Energy Dense Discussions
080 Dr Tim Gregory, Nuclear Chemist and Author of "Going Nuclear"
Most people overlook how nuclear energy could be the key to solving climate change, energy security, and economic stability—until now. Dr. Tim Gregory, a nuclear chemist and author of "Going Nuclear," reveals how this powerful technology is finally breaking free from old fears and political baggage. Discover the surprising history of nuclear success stories like France’s 50-year-old infrastructure, and why Germany’s energy policy failures serve as a cautionary tale for the world. In this episode, we break down how the overlap between cosmochemistry and nuclear science can revolutionize our approach to energy, and why the old narratives about nuclear safety and weapons are holding us back. Tim shares gripping tales from his journey—from meteorite research to building the next generation of reactors—highlighting the immense potential of nuclear power to deliver cheap, clean, and reliable energy at scale. You’ll learn how countries like France and South Korea are leading the way, and what it will take for other nations to follow suit in a new era of energy independence. This isn’t just another energy debate. It’s a call to action for policymakers, environmentalists, and energy enthusiasts to rewrite the story—before the window closes. If you care about decarbonization, energy security, or the future of technology, this episode will shift your perspective. Perfect for anyone who wants to understand how nuclear can be part of the solution—and why silence and inaction are the biggest risks we face right now. Dr. Tim Gregory is a nuclear chemist at the UK National Nuclear Laboratory, renowned for his work on nuclear materials and public education. His books, "Meteorite" and "Going Nuclear," make complex science accessible and compelling, encouraging a pragmatic view of nuclear’s role in a sustainable future. If you're ready to challenge your assumptions and see nuclear energy in a new light, this episode is essential listening. The future of clean energy is nuclear—and the time to act is now.
030 Robbie Stewart, Co-Founder at Boston Atomics
Robbie Stewart speaks with Mark Hinaman about his time at GE, studying at MIT, and his nuclear startup, Boston Atomics.
029 John Clarke, Energy Entrepreneur in South Africa
John Clark discusses his entrepreneur ventures in energy and how bringing nuclear to South Africa could solve the country's energy challenges.
028 Stephen Johnson, Director, Space Nuclear Power and Isotope Technologies at INL
Stephen Johnson, Director at Space Nuclear Power and Isotope Technologies Div. at Idaho National Laboratory, talks to Mark Hinaman about Idaho National Lab and some of the research they are working on.
027 Rep. James Strickler and Rep. Larry Scott, Former and Current New Mexico State Legislators
Representative James Strickler and Representative Larry Scott discuss energy policies, politics, closing coal plants, uranium mining, enrichment, and spent fuel storage, and the energy transition - all in New Mexico.
026 Guerric de Crombrugghe, Founding Partner at Nuketech
026 Guerric de Crombrugghe, Founding Partner at Nuketech discusses with Mark Hinaman how venture capital is helping push the nuclear industry to new heights.
025 Discussions on Energy and Networking (DEN Talks): Nuclear Energy & Opportunity Cost
Mark Hinaman hosts an informal and open discussion with engineers, salesmen, and non-profit advocates in the oil and gas industry in Denver. This discussion was recorded as part of the Denver chapter of Young Professionals in Energy's Discussion on Energy and Networking (DEN Talks) program. It's meant to have 10 to 20 minutes of a presenter speaking on a topic and allow for 40 to 60 minutes of dialogue and debate to follow. Mark discusses nuclear energy and the opportunity costs associated with focusing on other forms of energy generation.
024 Emmet Penney, Editor in Chief of Grid Brief and Host of Nuclear Barbarians
Emmet Penney, Editor in Chief of Grid Brief and Host of Nuclear Barbarians, talks to Mark Hinaman about the future of nuclear and his work in advocating for the industry.
023 Jeremy Shook, Principal Project Manager at EPRI
Jeremy Shook chats with Mark Hinaman about the Electric Power Research Institute, their work in research, and how nuclear will play a role in the future.
022 Gene Balsmeier, Nuclear Cheerleader & prior COO of Nuclear Waste Partnership, Operater of WIPP
Gene Balsmeier describes his varied and long career in nuclear energy, his time working at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), and nuclear's role moving forward in the energy industry.
021 Ray Beck, Chairman of JOLT: Joint Organizations Leading Transition
Ray Beck chats with Mark Hinaman about his career as a lineman and a public servant in northwest Colorado, the Joint Organizations Leading Transition (JOLT) conference held on 6/2/2023, and the energy transition as coal plants close in Craig and Hayden Colorado.
020 Josh Payne, CEO of Black Mesa Advanced Fission
Josh Payne, CEO of Black Mesa Advanced Fission chats with Mark Hinaman about his career working at the Department of Energy National Labs, X-Energy, and his startup building a new nuclear fission reactor.
019 Mike Keller, President & CEO of Hybrid Power Technologies
Mike Keller chats with Mark Hinaman about Hybrid Power's design for an advanced power plant.
018 Rishi Jain & Paul Murphy, Managing Directors at Cross River Infrastructure Partners
Rishi Jain and Paul Murphy discuss their work at Cross River Infrastructure Partners, development projects in nuclear, and their project with ARC in New Brunswick.
017 Liz Muller, CEO of Deep Isolation
Liz Muller chats with Mark Hinaman about Deep Isolation's strategy to utilize oil and gas technologies to develop storage systems for spent nuclear fuel.
016 Patrick White, Project Manager at Nuclear Innovation Alliance
On this weeks podcast Patrick White, Project Manager at Nuclear Innovation Alliance talks to Mark Hinaman about the research and work Nuclear Innovation is doing to help develop the nuclear industry.
015 Judi Greenwald, Executive Director of Nuclear Innovation Alliance
Judi Greenwald describes her career in energy, the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, and how we need to innovate on more than just technology.
014 Isaac Orr, Policy Fellow at Center of the American Experiment
Isaac Orr and Mark Hinaman talk about the sand market in oil and gas, energy policy in America, coal phase outs and if they're good for society, and how nuclear has a role to play moving forward.
013 Rod Adams, Managing Partner of Nucleation Capital
Rod Adams chats with Mark Hinaman about the existing and future nuclear industry, his time working as a Navy nuke and writer in the industry, and describes Nucleation Capital.
012 Ryan MacLeod - Bitcoin Specialist & Laboratory Technician at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Ryan MacLeod discusses his day job as a nuclear lab technician and dives into crypto currency, crypto mining, and how nuclear can be used to benefit both.
011 Gerrit Bruhaug, Nuclear Energy Guru
Gerrit and Mark chat about the history of nuclear energy in the United States and several fascinating utilizations of the technology.
010 Kyle Frazer, Director of Nuclear Energy & Continuous Improvement at Xcel Energy
Kyle Frazer chats with Mark Hinaman about his time in the Navy, his role with Xcel, and the future of nuclear in Colorado.
009 Joe Miller, President of Advanced Technologies at BWXT
Joe Miller describes his background in the Navy, BWXT's Project PELE mobile microreactor, manufacturing of TRISO fuel for the industry, and the future of nuclear.
008 Sarah Davis, Nuclear Safety Engineer & DEI Officer for NAYGN
Sarah Davis describes her role as a nuclear engineer, North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), and her role as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for NAYGN.
007 Amanda Lang, President of NAYGN and Sr. Product Analyst Duke Energy
Amanda Lang describes North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN), her background in the industry, and women in STEM.
006 Taylor Stevenson, Partner at Envoy Public Labs
Tay Stevenson chats with Mark Hinaman about nuclear energy in Colorado, his background and arrival at nuclear energy, and the just energy transition.
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