes short, about the time it takes to drink a tasty beverage. So, please join us on this journey down the rabbit hole.
Play below (if on mobile click three-lined bar to expand episodes) or follow the Podcast at your favorite Podcast Provider or you can subscribe below to my newsletter and get email updates:
Substack, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon
You can always email (I do answer back), or follow me online for real time tracking. And keep reading to see what I read or listened to when I had time.
Our goal is to have fun learning science through the lens of science fiction, fantasy, and pop-culture. We will start in one place and let the conversation lead us down the winding scenic road exploring the science in science fiction, separating the facts from the Handwavium. We’ll have a little fun and you’ll learn a few facts you can use to impress your friends at a party or use as a conversation starter to go down your own rabbit holes.
In Episode 38 of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia continue their Fantastic Four series with a deep dive into Ben Grimm a.k.a. The Thing—a character defined by the transformation of his body into a rocky, nearly indestructible form. They’re joined by NYT bestselling author Jonathan Maberry, who brings a unique lens to the discussion as they explore characters with strange or strong skin, including his own tattooed investigator Monk Addison.
From the speculative science of scar tissue and bulletproof dermis to real-world experiments, body horror, and ancient myths of invulnerability, this episode examines skin as a battleground of trauma, memory, and mutation. Whether you’re into biometal snails, Luke Cage’s mental and skin toughness, or folkloric heroes dipped in dragon blood, this episode blends pop culture, science, and horror in unforgettable ways.
It’s science, it’s fiction, it’s science for weirdos.
And don’t forget to Pre-order: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!
The Scientist Article Featuring Joe: How Speculative Fiction Expands Scientific Horizons
Visit Jonathan Maberry at:
Official Website: www.jonathanmaberry.com
Explore his full body of work, appearances, and writing updates.
Book Catalog:
Browse Jonathan’s entire bibliography of horror, thrillers, sci-fi, comics, and YA.
Books Featured or Referenced in This Episode:
Glimpse – A surreal horror-thriller about a woman slipping between realities through the crack in her vision—and the terrifying secrets on the other side.
Ink – A supernatural thriller where stolen memories live on through skin.
Joe Ledger Series – Techno-thrillers blending biowarfare, covert ops, and monster science.
Rot & Ruin – Award-winning YA zombie saga with heart, survival, and legacy.
V-Wars – A shared-world vampire outbreak series adapted by Netflix.
Nekrotek Novels – A dark fusion of science fiction and horror where necrotic technology powers reanimated soldiers, weaponized corpses, and post-human warfare under corporate-military control.
Comics & Graphic Novels:
Jonathan has written extensively in both prose and comics. Notable titles include:
Rot & Ruin: Warrior Smart (IDW)
V‑Wars graphic series (IDW)
Marvel Universe vs. The Punisher, vs. Wolverine, vs. The Avengers (Marvel)
Marvel Zombies Return (Wolverine issue)
2009–2011 Black Panther arcs: Doomwar, Power, Klaw’s of the Panther
Captain America: Hail Hydra and Punisher: Naked Kills
Masterclasses & Writing Workshops:
Learn directly from Jonathan through live and recorded workshops covering craft, genre, and publishing.
It’s Science for Weirdos
Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes.
We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
If you could design your own “strong skin” power, what would it protect you from—and what would it cost?
What’s your favorite tough-skinned character across comics, mythology, or folklore?
Could emotional trauma literally reshape your body? Should superpowers reflect scars?
Would you volunteer for a real-world version of Luke Cage’s experiment if it meant near-invulnerability?
Future Episodes & Events
Ep 39: When the Torch Burns Out – Fire powers, metabolic cost, and legacy trauma with pyrokinesis. Featuring special guest Dr. David Pincus, research scientist at University of Chicago specializing in evolutionary stress responses—particularly heat and environmental adaptation.
Ep 40: Reed Richards and the Limits of the Body – A deep dive into stretching, elasticity, adaptability, and the mental/physical implications of extreme flexibility in comics and biology. Featuring special guest Dr. Maria Dowell, MD, pediatric pulmonologist at Northwestern
Live Q&A Event: Joe will be doing a book club Q&A at Reed’s Local on July 29 for Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else by Jotham Austin II. Event details here
Dragon Con: Joe will appear as an Attending Professional at Dragon Con in Atlanta from August 28 – September 1. Join him for panels, shop talk, and rabbit holes galore.
For more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, Notes and Fun Facts, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter!
Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV
Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like!
Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
