Naked Nuclear
Ever wondered how nuclear energy works or what advanced nuclear technology really means? Naked Nuclear breaks down complex topics like nuclear reactors, fuel types, and emerging technologies into simple, accessible conversations. Whether you're a curious beginner or an energy enthusiast, we make the science behind nuclear power easy to understand so you can launch your career in the clean energy future. Tune in to strip down the fascinating world of nuclear energy—one atom at a time.
Episodes
How to Build the Internet’s Best Nuclear Guide with Nick Touran
What does it take to explain one of the most misunderstood technologies on Earth?This Final Friday on Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Nick Touran for a new Follow Them Friday episode.Nick is the founder of What Is Nuclear, one of the internet’s most respected resources for understanding nuclear energy, reactor technology, fuel cycles, history, and policy in plain English. In a world drownin
The 41-Hour Pour: When a Nuclear Plant Begins to Exist
At 2:13 AM in Waynesboro, Georgia, crews were already deep into a process they couldn’t stop.For 41 continuous hours, concrete flowed into the basemat of Vogtle Unit 4, the foundation that would anchor one of the newest nuclear reactors in the United States.This episode breaks down:What a nuclear basemat actually isWhy concrete is part of the safety systemThe physics of heat, cracking, and radiati
Why Build Nuclear When We Have Solar?
I Asked If Solar Could Power California… and It Got ComplicatedWhat started as a simple question turned into a full-blown debate: If solar panels and batteries are getting so good…why does California still need nuclear energy?In this episode, we break down what actually keeps the lights on — beyond headlines, hot takes, and LinkedIn comment wars.What You’ll LearnWhy “more solar” doesn’t automatica
Change Your Mind on Climate Change: Why Energy is Life with Zion Lights
What happens when an environmentalist changes their mind about nuclear energy?In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Zion Lights, environmental advocate, award-winning science communicator, and author of Energy Is Life to unpack one of the most important (and uncomfortable) shifts happening in climate conversations today.Zion shares her journey from anti-nuclear activism to beco
Raised by the Reactor: How a 19 year-old Laborer Became a Nuclear Welder
When people talk about building nuclear power plants, the conversation usually centers on policy, engineering, and billion-dollar infrastructure.But reactors aren’t built in conference rooms.They’re built by craft workers.In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with nuclear welder Tyree McCall, who started his career at Plant Vogtle Units 3 & 4 at just nineteen years old. What beg
After-Pop! What is an EPC & Why You Should Care?
What an EPC Actually Does: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction ExplainedWhat does it actually take to build a nuclear power plant?In this After-Pop! episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle breaks down one of the most important, and least explained, parts of major infrastructure projects: the EPC contractor.EPC stands for Engineering, Procurement, and Construction, and companies operating in this
Built By Bechtel: How to Build Advanced Nuclear with Ahmet Tokpinar
Nuclear power is often described as essential for climate goals, grid reliability, and energy security.But here’s the real question:Can we actually build it safely, on time, and on budget?In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle Allen sits down with Ahmet Tokpinar, Principal Vice President and General Manager of Nuclear Power at Bechtel, to unpack the boots-on-the-ground reality of building nucl
Island Energy Super Heroes: How one Jamaican PhD Student is Transforming Energy Literacy
What happens when a nuclear engineering PhD student realizes that the book she needed as a child… doesn’t exist?She writes it.In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Zola Hind, Jamaican-born computer scientist turned nuclear engineering researcher at Bangor University — and author of Island Energy Superhero: A Kids’ Guide to Energies in the Caribbean.From visualizing nuclear fuel
Nuclear Physics for 3rd Graders? How ANS is Re-shaping K-12 Education with Uchenna Ezibe
In this episode, Danielle talks with Uchenna Ezibe about how the American Nuclear Society is shaping the future of nuclear education—starting as early as kindergarten. They dive into ANS’s hands-on programs like cloud chambers, educator training, and the new Accelerators initiative for high schoolers.Learn how early exposure to nuclear concepts can spark student curiosity, close the literacy gap,
BONUS Crossover Episode: The Future of Nuclearn & Naked Nuclear
In this crossover episode between Naked Nuclear and Nuclearn’s The Future of Nuclear, we bring together two teams with different backgrounds but a shared philosophy: curiosity, collaboration, and the courage to try.Danielle comes from the world of storytelling and education; Phil comes from the world of digital nuclear operations and AI. One explores the industry through conversations and communit
Intro to Fusion Energy with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
What exactly is plasma, and why are some of the world’s brightest minds betting on fusion energy to power our future? In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle sits down with Dr. Arturo Dominguez — Head of Science Education at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) — to break it all down in plain language. From his own journey into plasma physics to PPPL’s groundbreaking research, Dr
After-Pop! Inside the Z Machine: The Most Powerful Pulse on Earth
What happens when you unleash more power than every power plant on Earth — for just a few billionths of a second?Welcome to After-Pop! — today, we’re diving into the Z Machine, the crown jewel of Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s the most powerful pulsed-power facility on the planet, capable of creating the same temperatures and pressures found inside stars, nuclear det
Swimming through Fusion Research: Student Spotlight with Ryan Zerpa
In this Student Spotlight, we trace how childhood curiosity—sparked by Nikola Tesla and MythBusters—led Ryan Zerpa from building a Tesla coil in grade school to pursuing fusion research. Ryan shares how he reframed a mostly-fission undergrad at Purdue Nuclear Engineering into a launchpad for fusion, what he learned working around pulsed-power experiments like Sandia’s Z Machine, and how Division I
Becoming the No. 1 University for Nuclear Engineering: University of Michigan Deep Dive with Department Chair, Dr. Todd Allen
What does it mean to be the #1 nuclear engineering program in the country?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Allen, department chair of the University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS) program, to explore the history, mission, and future of a department that blends technical excellence with human-centered education. From submarines to art tunnels, this co
After-Pop! What is Reactor Physics?
Ever wonder how tiny particles can power whole cities? In this After-Pop! we follow our previous episode with Ikhwan Khaleb and dive into the world of reactor physics — the science behind nuclear chain reactions, neutrons, and keeping everything safe and steady. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What reactor physics actually means (and why it matters).The “life cycle” of a neutron, from birth to a
UMich NERS Alumni Spotlight: Jenga Blocks, TikTok's, and Life as an International Student
Ikhwan Khaleb tells the story of moving from Malaysia to study in the University of Michigan’s NERS program, learning reactor physics in a second language, and turning TikTok into a platform for clear, visual nuclear education. We cover UMich coursework and labs, cultural adaptation, the grind of an international job search, and how engineering work at Holtec fuels his social media explainers.Link
Now Offering: Recruiting Services with Nuclear Talent Scout
Breaking into the nuclear industry can feel overwhelming, from specialized certifications and security clearances to jobs that never even make it to job boards. In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle shares an exciting new partnership with Nuclear Talent Scout, the premier recruiting firm focused exclusively on nuclear energy.Together, Naked Nuclear and Nuclear Talent Scout are planting the se
Build Your Next Career at BWXT: Job Talk with Bob Duffy
What makes someone stay at the same company for decades — or even generations?In this episode of Naked Nuclear, we sit down with Bob Duffy, Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of BWX Technologies (BWXT), to explore what’s behind the company’s incredibly low attrition rate, its investment in early talent, and how it’s preparing for the next generation of nuclear professionals.Bob
Funding Curiosity: How Budgeting for Curiosity Leads to BIG Dividends
On this episode, we dive into the power of curiosity—how simple questions can spark revolutions in science, technology, and society. Inspired by a roadside observation, we explore why cultivating curiosity is critical at every level of society, from national parks to apprenticeships, and why funding the “discovery phase” of science pays off in ways we can’t always predict.While it’s often said tha
Dyscalculia to Calculus: How Veronica Annala is Rebranding Nuclear Advocacy
You don’t have to be a math genius to change the world — just ask Veronica Annala. In this inspiring Student Spotlight, Danielle sits down with Veronica, a recent Texas A&M nuclear engineering graduate and founder of the Nuclear Advocacy Resource Organization (NARO). Diagnosed with dyslexia and dyscalculia, Veronica shares how she built her own study systems, cried through calculus — and still
Lucrative Trades in Nuclear Power: Diving, Masonry, Pipefitting & HVAC
Thanks for tuning in. In this episode, Danielle highlights four in-demand skilled trades in the nuclear energy industry that require months to years of training instead of a doctorate. For each trade, we cover:Commercial DivingSpecialized HAZMAT diving in irradiated environmentsHistorical roots, real-world challenges, and a “day in the life”Training pathways, costs, salary ranges, and union vs. no
After-Pop! What is a Hot Cell?
After-Pop! Episode: What the Heck is a Hot Cell?In this After-Pop! Danielle breaks down the mysterious world of nuclear hot cells—shielded enclosures that let scientists safely handle some of the most radioactive materials on Earth. From spent nuclear fuel to life-saving radiopharmaceuticals, hot cells are the unsung heroes of nuclear science and medicine.✨ What We Cover:What hot cells are and why
3 Degrees, 1 Football Player: How Marcellus Boykin Earned His Spot at a TOP PhD Program
In this episode, we continue Season 2 with our second Student Spotlight, featuring Marcellus Boykin, a PhD student in nuclear engineering at Georgia Tech. Marcellus shares his journey from math major and football player to shielding sensors in hot cells at Idaho National Lab, presenting at ANS, and navigating imposter syndrome in graduate school.Learn how he went from: math --> mechanical engin
Nuclear 101: How this Sold Out Course was Built for Beginners
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Dr. Rebecca Steinman, PhD and the American Nuclear Society (ANS) to explore Nuclear 101—a hands-on, introductory course designed not just for engineers, but for anyone curious about the nuclear energy industry. Whether you're a welder, museum curator, communicator, or career changer, this episode reveals why now is the perfect time to s
After-Pop! A Brief Break Down of Nuclear Commercial Shipping
In this After-Pop!, host Danielle explores the rise of commercial nuclear propulsion and how companies like CORE Power are reimagining the future of maritime shipping. Unlike military nuclear propulsion systems, these next-gen commercial systems are designed to be safe, scalable, and fully integrated with international safeguards.This episode covers:The technical differences between military nucle
From Smokestacks to Salt Reactors: CORE Power’s Strategy for Emissions-Free Shipping
Nuclear-powered cargo ships might sound like science fiction—but CORE Power is making them a science reality. In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Tobi Menzies and Dr. Rory Megginson from CORE Power to explore how molten chloride fast reactors (MCFRs) and floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) could transform global shipping.We dive into the engineering, the policy, the people—
Your Easy Guide to Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships in Nuclear and STEM
In this episode, we dive into the world of scholarships, grants, and fellowships available for students at various academic levels and fields, particularly within the nuclear sector, STEM, and the energy world. We dispel the myth that scholarships are only for top high school students, revealing opportunities for diverse groups including veterans, career changers, and students pursuing trade and t
After-Pop! What is Boron Neutron Capture Therapy?
In this After-Pop, Danielle breaks down Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) — a precision cancer treatment that uses nuclear science to selectively target tumors while sparing healthy tissue.You’ll learn:– What boron is and how it works inside cancer cells– How neutron beams are made (yes, actual beams of neutrons!)– What “epithermal neutrons” are and why they matter– Who could benefit from BNCT
From Candlelight to Clean Energy: Finding Your Role in the Nuclear Future with Dr. Fiona Rayment, OBE
What do candlelit homework, career pivots, and global nuclear leadership have in common? Dr. Fiona Rayment.In this episode, Danielle speaks with internationally respected nuclear chemist and engineer Dr. Fiona Rayment about her early experiences with energy insecurity, her path through a diverse and powerful career, and the future of workforce development in the nuclear industry.Together they expl
Would You Rather? How a Viral Tiktok Question Can Improve Science Education
Relearning Science Vs. Plucking Eyebrows: Unpacking Public Perceptions of STEMIn this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle explores the surprising responses to a viral TikTok 'Would You Rather' question comparing re-taking science classes with plucking eyebrows. Danielle delves into why science education can be inspiring for some and traumatic for others. Discussing research and persona
Student Spotlight: How to Win BIG Scholarships with Sarah Cole
In this student spotlight featuring Sarah Cole, a nuclear fuels researcher, we explore her academic journey from high school during COVID-19 to becoming a senior at Boise State University. Sarah discusses her experiences with internships, nuclear materials research, and building a strong network within the nuclear industry. She offers valuable advice on applying for scholarships, securing letters
Step Into Nuclear: Maintenance Tech Training at Cape Fear Community College with Kelli Davis
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle sits down with Kelli Davis, Program Director of the Nuclear Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College. From her start as a nuclear chemist to becoming an advocate for building the next generation of nuclear workers, Kelli shares her inspiring career path, insights into nuclear maintenance training, and why this career is more than just a job—
Women's History Month Spotlight: ANS President, Lisa Marshall
Have you ever met a legend? In this final episode of our Women’s History Month series, Danielle sits down with Lisa Marshall, President of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and longtime Director of Outreach and Engagement for NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering. For over two decades, Lisa has been a tireless champion for students, a trailblazer in outreach and retention strategies, and a
Women's History Month Spotlight: Evolving Leadership with Rachel Love
In this special Women's History Month spotlight, we sit down with Rachel Love, a seasoned project manager in the nuclear industry, to explore the invaluable skills of leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Rachel shares her unique career journey from pre-law to nuclear engineering, the challenges of high-pressure environments, and how leadership rooted in empathy can drive successful p
Women's History Month Spotlight: Mothers for Nuclear & The Diversity of Thought
In this special Women’s History Month episode, we dive into the world of nuclear advocacy, mentorship, and the wisdom of motherhood with Heather Hoff, Co-Founder and Vice President of Mothers for Nuclear, and Dr. Jennifer Klay, a nuclear physicist at Cal Poly and Secretary of the organization. Together, we explore how mothers, educators, and industry professionals are shaping the future of nuclear
Women's History Month Spotlight: Caroline Cooley, Radiation Protection Technician
Join us as we spotlight women in the nuclear industry. One of our previous episodes with Caroline Cooley showcases how she became a radiation protection technician: My yoga teacher, the tree-hugging radiation protection technician...In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle speaks with Caroline Cooley, a tree-hugging, Prius-driving, vegetarian yoga teacher who unexpectedly found her way into
After-Pop! What Exactly does a Landman Do?
Revealing the True Role of Landmen in the Energy SectorIn this episode, we take a closer look at the essential role of landmen in the energy industry, debunking Hollywood stereotypes and exploring their function as intermediaries between energy companies and landowners. Veteran landman Doug Sandridge, with 49 years of experience, shares insights on how their work extends beyond oil and gas to incl
Landman for Landback: Challenging the Perception of Oil & Gas in the Nuclear Industry
Naked Nuclear Explores: Land Back Movement and Nuclear Advocacy with Doug SandridgeIn this episode of Naked Nuclear, the discussion pivots to the intersections between the Land Back movement and nuclear energy advocacy. Danielle and guest Doug Sandridge, Vice President of Fulcrum Energy Captial Funds, with 49 years in the oil and gas industry and now a nuclear advocate, delve into his evolving sta
Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson
Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson - Pioneering Physicist and Innovator
Welcome to another special episode of Naked Nuclear for Black History Month! We spotlight the illustrious Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a groundbreaking physicist who broke barriers from MIT to Bell Labs and even the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Learn about her early life, groundbreaking research in con
Black History Month Spotlight: William D. Magwood IV
Black History Month Spotlight on William D. Magwood IV
In this special Black History Month episode of Naked Nuclear, we spotlight William D. Magwood IV, a leader in nuclear energy whose career spans policy, regulation, and international cooperation.
From his working-class roots in Pittsburgh to his role as the Director General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, Bill's journey is explored, highli
After-Pop! BWRs, PWRs, SMRs and the Reactor Alphabet Soup
It's an alphabet soup, but somebody's gotta break it down.
Join us in this exciting episode of 'After Pop! A Breakdown of Nuclear Reactor Types,' with your host Danielle. We'll explore the fascinating world of nuclear reactors, learning how they work and discussing various types like Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), Small Modular Reactors (SMR
Connect the Dots: Industry to Advocacy
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Steve Rea, the 2024 recipient of the American Nuclear Society Landis Public Communication and Education Award.
Steve, a 30-year nuclear industry veteran, discusses his transition to public education and nuclear advocacy in North Carolina. From his beginnings in nuclear chemistry in high school to forming the Nuclear Advisory Council, Steve
After-Pop! What Happened in Germany?
Germany's Nuclear Shutdown: Consequences and Future Prospects
Hello everyone! Welcome to the After-Pop! In this episode, we discuss Germany's major decision to shut down its last three nuclear power plants in April 2023.
We dive into the historical context, the events that led to this decision, and the aftermath, including the impact on energy prices and carbon emissions.
Our conversation touch
3-Dimensional Chess?! Nah, that's just Nuclear Ethics
Navigating Nuclear Ethics: A Three-Dimensional Chess Game
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle dives into the complex world of nuclear ethics, drawing parallels with the intricate game of three-dimensional chess . The discussion is centered around the work of Dr. Simone Friederich from the University of Groningen, who, with his background in both philosophy and physics, explores the et
After-Pop! The YTT Northern Chumash Tribe
Indigenous Stewardship and Nuclear Energy: A Closer Look at the YTT Northern Chumash Tribe
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, we explore the rich history and long-standing land stewardship of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash tribe, whose ancestral connections span over 10,000 years.
We delve into the complex intersection of nuclear energy and indigenous land stewardship, discussi
Seven Generations Forward: How Indigenous Ethos is Shaping the New Nuclear Path
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle discusses the intersection of nuclear energy and indigenous ethos with guest Ryan Pickering from the Tribal Consent-Based Coalition.
The conversation, recorded on Native American Heritage Day, delves into the concept of seven-generation decision-making, as endorsed by Scott Lathrop, and how it impacts energy decisions for a cleaner future.
The di
After-Pop! A brief explanation of In-Situ Leaching
Understanding In-Situ Leaching with Dr. Kreamer
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle Allen delves into the technical aspects of in-situ leaching (ISL), a method that accounts for 80% of uranium mining in the U.S. Following up from the previous episode with Dr. David Kreamer, this explainer breaks down the ISL process, ingredients in lixiviant, and steps taken to ensure groundwater safe
A Contaminant Whodunnit? Uranium Mining & the Groundwater
Solving Groundwater Contamination Mysteries with Dr. David Kreamer
In this episode, we delve deep into the complex world of groundwater contamination with Dr. David Kreamer, an esteemed hydrogeologist from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Kreamer guides us through intricate contamination cases, the impact of uranium mining on water systems, and the multifaceted tools and techniques used i
Firefighting to Fission: How Danielle is Fusing her Future Career
A firefighting, plane flying, nuclear engineering student: Danielle Allen's Unconventional Journey (So Far...)
Join Danielle Allen, host of Naked Nuclear, as she shares her weird and wild path from majoring in Near Eastern Studies at Princeton to becoming a firefighter, paramedic, commercial pilot, and nuclear engineering student.
In this episode, Danielle explores her diverse career experiences,
I Don't Want a Watt for Christmas: The Cost of Your Neighbor's Holiday Lights
Watts of holiday displays going on right now, huh?
Join Danielle in this festive episode of Naked Nuclear as she delves into the real cost of those dazzling holiday light displays.
Explore what a watt is, the energy consumption of incandescent versus LED lights, and discover three practical tips to keep your holiday season safe and cost-effective.
Danielle also discusses how different states'
After-Pop! A Brief Breakdown of Climate Policies from Ep. 5
Unlocking the Policy Power Behind Nuclear Energy
Dive into the nuts and bolts of critical climate policies with Danielle Allen as she breaks down some key policies from Ep. 5 with Eric Meyer from Generation Atomic.
From the Inflation Reduction Act’s financial incentives for clean energy projects to the Civil Nuclear Credit Program's support for existing nuclear plants, we unpack how these laws
A Nuclear Opera with Eric Meyer
A Nuclear Opera with Eric Meyer of Generation Atomic: Merging Energy and Advocacy
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, we explore the unlikely parallels between nuclear energy and opera. Host Danielle Allen chats with the founder of Generation Atomic, Eric Meyer, about his journey from an opera singer to a nuclear energy advocate.
Meyer discusses his early misconceptions of nuclear power, his groun
After-Pop! A Brief Explanation of Radiation from Ep3
The After-Pop! Demystifying Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation
Welcome back to Naked Nuclear, where we simplify nuclear technology. In this episode, we dive into radiation—its origins, types, and measurements.
Learn about non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, explore their sources, and understand how we measure radiation exposure. Discover the three types of ionizing radiation: alpha, beta, and
Does Your Yoga Teacher Handle Radioactive Material? Mine Does!
My yoga teacher, the tree-hugging radiation protection technician...
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle speaks with Caroline Cooley, a tree-hugging, Prius-driving, vegetarian yoga teacher who unexpectedly found her way into the nuclear industry as a Radiation Protection Technician.
Caroline shares her journey from corporate America to working alongside her husband in the nuclear fie
After-Pop! Stripping Down Nuclear Fuels from Ep1
Welcome to the Ep.1 After-pop!
Nuclear Fuels Breakdown: Uranium Oxide, Uranium Silicide, Uranium Mononitride, and HALEU
In this quick follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of nuclear fuels. Dr. Jennifer Watkins breaks down the key materials used in advanced nuclear reactors, including:
Uranium Oxide (UO₂): The most common nuclear fuel, typically used in light water reactors.
Uraniu
Bill Collector to PhD?!? An Unexpected Pivot to Nuclear Pioneer
Thank you for dropping in!
In this inspiring episode of Naked Nuclear, we share the remarkable story of Dr. Jennifer Watkins, who made an unexpected career pivot from bill collector to becoming an advanced nuclear fuels researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory. From growing up in rural Idaho to earning a PhD at Boise State, Dr. Watkins reflects on the pivotal moments that changed the course of
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