Naked Nuclear

Danielle Allen
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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.

  1. Built By Bechtel: How to Build Advanced Nuclear with Ahmet Tokpinar

    -17 H

    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 nuclear power plants in today’s world. From geotechnical investigations and contractor qualification to long-lead supply chains and workforce development, this conversation moves beyond theory and into execution, exploring what it actually takes to deliver nuclear infrastructure at scale. What We Cover What really happens before construction begins on a nuclear plantWhy nuclear construction is fundamentally different from other mega-projectsHow contractors and subcontractors become “nuclear-qualified”The role of supply chains and long-lead equipment in schedule successLessons learned from Vogtle Units 3 & 4What it means to build a first-of-a-kind plant in PolandHow advanced reactors like Natrium change construction (and what stays the same)  About our Guest Ahmet Tokpinar is Principal Vice President and General Manager of Nuclear Power at Bechtel. He leads Bechtel’s global nuclear portfolio, spanning large reactors, advanced reactors, operating plant modifications, and fuel cycle work. With more than 30 years of experience in nuclear project execution and business strategy, Ahmet has played a leadership role in major projects including Vogtle 3 & 4, Poland’s nuclear deployment, and the Natrium advanced reactor. About the Season This episode is part of Season 3: How to Build a Nuclear Power Plant, a deep dive into the companies, people, and systems required to move nuclear from blueprint to grid. Further Reading:  https://www.bechtel.com/markets/nuclear-power/ https://www.bechtel.com/projects/vogtle-units-3-and-4/ https://www.bechtel.com/projects/poland-ap1000-nuclear-power-plant/ https://www.bechtel.com/projects/natrium-demonstration-project/

    49 min
  2. Island Energy Super Heroes: How one Jamaican PhD Student is Transforming Energy Literacy

    15/12/2025

    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 behavior using astronomy-inspired methods… to printing her book in braille for visually impaired students… Zola is building an energy-literate Caribbean one classroom at a time. This conversation explores: Why representation matters in energy educationHow nuclear engineering “chose” herWhat it means to fail forward in a PhD programThe role of clean energy in Caribbean climate resilience Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, policymaker, or just energy-curious , this episode will leave you thinking differently about who gets to be part of the energy transition.  Get the Book Island Energy Superhero: A Kids’ Guide to Energies in the Caribbean Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Island-Energy-Superhero-Energies-Caribbean/dp/1998245098 Official Website:https://islandenergybook.my.canva.site/#home The book is also available in select Jamaican bookstores and at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. About Zola Hind Zola Hind is a PhD researcher in nuclear engineering at Bangor University with a background in computer science and data visualization. Her research focuses on novel methods for modeling and visualizing nuclear fuel behavior. She is passionate about: Energy literacyClimate resilience in the CaribbeanAccessibility and inclusion in STEMMaking complex science understandable for everyone

    36 min
  3. Nuclear Physics for 3rd Graders? How ANS is Re-shaping K-12 Education with Uchenna Ezibe

    01/12/2025

    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, and help build the next generation of clean energy professionals. Highlights: Why nuclear literacy shouldn’t wait until college What it’s like to “see” radiation with a cloud chamber How ANS is training both teachers and student leaders Behind the scenes of the Accelerators program What a near-peer mentorship network looks like in action Mentioned Resources: ANS K-12 hub: https://www.ans.org/nuclear Navigating Nuclear curriculum: https://www.ans.org/nuclear/navigatingnuclear Cloud Chamber program: https://www.ans.org/nuclear/cloudchamber Accelerators (high school): https://www.ans.org/nuclear/accelerators Educator resources: https://www.ans.org/nuclear/educatorresources Volunteer as a nuclear ambassador: https://www.ans.org/nuclear/ambassadors Contact Uchenna: uezibe@ans.org Connect with Us: Website: https://www.nakednuclear.com Email: danielle@nakednuclear.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-allen

    41 min
  4. BONUS Crossover Episode: The Future of Nuclearn & Naked Nuclear

    17/11/2025 · BONUS

    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 community, the other builds tools to help the industry work smarter. Together, they compare notes on culture, creativity, learning curves, and the very real value of taking the first step even when you don’t have all the answers. This episode is about nuclear — yes. But it’s also about the people building it, the mindset behind innovation, and why trying (and sometimes failing) is one of the most underrated skills in our field. Learn more about Nuclearn: Nuclearn.ai Listen to 'The Future of Nuclear' Podcast here: https://nuclearn.ai/1569-2/

    1 h 30 min
  5. Intro to Fusion Energy with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory

    06/11/2025

    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. Dominguez shares how fusion works, why it matters, and how students everywhere can get involved. We dive into PPPL’s free Introduction to Fusion and Plasma Physics course — a beginner-friendly, online class designed to make complex science accessible for anyone curious about the future of energy. Whether you're a college student, a career switcher, or just fusion-curious, this episode will give you a clear view into the fascinating world of plasma, research at Princeton, and how fusion could become a key player in the clean energy race. Check out more Resources: Intro to Fusion & Plasma Physics Course: https://www.pppl.gov/events/2023/introduction-fusion-energy-and-plasma-physics-course Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI): https://www.pppl.gov/science-undergraduate-laboratory-internships-suli Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL): https://www.pppl.gov More about Dr. Arturo Dominguez: https://www.pppl.gov/people/arturo-dominguez

    42 min

  6. 06/10/2025

    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 detonations, and planetary cores. In this episode, we’ll break down: Why the Z Machine was built — and how it keeps our nuclear stockpile safe without detonations.How the Z-pinch and “pulsed power” concept work — explained in plain English with real-world analogies.How researchers are using it to advance fusion energy, the same reaction that powers the Sun.Just how powerful 80 terawatts really is — and why shockwaves from each test can be felt miles away.What these micro-bursts of power teach us about the future of clean energy, defense, and physics at the edge of what’s possible. For a few nanoseconds, the Z Machine outshines the entire human race’s power output — a lightning strike made by human hands. Wanna READ MORE? Sandia’s official Z machine page (overview, how it works, research)https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/ Sandia’s fusion research pagehttps://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/fusion/ Sandia’s energy research pagehttps://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/research/energy/ The video you mentioned (Inside the Most Powerful X-Ray Source in the World)https://www.asminternational.org/news/videos/-/journal_content/56/10192/43932389/VIDEO/ World Nuclear News article on First Light test on Zhttps://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/first-light-fusion-hails-success-of-initial-test-i Atlas Obscura page for general background & visual colorhttps://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-z-machine-albuquerque-new-mexico

    10 min
  7. Swimming through Fusion Research: Student Spotlight with Ryan Zerpa

    22/09/2025

    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 swimming forged the time-management and grit research demands. We unpack his plain-language way of explaining fusion (from “why energy transition” to “how plasmas are tamed with lasers and magnets”), then close with his next step: a PhD in high-energy-density physics at the University of Rochester (LLE)—and his advice for students to ask relentlessly and feed their curiosity. What you’ll learn Why Tesla, fields, and hands-on tinkering pulled Ryan toward electromagnetism and fusion How to turn a fission-heavy curriculum into fusion-useful skills (transport theory, fluids → plasmas) What pulsed-power/HEDP experiments aim to do and why nanosecond timing matters The student-athlete toolkit for research: discipline, recovery, and focused practice A simple, audience-friendly way to explain fusion—and why storytelling in science matters Practical advice for aspiring students: persistence beats perfection Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) — overview of the national lab and mission:https://www.sandia.gov/ Sandia National Laboratories Z Pulsed Power Facility (“Z Machine”) — Sandia’s pulsed-power/HEDP platform:https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/  | About Z: https://www.sandia.gov/z-machine/about-z/ Sandia National Laboratories+1 Purdue University — Nuclear Engineering — program home:https://engineering.purdue.edu/NE Purdue Engineering Ryan’s PhD site — University of Rochester, Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE)https://www.lle.rochester.edu/homepage/

    35 min
  8. Becoming the No. 1 University for Nuclear Engineering: University of Michigan Deep Dive with Department Chair, Dr. Todd Allen

    08/09/2025

    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 conversation offers a 360° look at what makes Michigan a true nuclear powerhouse. We cover: How a student-led movement after WWII became the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Project How Michigan is preparing students for advanced nuclear innovation The creation of a living memorial through art and engineering Undergraduate and graduate experiences in one of the world’s most well-funded and research-rich departments The Harper All Stars and how mentorship and scholarships are shaping the next generation The OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy, hosted at Michigan this fall 🔬 Michigan NERS Main Pagehttps://ners.engin.umich.edu 🕊️ History of the Michigan Memorial Phoenix Projecthttps://ners.engin.umich.edu/academics/harperacademy/https://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers 🎨 Phoenix-Themed Tunnel Art Installationhttps://news.engin.umich.edu/2023/08/a-nuclear-engineering-education-inspired-by-art 🧑‍🎓 Harper Academy All Stars (Charles Harper Charities)https://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/09/16/harper-academy-all-stars-support-ners-researchhttps://www.charlesharpercharities.org/harper-academy-4-future-nuclear-engineers 🌍 OECD Global Forum on Nuclear Energy Science, Technology & Policy – Hosted at U-Mhttps://ners.engin.umich.edu/2024/07/01/u-m-to-host-oecd-nea-global-forum-on-nuclear-energy Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us amplify the future of nuclear energy. Follow Naked Nuclear  for more episodes that strip away the jargon and dive deep into the people, programs, and power behind nuclear science.

    35 min
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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.

Informations

  • Création
    Danielle Allen
  • Années d’activité
    2024 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    50
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Danielle Allen
  • Site web de l’émission
    Naked Nuclear