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Hello there, welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast. Our goal is to have fun learning science through the lens of science fiction and fantasy.
We are Jotham (Joe), a research scientist and author; Nick, roaster of the coffee bean, entrepreneur and pop culture guru; and sometimes Georgia, librarian, storyteller, and print maker.
So, What is this Rabbit Hole of Research Podcast?
It’s like playing a game of Telephone, where we will start in one place and let the conversation lead us down the winding scenic road exploring the science in science fiction, separating the facts from the Handwavium. We’ll have a little fun and you’ll learn a few facts you can use to impress your friends at a party or use as a conversation starter to go down your own rabbit holes.
It will not just be us rambling, fumbling and tumbling down the rabbit hole, but we will invite creators, thinkers and innovators on to talk about their research, creative process and join the lively conversation exploring the quirky science in fiction.
We know you have many choices of entertainment, so we will keep the episodes short, about the time it takes to drink a tasty beverage. So, please join us on this journey down the rabbit hole.
Play below (if on mobile click three-lined bar to expand episodes) or follow the Podcast at your favorite Podcast Provider or you can subscribe below to my newsletter and get email updates:
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You can always email (I do answer back), or follow me online for real time tracking. And keep reading to see what I read or listened to when I had time.
Our goal is to have fun learning science through the lens of science fiction, fantasy, and pop-culture. We will start in one place and let the conversation lead us down the winding scenic road exploring the science in science fiction, separating the facts from the Handwavium. We’ll have a little fun and you’ll learn a few facts you can use to impress your friends at a party or use as a conversation starter to go down your own rabbit holes.
In this episode, Joe, Georgia, and Nick welcome special guest Jim Siergey, a cartoonist and animator known for being one of the creators of the underground comix strip ‘Cultural Jetlag‘ in the 1990s. The group dives into an engaging discussion on the science and style of noir films. They cover key aspects such as the definitive elements of the genre, famous examples, and the evolution of forensics in relation to noir storytelling. Throughout the episode, the hosts share their thoughts on whether certain modern films qualify as noir and the impact of the Hays Code on classic films. They also announce their upcoming art show, ‘Touch of Noir,’ at the Promise You Art House in Highland, Indiana. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted chat about dry January and their current favorite non-alcoholic beverages.
Episode Artwork by Jim Siergey and Georgia Geis
Be sure to check out Georgia and Jim’s art show:
Touch of Noir at the Promise You Art House, February 28th, Highland, IN.
Question to start you digging your own holes as you listen:
Drop us a comment with your thoughts on these questions:
1️⃣ Is Noir a Genre or a Style? – Do you think noir is its own category, or just a unique visual and storytelling technique applied to crime films? Tell us what you think!
2️⃣ What Modern Films Feel Like Noir? – We debated Se7en, Silence of the Lambs, Joker, and more. What modern films or TV shows feel like true noir to you?
3️⃣ Can Noir Work Outside the City? – Could a noir story take place in a small town, the countryside, or even a sci-fi setting? What’s the best non-urban noir you’ve seen?
4️⃣ Would Modern Forensics Kill Classic Noir? – If old-school detectives had DNA testing and surveillance cameras, would noir films still work? How could a modern noir get around today’s forensic advancements?
5️⃣ What’s the Ultimate Noir Film for Beginners? – If you had to recommend just one noir movie to someone new to the genre, what would it be?
To get more insight and see how deep the rabbit hole goes, check out the (timestamped) expanded show notes.
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Episode Artwork by Jim Siergey and Georgia Geis
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Season #1 Episode 1-25, Show Notes: