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So, What is this Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast?
Hello there, welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast. Our goal is to have fun learning science through the lens of science fiction and fantasy.
It’s like listening to a panel at your favorite Comic Con, where we will start in one place and let the conversation lead us down the winding scenic road exploring science, fantasy, horror, and pop-culture. 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 join the lively conversation exploring the quirky science in fiction.
We are Jotham (Joe) Austin, II, a research scientist and author; Nick Elizalde, roaster of the coffee bean, entrepreneur and pop culture guru; Georgia Geis (@atomic_number14), librarian, storyteller, and print maker, and Mary Schons (Librarian).
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 76th episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, from the Basement Studio, Joe and Nick are joined by Alex Hanes of the YouTube channel Hanes for Heroes (@Hanes4Heros) for the conclusion of their three-part Spider-Man villain series, and this one gets personal. Bring some tissues!
The crew digs into what it actually means to be a hero/villain, neurologically, philosophically, and biologically. They explore moral injury and the difference between guilt and shame. Why Spider-Sense might be anxiety on overdrive, and how Peter’s pattern of seeking father figures keeps leading him straight to his greatest enemies, and the crew speculates on what might be coming with Dr. Doom in the MCU.
They debate whether Spider-Man could ever cross the line into villainy, examine Venom and Carnage as the darkest possible mirrors of Peter Parker, and ponder the question Alan Moore spent his career answering: would unchecked power produce heroes?
Plus Joe wows the crew with the science of spider silk, spider-goat milk, and how many calories it would actually take to be Spider-Man. The crew ends discussing which version of Spidey walks out of a cage match.
Check out Alex’s Youtube Chanel: @Hanes4Heroes
Jim and Georgia’s Touch of Noir 2027 Wall Calendar —
12 months of all-original art by Jim and Georgia; orders open now, with mailing expected in September
It’s Science for Weirdos
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We discussed these questions on the episode and now want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
If you woke up tomorrow with Spider-Man’s powers, what would you actually do: hero, villain, or something in between?
Peter Parker is one bad day away from most of his villains. Do you buy that, or is there something in his character that would always pull him back?
Who is your favorite Spider-Man villain, and what does that say about what you find most compelling in a good antagonist?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes.
Future Episodes
Episode 78 – Briar East Woods – Urban Deforestation
Guest: Anne Sedlacek
Episode 80: Magic: the Power and Cost of Magic Systems
Guest: B.L.Mostyn
Episode 82: Climate Change and Data Centers
Guest: David Pincus, PhD
Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-Appearances
Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton
RHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben Tanzer
Events & Conventions to hang with the Crew:
Events & Conventions:
Dragon Con – Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) – Joe attending as Professional
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