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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 Season 2 recap, the Rabbit Hole of Research crew rings in the New Year from the Basement Studio while looking back on the ideas, guests, and moments that defined Episodes 26–50. The conversation ranges from a deep dive into the Die Hard Christmas movie debate—tracing it back to Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever—to favorite episodes like The Heart of a Superhero, Perception vs. Perspective, Godzilla and the Kaiju Genre, and The Thing. Along the way, they reflect on behind-the-scenes moments, Nick’s name flub, and corrects Joe!
The crew also shares Season 2 stats and milestones, including more than 13,000 downloads, and listeners spanning six continents (Come on Antartica friends). They give thanks to supporters and subscribers, highlight standout listener feedback, and tease thank-you gifts, possible live events in the Chicagoland area, and appearances at conventions. The episode wraps with favorite moments, gratitude for collaborators and artists, and a look ahead to Season 3—featuring new thematic series on Spider-Man villains, lab safety in fiction, and a multi-episode Doomsday run—before closing out with a New Year’s countdown and a toast to what’s next.
Thank You to all the listeners and guests that have gone down some holes with us!
Season 2 listener shout-outs: Alex, Terry G, Lily and Generoso
Paid subscriber Season 2 thank-you gifts (letterpress posters, zines, stickers)—Go subscribe on Substack!
Joe will be at MarsCon (Virginia Beach) January 16th-18th
Check out what the RHR crew is creating:
Joe:
Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!
Joe’s Sci-fi physiological thriller Novel: Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else?
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
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. And to see all the content (studio images and artwork) subscribe to the Rabbit Hole of Research newsletter!
Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y’all!
Upcoming Episodes
Season 3
Episode 52 – The Physics and Biology of Extreme Performance
Guest: Hayley Chow
How far can the human body really go? Hayley Chow joins the crew to explore endurance, adaptation, and the edge of physical performance.
Episode 53 – Space Arks and Colonizing New Worlds
Guest: Roland Pitts
If Earth is no longer an option, what comes next? Roland Pitts helps us imagine space arks, generation ships, and building new civilizations in the stars.
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!
Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
