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Hello there, welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast. Our goal is to have fun learning science through the lens of science fiction and fantasy.
We are Jotham (Joe), a research scientist and author; Nick, roaster of the coffee bean, entrepreneur and pop culture guru; and sometimes Georgia, librarian, storyteller, and print maker.
So, What is this Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast?
It’s like listening to a panel at your favorite Comic Con, where we will start in one place and let the conversation lead us down the winding scenic road exploring science, fantasy, horror, and pop-culture. 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 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 48, Nick, Georgia, and Joe reflect on the themes of perception and perspective that shaped their conversation with Katie from the DC Punk Archive. They revisit how shifting realities, sensory limits, and narrative framing influence what we believe is true. They discuss the listener-suggested film, Inception, and its infamous spinning top. The discussion turns toward real-world implications, from the disorienting landscapes of Alzheimer’s and dementia to the tension between truth and comfort when someone’s perception no longer aligns with shared reality.
Drawing inspiration from the Creative Pep Talk podcast, the crew unpacks the difference between distress and eustress, exploring how mindset and framing can turn pressure into motivation or overwhelm. They also connect these ideas to scientific research, where breakthroughs often come from shifting vantage points or letting non-experts ask unexpected questions. The episode wraps with each host sharing the movies, books, shows, and games they’ve been consuming. From alien-invasion dramas and Stephen King to classic video games.
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 49 – The Heart of a Superhero
Guest: Rengasayee (Sai) Veeraraghavan
We crack open the anatomy of heroism—how courage, biology, and myth shape our modern superheroes.
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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