EP 44: Lake Michigan, Life, Mermaids, and Everything in Between

In this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by writer Maud Lavin to discuss her first novel, 'Mermaids and Lazy Activists.' The novel centers around the magic and environmental significance of Lake Michigan, exploring themes of climate anxiety, feminist resistance, and local ecology through the experiences of a mermaid and her human friend. Maud delves into her inspiration for the novel, her love for Lake Michigan, and her efforts to infuse humor into environmental activism. The episode also touches on various scientific aspects of water, pollution, and the mythical lore of freshwater mermaids, while highlighting the importance of environmental consciousness and the joy of preserving natural resources.Links for Maud LavinBook: Mermaids and Lazy Activists: A Lake Michigan TaleMaud’s Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maud_LavinEvent: Seminary Co-op Bookstore – Hyde Park, Chicago, ILWednesday, October 29, 2025 – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PMNonprofit: FLOW (For Love of Water)Maud Lavin’s Books mentioned in episodeSwim Lessons, poetry (Tulipwood Books)Mermaids and Lazy Activists: A Lake Michigan Tales, novel (From Beyond Press)Check out what the RHR crew is creating:Joe:Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!Essay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in FictionChicago Writers Association Podcast: Talkin’ Science Fiction with Joe AustinIt’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 felt overwhelmed by environmental issues—and responded with humor, art, or satire? Tell us about your version of “lazy activism.”What mythological or pop culture figure do you associate with water? (Mermaids? Swamp Thing? Aquaman? Something unexpected?)What’s your favorite lake, river, or body of water—and how has it shaped your relationship with nature?Share a story, memory, or photo.If water had memory, what would it remember about you? Speculative answers encouraged.Future Episodes & EventsEpisode 45 – Ghosts/Graveyard (Recorded at the Horror House, Avondale, Chicago)Guests: Moses and Vinny (Co-owners of Horror House, Avondale, Chicago)The team explores hauntings, graveyard aesthetics, and the sociocultural afterlife of ghost stories.Episode 46 – Slashers (Recorded at Reed’s Local, Avondale, Chicago)Guests: Jesse Andrus (Slasher Sauces) and Melissa (Co-owner of Reed’s)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 (Angel Bomb) 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 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