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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 of the Rabbit Hole of Research, hosts Joe and Nick are joined by special guest Tera to explore the vast, complex world of Doctor Who. From discussing the iconic TARDIS and the Doctor’s unique two-heart physiology to the intricate sci-fi concepts woven into the show’s storyline, the trio delve into both classic and modern episodes. They touch on themes like circadian rhythms during time travel, the biological effects of temporal shifts, and the moral dilemmas of rewriting history. The conversation also covers notable episodes, fan-favorite doctors, and the crossover appeal of the show’s accessible cosplay elements. Whether a long-time fan or new to the Doctor Who universe, this episode offers a comprehensive and engaging look at the beloved British sci-fi series.
Want to support the show? Tell your friends. Follow us on social media, Discord, share the podcast, and let us know what topics you are excited about. Leave a Comment. And for email alerts sign-up for the Substack newsletter and never miss an episode or exciting updates.
We want to Hear From You (leave a comment):
If you could travel to any point in time with the Doctor, when and where would you go—and would you risk changing anything?
Do you think regeneration—if possible—should be a right, a medical procedure, or something restricted by ethics or law?
If you could be a Doctor, which would you want to be: a hero, a trickster, or something in between?
Stay curious, stay speculative, stay safe, and we’ll catch you in the next rabbit hole. Love Y’all!
Episode Cover Art by Laina Joy see more at https://lainajoyart.com
Show Notes & References
• Double Slit Experiment (Wikipedia)
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome to the Rabbit Hole of Research
Kick-off and intro banter—Nick insists they’re in the TARDIS today, not the basement.
00:29 – Meet the Guest: Dr. Tera Lavoie
Tera joins as the show’s resident Whovian and PhD-level sci-fi enthusiast.
01:18 – What Is Doctor Who
Overview of the show’s origins, the concept of the Time Lord, regeneration, and the TARDIS.
09:27 – The Science of Time Travel in the Whoniverse
TARDIS mechanics, Time Vortex, Einstein-Rosen bridges, and speculative temporal physics.
09:37 – Biological Effects of Time Travel
Circadian rhythm disruptions, telomere deterioration, radiation exposure, and immune system stress.
18:48 – Universal Translation & Language in the TARDIS
The TARDIS’s psychic translation field, Babelfish parallels, and cognitive implications of instant language processing.
25:38 – The Doctor as a Trickster Archetype
Discussion of mythic parallels—Loki, Hermes, Coyote—and how the Doctor uses wit and subversion instead of brute force.
26:47 – The Master: The Doctor’s Foil
Exploration of the Master as a rival Time Lord, moral counterpoint, and recurring chaotic presence.
29:20 – Musical Interlude & Predator: The Musical
Tera sings Predator: The Musical and Nick introduces the idea of singing as a podcast tradition.
30:08 – The Weeping Angels & the Observer Effect
How the Angels reflect quantum collapse (like the Double Slit Experiment)—a sci-fi metaphor for wavefunction collapse.
31:13 – Quantum Mechanics and Time Locking
Discussion on how observation alters outcomes in Doctor Who, sci-fi narratives, and theoretical physics.
35:29 – Top Doctor Who Episodes to Watch
Fan-favorite episodes including:
Vincent and the Doctor
Blink
The Empty Child
Heaven Sent
The Rings of Akhaten
Rose (best starting point)
46:30 – The Science of Regeneration & Two Hearts
Doctor’s physiology, regeneration energy, stem cell parallels, telomere resetting, and identity transformation.
49:59 – Ethics of Time Travel & Fixed Points
Episodes like The Waters of Mars and Turn Left highlight moral dilemmas and the unintended cost of temporal intervention.
56:01 – Final Thoughts + What to Watch Next
Wrap-up conversation, streaming tips, and cosplay accessibility as a gateway into fandom.
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Season #1 Episode 1-25, Show Notes: