In this mini recap of Episode 44: Lake Michigan, Life, Mermaids, and Everything in Between, we reflect on our conversation with guest Maud Lavin, author of Mermaids and Lazy Activists. We dive back into the waters of Lake Michigan to revisit a tale of eco-mythical mermaids, climate anxiety, and feminist satire—with humor, awe, and a lot of water love.

From speculative biology and freshwater mermaid lore to solar punk optimism and kinky bifurcated tails, we paddle through highlights and side tangents, including Pixar’s Luca, Ro Salarian’s adult aquatic comics, and the joys of lazy Sundays near Lake Michigan. We also shout out community events like CAKE (Chicago Alternative Comics Expo), spotlight other podcasts we’re loving, and celebrate crossing 10,000 downloads!

Links for Maud Lavin

Event: Seminary Co-op Bookstore – Hyde Park, Chicago, IL

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Nonprofit: FLOW (For Love of Water)

Swim 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!

Chicago Writers Association Podcast: Talkin’ Science Fiction with Joe Austin

Essay by Joe: From Beyond Press: Specific Knowledge: Jotham Austin, II, PhD on Transformations in Fiction

It’s science for Weirdos

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Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y'all!

Upcoming Episodes

Episode 45 – Ghosts/Graveyard (Recorded in the Horror House, Avondale, Chicago)

Guests: Moses and Vinny (Co-owners of Horror House)

The team explores hauntings, graveyard aesthetics, and the sociocultural afterlife of ghost stories.

Episode 46 – Slashers (Recorded at Reeds Local, Avondale, Chicago)

Guests: Jesse Andrus (Slasher Sauces) and Melissa (Co-owner of Reeds)

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 Paranoia

Guests: Todd Thyberg and Bill Halliar

A deep-dive into the horror of isolation, distrust, and shapeshifting terror through the lens of The Thing. Expect philosophical chills.

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