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 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>
April 9, 2025
<p>In Episode 32: Unveiling the Mysteries of Godzilla, Joe, Nick, and guest Natalie dive deep into the origins, evolution, and cultural legacy of Godzilla and the Kaiju genre. From post-war allegories and scientific absurdities to Hanna-Barbera cartoons and biomechanical speculation, the episode unpacks why Godzilla remains cinema’s most enduring monster. In this mini recap, the crew revisits the weirdest and wildest bits—from calorie counts to would you rather go up against one Godzilla sized rat or 100 rat sized-Godzillas—and why Kaiju movies are more than just destruction porn. </p><p>🎧 Listen to the full episode: <a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/p/ep-32-unveiling-the-mysteries-of">Ep 32 – Unveiling the Mysteries of Godzilla</a></p><p>🍕 Check out Natalie’s pizza tours: <a target="_blank" href="https://pizzacityusa.com/">Pizza City USA</a></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>Episode <a target="_blank" href="https://lainajoyart.com">Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.com</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Shownotes: </strong></p><p><strong>Links, Resources, and Topics Mentioned in mini and/or full episode:</strong></p><p>1. <strong>How many Big Macs—or whales—would it take to feed Godzilla?</strong></p><p>2. <strong>Could Godzilla actually walk, run, or swim like it does in the films?</strong></p><p>3. <strong>What’s up with Godzilla’s pronouns and offspring—how does reproduction even work?</strong></p><p>4. <strong>Is Godzilla more metaphor than monster?</strong></p><p>5. <strong>What are some of your favorite cheesy Godzilla movie moments</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Science & Fiction Connections:</strong></p><p>1. <strong>The Square-Cube Law vs. Giant Monsters:</strong></p><p>2. <strong>Radiation as a Life Source:</strong></p><p>3. <strong>Are Blue whales the</strong> <strong>Real-World Kaiju?</strong></p><p>4. <strong>Post-War Trauma in Pop Culture:</strong></p><p>5. <strong>Biomechanical Logic of Kaiju</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Future Episodes & Events:</strong></p><p>•Next Episode: Dr. Who!</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>•Joe’s short story will be a part of the <a target="_blank" href="https://frombeyondpress.com/books/red-line-chicago-horror-stories/">Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories</a></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 2, 2025
<p>In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe and Nick, along with special guest Natalie, dive deep into the world of Godzilla and the Kaiju genre. Natalie, a self-proclaimed superfan, shares her knowledge and passion for Godzilla, discussing its origins, cultural significance, and evolution in cinema. The discussion covers Kaiju as a genre, allegorical themes in monster films, and Godzilla's impact across various media. They also explore Godzilla's biology, cinematic history, and international influence.</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 (</strong><a target="_blank" href="https://jothamaustin.substack.com/publish/post/%%half_magic_comments_url%%">Leave a Comment</a><strong>):</strong></p><p><strong>If you could genetically engineer your own Kaiju, what abilities would it have and why?</strong></p><p><strong>Would you rather face one Godzilla-sized rat or 100 rat-sized Godzillas?</strong></p><p><strong>If Godzilla had a favorite pizza topping, what would it be?</strong> (Bonus: Ask Natalie on her Pizza City tour, since she’s a pizza expert!)</p><p><strong>How long do you think you’d survive in a Godzilla-style apocalypse?</strong></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>Total runtime for all Godzilla movies is <strong>4,059 minutes (~67 hours or ~2.82 days).</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://pizzacityusa.com/"><strong>Pizza City USA</strong></a> (Natalie’s pizza tours in Chicago)</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20241112-why-godzilla-is-the-darkest-monster-movie-of-them-all?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us"><strong>Godzilla is the darkest monster movie</strong></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>00:00 - <strong>Welcome to Rabbit Hole of Research</strong>00:18 - <strong>Meet the Godzilla Super Fan</strong>00:58 - <strong>Defining Kaiju and Its Origins</strong> (Kaiju translates to "strange beast" and refers to giant monsters in Japanese cinema and pop culture.)04:36 - <strong>Godzilla: A Metaphor for Post-War Trauma</strong> (Godzilla as a response to Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll.)06:57 - <strong>The Controversy and Influence of Godzilla</strong> (Ray Harryhausen claimed Godzilla was a ripoff of The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms.)08:28 - <strong>Bikini Atoll and Nuclear Testing</strong> (Lucky Dragon No. 5 incident and its influence on Godzilla's creation.)17:38 - <strong>Godzilla's Biology and Mechanics</strong> (How Godzilla might function biologically, from radiation absorption to locomotion.)26:50 - <strong>Godzilla's Pronouns and Reproduction</strong> (Originally gender-neutral, later depicted as male, and possible asexual reproduction in some films.)29:01 - <strong>Exploring the Ecosystem of Giant Monsters</strong> (What does Godzilla eat? Could it have been a mutated whale?)29:41 - <strong>Attack on Titan and Other Japanese Influences</strong> (How Attack on Titan fits into the Kaiju genre.)30:26 - <strong>Pacific Rim and Other Giant Monster Films</strong> (The legacy of Kaiju in modern cinema.)31:51 - <strong>Historical Context of Giant Monsters</strong> (King Kong, The Lost World, and the evolution of the genre.)33:30 - <strong>Godzilla's Evolution in Cinema</strong> (From an apocalyptic force to a protector of Earth.)34:48 - <strong>The Role of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces</strong> (How post-war Japan's military restrictions influenced Godzilla films.)38:49 - <strong>The Many Eras of Godzilla Films</strong> (Showa, Heisei, Millennium, Reiwa, and Legendary's MonsterVerse.)43:50 - <strong>Godzilla in American Media</strong> (From Godzilla 1998 to Godzilla Minus One.)44:28 - <strong>Hanna-Barbera's Godzilla Cartoon</strong> (The 1978 animated Godzilla series featuring Godzuki.)50:20 - <strong>Speculations on Oceanic Monsters</strong> (Could there be undiscovered apex predators in the deep ocean?)51:56 - <strong>Concluding Thoughts and Farewell</strong></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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