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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 Episode 80 of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, Georgia, and Mary welcome author B.L. Mostyn (Heroes of Another Age) to the Basement Studio to discuss the costs of magical systems.
We discuss the physics, biology, politics, and ecology behind magic systems, fantastical creatures, and the power structures that sustain them. We ask the questions worldbuilders sometimes skip: How does your magical system really work (is it consistent), how many Big Macs to make fire balls and shape shift, and who’s controlling access and should they?
Special Note:The episode is being released during a rough week in NWI and Chicagoland, and the show notes may be shorter than normal. On August 11th, tornadoes and a derecho tore through the area causing major damage. At the Basement Studio: two maple trees were ripped out of the ground in the front parkway, and the cottonwood’s canopy in the back garden was shredded (luckily everything missed the house) but we did lose power.
As of this episode’s release, the power is still out: latest restoration estimates is between tomorrow and the end of August. The Rabbit Hole family is safe. We appreciate your check-ins, patience and your support, and will keep you updated. Stay safe, stay curious, and we love y’all!
Nick, Georgia, and Joe
Check out more from B.L. Mostyn:
website: blmostyn.com
newsletter signup: blmostyn.com/newsletter-signup
Heroes of Another Age — Amazon link: a.co/d/0323LFhh (paperback, audiobook & kindle)
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
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. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode, exciting updates or the bonus images we talk about on the episodes.
We discussed these questions on the episode and now want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
If you could have one magical power, what would it be, and what would you be willing to pay for it?
Hard magic or soft magic (Hard: systems with strict rules and consequences, or Soft: a little extra splash of Handwavium in your magic?
What’s your favorite magic system or creature?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes.
Future Episodes
Episode 82: Climate Change and Data Centers
Guest: David Pincus, PhD
Episode 84: ET
Guest: Chris Guzman (@theboxinggloveartist)
Episode 86: Disability in Horror
Guest: Grace Daly (Bram Stoker nominee)
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
Joe will be reading on Zoom: Words // Friends Aug 26th @7pm CST / 8pm EST
Register for free zoom link here: http://tinyurl.com/wordsfriendsummer
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