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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 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.
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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 episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by novelist Christopher Hawkins to discuss the concept of dangerous rain. They delve into various types, both real and fictional, such as acid rain, radioactive rain, microplastic rain, and flesh-eating rain. Christopher talks about his novel ‘Downpour,’ which features a strange and destructive rain, as well as his upcoming book ‘I Contain Multitudes.’ The group also explores historical accounts of dangerous rains and their impacts, discussing ways to survive such phenomena. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the unpredictable power of nature.
Learn more about Christopher Hawkins
Christopher’s Books discussed on episode:
Downpour: Chicago Book of The Year Winner
I Contain Multitudes: New Book
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 or exciting updates.
We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
If you had to survive a world where rain could melt metal, what would your first move be — build a shelter, go underground, or something completely different?
If you could invent a fictional type of dangerous rain (like mind-control rain, lava rain, etc.), what would it be — and how would it change the world?
Would you rather face 30 days of acid rain… or 30 days of mysterious “red rain” without knowing what’s inside it?
Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y’all!
Episode Cover Art by X. Austin
Show Notes & References
M. P. Shiel: Purple Cloud (1901)
Tina Turner: I Can’t Stand the Rain
David Lynch uses water hoses to explain rain in Lost Highway scene reshoot
Radiation poisoning info: Potassium Iodide (KI)
Episode Highlights:
00:39 Exploring Dangerous Rains
The team defines dangerous rains as any precipitation that threatens life, structures, or ecosystems.
01:27 Real vs. Fictional Dangerous Rains
They break dangerous rain into real (acid rain, radioactive rain) and fictional (alien, flesh-eating rain) categories.
03:17 The Impact of Dangerous Rains
Discussion on how dangerous rains devastate ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure over time.
05:20 Surviving Dangerous Rains
Survival strategies are debated, including underground shelters, acid-proof cities, and extreme protective gear.
09:40 The Science Behind Dangerous Rains
Science behind acid rain, waterborne disease transmission, microplastics, and contaminated rainfall is explained.
21:42 Storms and Human Fascination
Conversation about why humans are fascinated with destructive storms despite the obvious dangers.
25:41 Acid Snow and Pathogens
Theoretical discussion: if rain can carry acids or diseases, could snow carry them too?
27:21 Weaponizing Weather
Historical and fictional ideas about using rain or weather for military purposes are explored.
27:53 Radioactive Rain and Mutations
The team discusses radioactive black rain and how it can cause ecosystem mutations and long-term genetic effects.
30:47 Antibiotic Resistance
Joe explains how environmental stress from pollution or contaminated rain drives bacterial evolution and resistance.
32:02 Historical and Fictional Rains
Real cases like blood rain and meat rain are compared to legendary and biblical weather events.
42:10 Rain in Movies and Media
Iconic uses of rain in film and fiction (Blade Runner, The Mist, Lost Highway) are discussed.
45:09 Upcoming Book: I Contain Multitudes
Christopher teases his new novel about a woman trapped in shifting realities after each sleep cycle. I Contain Multitudes
47:25 Closing Remarks and Social Media Plugs
Final thoughts on the fear and fascination of rain, plus guest and podcast social media links shared.
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Season #1 Episode 1-25, Show Notes: