45.1: Ghosts Revisited

In this mini recap of Episode 45: Ghosts and Graveyards, we return to Chicago’s Horror House with Moses and Vinny to revisit a conversation that wandered through haunted spaces, spectral science, and the psychology of belief. We unpack the weird intersections of folklore and neuroscience—from sleep paralysis and sleepwalking killers to crows that teach each other faces and the surprising genetics we share with bananas.Along the way, we revisit our favorite ghost stories and friendly spirits—Casper and Gus, Poltergeist and Event Horizon—and add fresh notes on epigenetics, inherited memory, and why cats might just see what we can’t. It’s a cozy, curious séance of an episode: part fact-check, part ghost story, and part love letter to the strange science of what haunts us.Links for Horror HouseHORROR HOUSE WEBSITEHORROR HOUSE EVENTS ON FACEBOOKCONNECT WITH HORROR HOUSE ON INSTAGRAMCheck out what the RHR crew is creating:Joe:Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!Chicago Writers Association Podcast: Talkin’ Science Fiction with Joe Austin: Part 1Talkin’ Science Fiction with Joe Austin: Part 2Essay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in FictionJoe 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.Georgia:Printmaking Class at Promise You ArtHouse on November 11th. Click here for DetailsIt’s science for WeirdosWant 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!Upcoming EpisodesEpisode 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