Substack, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon
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:
Substack, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon
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 mini recap of Episode 54: What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Joe, Nick, and Georgia recap their conversation with guest Joe Compton about the science and magic of love.
Joe, as promised in the Episode 54, discusses human pheromones, the challenges of researching sex pheromones in humans, and the McClintock effect (menstrual cycle synchronization among women. The crew discusses the cultural obsession with masking natural body odors, and why aphrodisiacs might be more folklore than fact.
Beyond the science, the team shares updates: Georgia reveals pages from her Kevin Bacon scrapbook, and finding the Geena Davis’ quote from The Accidental Tourist. Joe appeared on Joe Compton’s 21 Grams YouTube show to discuss villains and the dark side of storytelling. And the RHR crew will be at an upcoming DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd as part of the Creative Arts Summit.
Plus media the crew is checking out: WonderMan, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Cabin in the Woods (finally!), The Monkey, comic book finds from the final Northwest Indiana Comic-Con.
Follow Joe Compton on Instagram
Watch Joe on Joe Compton’s YouTube channel 21Grams
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
RHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben Tanzer
Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton
Events & Conventions:
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
Upcoming Episodes
Episode 55 – Medicine of the Future: From Fantasy to Patient Care
Guest: Davis Ashura
Exploring how science fiction inspires real medical innovation and what the future of patient care might look like.
Episode 56 – The Science of Chatbots & Human Connection
Guests: Lily & Generoso
Diving into AI communication, computational science, and how chatbots are reshaping human interaction with MIT scientist-turned-writer Lily and illustrator/filmmaker Generoso.
Episode 57 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly Impact
Guest: Charles Blue
Examining the science and strategies behind protecting Earth from asteroids, comets, and cosmic threats.
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!
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

