On The Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast, we explore the science, symbolism, and speculative logic behind each member of the Fantastic Four. Each episode features a guest expert to examine the biology, psychology, and cultural resonance of these characters.
Listen to the full Fantastic Four series before or after going to see the new MCU movie.
Episodes:
EP37: Sue Storm and Invisibility
What would it take—biologically—for a human to vanish? Writer and cultural critic Nick Ulanowski joins us to unpack the science and metaphor of invisibility.
https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/ep-37-fantastic-4-series-invisibility
EP38: Ben Grimm and The Thing About Skin
What makes skin “strong”? NYT bestselling author Jonathan Maberry explores the biology, trauma, and identity behind The Thing’s rocky form.
https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/ep-38-fantastic-4-series-ben-grimm
EP39: Johnny Storm and Spontaneous Combustion
Could a human body survive full-body ignition? Dr. David Pincus (University of Chicago) explores the limits of fire, physiology, and psychological control.
https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/ep-39-fantastic-4-series-johnny-storm
EP40: Mr. Fantastic and the Science of Stretching
Is stretching a superpower or body horror? Maria Dowell, MD walks us through the anatomical implausibility—and narrative intrigue—of Reed Richards’ elasticity.
https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/ep-40-fantastic-4-series-mr-fantastic
Follow us down other rabbit holes:
https://open.substack.com/pub/jothamaustin
Or search Rabbit Hole of Research wherever you get your podcasts.
