In this episode of The Mini, Joe, Georgia, and a virtual Nick (recovering from norovirus) revisit their conversation, Episode 56: Medicine of the Future with fantasy author and physician Davis Ashura, emphasizing his key message: your best health starts in your kitchen, not your doctor’s office, and focusing on health span (quality of years) over lifespan (quantity of years).

This forked into a conversation about vegetable/fruit biodiversity and seed preservation. The crew discusses a Midwest native seed-saving coalition involving 300 ecologists across 150 institutions in 11 states, the practicalities of saving heirloom seeds (cross-pollination risks), why Red Delicious apples aren’t so delicious anymore, why, contrary to logic, eating more vegetables could save our favorite varieties, and the Norway seed vault. They also address the reality of food deserts and unequal access to fresh produce.

Science updates include clarifications from last episode about Dolly the sheep’s cloning (her “sister” clones lived normal lifespans), discussion about gene editing and Colossal Laboratories’ “dire wolf” de-extinction project, and a breakthrough from China where surgeons used a genetically modified pig liver to keep a patient alive while waiting for a human transplant organ. FDA trials now approved in the US.

Plus: upcoming episode teasers (chatbots and data centers/climate change), norovirus on cruise ship, and what the crew is reading and watching: Virginia Tufte, Stephen Graham Jones, Alice Feeney, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Shrinking, and The Traitors UK.

Where to Find Davis Ashura:

Website: davisashura.com

The Anchored Worlds Universe

Audiobooks narrated by: Nick Podehl and Travis Baldree

Check 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 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.

Podcast Cross-Appearances

Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton

Events & Conventions:

Author palooza by New Book Joy at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield IL (March 21st 1-5pm)

5th Annual Mai Fest - Blue Island, IL (May 9th 12-5pm)

Creative Arts Summit - DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library 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

Upcoming Episodes

*The Mini will now be every other episode!

Episode 58 – The Science of Chatbots & Human Connection

Guests: Lily & Generoso

Episode 60 – Lassoing the Truth SerumGuest: David Detmer

Episode 62 – The Science of Fear: Phobias, Physiology & SplatterpunkGuest: Phrique

Episode 64 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly ImpactGuest: Charles Blue

It’s science for Weirdos

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Future Events to Hang with the Crew:

Author palooza by New Book Joy at Imperial Oak Brewing in Brookfield IL

March 21st 1-5pm

Creative Arts Summit: DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd 2026

ConCarolinas - Charlotte, NC (May 29 – May 31, 2026 ) - Joe attending as Guest

Dragon Con - Atlanta, GA (September 3-7, 2026) - Joe attending as Professional

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

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