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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 this Episode, Joe, Nick, Georgia, and special guest Molly discuss the diverse and captivating world of plants. The conversation covers a wide array of topics including strange and weird plants, plant care tips, the complexities of plant biology, and even plants useful during a zombie apocalypse. Molly shares her journey from forestry enthusiast to plant store owner and competitive bagpipe player, along with tips on plant care. The episode also includes a taste test of sour pickle beer and delves into the mechanism of Venus flytraps, the ecological impact of different plants, and the lesser-known aspects of plant life. The team also discusses medicinal plants, the interdependence of plants and their environments, and even the idea of growing plants in extreme conditions.
Visit Molly at:
The Piper and the Plant Website
The Piper and the Plant Instagram
The pickle beer we drank is Best Maid Sour Pickle Beer from Martin House Brewing Company in Fort Worth, Texas. It’s a gose-style sour beer infused with real dill pickle brine, made in collaboration with Best Maid Pickles.
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, exciting updates, extra stuff, and images we talk about on the episodes.
We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
What’s the weirdest plant you’ve ever seen or owned?
Would you keep a zombie survival garden, and if so, what would you plant first?
Have you ever tried growing a plant from a cutting or seed, and what’s the strangest one you attempted?
What’s your favorite “alien” looking plant, and why?
Show Notes & Fun facts
Living Fossils: Ginkgo trees have remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.
Photosynthetic Animals: The green sea slug (Elysia chlorotica) steals chloroplasts from algae for its own photosynthesis.
Grass Screams: The smell of freshly cut grass is actually a chemical distress signal to other plants.
Venus Flytrap Origins: Despite their alien nature, Venus flytraps are native to the Carolinas.
Fire-Resistant Roots: The cobra lily can regenerate from its fire-resistant roots, making it nearly immortal in the right conditions.
Historical Poison: The castor bean plant produces ricin, one of the deadliest natural toxins.
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