Rabbit Hole of Research

By: Jotham Austin II PhD Nick Elizalde and Georgia Geis
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  • Summary

  • 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.

    jothamaustin.substack.com
    Jotham Austin, II PhD
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Science Science Fiction
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Episodes
  • 34.1: The mini recap: Exploring Rain

    34.1: The mini recap: Exploring Rain
    May 7 2025

    The hosts of the Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Georgia, and Nick, recap Episode 34: What’s in That Rain? featuring guest author Christopher Hawkins who discussed his novel ‘Downpour’ about destructive rain. They delve into various types of dangerous rain, both real and fictional, including acid rain, radioactive rain, and flesh-eating rain. The team also explores unique weather terminology like 'mizzle', 'mist', and 'fog', and references to rain in popular culture such as the movie 'Bow Finger'. They chat about their experiences with shows like 'Pantheon' and a Netflix series set in Argentina. Upcoming events like the Maifest (May 10) in Blue Island, IL, and exciting future podcast episodes are also mentioned.

    And don’t forget to Pre-order: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe and Christopher Hawkins!

    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!

    Future Episodes & Events:

    •Next Episode: Strange Plants (Guest Molly: owner of Plant and the Piper)

    •Save the date: Maifest (May 10) in Blue Island, IL – join us for live recordings!

    Shownotes:

    Links, Resources, and Topics Mentioned in mini and/or full episode:

    Learn more about Christopher Hawkins

    Christopher’s Books discussed on episode:

    Downpour

    I Contain Multitudes

    Mary comment: bowfinger scene about Chubby rain

    Netflix show: The Eternaut

    Don’t forget to Rate the show!



    Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
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    13 mins
  • EP 34: What's in That Rain?

    EP 34: What's in That Rain?
    Apr 30 2025
    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 HawkinsChristopher’s Books discussed on episode:Downpour: Chicago Book of The Year WinnerI Contain Multitudes: New BookWant 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. AustinShow Notes & ReferencesThe Last Bookstore on EarthM. P. Shiel: Purple Cloud (1901)Prince: Purple RainTina Turner: I Can’t Stand the RainDavid Lynch uses water hoses to explain rain in Lost Highway scene reshootRadiation poisoning info: Potassium Iodide (KI)Episode Highlights:00:39 Exploring Dangerous RainsThe team defines dangerous rains as any precipitation that threatens life, structures, or ecosystems.01:27 Real vs. Fictional Dangerous RainsThey break dangerous rain into real (acid rain, radioactive rain) and fictional (alien, flesh-eating rain) categories.03:17 The Impact of Dangerous RainsDiscussion on how dangerous rains devastate ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure over time.05:20 Surviving Dangerous RainsSurvival strategies are debated, including underground shelters, acid-proof cities, and extreme protective gear.09:40 The Science Behind Dangerous RainsScience behind acid rain, waterborne disease transmission, microplastics, and contaminated rainfall is explained.21:42 Storms and Human FascinationConversation about why humans are fascinated with destructive storms despite the obvious dangers.25:41 Acid Snow and PathogensTheoretical discussion: if rain can carry acids or diseases, could snow carry them too?27:21 Weaponizing WeatherHistorical and fictional ideas about using rain or weather for military purposes are explored.27:53 Radioactive Rain and MutationsThe team discusses radioactive black rain and how it can cause ecosystem mutations and long-term genetic effects.30:47 Antibiotic ResistanceJoe explains how environmental stress from pollution or contaminated rain drives bacterial evolution and resistance.32:02 Historical and Fictional RainsReal cases like blood rain and meat rain are compared to legendary and biblical weather events.42:10 Rain in Movies and MediaIconic uses of rain in film and fiction (Blade Runner, The Mist, Lost Highway) are discussed.45:09 Upcoming Book: I Contain MultitudesChristopher teases his new novel about a woman trapped in shifting realities after each sleep cycle. I Contain Multitudes47:25 Closing Remarks and Social Media PlugsFinal thoughts on the fear and fascination of rain, plus guest and podcast social media links shared.Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVSubscribe and Share our Substack newsletter to get email updates, never miss an episode, and spread the word!! Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
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    50 mins
  • 33.1: The mini recap: Exploring Doctor Who

    33.1: The mini recap: Exploring Doctor Who
    Apr 23 2025

    In this mini-episode, Joe, Nick, and Georgia recap Episode 33’s deep dive into Doctor Who, touching on fan-favorite Doctors, time travel biology, and the show’s philosophical themes. The discussion expands into The Twilight Zone, highlighting the infamous 1961 episode “It’s a Good Life” and its thematic connections to Doctor Who and modern anthology sci-fi. The team also teases the next episode featuring author Christopher Hawkins to discuss his book Downpour and killer rains.

    And don’t forget to Pre-order: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!

    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.

    Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!

    Future Episodes & Events:

    •Next Episode: What’s in that Rain? (with guest Christopher Hawkins)

    •Save the date: Maifest (May 10) in Blue Island, IL – join us for live recordings!

    Shownotes:

    Links, Resources, and Topics Mentioned in mini and/or full episode:

    Doctor Who (BBC) – Time travel, TARDIS, regeneration, and trickster mythology

    Episode 33 full show – Doctor Who? Time Travel, Science, and Fandom

    Science & Fiction Connections in Episode 33:

    Time Travel Biology

    Circadian rhythm disruption, telomere shortening, radiation stress, and cellular aging from theoretical time travel

    Regeneration & Physiology

    Time Lord biology: Two hearts, memory retention, energy-based transformation (linked to speculative stem cell science)

    Psychic Language Translation

    TARDIS enabling automatic understanding of alien languages; compared to Babelfish and neural language models

    Weeping Angels & Quantum Mechanics

    Observer effect parallels, wavefunction collapse, and the [Double Slit Experiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment)

    Twilight Zone – Mental Reality Manipulation

    “It’s a Good Life” explores the power of thought shaping reality—precursor to similar sci-fi horror tropes

    Fictional Overlap

    Doctor Who, The Twilight Zone, and Black Mirror share roots in morality plays, myth retellings, and speculative ethics



    Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
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    12 mins

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