#279 They Lost $189m DOE Grant, but Survived. Learn Why | Cody Finke (Brimstone)

00:00 – Intro: Cody Finke returns to the podcast.04:30 – The "Rock Refinery": Moving beyond cement to co-produce aluminum and critical minerals.05:39 – The Physics of Scale: Why cost parity is impossible with small reactors.08:12 – The History of Co-Production: From whale oil to Standard Oil's catalytic cracking.12:39 – "Bad Geologic Luck": Why traditional limestone cement plants can't co-produce.18:54 – De-Risking Deep Tech: How Brimstone uses off-the-shelf components to build a massive patent moat.28:33 – Fundraising Strategy: Raising ~$90M and executing pilot plants.33:44 – PR for Founders: When to stay in stealth and when to reveal your grand vision.38:18 – The $189M DOE Grant: Winning the money under Biden, losing it under Trump, and why it wasn't a disaster.45:54 – Geopolitics & Manufacturing: Why critical materials and heavy industry must return to democratic countries.50:28 – The Ultimate Climate Strategy: Why capitalism only rewards lower costs, not moral outcomes. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climatecowboys.substack.com/subscribe