Stripping down nuclear energy for everyday listeners

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...

Recent Episodes

July 21, 2025

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 Nucl...
July 7, 2025

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 Div...
June 30, 2025

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 ...
June 23, 2025

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 s...
June 16, 2025

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 anyo...
June 12, 2025

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-ge...

Recent Blog Posts

June 2, 2025

Your Reference Guide to Scholarships in Nuclear (Engineering, Welding…

The Ultimate Guide to Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships in Nuclear and STEM Whether you're fresh out of high school, transitioning careers, or deep into a grad program, one thing is clear—school is expensive. But here's the good news: in …

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May 26, 2025

Find Your Nuclear Fit: Career Exploration Tools for the Future of Ene…

In our latest episode of Naked Nuclear, we sat down with Dr. Fiona Rayment, OBE—a global leader in nuclear energy and workforce development. From leading research at the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory to advising international energy p…

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April 28, 2025

From Oil Leases to Nuclear Futures: Why Landmen Are More Relevant Tha…

When you think of the oil and gas industry, your mind probably jumps to roughnecks on drilling rigs or engineers working deep in the heart of oil fields. But behind every lease, every well, and every energy deal, there’s often a landmanmaking …

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About the Hosts

Danielle Allen Profile Photo

Danielle Allen

Podcast Host & Creator

Hey, I’m Danielle Allen—firefighter, paramedic, commercial pilot, and host of Naked Nuclear. I’ve taught physics in Vietnam, trained as a flight instructor, and was once cast for a Discovery Channel-affiliated spaceflight show (RIP). After years of chasing adrenaline and saving lives, I realized the next frontier wasn’t just the sky—it was energy.

Naked Nuclear is my mission to strip down nuclear energy so it actually makes sense. We break past the fear, jargon, and politics to explore what nuclear really is, why it matters, and how it’s shaping the future. I interview engineers, ethicists, and industry pioneers to open the doors for curious minds who want in—whether you're switching careers or just nuclear-curious.

Whether I’m free-diving with sea creatures, climbing Denali, or decoding reactor systems in my nuclear engineering classes, I’m all in. The future is electric—and nuclear is the quiet giant behind it. Let’s get you up to speed.

Jackson H.

Nature loving, nuclear enthusiast, just here to support the mission.