Recorded live at Reed’s Local in Avondale, Chicago, this episode of Rabbit Hole of Research finds hosts Joe, Nick, and Georgia joined by Jesse and Alana from Slasher Sauces—a boutique hot sauce brand—and Melissa, co-owner of Reed’s Local. Together they carve into the slasher film genre, tracing its bloodline from early cinematic roots to modern reinventions. The crew explores the psychology of fear, predator–prey instincts, and the science behind why we love to be scared. They wander through the genre’s evolution—from cult classics to global influences and tech-age terror—while swapping favorite slashers and horror stories over drinks and heat. Equal parts film theory, folklore, and fiery humor, this episode celebrates how slashers slice through culture, science, and spice alike.

Links from Reed’s and Slasher Sauces

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

Joe 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.

Georgia:

Printmaking Class at Promise You ArtHouse on November 11th. Click here for Details or scan the QR code in image to register!

It’s Science for Weirdos

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We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):

Which slasher still stalks your dreams?

What was your favorite slasher kill?

Who is your favorite Final Girl or Boy?

What’s your favorite slasher movie/book?

Future Episodes & Events

Episode 47 – Who Goes There? The Thing and The Shape of Paranoia

Guests: Todd Thyberg (Angel Bomb) and Bill Halliar

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

Episode 48 – Perception vs. Perspective

Guest: Katie Lichte-Mullenix

Is your brain lying to you? An exploration of perception, illusion, and how the mind constructs reality.

Episode 49 – The Heart of a Superhero

Guest: Rengasayee (Sai) Veeraraghavan

We crack open the anatomy of heroism—how courage, biology, and myth shape our modern superheroes.

Episode 50 – Gremlins and Holiday Science

Guest: Chris Guzman

A festive foray into chaos theory, creature features, and the secret science behind cinematic holiday mayhem.

Episode 51 – Season 2 Recap: PJs and Holiday Movies

Guests: Whoever wants to celebrate two great seasons!

Grab your pajamas and join the crew as we toast two seasons of curiosity, chaos, and cinematic science—plus a sneak peek at what’s coming in Season 3.

Events:

Joe will be reading with 5 other story tellers at the Printer’s Row Wine Shop and Bar on November 1st.

2pm-4pm

Joe will be reading with other story tellers at the Experimental Station in Hyde Park on November 1st.

5:30-8pm

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