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.
Music 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 happens when a generation raised online realizes that data centers, social media, and streaming all depend on a strained power grid? As climate pressure mounts and digital consumption surges, Gen Z is stepping into the energy conversation—with nuclear power on their radar.
In this episode of Fissionary, hosts Mary and Jordan sit down with José Gaona, founder and CEO of ZETA, a fast-growing Gen Z-led organization focused on emerging tech and energy policy. From his first role as a voting school board trustee at age 16 to organizing advocacy campaigns that reached all 535 congressional offices, José offers insight into how nuclear energy is gaining traction with the newest generation of advocates.
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
ZETA: https://connectzeta.org/
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=en
Music 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.
Music 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.
Music 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 about nei.org/soti2025
Music 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/soti2025
Music 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.
Music 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/fissionary
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 Power
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
What happens when a passion for the outdoors meets a mission to advocate for nuclear energy? Meet Matt, a military veteran turned nuclear energy advocate, who biked more than 1,500 miles from Massachusetts to Florida to shine a light on the role nuclear plays in sustainable energy. In this episode, Matt shares stories from his epic ride, including tours at seven nuclear plants, stealth camping through the night, and the inspiration behind his advocacy for nuclear in the outdoor community.
Matt Randall: Instagram | YouTube
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
In a world increasingly focused on clean energy solutions, nuclear power is re-emerging as a critical player in the fight against climate change. Yet, in some places, like Australia, long-standing bans and public misconceptions continue to hold back its potential. In this episode, we meet Will Shackel, the founder of Nuclear for Australia, who has become a leading voice for nuclear advocacy at just 18 years old. From his meetings with global leaders like Emmanuel Macron to his work debunking myths about nuclear power, Will discusses the challenges and triumphs of changing public opinion in a politically charged landscape.
Will Shackel: Nuclear For Australia | LinkedIn
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
Meet MURR (the Missouri University Research Reactor), a leading facility in the production of life-saving medical isotopes that’s redefining what’s possible in both energy and healthcare.
In this episode, we talk to Mike Hoehn, Program Director for NextGen MURR, and John Brockman, Associate Director of Research and Education at MURR, about how MURR’s cutting-edge research is revolutionizing cancer treatment and diagnostic tools with isotopes that are essential for modern medicine.
Learn more about MURR: https://www.murr.missouri.edu/
Next Gen MURR: https://nextgenmurr.missouri.edu/
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
In a world where climate anxiety looms large, the power of storytelling shines as a beacon of hope. In this episode of Fissionary, we chat with Charly Frisk, Director of Climate Action at Time for Better, about her mission to reshape the climate conversation. Charly and her team are redefining what it means to gather around climate issues by creating vibrant spaces like the Hope House, where optimism thrives and meaningful connections are made. From engaging events at Climate Week NYC to innovative approaches to climate communication, she shares how they’re turning traditional events into inspiring hubs of creativity and collaboration.
Charly Frisk: Time For Better | LinkedIn | Frø: Nordic Seed Heroes Documentary
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
Ever thought nuclear energy and abstract art could be connected? In this episode, we sit down with Angel “Ralph” Rafael Vázquez-Concepción, an artist, educator, and advocate who blends nuclear technology with the beauty of abstraction. From uranium glass to abstract expressionism, Ralph explores the atomic world through a creative lens, using art to challenge our views on nuclear power. We dive into his story, his vibrant creations, and how he uses art to spark conversation about energy, climate change, and humanity’s future. From education to activism, Ralph’s work challenges us to rethink our approach to science, technology, and the future of energy.
Angel “Ralph” Rafael Vázquez-Concepción: Website | Ralph’s Uranium Collection
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
Rhino poaching remains a critical issue, threatening the survival of their species while fueling illegal trade networks. Luckily, there is hope for these creatures as new anti-poaching methods like the Rhisotope Project emerge.
In this episode, James Larkin, the director of the radiation and health physics unit at the University of the Witwatersrand and the founder of The Rhisotope Project, shares how one conversation led him to develop an innovative method to fight back. He explains the global implications of rhino poaching, the criminal syndicates behind it, and how his project aims to protect the species using radiation.
James Larkin: The Rhisotope Project
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
Recent climate and energy reporting have emphasized the need to roll out new technologies on a large scale to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But what exactly needs to happen to make this a reality?
In the Season 3 premiere, we sit down with Cat Clifford, senior science and economics correspondent at Cipher. With her extensive experience in climate reporting, Cat delves into the challenges of deploying nuclear technologies. She provides valuable insights on the barriers to scaling and commercializing climate technology across various sectors.
Cat Clifford: Cipher | LinkedIn
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik
Welcome back to Fissionary! A podcast dedicated to exploring the potential of nuclear energy in addressing the climate crisis and securing our energy future. As our podcast continues to grow,
we’re diving even deeper into how nuclear technology is being used to heal, power, and save our planet.
Season 3 launches on October 10, 2024! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.
Sign up for our Newsletter: https://www.nei.org/news/fissionary
For Fissionary’s season 2 finale, Mary and Jordan speak with some nuclear power players!
We’re joined again by Dr. J’Tia Hart, along with Kaylee Cunningham (Ms. Nuclear Energy) and Ryan Pickering who are working hard to advocate for a cleaner world powered by nuclear. They discuss the current state of the nuclear industry, the challenges they face when educating others on nuclear, and where they hope to see the world in 2050.
J’Tia Hart: Website | YouTube | LinkedIn
Kaylee Cunningham: Website | TikTok | LinkedIn
Ryan Pickering X (Twitter) | LinkedIn
Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.
Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik