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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 of The Mini, Joe, Georgia, and a virtual Nick (recovering from norovirus) revisit their conversation, Episode 56: Medicine of the Future with fantasy author and physician Davis Ashura, emphasizing his key message: your best health starts in your kitchen, not your doctor’s office, and focusing on health span (quality of years) over lifespan (quantity of years).
This forked into a conversation about vegetable/fruit biodiversity and seed preservation. The crew discusses a Midwest native seed-saving coalition involving 300 ecologists across 150 institutions in 11 states, the practicalities of saving heirloom seeds (cross-pollination risks), why Red Delicious apples aren’t so delicious anymore, why, contrary to logic, eating more vegetables could save our favorite varieties, and the Norway seed vault. They also address the reality of food deserts and unequal access to fresh produce.
Science updates include clarifications from last episode about Dolly the sheep’s cloning (her “sister” clones lived normal lifespans), discussion about gene editing and Colossal Laboratories’ “dire wolf” de-extinction project, and a breakthrough from China where surgeons used a genetically modified pig liver to keep a patient alive while waiting for a human transplant organ. FDA trials now approved in the US.
Plus: upcoming episode teasers (chatbots and data centers/climate change), norovirus on cruise ship, and what the crew is reading and watching: Virginia Tufte, Stephen Graham Jones, Alice Feeney, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Shrinking, and The Traitors UK.
Where to Find Davis Ashura:
Website:davisashura.com
The Anchored Worlds Universe
Audiobooks narrated by: Nick Podehl and Travis Baldree
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 Fiction
Joe 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.
Podcast Cross-Appearances
Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton
Events & Conventions:
Author palooza by New Book Joy at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield IL (March 21st 1-5pm)
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, 2026
ConCarolinas – Charlotte, NC (May 29–31, 2026 ) – Joe attending as Guest
Shore Leave 46 – Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)
Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention Center
Dragon Con – Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) – Joe attending as Professional
Upcoming Episodes
*The Mini will now be every other episode!
Episode 58 – The Science of Chatbots & Human Connection
Guests: Lily & Generoso
Episode 60 – Lassoing the Truth SerumGuest: David Detmer
Episode 62 – The Science of Fear: Phobias, Physiology & SplatterpunkGuest: Phrique
Episode 64 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly ImpactGuest: Charles Blue
It’s science for Weirdos
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!
Future Events to Hang with the Crew:
Author palooza by New Book Joy at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield IL
March 21st 1-5pm
Creative Arts Summit: DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd 2026
ConCarolinas – Charlotte, NC (May 29 – May 31, 2026 ) – Joe attending as Guest
Dragon Con – Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) – Joe attending as Professional
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
