On The Rise w/ Marcius Extavour

Marcius Extavour
  • 4.4 (9)
  • Society & Culture

On the Rise is a podcast about climate and the future—but not in the usual way. Across energy, technology, business, and culture, it features honest conversations with people building things, making decisions, and figuring out what actually works. Grounded, curious, and occasionally funny—a more human conversation about the future.

  1. 5d ago

    Bombs, Black Holes, or Bountiful Energy: Nuclear Fusion in the Real World

    In Part 3 of this Fusion mini-series, Dr. Annie Kritcher and Marcius explore the future of fusion energy, its potential impact on society, safety concerns, and the importance of public engagement. Annie shares her insights how responsible innovation plays a key role in scientific breakthroughs.  Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fusion and Public Perception 01:06 Fusion's Transition from Science to Society 02:24 Fusion and the Future Energy Landscape 03:12 Balancing Innovation with Risks 05:02 Meet Annie Kritcher: Scientist and Innovator 06:05 Why We Care About Fusion Energy 07:15 Advantages of Fusion Over Other Energy Sources 08:53 Fusion Fuel and Environmental Impact 10:02 Fusion in the Context of Global Energy Mix 12:16 Could Fusion Become the Dominant Power Source? 13:37 Challenges and Risks in Fusion Development 15:49 Managing Dual-Use Technologies and Risks 20:10 Regulatory and Safety Frameworks for Fusion 22:37 Public Fears and Misconceptions about Fusion 24:26 Public Interest and Engagement Strategies 27:39 Fusion's Role in Climate Change Mitigation 37:40 The Future of Fusion and Inertia's Role 38:35 Long-Term Vision for Fusion Energy  Keywords: fusion energy, nuclear science, energy transition, public safety, scientific breakthroughs, climate change, energy technology, fusion power, science communication, innovation Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  2. Sep 4

    The Woman Who Trapped a Tiny Star on Earth | BONUS EPISODE

    How fusion might become real, for real! Laser fusion pioneer Dr Annie Kritcher talks about taking fusion out of the lab and into a power plant, her journey from scientist to entrepreneur, and how she’s using her company Inertia to accelerate the optimization, engineering design, manufacturing, supply chain issues necessary to convert a successful science experiment into reliable and safe energy infrastructure.  The TLDR on Annie’s work:Firing the world’s largest ever multi-beam laser at a tiny lead can to create an x-ray oven so hot it will implode the tiny crystal of nuclear-heavy ice floating in the center of the oven, inducing a plasma in which two atoms smash together, literally become one, and spray out an astronomically large pulse of energy. Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 02:08 The National Lab Breakthrough that Led to Annie's Startup Inertia 03:35 The Story of Achieving "Target Gain" In Lab Fusion Experiments 07:30 Does the Livermore Spark Mean Fusion is "Solved"? 07:51 The Engineering Needed to Transform an Experiment into a Reliable Power Plant 09:12 Inertia: Annie's Startup Focused on Turning Physics into Useful Fusion Power 09:38 From Lab to Market: Origin Story of Inertia Co. 12:01 A Scientist Becomes an Unlikely Entrepreneur 12:22 Inertia's Partnerships with the National Lab 15:43 Better Lasers, Targets, Design for Manufacture, and Efficiency 17:00 Laser Innovation to Achieve Commercial Fusion Energy 22:18 1000 Shipping Containers Full of Laser 22:44 Target Innovation & Fast Fueling 23:39 Making Perfectly Frozen Deuterium-Tritium Ice 26:35 Inertia's Mission and Next Steps Keywords: fusion energy, nuclear fusion, clean energy, physics, science, Inertia, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, plasma, lasers, energy technology, engineering, scale-up, supply chain, entrepreneurship, hard science Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  3. Sep 1

    Fusion 101: Fusion Energy Explained From Scratch

    Laser fusion pioneer Dr Annie Kritcher teams up with Dr Marcius Extavour to break down fusion energy in simple terms that everyone can understand. Learn how it’s being attempted, fusion’s potential as a clean energy source, and the cutting-edge research making it possible. This episode starts at the basics -  “what is an atom?” -  and walks through the basic physics of what fusion energy is, and why you might care. TLDR: Firing the world’s largest ever multi-beam laser at a tiny lead can to create an x-ray oven so hot it will implode the tiny crystal of nuclear-heavy ice floating in the center of the oven, inducing a plasma in which two atoms smash together, literally become one, and spray out an astronomically large pulse of energy. Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fusion and Its Significance 03:22 Fusion in Stars and Its Potential on Earth 07:23 How Fusion Works: Smooshing Atoms 11:31 The Challenge of Overcoming Electrostatic Repulsion 15:32 Deuterium and Tritium: The Fusion Fuel 17:03 From Atoms to Power: How Fusion Generates Energy 18:38 Creating and Confine Hot Plasmas 20:32 What Is Plasma and Its Role in Fusion 23:02 Magnetic and Inertial Confinement Methods 25:07 The Fuel Capsule and Laser-Driven Fusion 27:06 The Composition and Design of Fusion Fuel Capsules 29:43 The Laser-Driven Compression Process 33:23 The Brief and Intense Fusion Reaction 34:46 Energy Output and Its Magnitude 36:27 Power and Power Density of Fusion Experiments 37:15 Why Fusion Reactions Don't Melt the Lab 38:25 Containment and Safety in Fusion Experiments 39:14 The Role of Lasers in Fusion Technology 41:16 Why Lasers Are Ideal for Fusion Experiments 44:30 Summary and Next Steps in Fusion Research Keywords: fusion energy, nuclear fusion, clean energy, physics, science, Inertia, Lawrence Livermore National Lab, plasma, lasers, energy technology, laser ignition fusion, deuterium, tritium, neutron, proton, atom Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  4. Aug 25

    Science for Presidents: From AI Data Centers to Forever Chemicals

    Dr. Ticora Jones, Chief Scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council joins the show to talk about trust, forever chemicals, and AI data centers. Your host Marcius Extavour aka Dr.X opens with his thoughts on how the  LA Lakers of the NBA demonstrate the weird confluence of money, information, and trust that’s in the air these days. Next Ticora shares some of her thoughts  about the intersection of science, misinformation, and public trust.  Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the attack on scientific research 03:58 Misinformation, media, and the impact on science 07:42 Science, myths, and media narratives 11:26 Regulation and public awareness of chemicals 14:00 Cumulative environmental exposure 15:16 State and local regulation of data centers 16:44 The impact of data centers on environment 18:22 Science in the AI era and misconceptions 20:19 Environmental impacts of data centers 24:55 Water, power, and environmental justice 26:23 Community responses to data center development 27:58 Public perception of environmental toxins 29:24 Fairness and access to AI technology 32:39 Political attacks on scientific agencies 34:34 Balancing science and politics in decision-making 36:28 The importance of independent scientific advice 38:37 Changing rules and the future of science 40:37 Hope and reimagining the scientific ecosystem 44:10 Parenting, science, and hope for the future 45:14 Closing thoughts, previews and music! Keywords: science, misinformation, public trust, environmental health, PFAS, forever chemicals, data centers, AI, policy, science communication, water On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026. Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  5. Aug 18

    Science is Political. Meet the Scientist Who Escaped the Lab

    Marcius opens with his thoughts on vaccines, bad lettuce, and AOC, revealing just how much “science” lies just beneath the surface of major news items. Then this week’s guest Dr. Ticora Jones joins to share her journey from a childhood fascination with science to her role as a public science executive: Chief Scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council in Washington, DC. She and Marcius explore how science influences public policy, where it gets lost in translation, and why this matters at all to you and your daily life.  Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters 00:50 Introduction and News Roundup 02:38 What Makes a News Story A Science Story? 04:11 Defining the Science - Policy Interface 05:47 Public Scientists Bridge The Worlds of Politics and Research 06:46 Introduction to Dr. Ticora Jones 09:52 Journey from Scientist to Executive 13:08 Teaching Experience and Its Impact 16:12 Graduate School and Global Citizenship 19:11 Transition to Public Policy and Advocacy 22:00 The Role of Science in Advocacy 22:15 After the 24-hr New Cycle, Before Social Media Popped Off 25:18 Scientific Information in Politics 28:08 Current Work at NRDC 29:30 Intro to Natural Resources Defense Council: What is NRDC? 30:54 Science for Public Good 34:10 Why Some Scientists Prefer to Stay Quiet 39:18 The Challenge of Communicating Science 40:19 Are Scientists Too In Love With Nuance? 43:16 Is Nuance Better Understood In-Person, Not Online? 46:17 There are No Magic Technological Fixes, Right...? 48:48 How Science Travels from Lab to Newsroom: Case Study 51:57 The Role of Media in Science Communication 54:06 What is a "clean cookstove" and how are they connected to academic research? 54:42 The Impact of Misinformation 57:52 The Future of Science Communication 59:26 Is Presumption of Regularity Still a Safe Assumption? 01:01:23 Digital Literacy for the Kids 01:02:01 Closing Thoughts, Thanks Yous, Music Keywords: science communication, public policy, science advocacy, NRDC, digital literacy, science in media, public trust in science, science and policy interface, science careers outside of academia On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.  Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  6. Aug 11

    Energy Executive or Environmentalist: Can You Be Both?

    This week's episode kicks off with an "oil markets 101" segment from Marcius. Next, we dig into the global oil markets, energy policy, and the future of energy transition with this weeks' guest energy executive Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer of Baker Hughes. Allyson and Marcius discuss how geopolitical conflicts influence oil prices, the role of government-owned oil companies, and the potential pathways toward a sustainable energy future. Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00:56 Introduction to Gas Prices and Oil Markets 02:50 Understanding Oil as a Global Commodity: The Bathtub Analogy 02:50 The Impact of Global Events on Oil Prices 05:03 China Stops Buying While USA Sells More: Strategic Petroleum Reserves 07:43 War and Oil Market Madness Make Alternatives Look Better 09:37 Energy Independence and Security: The New Reason to Care 11:29 Introduction to Guest: Allyson Anderson Book 12:43 How Can We Keep Burning Oil While the World Burns? 15:22 What Do We Tell the Children? 15:34 Teaching the Next Generation about Energy 18:10 Paying for Prosperity Today With Doom Tomorrow? 20:35 Future Scenarios for Energy Transition 20:35 What People Need to Know about the Energy System, But Don't 25:45 The Role of National (Government Owned) Oil Companies 27:32 Petro-States and Climate Commitments 28:52 Economic Dependencies on Fossil Fuels 29:46 Do All Energy & Climate Stakeholders Have the Same Goals? 30:49 Negotiation Tactics in Climate Discussions 31:25 The U.S. Oil and Gas Landscape 31:51 Coal vs Gas, and Competition Among Energy Fuel Types 32:37 Oil and Gas in Movies and TV 35:29 100-Year View: How Does This All End? 36:09 Futurist Predictions 37:59 2025 and 2026 Are Breaking Temperature Records 39:23 Drawing Climate Conclusions from Today's Local Weather - BEWARE! 40:57 Allyson's Views on Heat and Adaptation 41:35 Final Remarks: Agreeing to Disagree Episode credits: Stefano Dozza, videography | https://www.fourthact.xyz/ Keywords: oil markets, energy transition, fossil fuels, renewable energy, energy policy, climate change, oil prices, energy independence, geopolitics, sustainability On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026. Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  7. Aug 4

    Does the Energy Transition Mean the End of Fossil Fuels?

    Marcius Extavour interviews Allyson Anderson Book, Chief Sustainability Officer at Baker Hughes, a global energy services and technology company. They each bring their own unique perspectives to explore the misconceptions of the global energy system, the fossil fuel landscape, and the future of the ongoing energy transition.  Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00: 00 Introduction 03:27 Perspectives on Energy 07:38 What is Baker Hughes? 12:10 Mapping the Energy Landscape 22:08 What is a Rig Count? 24:41 Is the Energy Transition Really Slowing Down? 30:56 Our Dilemma: The Energy Trilemma 33:10 Why Can't Clean Tech Be Funded by Oil? 36:40 Wait.. Blackrock's Doing What? 38:30 Is COP Just Filled With Lobbyists? 44:51 Outro & Claire Davis Music Episode credits: Stefano Dozza, videography | https://www.fourthact.xyz/ Keywords: energy, fossil fuels, energy transition, oil and gas, renewable energy, climate change, energy industry, Baker Hughes, energy policy, sustainability On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026. Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

  8. Jul 28

    How Did a Syrian Doctor Spark the Best Sauvignon Blanc in Northern California?

    Marcius starts this week's episode by discussing the recent wildfires in Northwestern Ontario, Canada - how & why they happen, how they relate to the USA's new 50% tariff on Canadian trade, and why political nationalism may not be our best tool to fight fires. Then, Chris rejoins the show to tell us about her family's journey from making wine in their home to running an award-winning winery.  Let us know what you think at podontherise@gmail.com Chapters: 00: 00 Introduction 01:38 Wildfires in Northwestern Ontario 04:41 Has the US Actually Gotten Hotter in the Last 100 Years? 08:37 The Wind Doesn't Care About Your Political Boundaries 11:58 How Did Chris Hanna Start Making Wine? 17:32 What Does it Mean to Have a POV on Wine? 20:53 Navigating the Wine Business as an Independent Winery 26:42 Is Insurance Hurting the Wine Industry? 32:30 Evolving Farming Practices 36:53 What Would Chris Do Differently if She Was Starting Now? 40:19 Recommendations for Wines & Wineries in Napa Valley 44:06 Outro & Claire Davis Episode credits: Tod Elkins, Editing Keywords: winemaking, family business, Sauvignon Blanc, wine industry, climate change, insurance, direct-to-consumer, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, wine marketing On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026. Show Credits: Vishrudh Sriramprasad, Producer Claire Davis, Theme Music (Long Gone, Get It Right) | @clairedavismusic Kheya Patel, Art | https://kheyapatel.com/ Contact: podontherise@gmail.com On the Rise is a production of Extempo Media, copyright 2026.

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4.4
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

On the Rise is a podcast about climate and the future—but not in the usual way. Across energy, technology, business, and culture, it features honest conversations with people building things, making decisions, and figuring out what actually works. Grounded, curious, and occasionally funny—a more human conversation about the future.

Information

  • Creator
    Marcius Extavour
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 On The Rise w/ Marcius Extavour
  • Show Website
    On The Rise w/ Marcius Extavour