Naked Nuclear
by Danielle Allen
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
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I&C with Tighe Smith: The Nervous System of a Nuclear Reactor
ABOUT THIS EPISODE What keeps a nuclear power plant running safely after 50 years? Tighe Smith knows better than almost anyone. As Chief Nuclear Officer at Paragon Energy Solutions — now part of Mirion Technologies following a $585 million acquisition — Tighe has spent his career in nuclear...
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Follow The Friday: Nuclear Down Under with Mark Schneider
Mark Schneider accidentally became a nuclear professional at 17 when a sarcastic answer to a Navy recruiter — "only if you have nuclear power" — launched a 20-year career. He went on to serve as a nuclear electronics technician, make chief petty officer, earn his commission as a nuclear-powered...
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Ukrainian War Refugee to Microreactor Entrepreneur: Building the N1 with Jonas Helwig
Jonas Helwig is Swedish-born, French-passport-holding, and was living in Ukraine when the war started. He fled with his wife and their newborn daughter, ended up in Buenos Aires by accident, and his neighbor turned out to be a nuclear energy manufacturer. Over dinner conversations with a pen and...
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Season 4 Sneak Peak! How to Scale Nuclear Energy with Ross-Matzkin-Bridger
SNEAK PEAK! Season 4 of Naked Nuclear is about the infrastructure underneath nuclear energy, the laws, regulations, economics, and institutions most people never think about. Ross Matzkin-Bridger is exactly the right person to open that conversation. As Senior Director at the Nuclear Threat...
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After-Pop! Wait... Should We Recycle Used Nuclear Fuel? The History, Economics, and Proliferation concerns
Ed McGinnis said something in our last episode that's hard to shake: 96% of the energy in spent nuclear fuel has never been touched. The physics checks out. But what happens when countries actually try to get that energy back? This After Pop digs into the history of nuclear fuel recycling, not…
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It's Not Actually Waste: How CURIO is Tackling the Nuclear Waste Problem with Ed McGinnis
Imagine filling up your car at a gas station in Washington, DC, and heading toward Richmond. Twenty miles down the road, you pull over, call a tow truck, and scrap the car, with 96% of the fuel still in the tank. That's what we do with nuclear fuel in the United States right now. Ed McGinnis is…
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After-Pop! Megawatts Thermal vs Electric?
Dr. John Zino stood in front of a room of engineers, technicians, and career-changers and told them a nuclear reactor is "just boiling water." Jaws dropped. Really? That's it? Well, yes. And also, that little word "just" is hiding one of the most elegant chains in all of engineering. In this…
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Inside the BWRX-300 with Dr. John Zino | "We're just boiling water!"
What does it actually look like to spend nearly 40 years inside the nuclear industry, from submarine shielding to the Department of Energy to the cutting edge of small modular reactor design?Dr. John Zino is a Chief Consulting Engineer at GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and an Associate…
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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...
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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...
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Why Build Nuclear When We Have Solar?
I Asked If Solar Could Power California… and It Got Complicated What 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 —...
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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)...
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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...
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After-Pop! What is an EPC & Why You Should Care?
What an EPC Actually Does: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Explained What 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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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:...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 Diving Specialized HAZMAT diving in irradiated environments Historical…
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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…
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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…
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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,...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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....
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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...
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After-Pop! What Exactly does a Landman Do?
Revealing the True Role of Landmen in the Energy Sector In 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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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....
About this show
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.
Hosted by
Danielle Allen