Fissionary

Sometimes wonder doesn’t come from discovering something new, but from realizing we misunderstood something all along. In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan sit down with Dr. Tim Gregory, senior nuclear chemist at the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory and author of Going Nuclear: How the Atom Will Save the World. Tim shares how his journey from cosmochemistry to nuclear science reshaped the way he thinks about energy, progress, and human flourishing. Together, they explore why nuclear power is often misunderstood, how fear of radiation has shaped public perception, and why energy abundance is foundational to everything from healthcare to economic growth.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Read Tim’s Book: Going Nuclear: How Atomic Energy Will Save the WorldFissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

What does nuclear energy have to do with your living room? More than you might think. In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan talk with design historian Alessandra Wood about how the Atomic Age reshaped the visual language of the 20th century. From starburst clocks to Sputnik chandeliers, the shapes and symbols of atomic science made their way into furniture, architecture, and everyday objects, transforming fear of new technology into a sense of optimism about the future.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

When a new technology changes the world overnight, culture feels it first.In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan sit down with historian Alan Carr and archivist Patty Templeton from Los Alamos National Laboratory to explore how the Atomic Age reshaped not just science, but culture. From the birth of the phrase “Atomic Age” to Godzilla, Googie architecture, Star Trek, and the nuclear rocket engines that almost took us to Mars, this conversation traces how fear, optimism, and imagination collided in the mid-20th century.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary. Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

What if turning on the lights wasn’t a given, but a daily question mark? In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan sit down with Gwen Holdmann, an engineer, energy researcher, and longtime off-grid Alaskan, about what energy access really means in some of the most remote places in the United States. Gwen shares what it was like to live for decades without reliable electricity, how fragile Alaska’s power systems really are, and why energy is about far more than convenience when heat can be a matter of survival. Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Gwen’s Podcast: Closing The GapFissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Mosquitoes might be small, but the science used to stop them is anything but. In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan talk with Dr. Zach Adelman, a geneticist and professor of entomology at Texas A&M, about how nuclear science is being used to fight some of the deadliest and most destructive insects on the planet. From malaria-spreading mosquitoes to flies that threaten the global food supply, Zach explains how sterile insect techniques work, why radiation is essential to the process, and how these tools have quietly protected human health and agriculture for decades. Along the way, we learn just how sophisticated insects really are, and why controlling them requires a mix of genetics and nuclear science on a serious scale.  Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

What if a museum could change the way an entire generation thinks about nuclear? In this episode, Mary and Jordan sit down with Jennifer Hayden, President and CEO of the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, to explore how museums spark curiosity, reshape narratives, and make even the most complex topics feel accessible. Jennifer shares how her team brings nuclear to life through storytelling, hands-on learning, community events, and a bold new vision for the museum’s upcoming nuclear energy exhibit.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.National Museum of Nuclear Science and History: https://www.nuclearmuseum.org/Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

What if Walt Disney had actually built the city of the future—powered by nuclear energy?In the Season 5 premiere of Fissionary, hosts Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton sit down with urban planner and author Sam Gennawey to uncover how Walt’s imagination extended far beyond theme parks. From Disneyland to his unrealized vision for Epcot, Walt dreamed of communities built around innovation, clean power, and human connection. Sam shares how those plans included a nuclear-powered city under a climate-controlled dome, what it reveals about Disney’s faith in technology, and why his “yes, if” philosophy still matters today.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Sam’s Book: Sacred Landscapes Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Every era has its spark- a force that drives imagination, innovation, and the will to build something extraordinary. Fissionary returns with Season 5: What Powers Wonder, an exploration of how energy fuels creativity, culture, and progress. From life-saving breakthroughs to designs and the boundless imagination of Walt Disney himself, hosts Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton uncover the surprising ways nuclear shapes our world.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener survey

The world runs on energy, but the real power comes from curiosity. Fissionary is the podcast that uncovers how nuclear energy shapes our lives in ways you might never expect, from medicine and design to space exploration and climate solutions. Hosted by Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton, Fissionary brings together scientists, artists, policymakers, and creators to explore how innovation and imagination collide.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener survey

Gabriel Ivory, one of the creative forces behind the "I Heart Nuclear" sign at College GameDay, joins us for the season finale of Fissionary to talk about how a bold move turned into a nationwide campaign. Gabriel shares the story behind the sign, the strategy that helped it go viral, and how he’s using his platform to change the conversation around nuclear energy. It’s not just about advocacy; it’s also about making nuclear relatable, creative, and fun for a new generation of activists. Tune in to hear how one sign sparked a movement and how the next wave of nuclear advocates are pushing boundaries and taking risks to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

When it comes to moving the needle on nuclear energy, support is needed at every level, and Illinois is at a turning point. In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan sit down with Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin—a longtime advocate for nuclear energy—to talk about lifting the state’s partial moratorium and Illinois’ unique position to support nuclear energy production. With Illinois home to the largest nuclear fleet in the country and transmission infrastructure already in place, Sue makes the case for why the state is perfectly positioned to meet rising energy demands fueled by AI, data centers, and industrial growth. She shares how Illinois is developing its nuclear workforce earlier than most, why local buy-in is critical, and what she’s seen change the minds of nuclear skeptics. Beyond energy policy, Sue paints a picture of how leading in nuclear can fuel long-term economic growth and global competitiveness. Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

What if saving the world looked more like a rave than a lecture? In this episode, we catch up with Ryan Pickering—former anti-nuclear activist turned DOE policy advisor, co-founder of NICE (Nuclear is Clean Energy) and all-around nuclear hype man. From organizing a rave to support California legislation to collaborating with Indigenous leaders and traveling globally to advocate for nuclear inclusion, Ryan is doing the most in the best way. We get into how culture, community, and energy realism are reshaping the nuclear conversation and why the future might just be on-grid and wildly optimistic. Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.NICE: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nice-columbia/Native Nuclear: https://www.nativenuclear.org/Check out Ryan: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_pickering_/?hl=enFissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Imagine building something today that has to stay safe for tens of thousands of years! That’s the mind-bending challenge behind long-term nuclear waste storage, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into how Canada is pulling it off. Jordan and Mary sit down with Lisa Frizzell from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to unpack how one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the world is being designed to protect people and the planet for basically forever. From solid ceramic fuel pellets and copper-coated steel canisters buried beneath 500 meters of rock, to the Indigenous-led, community-driven process that chose the final site, Lisa walks us through every layer of science, safety, and social trust built into the plan. Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

We've sent humans to space and robots to Mars. The next leap? Sending nuclear reactors that can power the future, space life, and beyond.Joining us today is Dr. David Poston, the reactor designer behind NASA’s Kilopower project and one of the leading minds in the push to bring compact, resilient nuclear systems to space. From Krusty and DUFF (yes, those are Simpsons references) to his disruptive new company, SpaceNukes, David walks us through how we power life far from Earth and why nuclear is the right fuel source for the job. Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

What do ChatGPT, cloud servers, and nuclear reactors have in common? More than you think. As AI expands and tech giants scramble for energy that’s clean, constant, and scalable, nuclear power is stepping into the spotlight. In this episode, Mary and Jordan sit down with Faraz Ahmad, the former head of Amazon’s global clean energy team, to explore why Big Tech is betting on nuclear. With a résumé spanning GE, NextEra, and British Nuclear Fuels, Faraz offers a rare insider’s look at why nuclear is becoming essential infrastructure for the digital age.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Learn more nei.org/soti2025Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

We’re SO back! In the Season 4 premiere, Mary and Jordan catch up on just how fast things are moving in the world of nuclear. From billion-dollar investments and new reactor projects breaking ground to nuclear’s role in powering AI and deep space missions, the pace of change has been wild—and it’s only speeding up.We break down what’s behind the hype, who’s driving it, and why nuclear is suddenly the main character in conversations around clean energy, tech infrastructure, and climate solutions.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Learn more about nei.org/soti2025Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Nuclear is having a moment, and Fissionary is back to break it all down!  In Season 4, we’re diving headfirst into the next era of nuclear.Hosts Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton return to explore the bold ideas, and brilliant minds shaping the future of clean energy. From deep space to data centers, nuclear’s time is now- and trust us, you’ll want a front-row seat.Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

The future of clean energy is here, and it’s nuclear. Welcome to Fissionary, your guide to the innovations, stories, and amazing possibilities of nuclear.Season 4 coming soon! Visit us at https://www.nei.org/news/fissionaryFissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener survey

Get ready to dive deep into the thrilling possibilities of nuclear power on the high seas! In our season finale, Mary and Jordan drop anchor with Mikal Bøe, Chairman and CEO of CORE Power, a company building scalable new nuclear technologies for ocean transport. Striving to see a world where shipping generates zero carbon emissions, Mikal and his team are leveraging new nuclear technologies for the development of both nuclear ships and floating reactors. Mikal shares insights on how nuclear ships operate, what decarbonizing ocean transport would mean, the evolution of shipping technology, and the critical role nuclear power will play in the future of global trade. Mikal Bøe: LinkedIn | CORE PowerVisit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.Fissionary Wants To Hear From You! Fill out our short listener surveyMusic used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik