43.1: The mini recap: Swarms

In mini episode 43.1 of Rabbit Hole of Research, the team gathers in the Basement Studio to reflect on Episode 43: Swarms, featuring researcher Josh Fisher. From biblical locusts to Hitchcock’s The Birds, the crew revisits some of the most captivating—and creepy—moments from the full episode.Listener Alex’s questions spark new discussion on pop culture swarms, biblical ants, and the ethics of swarm-sized DragonCon crowds. Georgia returns with fresh takes on giant cinematic ticks and shawarma preferences, while Nick questions whether he actually witnessed a real-life dragonfly swarm—or hallucinated it entirely.The conversation drifts into media the crew has been digesting, video game Hollow Knight: Silksong, balancing horror movies with Gilmore Girls decompression. Other pop culture cameos include The Frogs, Batman, Home Alone 2, and HighTown, plus book recommendations like The End of the World As We Know It, set in Stephen King’s The Stand universe.Also Check out: “Specific Knowledge: Transformation” at From Beyond PressRead HereJoe explores how many calories it would take to transform into monsters across sci-fi and horror—think 222 Big Macs and tubs of Cherry Garcia.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. And to see all the content (studio images and artwork) subscribe to the Rabbit Hole of Research newsletter!Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!Future Events:Reading Event November 1st at Printer’s Row Wine. More details coming soon.Upcoming EpisodesEpisode 44 – “H20MG: Lake Michigan, Life, and Everything in Between”Guest: Maud LavinDive into the science, stories, and cultural mythology surrounding Lake Michigan. Expect currents of ecological history, shipwrecks, and shoreline social commentary.Episode 45 – Ghosts/Graveyard (Recorded in the Horror House, Avondale, Chicago)Guests: Moses and Vinny (Co-owners of Horror House)The team explores hauntings, graveyard aesthetics, and the sociocultural afterlife of ghost stories. Nick will be testing out a Ouija board during the episode—we’ll see what answers come through.Episode 46 – Slashers (Recorded at Reeds Local, Avondale, Chicago)Guests: Jesse Andrus (Slasher Sauces) and Melissa (Co-owner of Reeds)Blades and booze collide as the crew unpacks the legacy of slasher films—from 80s VHS carnage to modern horror meta-commentary—live from a local bar with some spicy hot sauce.Episode 47 – Who Goes There? The Thing and The Shape of ParanoiaGuests: Todd Thyberg and Bill HalliarA deep-dive into the horror of isolation, distrust, and shapeshifting terror through the lens of The Thing. Expect philosophical chills.For more episode stuff (images, show notes, links, and more science for weirdos) visit and subscribe to our Substack newsletter and never miss out on the extra fun! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe