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
    Show More Show Less
    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
    Show More Show Less
    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
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • EP 33: Doctor Who? Time Travel, Science, and Fandom

    EP 33: Doctor Who? Time Travel, Science, and Fandom
    Apr 16 2025
    In this episode of the Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe and Nick are joined by special guest Tera to explore the vast, complex world of Doctor Who. From discussing the iconic TARDIS and the Doctor's unique two-heart physiology to the intricate sci-fi concepts woven into the show's storyline, the trio delve into both classic and modern episodes. They touch on themes like circadian rhythms during time travel, the biological effects of temporal shifts, and the moral dilemmas of rewriting history. The conversation also covers notable episodes, fan-favorite doctors, and the crossover appeal of the show's accessible cosplay elements. Whether a long-time fan or new to the Doctor Who universe, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the beloved British sci-fi series.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 could travel to any point in time with the Doctor, when and where would you go—and would you risk changing anything?Do you think regeneration—if possible—should be a right, a medical procedure, or something restricted by ethics or law?If you could be a Doctor, which would you want to be: a hero, a trickster, or something in between?Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!Episode Cover Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.comShow Notes & References• Predator: The Musical• Double Slit Experiment (Wikipedia)Episode Highlights:00:00 – Welcome to the Rabbit Hole of ResearchKick-off and intro banter—Nick insists they’re in the TARDIS today, not the basement.00:29 – Meet the Guest: Dr. Tera LavoieTera joins as the show’s resident Whovian and PhD-level sci-fi enthusiast.01:18 – What Is Doctor WhoOverview of the show’s origins, the concept of the Time Lord, regeneration, and the TARDIS.09:27 – The Science of Time Travel in the WhoniverseTARDIS mechanics, Time Vortex, Einstein-Rosen bridges, and speculative temporal physics.09:37 – Biological Effects of Time TravelCircadian rhythm disruptions, telomere deterioration, radiation exposure, and immune system stress.18:48 – Universal Translation & Language in the TARDISThe TARDIS’s psychic translation field, Babelfish parallels, and cognitive implications of instant language processing.25:38 – The Doctor as a Trickster ArchetypeDiscussion of mythic parallels—Loki, Hermes, Coyote—and how the Doctor uses wit and subversion instead of brute force.26:47 – The Master: The Doctor’s FoilExploration of the Master as a rival Time Lord, moral counterpoint, and recurring chaotic presence.29:20 – Musical Interlude & Predator: The MusicalTera sings Predator: The Musical and Nick introduces the idea of singing as a podcast tradition.30:08 – The Weeping Angels & the Observer EffectHow the Angels reflect quantum collapse (like the Double Slit Experiment)—a sci-fi metaphor for wavefunction collapse.31:13 – Quantum Mechanics and Time LockingDiscussion on how observation alters outcomes in Doctor Who, sci-fi narratives, and theoretical physics.35:29 – Top Doctor Who Episodes to WatchFan-favorite episodes including:Vincent and the DoctorBlinkThe Empty ChildHeaven SentThe Rings of AkhatenRose (best starting point)46:30 – The Science of Regeneration & Two HeartsDoctor’s physiology, regeneration energy, stem cell parallels, telomere resetting, and identity transformation.49:59 – Ethics of Time Travel & Fixed PointsEpisodes like The Waters of Mars and Turn Left highlight moral dilemmas and the unintended cost of temporal intervention.56:01 – Final Thoughts + What to Watch NextWrap-up conversation, streaming tips, and cosplay accessibility as a gateway into fandom.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
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • 32.1: The mini: Exploring Godzilla recap

    32.1: The mini: Exploring Godzilla recap
    Apr 9 2025

    In Episode 32: Unveiling the Mysteries of Godzilla, Joe, Nick, and guest Natalie dive deep into the origins, evolution, and cultural legacy of Godzilla and the Kaiju genre. From post-war allegories and scientific absurdities to Hanna-Barbera cartoons and biomechanical speculation, the episode unpacks why Godzilla remains cinema’s most enduring monster. In this mini recap, the crew revisits the weirdest and wildest bits—from calorie counts to would you rather go up against one Godzilla sized rat or 100 rat sized-Godzillas—and why Kaiju movies are more than just destruction porn.

    🎧 Listen to the full episode: Ep 32 – Unveiling the Mysteries of Godzilla

    🍕 Check out Natalie’s pizza tours: Pizza City USA

    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!

    Episode Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.com

    Shownotes:

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

    1. How many Big Macs—or whales—would it take to feed Godzilla?

    2. Could Godzilla actually walk, run, or swim like it does in the films?

    3. What’s up with Godzilla’s pronouns and offspring—how does reproduction even work?

    4. Is Godzilla more metaphor than monster?

    5. What are some of your favorite cheesy Godzilla movie moments

    Science & Fiction Connections:

    1. The Square-Cube Law vs. Giant Monsters:

    2. Radiation as a Life Source:

    3. Are Blue whales the Real-World Kaiju?

    4. Post-War Trauma in Pop Culture:

    5. Biomechanical Logic of Kaiju

    Future Episodes & Events:

    •Next Episode: Dr. Who!

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

    •Joe’s short story will be a part of the Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories



    Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • EP 32: Unveiling the Mysteries of Godzilla and the Kaiju Genre

    EP 32: Unveiling the Mysteries of Godzilla and the Kaiju Genre
    Apr 2 2025
    In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe and Nick, along with special guest Natalie, dive deep into the world of Godzilla and the Kaiju genre. Natalie, a self-proclaimed superfan, shares her knowledge and passion for Godzilla, discussing its origins, cultural significance, and evolution in cinema. The discussion covers Kaiju as a genre, allegorical themes in monster films, and Godzilla's impact across various media. They also explore Godzilla's biology, cinematic history, and international influence.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 could genetically engineer your own Kaiju, what abilities would it have and why?Would you rather face one Godzilla-sized rat or 100 rat-sized Godzillas?If Godzilla had a favorite pizza topping, what would it be? (Bonus: Ask Natalie on her Pizza City tour, since she’s a pizza expert!)How long do you think you’d survive in a Godzilla-style apocalypse?Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!Episode Cover Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.comShow Notes & ReferencesTotal runtime for all Godzilla movies is 4,059 minutes (~67 hours or ~2.82 days).Pizza City USA (Natalie’s pizza tours in Chicago)Godzilla is the darkest monster movieEpisode Highlights:00:00 - Welcome to Rabbit Hole of Research00:18 - Meet the Godzilla Super Fan00:58 - Defining Kaiju and Its Origins (Kaiju translates to "strange beast" and refers to giant monsters in Japanese cinema and pop culture.)04:36 - Godzilla: A Metaphor for Post-War Trauma (Godzilla as a response to Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll.)06:57 - The Controversy and Influence of Godzilla (Ray Harryhausen claimed Godzilla was a ripoff of The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms.)08:28 - Bikini Atoll and Nuclear Testing (Lucky Dragon No. 5 incident and its influence on Godzilla's creation.)17:38 - Godzilla's Biology and Mechanics (How Godzilla might function biologically, from radiation absorption to locomotion.)26:50 - Godzilla's Pronouns and Reproduction (Originally gender-neutral, later depicted as male, and possible asexual reproduction in some films.)29:01 - Exploring the Ecosystem of Giant Monsters (What does Godzilla eat? Could it have been a mutated whale?)29:41 - Attack on Titan and Other Japanese Influences (How Attack on Titan fits into the Kaiju genre.)30:26 - Pacific Rim and Other Giant Monster Films (The legacy of Kaiju in modern cinema.)31:51 - Historical Context of Giant Monsters (King Kong, The Lost World, and the evolution of the genre.)33:30 - Godzilla's Evolution in Cinema (From an apocalyptic force to a protector of Earth.)34:48 - The Role of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (How post-war Japan's military restrictions influenced Godzilla films.)38:49 - The Many Eras of Godzilla Films (Showa, Heisei, Millennium, Reiwa, and Legendary's MonsterVerse.)43:50 - Godzilla in American Media (From Godzilla 1998 to Godzilla Minus One.)44:28 - Hanna-Barbera's Godzilla Cartoon (The 1978 animated Godzilla series featuring Godzuki.)50:20 - Speculations on Oceanic Monsters (Could there be undiscovered apex predators in the deep ocean?)51:56 - Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • 31.1: The mini: Exploring Speedsters

    31.1: The mini: Exploring Speedsters
    Mar 26 2025

    In this mini recap episode, Joe and Georgia (without Nick this time!) revisit the “How Fast is Too Fast?” episode, responding to listener comments and diving deeper into some fascinating speed-related physics concepts. They discuss realistic and fictional speed effects, the physics of relativistic mass, and the challenges of running at near-light speeds. They also preview upcoming episodes, including an exciting deep dive into Godzillaand a Fantastic Four series!

    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!

    Episode Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.com

    Shownotes:

    Links,Resources, and Topics Mentioned:

    •Listener Questions & Comments:

    •Alex’s speedster character: Would a force field help with breathing at super speed?

    •The physics of relativistic mass – would the Flash’s footsteps cause earthquakes?

    •How does speed affect mass vs. how gravity affects weight?

    •Science & Fiction Connections:

    •Special relativity: Why mass increases at near-light speeds.

    •Speedsters in comics: The Speed Force as a fictional workaround for physics.

    •Comparing real-world gravity changes (e.g., weight on the Moon vs. Jupiter) to relativistic effects.

    •Future Episodes & Events:

    •Next Episode: Godzilla!

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

    •Fantastic Four Deep-Dive: Four upcoming episodes, each focused on a Fantastic Four member’s powers.

    Links to Check Out:

    •Einstein’s Theory of Relativity & Relativistic Mass

    •NASA – How Gravity Affects Your Weight on Other Planets

    •The Speed Force Explained (DC Comics’ Hand-Waving Physics)



    Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins
  • EP 31: The Fast and the Curious: How Fast is too Fast?

    EP 31: The Fast and the Curious: How Fast is too Fast?
    Mar 19 2025

    Joe, Nick, and Georgia dig into a discussion about the nature of speed, starting with the basics of how speed is measured and moving into the fantastical with speedsters from comics and movies like The Flash, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Quicksilver. They explore the scientific concepts behind the speed of sound and light, touching on historical attempts to measure these velocities. The conversation also includes playful banter about fictional portrayals of speed, such as those in the Sonic movies and Superman, while considering the biological and physical implications of moving at extreme speeds.

    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!

    Episode Cover Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.com

    Show Notes & References

    Speed Measurement: Distance traveled per unit of time (e.g., mph, km/h, m/s).

    Speed of Sound: ~767 mph (1,235 km/h, Mach 1) in air at sea level.

    Speed of Light: 299,792 km/s (~186,282 miles/s), fastest possible speed in the universe.

    Mach Number: Speed relative to sound (e.g., Mach 2 = twice the speed of sound).

    Speedsters in Fiction & Reality

    FASTEST REAL-LIFE CREATURES:

    Peregrine Falcon (dive speed of ~240 mph)

    Cheetah (~75 mph sprint)

    Usain Bolt (~28 mph top sprint speed)

    FICTIONAL SPEEDSTERS MENTIONED:

    Sonic the Hedgehog (~Mach 1 in games, faster in comics/movies)

    The Flash (faster-than-light with Speed Force mechanics)

    Quicksilver (Marvel; superhuman, but slower than Flash)

    Superman (variable speeds, sometimes FTL in comics)

    Roadrunner & Speedy Gonzales (cartoon physics apply!)

    The Science of Extreme Speed

    Friction & Heat: Moving too fast generates heat, which could burn a speedster without protective gear.

    Energy Needs: High-speed movement requires enormous caloric intake (e.g., The Flash’s obsession with food).

    Reaction Time & Perception: The human brain processes around 60-75 fps, but speedsters would need far beyond that to react properly.

    G-Forces & Acceleration: Sudden starts and stops would cause internal damage unless counteracted.

    Breathing would be difficult when running at super fast speeds.

    Energy Cost of Speedsters (Estimated in Big Macs):

    Human Sprint (~10 m/s) = ~0.09 Big Macs

    Subsonic Speed (~100 m/s) = ~1.8 Big Macs

    Supersonic Speed (~500 m/s) = ~18 Big Macs

    Near-Light Speed (~0.1c) = ~1,818 Big Macs

    We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):

    If you could have super speed for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

    If Sonic the Hedgehog and The Flash raced around the Earth, who would win—and how would they deal with things like ocean crossings and mountains?

    What’s the weirdest or most creative way you could “break” the laws of physics to achieve faster-than-light travel in real life?

    Share

    Leave a comment

    Share

    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
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr