In this mini recap of Episode 44: Lake Michigan, Life, Mermaids, and Everything in Between, we reflect on our conversation with guest Maud Lavin, author of Mermaids and Lazy Activists. We dive back into the waters of Lake Michigan to revisit a tale of eco-mythical mermaids, climate anxiety, and feminist satire—with humor, awe, and a lot of water love.
From speculative biology and freshwater mermaid lore to solar punk optimism and kinky bifurcated tails, we paddle through highlights and side tangents, including Pixar’s Luca, Ro Salarian’s adult aquatic comics, and the joys of lazy Sundays near Lake Michigan. We also shout out events like CAKE (Chicago Alternative Comics Expo), spotlight other podcasts we’re loving, and celebrate crossing 10,000 downloads!
Links for Maud Lavin
Maud’s Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maud_Lavin
Event: Seminary Co-op Bookstore – Hyde Park, Chicago, IL
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 – 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Nonprofit: FLOW (For Love of Water)
Maud Lavin’s Books mentioned in episode
Swim Lessons, poetry (Tulipwood Books)
Mermaids and Lazy Activists: A Lake Michigan Tales, novel (From Beyond Press)
Check out what the RHR crew is creating:
Joe:
Red Line: Chicago Horror Stories Anthology featuring a new story by Joe!
Chicago Writers Association Podcast: Talkin’ Science Fiction with Joe Austin
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.
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!
Future Events:
Reading Event November 1st at Printer’s Row Wine, Chicago, IL. More details coming soon.
Upcoming Episodes
Episode 45 – Ghosts/Graveyard (Recorded in the Horror House, Avondale, Chicago)
Guests: Moses and Vinny (Co-owners of Horror House)
The team explores hauntings, graveyard aesthetics, and the sociocultural afterlife of ghost stories.
Episode 46 – Slashers (Recorded at Reeds Local, Avondale, Chicago)
Guests: Jesse Andrus (Slasher Sauces) and Melissa (Co-owner of Reeds)
Blades and booze collide as the crew unpacks the legacy of slasher films—from 80s VHS carnage to modern horror meta-commentary—live from a local bar with some spicy hot sauce.
Episode 47 – Who Goes There? The Thing and The Shape of Paranoia
Guests: Todd Thyberg and Bill Halliar
A deep-dive into the horror of isolation, distrust, and shapeshifting terror through the lens of The Thing. Expect philosophical chills.
Links, Resources, and Topics Mentioned in mini and/or full episode:
Books & Short Stories
The End of the World as We Know It (Edited by Christopher Golden & Brian Keene; introduction by Stephen King)
An anthology set in the world of The Stand, exploring post-apocalyptic human stories.
The foundational novel of a viral apocalypse, mass hysteria, and moral reckoning.
Films & TV
A coming-of-age tale reimagining sea-creature mythology as a metaphor for identity, secrecy, and connection.
A hyperviolent superhero series from James Gunn that uses absurdity and satire to explore moral ambiguity.
The crew’s go-to comfort series—frequently cited for its witty banter and cultural longevity.
Weapons (2025) — A horror mystery by Zach Cregger about a mass disappearance of schoolchildren.
Video Game
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Indie metroidvania featuring swarm-like bug enemies and deep lore—showcased as Nick’s current post-swarm obsession.
Podcasts
A history-infused audio deep dive into nightclubs, saloon culture, and early entertainers.
A podcast dedicated to lesser-known women in history who made significant cultural or political impact.
https://www.whatshernamepodcast.com
Artists, Comics, and Movements
Ro Salarian – It’s Better When It’s Wetter Down There
Graphic storytelling that blends aquatic mythology with queer erotics and environmental themes.
CAKE – Chicago Alternative Comics Expo
A major independent comics event in Chicago. Ro Salarian’s work was discovered here.
A literary and visual aesthetic imagining hopeful ecological futures. Related to “hopepunk.”
A Great Lakes advocacy group working to protect water as a public trust resource.
Images from the Crew or Fans
images shared by Alex: https://substack.com/@alex716439
If we missed anything, comment or email us and we’ll get the info to you!
Love Y'all! Don’t forget to Rate the show!
