EP 43: Animal Swarms

In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, we’re joined by researcher Josh Fisher to explore the captivating, creepy, and sometimes comical world of animal swarms. From biblical plagues and Hitchcock’s The Birds to surprisingly vindictive crows, we dive deep into the science, psychology, and symbolism behind swarming behavior. We look at how swarms have appeared across history, religion, fiction, and film, uncovering the patterns that unite everything from buzzing bees to coordinated chaos in horror cinema. It’s a mix of science, storytelling, and a touch of speculation, all flying at you in this episode’s swirling dive into the natural world.And don’t forget to Order: Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!The Scientist Article Featuring Joe: How Speculative Fiction Expands Scientific HorizonsIt’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. 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 want to Hear From You (leave a comment):Have you ever had a run-in with a swarm—whether birds, bees, ants, or even crowds of people?What’s your favorite fictional depiction of a swarm from books, movies, or gamesDid this episode change how you think about animal group behavior?Are you afraid of a goose on the loose?Future Episodes & EventsEpisodes:EP44: H20MG: Lake Michigan, Life, and Everything in BetweenReleases September 17Cultural critic and writer Maud Lavin joins us to explore Lake Michigan as biome, metaphor, and muse. We dive into the intersections of ecology, identity, politics, memory, and myth.EP45-47: Three exciting episodes planned for our October month of Horror!Events:Nothing Scheduled.For more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter!For more stuff (Images, Episode Highlights, Notes and Fun Facts, events, etc), subscribe to our Substack newsletter!Join Rabbit Hole of Research on Discord: https://discord.gg/2nnmKgguFVDon’t forget to give us 5 stars or a like! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe