Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast Por Jotham Austin II PhD Nick Elizalde and Georgia Geis arte de portada

Rabbit Hole of Research

Rabbit Hole of Research

De: Jotham Austin II PhD Nick Elizalde and Georgia Geis
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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.comJotham Austin, II PhD Ciencia Ciencia Ficción
Episodios
  • Fear, Phobias, and Splatterpunk: When Terror Becomes Entertainment

    Fear, Phobias, and Splatterpunk: When Terror Becomes Entertainment
    Apr 15 2026
    In the 62nd episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, and Georgia welcome splatterpunk author Phrique to the Basement Studio to dig into one of horror’s most primal questions: what separates a debilitating phobia from a Tuesday night movie with friends?Starting with the ancient alarm system wired into every human brain, the crew explores the neuroscience of fear’s two pathways; the lightning-fast response that bypasses conscious thought entirely, and the slower response that keeps you in your seat when the monster appears. From there the conversation spirals into why disgust and fear are more deeply entangled than most people realize, how the brain’s prediction engine works to build suspense, and why humor isn’t just a break from the tension, it’s a way to reset the fear dial.Phrique breaks down the difference between extreme horror and splatterpunk, shares the political allegory and queer subtext running through his work, and explains why, no matter how hard he tries to write something purely for shock value, a moral always finds its way in. The crew also tackles the uncanny valley of flesh, the Cronenberg principle of gradual bodily transformation, the crew’s personal phobias, and why enjoying horror might actually be good for you.Plus a stack of recommendations across film, books, video games (check the newsletter), and a spotlight on the Slay the Lake LGBTQ+ Horror Book Fest at The Final Girl Bar in Kenosha on April 18th.Where to Find Phrique:All things Phrique: https://linktr.ee/phriquePhrique writes phoolery, not at all plain & far from simple. For legal reasons, he only writes what the voices tell him to. He willfully abuses alliteration & injects innuendo where it ought not be, with the intent to make the reader giggle, gasp, and gag at his gaiety. He wants you to laugh at things you shouldn’t, so he’s not the only one being stared at.Phrique’s books: Gig of the Damned, Shiver Me Timbers, Crisp By Your Name, Rearranged GutsWhere to Find Phrique:All things Phrique: https://linktr.ee/phriquePhrique writes phoolery, not at all plain & far from simple. For legal reasons, he only writes what the voices tell him to. He willfully abuses alliteration & injects innuendo where it ought not be, with the intent to make the reader giggle, gasp, and gag at his gaiety. He wants you to laugh at things you shouldn’t, so he’s not the only one being stared at.Gig of the Damned, Shiver Me Timbers, Crisp By Your Name, Rearranged GutsSlay the LakeLGBTQ+ Horror Book Fest The Final Girl Bar | Kenosha, WI Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 3PM–8PM | 18+ Event Ticketed early entry $15 (2PM–3PM) includes tote bag, blind date with a book, and early access. 10% of early entry sales go to the Transgender Law Center. Tickets: slaythelake.comThe event is also collecting book donations for LGBT Books to Prisoners — a trans-affirming, racial justice-focused, prison abolitionist project sending books to incarcerated LGBTQ+ people across the US. Check lgbtbookstoprisoners.org for their current needs list and bring donations to the event.Check out what the RHR crew is creatingJoe:Named by the Guild Literary Complex as one of the 35 writers to watch!Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a story by Joe!Joe’s Sci-fi physiological thriller Novel: Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else?Joe’s Rom-Com Novella: Tomorrow May Be Too LateEssay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in FictionIt’s Science for WeirdosWant 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, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes.We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):1) Fear without control is a phobia. Fear with control is entertainment. But where is YOUR line? Is there a horror movie, book, or game that pushed you past it?2) The crew shares their personal phobias; crowds, deep water, beaches, hobos, and clowns made the list. What’s yours, and did a horror movie give it to you or did you already have it?3) Phrique, Joe, Nick, and Georgia all have a soft spot for practical effects and the gritty texture of 70s and 80s horror. What’s a modern horror film you think actually gets it right?Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes.Future EpisodesEpisode 64 - Into the Deep: Humans, Caves, and the Final Frontier Guest: Ernie Bell, PhD (NASA and Blue Origin)Episode 66 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly Impact Guest: Charles BlueEpisode 68 - Hive Mind: Plubris Guest: Wes Thorn (returning guest — Simulation Hypothesis episode)Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-AppearancesJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonRHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change ...
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    1 h y 18 m
  • The Mini: Lassoing Truth

    The Mini: Lassoing Truth
    Apr 8 2026
    In Episode 61: The Mini, Joe, Nick, and Georgia revisit their conversation from Episode 60: Lassoing the Truth Serum with retired Purdue Northwest philosophy professor David Detmer, where they explored truth, self-deception, and the uncomfortable science of knowing what’s real, and how your own brain might be the least reliable narrator in the room.The crew follows up on a few threads from the full episode: the true size of continents and how the Mercator projection has been misleading us for centuries, the myth that girls are bad at math, and the Dunning-Kruger effect, illustrated by one of the most confident bank robbers in history. They also dig into Bob Knodel’s laser gyroscope experiment from the documentary Behind the Curve, where a flat Earther accidentally proved the Earth is round and refused to believe it.In the new Segment, Science News (still looking for a new name and Georgia wants theme music) they talk about a newly discovered spider species that mimics a zombie fungus to hunt and hide, the surprising psychology of found time, zombie cells revived by genome transplant, and viruses (bacteriophages) that get more potent in space. Plus an Artemis II update/reflection and the crew share their opinions on being close, but not landing on the moon, which happened to Michael Collins on the historic 1969 Apollo 11 mission, he kept the seats warm orbiting the moon, while Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, made history and walked on the moon.The crew talks about their field trip to the Music Box Theater for the Beyond Chicago Film Festival, where they saw RZA’s One Spoon of Chocolate, and a surprise meeting and fist bump with RZA himself.Plus, what the crew is digging: Daniel Suarez's Change Agent, S.A. Cosby's All the Sinners Bleed, Maggie Smith's Dear Writer, Kristen Ritter's Retreat, the Duffer Brothers' Something Really Bad is Going to Happen (Netflix), For All Mankind (Apple TV), Daredevil Born Again (Disney+), Monarch and Platonic (Apple TV).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 FictionJoe 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.Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-AppearancesJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonThe RHR crew on Ben Tanzer's This podcast will change your life: episode three hundred seventy-nineEvents & Conventions:5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 12-5pm)Creative Arts Summit - DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd, 2026ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29–31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as GuestShore Leave 46 - Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention CenterDragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as ProfessionalUpcoming Episodes*The Mini will now be every other episode!Episode 62 – The Science of Fear: Phobias, Physiology & Splatterpunk: Guest: PhriqueEpisode 64 - Into the Deep: Humans, Caves, and the Final Frontier: Guest: Ernie Bell, PhD (NASA and Blue Origin)Episode 66 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly Impact: Guest: Charles BlueEpisode 68 - Hive Mind: Plubris: Guest: Wes Thorn (returning guest — Simulation Hypothesis episode)It’s science for WeirdosWant 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! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
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    39 m
  • Lassoing the Truth Serum

    Lassoing the Truth Serum
    Apr 1 2026
    In the 60th episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, Mary, and Georgia are joined by retired Purdue Northwest philosophy professor David Detmer, PhD to discuss with one of the oldest and slipperiest questions in human history, what is truth, and how do we find it?Starting with Wonder Woman’s golden lasso and the fascinating science of the left-brain interpreter, the crew explores how our minds construct reality, and why sincerity is no guarantee of accuracy. From there the conversation digs into the media landscape, corporate consolidation, the myth of objectivity, and the differences between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.David shares his decades in the philosophy classroom to explain confirmation bias, logical fallacies, and the surprisingly hard job of teaching people to think critically. The crew also discusses the theories of truth, the Liar’s Paradox, the limits of lie detectors and truth serums, AI hallucinations, deepfakes, and the ethics of compelling someone to tell the truth.Note on Language: In this episode, the term 'Eskimo' was used. We acknowledge that this term is considered outdated and offensive. Like the RHR crew, we encourage listeners to learn more about preferred terms like Inuit.Where to Find David DetmerWebsite and books:https://www.pnw.edu/people/david-detmer-ph-d/Check out what the RHR crew is creatingJoe: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?Joe’s Rom-Com Novella: Tomorrow May Be Too LateEssay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in FictionIt’s Science for WeirdosWant 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, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes.We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):1) Your brain is constantly filling in the gaps, has your left-brain interpreter ever caught you believing something you later realized wasn’t true? What changed your mind?2) Comedians, philosophers, and picture books, oh my! You heard from the RHR crew, but where do you get your most honest dose of truth? Who or what do you trust to cut through the noise (besides RHR, LOL)?3) If Wonder Woman’s lasso actually existed, would you want to use it? And more importantly, would you be willing to be lassoed yourself?Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes.Future EpisodesEpisode 62 – The Science of Fear: Phobias, Physiology & SplatterpunkGuest: PhriqueEpisode 64 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly ImpactGuest: Charles BlueEpisode 66 - Hive Mind: PlubrisGuest: Wes Thorn (returning guest — Simulation Hypothesis episode)Episode 68 - Into the Deep: Humans, Caves, and the Final FrontierGuest: Ernie Bell, PhD (NASA and Blue Origin)Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-AppearancesJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonRHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben Tanzer Events & Conventions to hang with the Crew:5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 2026 12-5pm)Avondalia Night Out - Rosa’s Lounge in Avondale, Chicago IL (May 14th 2026 7-8pm)- Joe readingCreative Arts Summit - DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library (Merrillville, IN) on May 23rd, 2026ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29–31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as GuestShore Leave 46 - Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention CenterDragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as ProfessionalFor more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, Notes and Fun Facts, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter!Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVDon’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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    1 h y 8 m
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