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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 the 56th episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by Davis Ashura, endocrinologist, epic fantasy author, and creator of the Anchored Worlds universe, to explore where magical healing meets medical reality. Davis brings a unique dual perspective: treating chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension by day, and writing epic fantasy with detailed healing systems by night.
The conversation starts with the real world complexities of healing and recovery. Davis explains how pain, and the anticipation of pain can end an athlete’s career, and why true healing requires mental recovery, not just physical repair. Davis also shares how he weaves medical realism into fantasy, making injuries feel consequential even when magic accelerates healing, and why he chose an esoteric diseases like hyperthyroidism in his Anchored Worlds books.
They explore cutting edge modern medicine, from organ cloning, the rise of personalized cancer therapy, and the GLP-1 revolution. The crew tackles the ethics of healthcare access, insurance barriers, why pharmaceutical research lags in funding behind nutrition science, and whether your best health really does start in your kitchen.They dig into AI’s role in drug discovery, personalized medicine tailored to individual patients, and debate whether future healthcare becomes more expensive and limited or scalable and more accessible.
Along the way, they go down rabbit holes of video game healing mechanics, Grand Theft Auto parenting stories, DragonCon Nicholas Cage cosplay, and ancient Egyptian diabetes hieroglyphs.
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
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. 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) If you could design a personalized medicine just for you, what would it cure or enhance?
2) Would you trust AI to design your personalized treatment plan, or would you want a human doctor to make the final call?
3) Davis says your best health starts in your kitchen, not your doctor’s office. What’s one food or habit you know you should change but haven’t?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes.
Events to Hang with the Crew:
Podcast Cross-Appearances
Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton
Events & 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, 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
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