In the 62nd episode of Rabbit Hole of Research, Joe, Nick, and Georgia welcome splatterpunk author Phrique to the Basement Studio to dig into one of horror’s most primal questions: what separates a debilitating phobia from a Tuesday night movie with friends?
Starting with the ancient alarm system wired into every human brain, the crew explores the neuroscience of fear’s two pathways; the lightning-fast response that bypasses conscious thought entirely, and the slower response that keeps you in your seat when the monster appears. From there the conversation spirals into why disgust and fear are more deeply entangled than most people realize, how the brain’s prediction engine works to build suspense, and why humor isn’t just a break from the tension, it’s a way to reset the fear dial.
Phrique breaks down the difference between extreme horror and splatterpunk, shares the political allegory and queer subtext running through his work, and explains why, no matter how hard he tries to write something purely for shock value, a moral always finds its way in. The crew also tackles the uncanny valley of flesh, the Cronenberg principle of gradual bodily transformation, the crew’s personal phobias, and why enjoying horror might actually be good for you.
Plus a stack of recommendations across film, books, video games (check the newsletter), and a spotlight on the Slay the Lake LGBTQ+ Horror Book Fest at The Final Girl Bar in Kenosha on April 18th.
Where to Find Phrique:
All things Phrique: https://linktr.ee/phrique
Phrique writes phoolery, not at all plain & far from simple. For legal reasons, he only writes what the voices tell him to. He willfully abuses alliteration & injects innuendo where it ought not be, with the intent to make the reader giggle, gasp, and gag at his gaiety. He wants you to laugh at things you shouldn’t, so he’s not the only one being stared at.
Phrique’s books: Gig of the Damned, Scissor Me Timbers, Curse Me By Your Name, Rearranged Guts, In The Club We Are All Monsters
Slay the Lake
LGBTQ+ Horror Book Fest The Final Girl Bar | Kenosha, WI Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 3PM–8PM | 18+ Event Ticketed early entry $15 (2PM–3PM) includes tote bag, blind date with a book, and early access. 10% of early entry sales go to the Transgender Law Center. Tickets: slaythelake.com
The event is also collecting book donations for LGBT Books to Prisoners — a trans-affirming, racial justice-focused, prison abolitionist project sending books to incarcerated LGBTQ+ people across the US. Check lgbtbookstoprisoners.org for their current needs list and bring donations to the event.
Check 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 story by Joe!
Joe’s Sci-fi physiological thriller Novel: Will You Still Love Me If I Become Someone Else?
Joe’s Rom-Com Novella: Tomorrow May Be Too Late
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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We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
1) Fear without control is a phobia. Fear with control is entertainment. But where is YOUR line? Is there a horror movie, book, or game that pushed you past it?
2) The crew shares their personal phobias; crowds, deep water, beaches, hobos, and clowns made the list. What’s yours, and did a horror movie give it to you or did you already have it?
3) Phrique, Joe, Nick, and Georgia all have a soft spot for practical effects and the gritty texture of 70s and 80s horror. What’s a modern horror film you think actually gets it right?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. We read them all, and your ideas often shape future episodes.
Future Episodes
Episode 64 - Into the Deep: Humans, Caves, and the Final Frontier Guest: Ernie Bell, PhD (NASA and Blue Origin)
Episode 66 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly Impact Guest: Charles Blue
Episode 68 - Hive Mind: Plubris Guest: Wes Thorn (returning guest — Simulation Hypothesis episode)
Future Events to Hang with the Crew:Podcast Cross-Appearances
Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton
RHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben Tanzer
Events & Conventions to hang with the Crew:
35 Writers to Watch: Celebration Party - Epiphany Center for the Arts 201 South Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL, United States (April 30th 7-9pm)
5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 2026 12-5pm)
Avondalia Night Out - Rosa’s Lounge in Avondale, Chicago IL (May 14th 2026 7-8pm)- Joe reading
Creative Arts Summit - DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library (Merrillville, IN) on May 23rd, 2026
ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29–31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as Guest
Shore Leave 46 - Lancaster, PA (July 10-12, 2026)
Lancaster Wyndham Resort and Convention Center
Dragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as Professional
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