In Episode 71: The Mini, Joe, Nick, and Georgia recap Episode 70: Nazca Lines of Peru and Crop Circles featuring guest Lorena Salinas, Peruvian artist and owner of Jose’s Family Restaurant in Highland, Indiana. The crew reflects on the episode’s deeper theme, how culture shapes perspective, and how something small can change your entire relationship to a place.
Joe follows up on a comment about fireflies Nick made in a previous Mini and shares some backyard conservation tips from the Xerces Society.
Nick talks about a New York Times story about scientists connected to NASA and alien research who have gone missing or been found dead, and the crew talks through the fine line between correlation, causation, and conspiracy.
In Science Holes, Joe covers three stories: spinach-derived photosynthetic machinery used as eye drops to treat dry-eye disease, AI and large language models improving brain-computer interfaces for patients with paralysis, and a new preprint on more precise CRISPR “base editing.” This spirals into DNA sequencing, fingerprints, and how your iris is more unique.
The crew wraps with what media they are consuming, from the indie horror film Backrooms to T. Kingfisher’s Wolf Worm.
Pre-Order: Touch of Noir 2027 Wall Calendar —
12 months of all-original art by Jim and Georgia; pre-orders open now, with mailing expected in September
Joe will be at the Slay the Lake —
June 27th 3-8pm at SoundGrowler Brewery, Tinley Park, IL (This event will will benefit LGBT Books to Prisoners & Transgender Law Center)
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 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
Future Events to Hang with the Crew:
Podcast Cross-Appearances
Joe on GoIndieNow: 21grams with Joe Compton
The RHR crew on Ben Tanzer's This podcast will change your life: episode three hundred seventy-nine
Events & Conventions:
Slay the Lake — June 27th event at SoundGrowler Brewery, Tinley Park, IL
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!
Three Part Spider-Man Series to get ready for the new MCU Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Episode 72 – Spider-Man Villain Series 1: Lab Safety
Guest: Tera Lavoie, PhD
Episode 74 – Spider-Man Villain Series 2: Scorpion and the Other Chimeras
Guest: Erin C. Anthony
Episode 76 – Spider-Man Villain Series 3: What His Villains Reveal About Him
Guest: Comic YouTuber, Alex Hanes (@Hanes4Heroes)
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!
