EP 34: What's in That Rain?

In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by novelist Christopher Hawkins to discuss the concept of dangerous rain. They delve into various types, both real and fictional, such as acid rain, radioactive rain, microplastic rain, and flesh-eating rain. Christopher talks about his novel 'Downpour,' which features a strange and destructive rain, as well as his upcoming book 'I Contain Multitudes.' The group also explores historical accounts of dangerous rains and their impacts, discussing ways to survive such phenomena. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the unpredictable power of nature.Learn more about Christopher HawkinsChristopher’s Books discussed on episode:Downpour: Chicago Book of The Year WinnerI Contain Multitudes: New BookWant 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 or exciting updates.We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):If you had to survive a world where rain could melt metal, what would your first move be — build a shelter, go underground, or something completely different?If you could invent a fictional type of dangerous rain (like mind-control rain, lava rain, etc.), what would it be — and how would it change the world? Would you rather face 30 days of acid rain… or 30 days of mysterious “red rain” without knowing what’s inside it?Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!Episode Cover Art by X. AustinShow Notes & ReferencesThe Last Bookstore on EarthM. P. Shiel: Purple Cloud (1901)Prince: Purple RainTina Turner: I Can’t Stand the RainDavid Lynch uses water hoses to explain rain in Lost Highway scene reshootRadiation poisoning info: Potassium Iodide (KI)Episode Highlights:00:39 Exploring Dangerous RainsThe team defines dangerous rains as any precipitation that threatens life, structures, or ecosystems.01:27 Real vs. Fictional Dangerous RainsThey break dangerous rain into real (acid rain, radioactive rain) and fictional (alien, flesh-eating rain) categories.03:17 The Impact of Dangerous RainsDiscussion on how dangerous rains devastate ecosystems, human health, and infrastructure over time.05:20 Surviving Dangerous RainsSurvival strategies are debated, including underground shelters, acid-proof cities, and extreme protective gear.09:40 The Science Behind Dangerous RainsScience behind acid rain, waterborne disease transmission, microplastics, and contaminated rainfall is explained.21:42 Storms and Human FascinationConversation about why humans are fascinated with destructive storms despite the obvious dangers.25:41 Acid Snow and PathogensTheoretical discussion: if rain can carry acids or diseases, could snow carry them too?27:21 Weaponizing WeatherHistorical and fictional ideas about using rain or weather for military purposes are explored.27:53 Radioactive Rain and MutationsThe team discusses radioactive black rain and how it can cause ecosystem mutations and long-term genetic effects.30:47 Antibiotic ResistanceJoe explains how environmental stress from pollution or contaminated rain drives bacterial evolution and resistance.32:02 Historical and Fictional RainsReal cases like blood rain and meat rain are compared to legendary and biblical weather events.42:10 Rain in Movies and MediaIconic uses of rain in film and fiction (Blade Runner, The Mist, Lost Highway) are discussed.45:09 Upcoming Book: I Contain MultitudesChristopher teases his new novel about a woman trapped in shifting realities after each sleep cycle. I Contain Multitudes47:25 Closing Remarks and Social Media PlugsFinal thoughts on the fear and fascination of rain, plus guest and podcast social media links shared.Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVSubscribe and Share our Substack newsletter to get email updates, never miss an episode, and spread the word!! Don’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe