The Mini: Living Underground

In Episode 65: “The Mini,” Joe, Nick, and Georgia recap Episode 64: Living Underground: Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial and still talking about their excitement for the Artemis II mission, which successfully flew around the Moon and back, with only a minor toilet malfunction along the way. They preview the upcoming planetary defense episode with guest Charles Blue, and break down what comes next in the Artemis program on the road back to the Moon.Joe talks about the Catacombs of Paris, where a major renovation effort is modernizing one of the world’s most macabre tourist destinations, and the crew discusses lava tubes, moonquakes, and Georgia wonders what an atmosphere even is.In Science Holes (the name of the current science research), Joe dives into a Stanford discovery that is challenging the foundations of molecular biology, a newly discovered bacterial defense system that breaks one of biology’s most fundamental rules. The crew connects it to CRISPR, bacteriophages, and Georgia has questions about gene editing approaches to treating sickle cell disease.The crew closes out with what media they been consuming: For All Mankind season five, Daredevil: Born Again season two, Widow's Bay, Spaceballs, Community, the video game Phasmophobia, Free Comic Book Day at 10th Planet Comics, and books including Strange Animals, Strange Buildings, The Art Cure, Havana Hangover, and Absolution by Jeff VanderMeer. And Joe celebrates being named by the Guild Literary Complex as one of the 35 Writers to Watch!The crew will be at the 5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 12-5pm)Joe will be one of 4 authors opening for a Blues Band: Avondalia Night Out - Rosa’s Lounge in Avondale, Chicago IL (May 14th 2026 7-8pm)- Joe readingCheck out what the RHR crew is creating:Joe:Named by the Guild Literary Complex as one of the 35 Writers to Watch!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 FictionFuture Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-AppearancesJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonThe RHR crew on Ben Tanzer's This podcast will change your life: episode three hundred seventy-nineEvents & Conventions:5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 12-5pm)Avondalia Night Out - Rosa’s Lounge in Avondale, Chicago IL (May 14th 2026 7-8pm)- Joe readingCreative 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 ProfessionalUpcoming Episodes*The Mini will now be every other episode!Episode 66 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly ImpactGuest: Charles BlueEpisode 68 - Hive Mind: PlubrisGuest: Wes Thorn (returning guest — Simulation Hypothesis episode)Three Part Spider-Man Series to get ready for the new MCU Spider-Man: Brand New DayEpisode 70 – Spider-Man Villain Series 1: Lab SafetyGuest: Tera Lavoie, PhDEpisode 72 – Spider-Man Villain Series 2: Scorpion and the Other ChimerasGuest: Erin C. AnthonyEpisode 74 – Spider-Man Villain Series 3: What His Villains Reveal About HimGuest: To Be AnnouncedIt’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! Get full access to The Rabbit Hole of Research at jothamaustin.substack.com/subscribe