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. The episode advocates for creating engaging and enjoyable science learning experiences, utilizing modern media tools, and fostering curiosity to mend the public's relationship with science, crucial for future technological and environmental advancements.00:00 Introduction and Viral TikTok Question01:13 The Emotional Impact of Science Education03:47 Personal Experiences with Science Teachers05:28 Making Science Enjoyable and Accessible07:38 Innovative Tools and Media in Science Education08:35 Rebuilding Trust in Science10:49 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this student spotlight featuring Sarah Cole, a nuclear fuels researcher, we explore her academic journey from high school during COVID-19 to becoming a senior at Boise State University.
Sarah discusses her experiences with internships, nuclear materials research, and building a strong network within the nuclear industry.
She offers valuable advice on applying for scholarships, securing letters of recommendation, and making the most of your undergraduate years. Tune in to learn how Sarah successfully funded her education and her plans for a future in nuclear engineering.
📍 Episode Summary:
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle Allen 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 building the next generation of nuclear workers, Kelli shares her inspiring career path, insights into nuclear maintenance training, and why this career is more than just a job—it's a lifestyle.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
The unique journey Kelli took from chemistry to nuclear education
What Cape Fear’s Nuclear Maintenance Technician program includes
Why behaviors and coachability matter more than technical background
How the industry is evolving with small modular reactors and a growing need for workforce development
Real talk about union vs. non-union plants, upward mobility, and career satisfaction in nuclear
👩🏫 Who This Is For:
High school grads and career changers interested in hands-on work
Curious minds exploring pathways into the nuclear industry
Families, advisors, and educators helping students find purposeful careers
🛠️ Classes Offered at Cape Fear:
Welding, reactor theory, hydraulics & pneumatics, non-destructive testing, primary systems, and more
🌍 Kelli’s Big Message: “You don’t need to grow up wanting to be a nuclear worker to become one. You just need the right mindset, a little mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn.”
📬 Connect with Kelli:
Learn more at Cape Fear Community College
Email: kndavis245@mail.cfcc.edu
💬 Have a question or want to suggest a topic?
Email Danielle at danielle@nakednuclear.com
🎧 Subscribe, rate, and stay curious.
Season 2 of Naked Nuclear is your inside look at nuclear education—from trade schools to industry. Whether you're thinking about your future or helping someone else shape theirs, we’ve got you covered.
Have you ever met a legend? In this final episode of our Women’s History Month series, Danielle sits down with Lisa Marshall, President of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and longtime Director of Outreach and Engagement for NC State’s Department of Nuclear Engineering.
For over two decades, Lisa has been a tireless champion for students, a trailblazer in outreach and retention strategies, and a visionary leader within the nuclear space.
From building one of the nation’s leading outreach programs from scratch to her presidency at ANS, Lisa shares her journey with wisdom, humility, and humor.
🔹 In this episode, we cover:
💡 Quote to remember:
"How dare you not give your talents to an industry that has such an impact on society—not only within the United States, but internationally." — Lisa Marshall
🧠 Perfect for:
Aspiring nuclear engineers, students navigating STEM fields, educators passionate about retention, or anyone curious about the human side of nuclear energy.
🔗 Links & Resources:
✨ Stay tuned for Season Two, where we dive deep into nuclear education, career pathways, and how YOU can transition into the industry.
In this special Women's History Month spotlight, we sit down with Rachel Love, a seasoned project manager in the nuclear industry, to explore the invaluable skills of leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Rachel shares her unique career journey from pre-law to nuclear engineering, the challenges of high-pressure environments, and how leadership rooted in empathy can drive successful projects.
From navigating midnight crisis calls to ensuring critical fuel equipment meets stringent safety standards, Rachel's experience offers a compelling look into what it takes to manage teams and projects in an industry as complex as nuclear energy. She discusses the importance of receiving and integrating feedback, the power of teamwork, and the evolving role of women in STEM fields.
Whether you're an aspiring engineer, a project manager looking for leadership insights, or someone curious about the nuclear sector, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and career wisdom.
Episode Highlights:
(00:01:00) The parallels between great project managers and sports coaches
(00:02:30) Rachel's journey from pre-law to nuclear engineering
(00:06:45) Lessons from high-pressure work environments and handling 3 AM problem-solving calls
(00:10:00) The transition from project engineer to project manager and the unexpected emotional challenges of leadership
(00:15:30) How feedback strengthens leadership and why self-awareness is key
(00:22:00) Managing stress in the workplace and fostering a culture of collaboration
(00:26:00) Rachel’s experience as a woman in nuclear engineering and her perspective on the industry’s inclusivity
(00:28:30) Advice for women entering STEM and the importance of resilience and adaptability
(00:32:00) Rapid-fire questions: Rachel’s dream TED Talk, futuristic city design, and career-defining moments
Key Takeaways:
Strong leadership is built on empathy, accountability, and effective problem-solving.
Feedback—both giving and receiving—is essential for growth in technical and managerial roles.
Women in nuclear engineering are thriving, and initiatives to encourage more young women into STEM are making a difference.
The nuclear industry is one of the safest and most highly regulated sectors, thanks to lessons learned from historical incidents.
The ability to adapt to high-pressure situations and navigate uncertainty is a critical skill in project management.
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe to Naked Nuclear for more insightful conversations about nuclear energy and careers in the industry.
Next Up: We continue our Women's History Month series with more inspiring voices before launching Season 2: Nuclear Education! Stay tuned!
LINKED Resources:
In this special Women’s History Month episode, we dive into the world of nuclear advocacy, mentorship, and the wisdom of motherhood with Heather Hoff, Co-Founder and Vice President of Mothers for Nuclear, and Dr. Jennifer Klay, a nuclear physicist at Cal Poly and Secretary of the organization. Together, we explore how mothers, educators, and industry professionals are shaping the future of nuclear energy.
From the role of storytelling in advocacy to keeping Diablo Canyon open, to tackling the nuclear waste conversation with communities, Heather and Jennifer share their unique experiences and insights into why diversity of thought is essential in the nuclear industry.
Stay curious and join us for this inspiring conversation that challenges assumptions, celebrates scientific curiosity, and highlights the power of advocacy.
📢 Learn More & Get Involved:
🌍 Mothers for Nuclear – Explore their mission and how to get involved.
📩 Connect with Us: Follow Naked Nuclear for more insightful conversations on the future of energy.
🔔 Subscribe & Follow
Don’t miss our Women’s History Month series, featuring inspiring leaders in nuclear energy—from students to industry pioneers. Subscribe to Naked Nuclear and follow us on social media to stay updated on the latest episodes.
#NuclearEnergy #MothersForNuclear #CleanEnergy #WomenInSTEM #NakedNuclear #DiabloCanyon #EnergyAdvocacy
Join us as we spotlight women in the nuclear industry.
One of our previous episodes with Caroline Cooley showcases how she became a radiation protection technician:
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 protection technicians. They discuss the safety protocols, personal protective equipment used, and the exposure levels to radiation, debunking some common misconceptions about the industry.
Caroline also touches on how her background in yoga helps her remain calm and handle fear in this demanding job. This episode provides a unique look at a non-traditional career path, the evolving diversity in the nuclear industry, and the importance of stringent safety measures. Listeners will also learn about pathways into the field and the potential for travel and financial benefits.00:00 Introduction to Caroline Cooley00:27 Diving into Nuclear Reactors01:00 Getting Started in the Nuclear Industry02:14 Roles and Responsibilities of a Radiation Protection Technician03:31 Safety Measures and Equipment07:03 Radiation Exposure and Monitoring13:11 Career Path and Personal Journey17:54 Diversity and Evolution in the Nuclear Field19:46 Nuclear Safety and Environmental Impact20:51 Yoga and Mindfulness in Nuclear Work22:52 Rapid-Fire Questions and Fun Facts26:20 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Looking for where to get started as an RP?
Cape Fear Community College Nuclear Technology
https://cfcc.edu/nuclear-technology/
Westinghouse RP Program
https://westinghousenuclear.com/media/zhdbuk4m/how-to-become-an-rp-technician-2024.pdf
https://westinghousenuclear.com/operating-plants/outage-services/rp-alara/radiation-protection-training/
Wanna learn more about radiation levels?
Radiation Levels:
https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses
https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/5-radioactive-products-we-use-every-day
Sober Spaces at Jam Band Concerts
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/looking-for-sober-friends-at-a-concert-find-the-deadheads-with-a-yellow-balloon
Revealing the True Role of Landmen in the Energy Sector
In this episode, we take a closer look at the essential role of landmen in the energy industry, debunking Hollywood stereotypes and exploring their function as intermediaries between energy companies and landowners. Veteran landman Doug Sandridge, with 49 years of experience, shares insights on how their work extends beyond oil and gas to include nuclear energy and renewables.
Discussion covers the ethical aspects of land usage, fair negotiations with indigenous communities, and how the expertise of landmen could be pivotal in the future of energy projects.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:56 Understanding the Role of a Landman
01:33 Landmen in the Energy Sector
02:25 Real-World Examples and Importance
03:45 Ethics and Indigenous Communities
05:35 Future of Landmen in Energy
06:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Naked Nuclear Explores: Land Back Movement and Nuclear Advocacy with Doug SandridgeIn this episode of Naked Nuclear, the discussion pivots to the intersections between the Land Back movement and nuclear energy advocacy. Danielle and guest Doug Sandridge, Vice President of Fulcrum Energy Captial Funds, with 49 years in the oil and gas industry and now a nuclear advocate, delve into his evolving stance toward nuclear energy and efforts to save the Diablo Canyon Power Plant.
They explore how indigenous tribes, particularly the ytt (Northern Chumash), strive to reclaim their ancestral land in San Luis Obispo, California, amidst political and environmental challenges. Details from Doug’s Substack articles on the ytt tribe’s ongoing struggle highlight these themes.00:27 Real Life Landman and Oil Industry Insights01:55 Nuclear Advocacy Journey06:58 Land Back Movement and YTT Tribe11:31 Historical Context and Diablo Canyon14:46 Tribe's Efforts to Reclaim Land19:04 Intersection of Advocacy and Land Back20:34 Current Challenges and Future Hopes28:22 Rapid Fire Questions with Doug32:47 Conclusion and Season Preview
And if you thought part 1 was great... Here's part 2
How to support ytt and their efforts
Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson - Pioneering Physicist and Innovator Welcome to another special episode of Naked Nuclear for Black History Month! We spotlight the illustrious Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a groundbreaking physicist who broke barriers from MIT to Bell Labs and even the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Learn about her early life, groundbreaking research in condensed matter physics, and contributions to telecommunications technology like touch-tone phones and fiber optic cables. Her leadership in nuclear policy and academia has left an indelible mark on science and technology, inspiring future generations, especially women of color in STEM.
Tune in to discover the incredible legacy of Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson! 00:00 Introduction to Naked Nuclear 00:14 Spotlight on Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson 00:45 Early Life and Education 01:28 Challenges and Triumphs at MIT 02:23 Understanding Condensed Matter Physics 03:28 Contributions at Bell Labs 04:07 Leadership at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 05:15 Academic Leadership and Legacy 06:09 Inspiration and Impact 06:56 Conclusion and Future Episodes
Read her bio in the National Women's Hall of Fame
More about Dr. Jackson from RPI
Black History Month Spotlight on William D. Magwood IV In this special Black History Month episode of Naked Nuclear, we spotlight William D. Magwood IV, a leader in nuclear energy whose career spans policy, regulation, and international cooperation.
From his working-class roots in Pittsburgh to his role as the Director General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, Bill's journey is explored, highlighting his contributions to U.S. nuclear policy, international technology cooperation, and workforce development.
The episode delves into the challenges in nuclear expansion and emphasizes Bill's belief in the pivotal role of nuclear power in meeting climate and energy security goals. 00:00 Introduction to Naked Nuclear 00:16 Spotlight on William D. Magwood IV 00:45 Early Life and Education 01:53 Career Beginnings and Achievements 03:34 Challenges in the Nuclear Industry 04:53 Bill Magwood's Vision for the Future 06:01 Conclusion and Future Episodes
Bill Magwood's Role at Nuclear Energy Agency
Lecture on Radiological Protections (Lecture begins at 23:00)
It's an alphabet soup, but somebody's gotta break it down. Join us in this exciting episode of 'After Pop! A Breakdown of Nuclear Reactor Types,' with your host Danielle. We'll explore the fascinating world of nuclear reactors, learning how they work and discussing various types like Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs), Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Micro Reactors, and Advanced Reactors including Molten Salt Reactors.
Discover the benefits, safety measures, and future potentials of each type. Stick around as we delve deeper into nuclear energy's role in powering our world, its safety, sustainability, and the innovative designs on the horizon. 00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Reactors 00:29 Understanding Nuclear Fission 01:22 Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) 02:07 Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) 02:49 Small Modular Reactors (SMR) 03:42 Micro Reactors 04:29 Advanced Reactors 05:38 The Future of Nuclear Energy 05:59 Conclusion and What's Next
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle sits down with Steve Rea, the 2024 recipient of the American Nuclear Society Landis Public Communication and Education Award.
Steve, a 30-year nuclear industry veteran, discusses his transition to public education and nuclear advocacy in North Carolina. From his beginnings in nuclear chemistry in high school to forming the Nuclear Advisory Council, Steve shares insights on the role of diverse energy sources and the importance of communicating nuclear technology's safety and benefits to various stakeholders.
Tune in to learn how Steve connects industry knowledge with public education to shape the future of nuclear energy.
00:00 Connecting the Dots: Introduction to Steve Rea
00:35 Steve Rea's Journey in the Nuclear Industry
01:24 Nuclear Advocacy and Public Education
02:01 Steve's Early Interest in Nuclear Energy
04:59 The Formation of the Nuclear Advisory Council
10:02 Public Perception and Nuclear Technology
14:47 Diverse Energy Sources and Nuclear's Role
18:15 Legislation and Policy in Nuclear Energy
21:08 Workforce Development in Nuclear Energy
26:17 Rapid-Fire Questions with Steve Rea
29:06 Conclusion and Future Episodes
Some of the companies listed in this episode:
NC State Nuclear Engineering Program
Germany's Nuclear Shutdown: Consequences and Future Prospects Hello everyone! Welcome to the After-Pop! In this episode, we discuss Germany's major decision to shut down its last three nuclear power plants in April 2023.
We dive into the historical context, the events that led to this decision, and the aftermath, including the impact on energy prices and carbon emissions.
Our conversation touches on public opinion, renewable energy challenges, and whether Germany might reconsider nuclear power in the future.
Join us for an engaging talk with insights from Dr. Simon Friederich's episode and explore the global implications of Germany's energy choices.
Radiant Energy's Report On Germany Read more reporting on Germany's Power Plants
The ebbs and flows of nuclear's public opinion
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 of Dr. Friederich's paper, ethical frameworks for evaluating energy systems are discussed, emphasizing the importance of quick action, achieving zero emissions, and facilitating technology advancements. The episode also covers Dr. Friederich's insights on existing versus new nuclear reactors, and public attitudes towards nuclear energy.
The overarching message is clear: ethical and pragmatic approaches are necessary to navigate the future of energy systems.
Read Dr. Friederich’s Paper Here!
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13347-022-00527-1
What exactly is normative ethics?
https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-3-319-23514-1_1222-1
What will it take to reach 100% Clean Energy by 2035?
https://www.nrel.gov/analysis/100-percent-clean-electricity-by-2035-study.html
When 100% renewable energy doesn't mean zero carbon
https://sustainability.stanford.edu/news/when-100-renewable-energy-doesnt-mean-zero-carbon
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-generational impact and examine how these principles can be applied to the nuclear energy sector and beyond.
The episode also touches on the tribe’s ongoing efforts to reclaim 9,000 acres of their coastal homelands, their economic and clean energy initiatives, and the crucial role of language preservation in environmental conservation.
00:00 Exploring Your Ancestry
00:20 Introduction to the YTT Northern Chumash Tribe
00:35 Diving Deeper: Consent-Based Siting and Nuclear Energy
01:15 The YTT Northern Chumash Tribe's Values and Land Stewardship
02:34 Nuclear Waste and Indigenous Perspectives
03:38 The Importance of Long-Term Thinking
04:15 YTT Northern Chumash Tribe's Current Initiatives
06:56 Questions for the Audience
08:20 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion
Donate to YTT’s Language Conservation Fund
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=6AJAB9ZWSPWM4
Take Action in Support of the YTT’s Landback Efforts:
https://yttnorthernchumashtribe.com/take-action
Check out the YTT’s ocean conservancy:
https://yttnorthernchumashtribe.com/ocean-stewardship
Learn a Little bit of YTT’s Language:
https://guide.housing.calpoly.edu/ytt-addin-outlook/land-stories.html
In this episode of Naked Nuclear, host Danielle discusses the intersection of nuclear energy and indigenous ethos with guest Ryan Pickering from the Tribal Consent-Based Coalition.
The conversation, recorded on Native American Heritage Day, delves into the concept of seven-generation decision-making, as endorsed by Scott Lathrop, and how it impacts energy decisions for a cleaner future.
The discussion highlights the rich history of the yak titʸu titʸu yak tiłhini Northern Chumash tribe, their involvement in the Diablo Canyon power plant, and the broader implications of their land stewardship. The episode also tackles the history of uranium mining on Navajo land, the challenges of community consent for nuclear waste siting, and the future role of nuclear energy in America.
Along the way, Ryan shares his personal journey into the field, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect, mentorship, and energy realism in transforming the nuclear industry. 00:00 Seven Generations Forward: How Indigenous Voices are Paving the Path to New Nuclear 07:35 North American Tribes & Uranium Mining 10:35 Consent-Based Siting w/DOE 17:37 TCBC Audience
Learn More about the YTT Northern Chumash Tribe:
https://yttnorthernchumashtribe.com
Still don’t quite understand consent-based siting:
https://www.energy.gov/ne/consent-based-siting
Checkout the tribe’s PBS Special:
https://www.pbs.org/video/ytt-tribe-reclaims-diablo-canyons-nuclear-land/
Learn More about the Diablo Canyon Power Plant
https://www.pge.com/en/about/pge-systems/nuclear-power.html
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 analogies to explain complex processes. It also highlights the rigorous monitoring and regulations that make ISL one of the safest uranium mining methods globally. 00:00 Introduction to In-Situ Leaching 00:27 Basics of In-Situ Leaching 01:39 The Role of Lixiviant 02:43 Step-by-Step Process of ISL 03:56 Groundwater Safety Measures 06:13 Global Perspective and Safety of ISL 07:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Want a step-by-step graphical explanation of in-situ leaching?
Check out the LARGEST producer of uranium:
What does the EPA say about radionuclides in our water?
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 rigorous monitoring, and how young professionals can contribute to protecting our valuable water resources.
Join us as we uncover contamination mysteries and explore solutions for a sustainable future.
00:00 🎤Naked Nuclear Podcast Interview - David Kreamer and Danielle Allen
02:16 Responsible Uranium Mining
06:04 Groundwater Systems
13:29 Water Quantity & Quality Problems
22:15 Contaminant Post-Mortem
Check out Dr. Kreamer’s work in Contaminant Hydrogeology
Interested in learning more about groundwater modeling studies?
How does groundwater get remediated?
Wanna learn how you can get involved with protecting your water supply?
International Association of Hydrogeologists
A firefighting, plane flying, nuclear engineering student: Danielle Allen's Unconventional Journey (So Far...)
Join Danielle Allen, host of Naked Nuclear, as she shares her weird and wild path from majoring in Near Eastern Studies at Princeton to becoming a firefighter, paramedic, commercial pilot, and nuclear engineering student.
In this episode, Danielle explores her diverse career experiences, the challenges she faced, and what led her to a passion for nuclear energy.
Her story is about her drive to make a difference, build resilient systems, and how to shape the future of energy.
Hopefully, her journey paints a "clearer" picture of how her life events shaped her mission to propel the energy revolution forward.
00:00 From Princeton to Firefighting: My Unconventional Journey
01:19 Challenges and Discoveries at Princeton
02:34 A Call to Action: Field Work in Jordan
05:10 Finding My Path in Firefighting
06:53 Becoming a Paramedic and Entrepreneur
11:50 A New Dream: Becoming an Astronaut
14:29 Falling in Love with Nuclear Energy
17:25 Introducing Naked Nuclear
20:06 Conclusion and Invitation to Connect
Please, please, please connect with Danielle!
(She loves talking with passionate people)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/747-danielle-allen/
Tiktok: Atomic Dani
Email: danielle@nakednuclear.com
