Is Your Brain Lying to You?

In this mini recap of Episode 48, Nick, Georgia, and Joe reflect on the themes of perception and perspective that shaped their conversation with Katie from the DC Punk Archive. They revisit how shifting realities, sensory limits, and narrative framing influence what we believe is true. They discuss the listener-suggested film, Inception, and its infamous spinning top. The discussion turns toward real-world implications, from the disorienting landscapes of Alzheimer’s and dementia to the tension between truth and comfort when someone’s perception no longer aligns with shared reality.Drawing inspiration from the Creative Pep Talk podcast, the crew unpacks the difference between distress and eustress, exploring how mindset and framing can turn pressure into motivation or overwhelm. They also connect these ideas to scientific research, where breakthroughs often come from shifting vantage points or letting non-experts ask unexpected questions. The episode wraps with each host sharing the movies, books, shows, and games they’ve been consuming. From alien-invasion dramas and Stephen King to classic video games.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 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.It’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 49 – The Heart of a SuperheroGuest: Rengasayee (Sai) VeeraraghavanWe crack open the anatomy of heroism—how courage, biology, and myth shape our modern superheroes.Episode 50 – Gremlins and Holiday ScienceGuest: Chris GuzmanA festive foray into chaos theory, creature features, and the secret science behind cinematic holiday mayhem.Episode 51 – Season 2 Recap: PJs and Holiday MoviesGuests: ???Grab your pajamas and join the crew as we toast two seasons of curiosity, chaos, and science—plus a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 3.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