Science Episodes

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 paper, they sketched out the N1, and Jonas joined the company. That's how Nuclearis Energy started. In this episode, Jonas walks us through the N1 micromodular reactor: what it is, how it solves the ef...

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 — beyond headlines, hot takes, and LinkedIn comment wars. What You’ll Learn Why “more solar” doesn’t automatically solve the problem Solar energy is powerful — but it only works when the sun ...

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 funding the “discovery phase” of science pays off in ways we can’t always predict. While it’s often said that monarchs avoid the Great Lakes as if skirting a long-gone mountain, this is a myth. Monarchs use...

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, museum curator, communicator, or career changer, this episode reveals why now is the perfect time to step into nuclear. We also explore ANS's broader efforts in workforce development, including the Ce...

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, actual beams of neutrons!) – What "epithermal neutrons" are and why they matter – Who could benefit from BNCT and why it's gaining traction again – How newer technologies are making BNCT more accessi...

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 science education can be inspiring for some and traumatic for others. Discussing research and personal anecdotes, she highlights the challenges faced by educators and the systemic issues within STEM education....

Understanding In-Situ Leaching with Dr. Kreamer In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle Allen delves into the technical aspects of in-situ leaching (ISL), a method that accounts for 80% of uranium mining in the U.S. Following up from the previous episode with Dr. David Kreamer, this explainer breaks down the ISL process, ingredients in lixiviant, and steps taken to ensure groundwater safety. The episode emphasizes ISL's efficiency and minimal environmental impact, using simple analogie...

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...

Watts of holiday displays going on right now, huh? Join Danielle in this festive episode of Naked Nuclear as she delves into the real cost of those dazzling holiday light displays. Explore what a watt is, the energy consumption of incandescent versus LED lights, and discover three practical tips to keep your holiday season safe and cost-effective. Danielle also discusses how different states' energy prices can impact your holiday budget and discusses the importance of peak energy hours. Tune...

The After-Pop! Demystifying Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation Welcome back to Naked Nuclear, where we simplify nuclear technology. In this episode, we dive into radiation—its origins, types, and measurements. Learn about non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, explore their sources, and understand how we measure radiation exposure. Discover the three types of ionizing radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma. We also discuss how to stay safe with guidelines on dose, time, and exposure limits. Join us...

Welcome to the Ep.1 After-pop! Nuclear Fuels Breakdown: Uranium Oxide, Uranium Silicide, Uranium Mononitride, and HALEU In this quick follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of nuclear fuels. Dr. Jennifer Watkins breaks down the key materials used in advanced nuclear reactors, including: Uranium Oxide (UO₂): The most common nuclear fuel, typically used in light water reactors. Uranium Silicide (U₃Si₂): A high-density fuel offering improved performance in reactors. Uranium Mononitri...

Thank you for dropping in! In this inspiring episode of Naked Nuclear , we share the remarkable story of Dr. Jennifer Watkins, who made an unexpected career pivot from bill collector to becoming an advanced nuclear fuels researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory. From growing up in rural Idaho to earning a PhD at Boise State, Dr. Watkins reflects on the pivotal moments that changed the course of her life. She opens up about the challenges she faced, including jumping back into math at age ...