Nuclear Safety Episodes

What is a Hot Cell? In this After-Pop, Danielle breaks down hot cells — the shielded, robotic fortresses where scientists safely handle the most radioactive materials on Earth. Inspired by the Marcellus Boykin episode. You'll learn: – What hot cells are and why they exist – How operators use robotic arms through lead glass windows – The different types: standard, GMP, production, and mobile – Why hot cells are critical for nuclear medicine, fuel reprocessing, and reactor safety testing Full Tr...

Navigating Nuclear Ethics: A Three-Dimensional Chess Game In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle dives into the complex world of nuclear ethics, drawing parallels with the intricate game of three-dimensional chess . The discussion is centered around the work of Dr. Simone Friederich from the University of Groningen, who, with his background in both philosophy and physics, explores the ethical obligations of investing in nuclear energy to mitigate climate change. Through the analysis o...

Indigenous Stewardship and Nuclear Energy: A Closer Look at the YTT Northern Chumash Tribe In this episode of Naked Nuclear, we explore the rich history and long-standing land stewardship of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash tribe, whose ancestral connections span over 10,000 years. We delve into the complex intersection of nuclear energy and indigenous land stewardship, discussing consent-based siting with Ryan Pickering. We highlight values such as sustainability and multi-gen...

Solving Groundwater Contamination Mysteries with Dr. David Kreamer In this episode, we delve deep into the complex world of groundwater contamination with Dr. David Kreamer, an esteemed hydrogeologist from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dr. Kreamer guides us through intricate contamination cases, the impact of uranium mining on water systems, and the multifaceted tools and techniques used in hydrogeology. Learn about the environmental risks associated with mining, the importance of rigor...

My yoga teacher, the tree-hugging radiation protection technician... In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle speaks with Caroline Cooley, a tree-hugging, Prius-driving, vegetarian yoga teacher who unexpectedly found her way into the nuclear industry as a Radiation Protection Technician. Caroline shares her journey from corporate America to working alongside her husband in the nuclear field, offering insights into the roles and responsibilities of decontamination workers and radiation p...