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Hello there, welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research the Podcast. Our goal is to have fun learning science through the lens of science fiction and fantasy.
We are Jotham (Joe) Austin, II, a research scientist and author; Nick Elizalde, roaster of the coffee bean, entrepreneur and pop culture guru; and sometimes Georgia Geis (@atomic_number14), librarian, storyteller, and print maker. Episode Cover Art by Laina Joy !
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.
Play below (if on mobile click three-lined bar to expand episodes) or follow the Podcast at your favorite Podcast Provider or you can subscribe below to my newsletter and get email updates:
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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 Episode 38.1, the Rabbit Hole crew (Joe, Nick, and Georgia) recap the full Episode 38—The Thing About Skin—the continuing Fantastic Four series focusing on Ben Grimm, aka The Thing, and the concept of tough skin in science, comics, and culture. They revisit insights shared by special guest Jonathan Maberry, who explored skin as a site of memory, transformation, and horror.
The crew covers real-world conditions like scleroderma, calcinosis cutis, and the rare “tree bark skin” disorder (Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis), as well as the freezing wood frog and a missed conversation on non-Newtonian fluids like oobleck as a potential model for bulletproof, impact-reactive skin. They close with what they’ve been watching (from Ironheart to We Were Liars) and tease two upcoming Fantastic Four episodes on Johnny Storm and Reed Richards, along with a group theater outing and Joe’s appearance at Dragon Con.
It’s science, it’s fiction, it’s science for weirdos.
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. 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:
Fantastic Four Science Series (Episodes 37–40) – Leading up to the MCU Fantastic Four movie (releasing July 25, 2025):
Ep. 39 – Fire and the Psychology of Power
Guest: Dr. David Pincus (University of Chicago) discussing Johnny Storm and risk-taking psychology
Ep. 40 – Stretching the Human Body
Guest: Dr. Maria Dowell (Northwestern), breaking down Mr. Fantastic, elasticity, and anatomical plausibility
Book Club Q&A – July 29:
Joe will lead a live Q&A at Reed’s Local for Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else? by Jotham Austin II.
Joe at Dragon Con – Aug 28–Sep 1:
Joe appears as an Attending Professional at Dragon Con in Atlanta. Come talk comics, body horror, or biophysics at the panels!
For more episode stuff (images, show notes, links, and more science for weirdos) visit and subscribe to our Substack newsletter!
Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe
