Rabbit Hole of Research

What's Smell Got to Do With It?


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In this mini recap of Episode 54: What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Joe, Nick, and Georgia recap their conversation with guest Joe Compton about the science and magic of love.

Joe, as promised in the Episode 54, discusses human pheromones, the challenges of researching sex pheromones in humans, and the McClintock effect (menstrual cycle synchronization among women. The crew discusses the cultural obsession with masking natural body odors, and why aphrodisiacs might be more folklore than fact.

Beyond the science, the team shares updates: Georgia reveals pages from her Kevin Bacon scrapbook, and finding the Geena Davis’ quote from The Accidental Tourist. Joe appeared on Joe Compton’s 21 Grams YouTube show to discuss villains and the dark side of storytelling. And the RHR crew will be at an upcoming DIY Podcast Workshop at Lake County Public Library on May 23rd as part of the Creative Arts Summit.

Plus media the crew is checking out: WonderMan, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Cabin in the Woods (finally!), The Monkey, comic book finds from the final Northwest Indiana Comic-Con.

Follow Joe Compton on Instagram

Watch Joe on Joe Compton’s YouTube channel 21Grams

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

RHR Crew on This Podcast Will Change Your Life with Ben Tanzer

Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton

Events & Conventions:

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

Upcoming Episodes

Episode 55 – Medicine of the Future: From Fantasy to Patient Care

Guest: Davis Ashura

Exploring how science fiction inspires real medical innovation and what the future of patient care might look like.

Episode 56 – The Science of Chatbots & Human Connection

Guests: Lily & Generoso

Diving into AI communication, computational science, and how chatbots are reshaping human interaction with MIT scientist-turned-writer Lily and illustrator/filmmaker Generoso.

Episode 57 – Planetary Defense: Saving Earth from Other Worldly Impact

Guest: Charles Blue

Examining the science and strategies behind protecting Earth from asteroids, comets, and cosmic threats.

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!



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Rabbit Hole of ResearchBy Jotham Austin, II PhD, Nick Elizalde, and Georgia Geis