In this mini recap of Episode 53, Joe, Georgia, and Nick revisit their conversation with Roland Pitts, author of Salvation Protocol and former army officer turned cybersecurity expert, about the massive challenge of building a space ark and restarting civilization on a new world.
The crew reflects on selecting 1,000 people and 1,000 resources for humanity’s survival, and discuss the practical realities of colonization, like surgeons needing to double as blacksmiths or teachers during year one, and debate whether the vacuum of space is really colder than the polar vortex currently hitting Earth.
The crew also confesses they all failed to complete their “homework”: creating a list of five books, movies, or media that define who they are. They challenge listeners to think about what five things would help another person, an alien (or future generation) truly understand you.
Along the way, the conversation takes an unexpected turn through explorers, Christopher Columbus, and why Dora the Explorer might actually be the best explorer of all time.
The crew also shares the media they've been digging: Nick: finally watched Sinners and finished the game Journey to the Savage Planet, Joe: on Dan Brown's The Secret of Secrets and beautiful Japanese animated films by Makoto Shinkai; Your Name and Weathering With You, and Georgia: finished Chuck Tingle's horror novel Bury Your Gays.
Check out Roland’s Book: Salvation Protocol
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
Upcoming Episodes
Episode 54 – What's Love Got to Do with It?
Guest: Joe Compton Release:
Exploring the science of love, connection, and relationships just in time for Valentine's Day.
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!