Who Turned Off the Lights?

In this mini recap of Episode 55: Directed Energy Weapons, the RHR crew recaps their conversation with guest Bruce Landay about the science (and Handwavium) behind energy weapons.They break down natural EMP events: lightning, meteoric, and coronal mass ejections that could knock out power grids, how Faraday cages protect airplanes from electromagnetic interference, why the El Paso laser incident forced the FAA to shut down airspace, and how hypersonic missiles can maneuver and change targets mid-flight.They discuss a listener’s comments about DIY directed energy weapons, a laser system that kills 30 mosquitoes per second, the 49ers’ EMF injury conspiracy theory, and a researcher who tested Havana Syndrome microwaves on himself (it didn’t go well).In a brand-new segment, Nick highlights recent FDA breakthroughs: a wearable device for pancreatic cancer using low-intensity electrical fields (basically a wearable EMP), and an inhalable gene therapy mist for lung cancer.Joe announces he’ll be at the Local Author Palooza on March 21st at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield, IL, and Georgia plugs the upcoming Slay the Lake event in Kenosha on April 18th (featuring a future RHR guest; Phrique).Plus what media the crew has been digging: Joe’s reading Seanan McGuire’s Through Gates of Garnet and Gold, watching Wu-Tang: American Saga, Shrinking, and Beast Games. Nick marathoned Limetown and The Faceless Old Woman Who Secretly Lives In Your House, plus Brandon Fraser’s Rental Family. Georgia’s devouring Rachel Harrison’s Cackle and listening to Welcome to Night Vale’s and anxiously waiting for Don’t Tell Alice the upcoming podcast sequel to Alice isn’t Dead.Where to find Bruce Landay:Author WebsiteSubstack column – Future Trends and Science Fiction:Electromagnetic Assault goes on sale April 7th. Pre-Order Electromagnetic Assault on AmazonElectromagnetic Assault DescriptionCheck out what the RHR crew is creating:Joe: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 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.Podcast Cross-AppearancesRHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben TanzerJoe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe ComptonEvents & Conventions:Creative Arts Summit: DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd 2026ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29 – May 31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as GuestDragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as ProfessionalUpcoming EpisodesEpisode 56 – Medicine of the Future: From Fantasy to Patient CareGuest: Davis AshuraExploring how science fiction inspires real medical innovation and what the future of patient care might look like.Episode 57 – The Science of Chatbots & Human ConnectionGuests: Lily & GenerosoDiving into AI communication, computational science, and how chatbots are reshaping human interaction with MIT scientist-turned-writer Lily and illustrator/filmmaker Generoso.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!Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Author palooza by New Book Joy at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield ILMarch 21st 1-5pmCreative Arts Summit: DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd 2026ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29 – May 31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as GuestDragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as ProfessionalStay 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