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PODCAST

Rabbit Hole of Research

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. jothamaustin.substack.com

science science fiction

All Episodes

10:15

31.1: The mini: Exploring Speedsters

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/03/26

In this mini recap episode, Joe and Georgia (without Nick this time!) revisit the “How Fast is Too Fast?” episode, responding to listener comments and diving deeper into some fascinating speed-related physics concepts. They discuss realistic and fictional speed effects, the physics of relativistic mass, and the challenges of running at near-light speeds. They also preview upcoming episodes, including an exciting deep dive into Godzillaand a Fantastic Four series!Want to support the show? Tell your

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60:01

EP 31: The Fast and the Curious: How Fast is too Fast?

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/03/19

Joe, Nick, and Georgia dig into a discussion about the nature of speed, starting with the basics of how speed is measured and moving into the fantastical with speedsters from comics and movies like The Flash, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Quicksilver. They explore the scientific concepts behind the speed of sound and light, touching on historical attempts to measure these velocities. The conversation also includes playful banter about fictional portrayals of speed, such as those in the Sonic movies and

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12:01

30.1: The mini: Exploring Money

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/03/12

Join us in this mini teaser episode as we dive into money systems in fictional worlds and their surprising real-world parallels (Go listen to the full Episode 30). We revisit our conversation with guest Amran, who shared insights from his upcoming book Leverage, and explore how wealth, scarcity, and economics shape both imaginary universes and our own.From Arcane’s class divisions to Die Hard’s gold heist, we discuss the ways in which money, resources, and power play out in stories—and what they

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64:00

30: Money of the Future

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/03/05

In this episode, hosts Joe and Nick, along with special guest Amran Gowani, a former chemist turned Wall Street professional turned novelist, delve into the intricacies of finances and economic systems in fiction. The discussion covers definitions of financial systems, the portrayal of wealth and currency in science fiction and fantasy, and the challenges of world-building accurate economic models in storytelling. The conversation also explores the value of skills, commodities, and digital

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15:01

29.1: The mini: Exploring Noir

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/02/26

In this mini-episode: a companion to Episode 29: Science of Noir,' Joe, Georgia, and Nick delve into the rich history and nuances of noir. The team previews Georgia and Jim’s upcoming art show event on February 28th at the Promise You Art House in Highland, Indiana. Topics covered include the evolution of paternity testing, with a nod to the famous Charlie Chaplin paternity case. They also explore the relevance of noir in contemporary media, including video games, and debate whether characters like

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54:01

29:Digging into the Dark: The Science of Noir Films

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/02/19

In this episode, Joe, Georgia, and Nick welcome special guest Jim Siergey, a cartoonist and animator known for being one of the creators of the underground comix strip 'Cultural Jetlag' in the 1990s. The group dives into an engaging discussion on the science and style of noir films. They cover key aspects such as the definitive elements of the genre, famous examples, and the evolution of forensics in relation to noir storytelling. Throughout the episode, the hosts share their thoughts on whether

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14:01

Exploring Nanomachines 28.1

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/02/12

In this mini episode of Episode 28, the Rabbit Hole Research crew continues their discussion about nanomachines. Including recent applications in medical devices that highlight the intersection of science fiction and real scientific advancements, referencing nanites in pop culture, such as the DC universe and Twilight Zone radio dramas. The episode marks the one-year anniversary and teases upcoming discussions on nanotechnology and speedsters. Finally, 'Captain America: Brave New World' is releasing

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37:31

28:Nanomachines: Handwavium or Future Reality?

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/02/05

In this episode of the Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe and Nick delve into the fascinating subject of nanites. Without Georgia, they discuss the definition and scale of nanites or nanomachines, highlighting their microscopic size, typically less than a nanometer, and their potential uses in science fiction and real-world applications. They explore nanites' characteristics, such as autonomy, materials, and functionalities, from repairing tissues and delivering drugs to potential surveillance and

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14:31

Exploring Utopias and Dystopias: Mini Episode 27.1

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/01/29

In this mini episode of Episode 27, hosts Joe, Georgia, and Nick revisit the themes of utopia and dystopia. They discuss how current events, such as the fires in Los Angeles, eerily mirror scenarios from Octavia Butler's novel, 'Parable of the Sower'. The conversation also touches on various forms of media, including movies, books, and music, that depict utopian and dystopian themes, like Michael Jackson's rework of 'A Horse with No Name', and the series 'Battlestar Galactica'. They contemplate the

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65:31

27: Exploring Utopia and Dystopia: Fiction or Foresight?

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/01/22

In this episode, hosts Joe, Nick, Georgia, and special guest Tina engage in a lively discussion examining the concepts of utopia and dystopia through the lenses of fiction and real-world implications. They explore various definitions and examples, such as 'The Giver,' '1984,' and 'Gattaca,' while enjoying their favorite beverages. The conversation delves into the philosophical and ethical considerations of creating a perfect society, the roles of technology and control, and whether a true utopia is

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13:00

Exploring the Simulation Hypothesis: Mini Episode 26.1

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/01/15

In this mini-episode of 'Rabbit Hole of Research,' Joe, Georgia, and Nick dive back into the simulation hypothesis (Episode 26). The discussion includes a clarification of a reference to the 'St. Elsewhere' finale, analysis of the 'Lemon Girl' video as potential evidence of a simulation glitch, and reader comments on the complexity of the natural world as an argument against the simulation hypothesis. They also touch on the double-slit experiment, Schrodinger's cat, and the debut of the TGL

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62:00

26: Are we living in a Computer Game? Exploring the...

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/01/08

In the first episode of season two, hosts Joe, Georgia, and Nick, along with guest Wes, dive deep into the simulation hypothesis. They discuss definitions of simulation reality, nested realities, and stage realities, using examples from pop culture such as The Matrix, Westworld, Ready Player One, Free Guy, and The Sims. The conversation also touches on the Double Slit Experiment, AI simulation apps, and the Mandela Effect. This episode raises intriguing questions about the nature of our reality and

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7:01

Episode 25.1: Happy New Year 2025!

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2025/01/01

In this New Year's Eve special from the basement studio, we extend our wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025. We preview exciting future podcast episodes including discussions on the simulation hypothesis, dystopias and utopias, and a special feature on Dr. Who with a guest expert. We reflect on some of our recent reads like 'Don't Whistle at Night' and 'Mexican Gothic,' and touch on horror and Gothic genres. We also chat about our holiday movie experiences, including 'Nosferatu' and

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33:01

Episode 25: Season 1 Finale Fun: Recap, Drinks,...

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2024/12/25

In the 25th and final episode of the first season of 'Rabbit Hole of Research,' hosts Joe, Nick, and their rowdy audience celebrate their journey. The unscripted recap covers highlights from the past year, favorite episodes such as 'Apocalypse Wow!' and 'The Lighthouse Episode,' and favorite drinks. On this episode they try the 'Scottish Beithir Fire,' a potent 75% beer. The hosts discuss the show’s evolution, including improvements in equipment, guest appearances, and future plans for season two

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20:01

Episode 24.1: the b-side of Superpowers

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2024/12/18

In this mini Episode 24.1, the B side, Joe, Nick, and Georgia recap their experience at the Midwest Lit Fest hosted at Thornton's Distillery. Superpower-themed discussions continue with guest observations on desired abilities, ranging from flight and teleportation to unique and humorous choices like extreme flatuence. The episode also features various authors and vendors introducing their works, including books and tabletop role-playing games. Listener questions about cyborg superpowers and future

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65:01

Episode 24: Exploring Awesome Superpowers: which is...

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2024/12/11

In this episode of the Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by guest Bill Halliar, a storyboard artist and creature designer, in an engaging discussion about Superpowers—defining them, exploring their plausibility, and discussing their origins and implications in both fictional and real-world contexts. The conversation touches on characters from popular Marvel and DC comics, the caloric requirements of superpowers, and the ethical and environmental impacts. They also dive

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14:01

Episode 23.1: the b-side of Shrinking

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2024/12/04

IIn this mini-episode of Rabbit Hole of Research we dive back into the concept of shrinking. We touch on shows like Dragon Tales and discuss the enormous energy requirements for shrinking, equating them to trillions of Big Macs, or metric tons of plutonium. Additional discussions include the science behind Pym Particles, the cultural fascination with miniatures, theoretical energy sources like antimatter and zero-point energy, and the practicality of shrinking technology.Don’t forget to Subscribe,

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37:00

Episode 23: The Science and Handwavium of Shrinking

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2024/11/27

In this episode of the Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia dig into the concept of shrinking in both real life and fiction. They explore the phenomenon of shrinkage due to cold, as seen in popular culture, and discuss fictional portrayals of shrinking in movies like Ant-Man, The Incredible Shrinking Woman, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. They examine the scientific plausibility of shrinking objects or people, referencing various scientific principles and fictional technologies

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16:00

Episode 22.1: the b-side of the Multiverse

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2024/11/20

In this mini-episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Georgia, and Nick dive back into the topic of the multiverse, addressing feedback from their previous discussion. They clarify Marvel’s Spiders-Man comic and discuss Ken Page, the voice actor of Oogie Boogie in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. The team highlights recent recommendations and related content, including 'Two Distant Strangers', 'The Rehearsal', and 'Apocalypse Z'. They also explore philosophical and scientific questions about the

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77:00

Episode 22: Exploring the Multiverse: Theories, Pop...

Rabbit Hole of Research ·

2024/11/13

In this episode of the Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, Georgia, and guest Mary Schons, delve into the fascinating topic of the multiverse. The multiverse concept is examined through the lens of literature, film, and theoretical physics. The discussion covers key movies, books, and shows like 'Everything Everywhere All At Once,' 'Dark Matter,' 'Into the Spider-Verse,' and more. They also touch on historical multiverse narratives in mythology and religion and discuss how the multiverse

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