Medicine of the Future: From Fantasy to Patient Care

In the 56th episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, and Georgia are joined by Davis Ashura, endocrinologist, epic fantasy author, and creator of the Anchored Worlds universe, to explore where magical healing meets medical reality. Davis brings a unique dual perspective: treating chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension by day, and writing epic fantasy with detailed healing systems by night.The conversation starts with the real world complexities of healing and recovery. Davis explains how pain, and the anticipation of pain can end an athlete’s career, and why true healing requires mental recovery, not just physical repair. Davis also shares how he weaves medical realism into fantasy, making injuries feel consequential even when magic accelerates healing, and why he chose an esoteric diseases like hyperthyroidism in his Anchored Worlds books.They explore cutting edge modern medicine, from organ cloning, the rise of personalized cancer therapy, and the GLP-1 revolution. The crew tackles the ethics of healthcare access, insurance barriers, why pharmaceutical research lags in funding behind nutrition science, and whether your best health really does start in your kitchen.They dig into AI’s role in drug discovery, personalized medicine tailored to individual patients, and debate whether future healthcare becomes more expensive and limited or scalable and more accessible.Along the way, they go down rabbit holes of video game healing mechanics, Grand Theft Auto parenting stories, DragonCon Nicholas Cage cosplay, and ancient Egyptian diabetes hieroglyphs.Where to Find Davis Ashura:Website: davisashura.comThe Anchored Worlds UniverseAudiobooks narrated by: Nick Podehl and Travis BaldreeCheck out what the RHR crew is creatingJoe:Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!Joe’s Sci-fi physiological thriller Novel: Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else?Essay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in FictionIt’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):1) If you could design a personalized medicine just for you, what would it cure or enhance?2) Would you trust AI to design your personalized treatment plan, or would you want a human doctor to make the final call?3) Davis says your best health starts in your kitchen, not your doctor’s office. What’s one food or habit you know you should change but haven’t?Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes.Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-AppearancesJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonEvents & Conventions:5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 12-5pm)Creative Arts Summit - DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd, 2026ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29–31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as GuestShore Leave 46 - Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention CenterDragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as ProfessionalFor 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