by Jotham Austin, II PhD, Nick Elizalde, and Georgia Geis
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. <br/><br/><a href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/s/rabbit-hole-of-research?utm_medium=podcast">jothamaustin.substack.com</a>
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2/4/2024
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April 30, 2025
<p>In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by novelist Christopher Hawkins to discuss the concept of dangerous rain. They delve into various types, both real and fictional, such as acid rain, radioactive rain, microplastic rain, and flesh-eating rain. Christopher talks about his novel '<a target="_blank" href="https://books2read.com/u/49ddxp">Downpour</a>,' which features a strange and destructive rain, as well as his upcoming book '<a target="_blank" href="https://books2read.com/u/bQ1nZ7">I Contain Multitudes</a>.' The group also explores historical accounts of dangerous rains and their impacts, discussing ways to survive such phenomena. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the unpredictable power of nature.</p><p></p><p>Learn more about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.christopher-hawkins.com/">Christopher Hawkins</a></p><p>Christopher’s Books discussed on episode:</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://books2read.com/u/49ddxp">Downpour</a>: Chicago Book of The Year Winner</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://books2read.com/u/bQ1nZ7">I Contain Multitudes</a>: New Book</p><p></p><p>Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/rabbit_hole_of_research/"><strong>social media</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV"><strong>Discord</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-rabbit-hole-of-research&ved=2ahUKEwiX4PeypICMAxUyhIkEHZ5IJw4QFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3p7UsO8AepP9kokzfx6AKX"><strong>share the podcast</strong></a>, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com">Substack newsletter</a> and never miss an episode or exciting updates.</p><p></p><p><strong>We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):</strong></p><p>If you had to survive a world where rain could melt metal, what would your first move be — build a shelter, go underground, or something completely different?</p><p>If you could invent a fictional type of dangerous rain (like mind-control rain, lava rain, etc.), what would it be — and how would it change the world?</p><p> Would you rather face 30 days of acid rain… or 30 days of mysterious “red rain” without knowing what’s inside it?</p><p></p><p>Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!</p><p>Episode Cover Art by X. Austin</p><p></p><p><strong>Show Notes & References</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214490415-the-last-bookstore-on-earth">The Last Bookstore on Earth</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209525.The_Purple_Cloud">M. P. Shiel: Purple Cloud (1901)</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/347vCib_lMs?si=atRhnSPsMaNXbFXN">Prince: Purple Rain</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/X9bSL2S4POg?si=xMPLUIyopioRK7Av">Tina Turner: I Can’t Stand the Rain</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.splingmovies.com/2025/01/the-life-and-legacy-of-david-lynch-part-2/">David Lynch uses water hoses to explain rain in Lost Highway scene reshoot</a></p><p>Radiation poisoning info: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/radiation-emergencies/treatment/potassium-iodide.html">Potassium Iodide (KI)</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>00:39 Exploring Dangerous Rains</p><p>The team defines dangerous rains as any precipitation that threatens life, structures, or ecosystems.</p><p>01:27 Real vs. Fictional Dangerous Rains</p><p>They break dangerous rain into real (acid rain, radioactive rain) and fictional (alien, flesh-eating rain) categories.</p><p>03:17 The Impact of Dangerous Rains</p><p>Discussion on how dangerous rains devastate ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure over time.</p><p>05:20 Surviving Dangerous Rains</p><p>Survival strategies are debated, including underground shelters, acid-proof cities, and extreme protective gear.</p><p>09:40 The Science Behind Dangerous Rains</p><p>Science behind acid rain, waterborne disease transmission, microplastics, and contaminated rainfall is explained.</p><p>21:42 Storms and Human Fascination</p><p>Conversation about why humans are fascinated with destructive storms despite the obvious dangers.</p><p>25:41 Acid Snow and Pathogens</p><p>Theoretical discussion: if rain can carry acids or diseases, could snow carry them too?</p><p>27:21 Weaponizing Weather</p><p>Historical and fictional ideas about using rain or weather for military purposes are explored.</p><p>27:53 Radioactive Rain and Mutations</p><p>The team discusses radioactive black rain and how it can cause ecosystem mutations and long-term genetic effects.</p><p>30:47 Antibiotic Resistance</p><p>Joe explains how environmental stress from pollution or contaminated rain drives bacterial evolution and resistance.</p><p>32:02 Historical and Fictional Rains</p><p>Real cases like blood rain and meat rain are compared to legendary and biblical weather events.</p><p>42:10 Rain in Movies and Media</p><p>Iconic uses of rain in film and fiction (Blade Runner, The Mist, Lost Highway) are discussed.</p><p>45:09 Upcoming Book: I Contain Multitudes</p><p>Christopher teases his new novel about a woman trapped in shifting realities after each sleep cycle. <a target="_blank" href="https://books2read.com/u/bQ1nZ7">I Contain Multitudes</a></p><p>47:25 Closing Remarks and Social Media Plugs</p><p>Final thoughts on the fear and fascination of rain, plus guest and podcast social media links shared.</p><p></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV"><strong>Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: </strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV">https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV</a></p><p></p><p>Subscribe and Share our <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com">Substack newsletter </a>to get email updates, never miss an episode, and spread the word!! Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like!</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at <a href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe</a>
April 23, 2025
<p>In this mini-episode, Joe, Nick, and Georgia recap <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/ep-33-doctor-who-time-travel-science?r=dalfc">Episode 33</a>’s deep dive into Doctor Who, touching on fan-favorite Doctors, time travel biology, and the show’s philosophical themes. The discussion expands into The Twilight Zone, highlighting the infamous 1961 episode “It’s a Good Life” and its thematic connections to Doctor Who and modern anthology sci-fi. The team also teases the next episode featuring author Christopher Hawkins to discuss his book Downpour and killer rains.</p><p>And don’t forget to Pre-order: <a target="_blank" href="https://frombeyondpress.com/books/red-line-chicago-horror-stories/">Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology</a> featuring a new story by Joe!</p><p>Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/rabbit_hole_of_research/"><strong>social media</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV"><strong>Discord</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-rabbit-hole-of-research&ved=2ahUKEwiX4PeypICMAxUyhIkEHZ5IJw4QFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3p7UsO8AepP9kokzfx6AKX"><strong>share the podcast</strong></a>, and let us know what topics you are excited about.</p><p>Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!</p><p></p><p><strong>Future Episodes & Events:</strong></p><p>•Next Episode: What’s in that Rain? (with guest Christopher Hawkins)</p><p>•Save the date: <a target="_blank" href="https://blueislandbeerco.com/event/mai-fest-2025/">Maifest (May 10) in Blue Island, IL</a> – join us for live recordings!</p><p><strong>Shownotes: </strong></p><p><strong>Links, Resources, and Topics Mentioned in mini and/or full episode:</strong></p><p>Doctor Who (BBC) – Time travel, TARDIS, regeneration, and trickster mythology</p><p>Episode 33 full show – <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/ep-33-doctor-who-time-travel-science?r=dalfc">Doctor Who? Time Travel, Science, and Fandom</a></p><p><strong>Science & Fiction Connections in Episode 33:</strong></p><p><strong>Time Travel Biology</strong></p><p>Circadian rhythm disruption, telomere shortening, radiation stress, and cellular aging from theoretical time travel</p><p><strong>Regeneration & Physiology</strong></p><p>Time Lord biology: Two hearts, memory retention, energy-based transformation (linked to speculative stem cell science)</p><p><strong>Psychic Language Translation</strong></p><p>TARDIS enabling automatic understanding of alien languages; compared to Babelfish and neural language models</p><p><strong>Weeping Angels & Quantum Mechanics</strong></p><p>Observer effect parallels, wavefunction collapse, and the [Double Slit Experiment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment)</p><p><strong>Twilight Zone – Mental Reality Manipulation</strong></p><p>“It’s a Good Life” explores the power of thought shaping reality—precursor to similar sci-fi horror tropes</p><p><strong>Fictional Overlap</strong></p><p>Doctor Who, The Twilight Zone, and Black Mirror share roots in morality plays, myth retellings, and speculative ethics</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at <a href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe</a>
April 16, 2025
<p>In this episode of the Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe and Nick are joined by special guest Tera to explore the vast, complex world of Doctor Who. From discussing the iconic TARDIS and the Doctor's unique two-heart physiology to the intricate sci-fi concepts woven into the show's storyline, the trio delve into both classic and modern episodes. They touch on themes like circadian rhythms during time travel, the biological effects of temporal shifts, and the moral dilemmas of rewriting history. The conversation also covers notable episodes, fan-favorite doctors, and the crossover appeal of the show's accessible cosplay elements. Whether a long-time fan or new to the Doctor Who universe, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the beloved British sci-fi series.</p><p>Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/rabbit_hole_of_research/"><strong>social media</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV"><strong>Discord</strong></a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-rabbit-hole-of-research&ved=2ahUKEwiX4PeypICMAxUyhIkEHZ5IJw4QFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3p7UsO8AepP9kokzfx6AKX"><strong>share the podcast</strong></a>, and let us know what topics you are excited about. <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/publish/post/%%half_magic_comments_url%%">Leave a Comment. </a>And for email alerts sign-up for the <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com">Substack newsletter</a> and never miss an episode or exciting updates.</p><p><strong>We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):</strong></p><p>If you could travel to any point in time with the Doctor, when and where would you go—and would you risk changing anything?</p><p>Do you think regeneration—if possible—should be a right, a medical procedure, or something restricted by ethics or law?</p><p>If you could be a Doctor, which would you want to be: a hero, a trickster, or something in between?</p><p></p><p>Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://lainajoyart.com">Episode Cover Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.com</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Show Notes & References</strong></p><p>• <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlicWUDf5MM">Predator: The Musical</a></p><p>• <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment">Double Slit Experiment (Wikipedia)</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p><strong>00:00</strong> – Welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research</p><p>Kick-off and intro banter—Nick insists they’re in the TARDIS today, not the basement.</p><p><strong>00:29</strong> – Meet the Guest: Dr. Tera Lavoie</p><p>Tera joins as the show’s resident Whovian and PhD-level sci-fi enthusiast.</p><p><strong>01:18</strong> – What Is Doctor Who</p><p>Overview of the show’s origins, the concept of the Time Lord, regeneration, and the TARDIS.</p><p><strong>09:27</strong> – The Science of Time Travel in the Whoniverse</p><p>TARDIS mechanics, Time Vortex, Einstein-Rosen bridges, and speculative temporal physics.</p><p><strong>09:37</strong> – Biological Effects of Time Travel</p><p>Circadian rhythm disruptions, telomere deterioration, radiation exposure, and immune system stress.</p><p><strong>18:48</strong> – Universal Translation & Language in the TARDIS</p><p>The TARDIS’s psychic translation field, Babelfish parallels, and cognitive implications of instant language processing.</p><p><strong>25:38</strong> – The Doctor as a Trickster Archetype</p><p>Discussion of mythic parallels—Loki, Hermes, Coyote—and how the Doctor uses wit and subversion instead of brute force.</p><p><strong>26:47</strong> – The Master: The Doctor’s Foil</p><p>Exploration of the Master as a rival Time Lord, moral counterpoint, and recurring chaotic presence.</p><p><strong>29:20</strong> – Musical Interlude & Predator: The Musical</p><p>Tera sings Predator: The Musical and Nick introduces the idea of singing as a podcast tradition.</p><p><strong>30:08</strong> – The Weeping Angels & the Observer Effect</p><p>How the Angels reflect quantum collapse (like the <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment">Double Slit Experiment</a>)—a sci-fi metaphor for wavefunction collapse.</p><p><strong>31:13</strong> – Quantum Mechanics and Time Locking</p><p>Discussion on how observation alters outcomes in Doctor Who, sci-fi narratives, and theoretical physics.</p><p><strong>35:29</strong> – Top Doctor Who Episodes to Watch</p><p>Fan-favorite episodes including:</p><p>Vincent and the Doctor</p><p>Blink</p><p>The Empty Child</p><p>Heaven Sent</p><p>The Rings of Akhaten</p><p>Rose (best starting point)</p><p><strong>46:30</strong> – The Science of Regeneration & Two Hearts</p><p>Doctor’s physiology, regeneration energy, stem cell parallels, telomere resetting, and identity transformation.</p><p><strong>49:59</strong> – Ethics of Time Travel & Fixed Points</p><p>Episodes like The Waters of Mars and Turn Left highlight moral dilemmas and the unintended cost of temporal intervention.</p><p><strong>56:01</strong> – Final Thoughts + What to Watch Next</p><p>Wrap-up conversation, streaming tips, and cosplay accessibility as a gateway into fandom.</p><p></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV"><strong>Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: </strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV">https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFV</a></p><p></p><p>Subscribe and Share our <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com">Substack newsletter </a>to get email updates, never miss an episode, and spread the word!! Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like!</p> <br/><br/>Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at <a href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4">jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe</a>
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