Stripping down nuclear energy for everyday listeners

Season 2

Sept. 8, 2025

Becoming the No. 1 University for Nuclear Engineering: University of …

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)...

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Sept. 1, 2025

After-Pop! What is Reactor Physics?

Ever wonder how tiny particles can power whole cities? In this After-Pop! we follow our previous episode with Ikhwan Khaleb and dive into the world of reactor physics — the science behind nuclear chain reactions, neutrons, an...

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Aug. 25, 2025

UMich NER's Alumni Spotlight: Jenga Blocks, TikTok's, and Life as an …

Ikhwan Khaleb tells the story of moving from Malaysia to study in the University of Michigan’s NERS program, learning reactor physics in a second language, and turning TikTok into a platform for clear, visual nuclear educatio...

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Aug. 18, 2025

Now Offering: Recruiting Services with Nuclear Talent Scout

Breaking into the nuclear industry can feel overwhelming, from specialized certifications and security clearances to jobs that never even make it to job boards. In this episode of Naked Nuclear , Danielle shares an exciting n...

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Aug. 7, 2025

Build Your Next Career at BWXT: Job Talk with Bob Duffy

What makes someone stay at the same company for decades — or even generations? In this episode of Naked Nuclear , we sit down with Bob Duffy , Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of BWX Technologies (BWXT) ...

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July 28, 2025

Funding Curiosity: How Budgeting for Curiosity Leads to BIG Dividends

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 ever...

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July 21, 2025

Dyscalculia to Calculus: How Veronica Annala is Rebranding Nuclear Ad…

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...

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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...

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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 ...

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June 23, 2025

3 Degrees, 1 Football Player: How Marcellus Boykin Earned His Spot at…

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...

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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...

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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...

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June 9, 2025

From Smokestacks to Salt Reactors: CORE Power’s Strategy for Emission…

Nuclear-powered cargo ships might sound like science fiction—but CORE Power is making them a science reality. In this episode of Naked Nuclear , Danielle sits down with Tobi Menzies and Dr. Rory Megginson from CORE Power to e...

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June 2, 2025

Your Easy Guide to Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships in Nuclear a…

In this episode, we dive into the world of scholarships, grants, and fellowships available for students at various academic levels and fields, particularly within the nuclear sector, STEM, and the energy world. We dispel the ...

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May 19, 2025

After-Pop! What is Boron Neutron Capture Therapy?

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 an...

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May 12, 2025

From Candlelight to Clean Energy: Finding Your Role in the Nuclear Fu…

What do candlelit homework, career pivots, and global nuclear leadership have in common? Dr. Fiona Rayment. In this episode, Danielle speaks with internationally respected nuclear chemist and engineer Dr. Fiona Rayment about ...

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April 23, 2025

Would You Rather? How a Viral Tiktok Question Can Improve Science Edu…

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...

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April 7, 2025

Step Into Nuclear: Maintenance Tech Training at Cape Fear Community C…

In this episode of Naked Nuclear , host Danielle sits down with Kelli Davis, Program Director of the Nuclear Technology Program at Cape Fear Community College. From her start as a nuclear chemist to becoming an advocate for b...

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