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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:
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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 this mini recap of Episode 49, Joe, Nick, and Georgia return to the wild intersection of cardiac science and superhero world-building, revisiting their conversation with bioengineer Rengasayee “Sai” Veeraraghavan. They also clean up a few nerdy misfires from the full episode, including the adrenal-versus-pituitary mix-up and the moment Joe accidentally described the origins of life using a term that actually refers to radioactive decay. That detour opens the door to panspermia, radiopanspermia, and exogenesis.
The crew shares the media they’ve been consuming—from Stranger Things prep episodes to rewatching Blade Runner, Rick Therrio’s graphic novels, Superman (2025), and Nick’s slow, steady descent through Gilmore Girls. With only two episodes left in the season, Gremlins science, and a pajama-party holiday debate recap episode, they look forward to the start of Season 3.
Check out what the RHR crew is creating:
Joe:
Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!
Essay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in Fiction
Joe explores how many calories it would take to transform into monsters across sci-fi and horror—think 222 Big Macs and tubs of Cherry Garcia.
It’s science for Weirdos
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Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y’all!
Upcoming Episodes
Episode 50 – Gremlins and Holiday Science
Guest: Chris Guzman
A festive foray into chaos theory, creature features, and the secret science behind cinematic holiday mayhem.
Episode 51 – Season 2 Recap: PJs and Holiday Movies
Guests: ???
Grab your pajamas and join the crew as we toast two seasons of curiosity, chaos, and science—plus a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 3.
For more episode stuff (images, show notes, links, and more science for weirdos) visit and subscribe to our Substack newsletter and never miss out on the extra fun!
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