Naked Nuclear – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Unlocking the Policy Power Behind Nuclear Energy Dive into the nuts and bolts of critical climate policies with Danielle Allen as she breaks down some key policies from Ep. 5 with Eric Meyer from Generation Atomic.

From the Inflation Reduction Act’s financial incentives for clean energy projects to the Civil Nuclear Credit Program's support for existing nuclear plants, we unpack how these laws are making nuclear energy more viable.

Learn about the groundbreaking technologies supported by the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act and how state-level policy changes pave the way for a cleaner energy future.

Join us in understanding the policy-making behind climate change and transforming communities. 00:00 Introduction to Climate Policies with Eric Meyer 00:29 Understanding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 01:35 Exploring the Chips and Science Act 02:31 The Future with the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (NEICA) 03:12 State Policies and Nuclear Moratoriums 03:54 The Importance of Nuclear Energy in Combating Climate Change 05:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• U.S. Department of Energy – "Inflation Reduction Act Keeps Momentum Building for Nuclear Power"
  

  
  

• Hogan Lovells – "The CHIPS and Science Act Creates Opportunities for Advanced Nuclear"
   https://www.hoganlovells.com/en/publications/the-chips-and-science-act-creates-opportunities-for-advanced-nuclear

  
  

• World Nuclear News – "Nuclear-Supporting Infrastructure Bill Becomes US Law"

  
  

A Nuclear Opera with Eric Meyer of Generation Atomic: Merging Energy and Advocacy In this episode of Naked Nuclear, we explore the unlikely parallels between nuclear energy and opera. Host Danielle Allen chats with the founder of Generation Atomic, Eric Meyer, about his journey from an opera singer to a nuclear energy advocate.

Meyer discusses his early misconceptions of nuclear power, his groundbreaking work to keep power plants open, and how he uses opera to engage communities in nuclear advocacy. The episode dives into the world of nonprofit organization building, legislative successes in the nuclear sector, and the importance of effective communication in promoting nuclear energy.

Meyer shares insights into the bipartisan support for nuclear energy in the U.S. and emphasizes the need for innovation in reactor production. The story concludes with a vision for the future of nuclear energy and how listeners can get involved. 00:00 Introduction: Nuclear Energy and Opera 00:33 Meet Eric Meyer: From Opera to Nuclear Advocacy 01:26 Act One: The Early Beginnings 05:32 Act Two: Building a Nonprofit 17:58 Act Three: The Future of Nuclear 25:32 Conclusion and Personal Insights

Get involved with Generation Atomic:

https://www.generationatomic.org

Learn more about climate policy:

https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/usa-nuclear-power-policy

Global Climate Initiatives:

https://www.energy.gov/articles/cop28-countries-launch-declaration-triple-nuclear-energy-capacity-2050-recognizing-key

The After-Pop! Demystifying Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation

Welcome back to Naked Nuclear, where we simplify nuclear technology. In this episode, we dive into radiation—its origins, types, and measurements. 

Learn about non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, explore their sources, and understand how we measure radiation exposure. Discover the three types of ionizing radiation: alpha, beta, and gamma. 

We also discuss how to stay safe with guidelines on dose, time, and exposure limits. Join us in making radiation a less intimidating and more understood part of our world. Stay curious!

00:00 Introduction to Naked Nuclear

00:11 Understanding Radiation

01:05 Types of Radiation

02:28 Sources of Ionizing Radiation

03:37 Measuring Radiation

04:25 Types of Ionizing Radiation

05:37 Radiation Safety

06:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

More information on how OSHA categorizes radiation exposure: 

https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/radiation/response

Information from the DOE on Radiation: 

https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2018/01/f46/doe-ionizing-radiation-dose-ranges-jan-2018.pdf

https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/Relative%20Doses%20Radiation%20Thermometer%20-%20March%202022_0.pdf

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 Cooley 00:27 Diving into Nuclear Reactors 01:00 Getting Started in the Nuclear Industry 02:14 Roles and Responsibilities of a Radiation Protection Technician 03:31 Safety Measures and Equipment 07:03 Radiation Exposure and Monitoring 13:11 Career Path and Personal Journey 17:54 Diversity and Evolution in the Nuclear Field 19:46 Nuclear Safety and Environmental Impact 20:51 Yoga and Mindfulness in Nuclear Work 22:52 Rapid-Fire Questions and Fun Facts 26:20 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

Welcome to the Ep.1 After-pop!

Nuclear Fuels Breakdown: Uranium Oxide, Uranium Silicide, Uranium Mononitride, and HALEU
In this quick follow-up episode, we dive deeper into the world of nuclear fuels. Dr. Jennifer Watkins breaks down the key materials used in advanced nuclear reactors, including:

• Uranium Oxide (UO₂): The most common nuclear fuel, typically used in light water reactors.
• Uranium Silicide (U₃Si₂): A high-density fuel offering improved performance in reactors.
• Uranium Mononitride (UN): A promising fuel for fast reactors with superior thermal conductivity.
• HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium): A next-generation fuel with higher enrichment, key to enabling advanced reactor technologies.

Learn more about Dr. Watkins fuel research at INL here: https://inl.gov/feature-story/u-s-researchers-fabricate-commercial-grade-uranium-dioxide-haleu-fuel/

Thank you for dropping in!

In this inspiring episode of Naked Nuclear, we share the remarkable story of Dr. Jennifer Watkins, who made an unexpected career pivot from bill collector to becoming an advanced nuclear fuels researcher at the Idaho National Laboratory. From growing up in rural Idaho to earning a PhD at Boise State, Dr. Watkins reflects on the pivotal moments that changed the course of her life.

She opens up about the challenges she faced, including jumping back into math at age 36, and shares how her passion for discovery led her to groundbreaking work in nuclear fuels research. This episode highlights how resilience and a willingness to keep learning can propel you toward a career in one of the most critical industries of our time: nuclear energy.

Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – Pivoting Your Career: From Bill Collector to Nuclear Scientist
00:34 – Introducing Dr. Jennifer Watkins
01:07 – Early Life and Initial Career
02:21 – The Decision to Pivot
03:40 – Entering the World of Engineering
05:58 – The Hero's Journey Begins
08:37 – Discovering Nuclear Fuels
09:57 – Advanced Technology Fuels
11:43 – Graduate Studies and Research
15:38 – The Push for Nuclear Energy
19:30 – Breaking Down Nuclear Myths
20:34 – Advice for Aspiring Nuclear Professionals
25:42 – Rapid Fire Questions with Dr. Watkins
28:58 – Final Words and Future Episodes

Dr. Watkins' Publications:
Looking for Dr. Watkins' groundbreaking research? 

Jennifer K. Watkins

What’s research is happening at Idaho National Laboratory? 

https://inl.gov/nuclear-energy/all-research/

Looking to pivot your career into nuclear? 

Check out the Center for Energy Workforce Development brochure:

https://cewd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/GIE-Nuclear-Flyer-FINAL.pdf

Watts of holiday displays going on right now, huh? Join Danielle in this festive episode of Naked Nuclear as she delves into the real cost of those dazzling holiday light displays.

Explore what a watt is, the energy consumption of incandescent versus LED lights, and discover three practical tips to keep your holiday season safe and cost-effective.

Danielle also discusses how different states' energy prices can impact your holiday budget and discusses the importance of peak energy hours.

Tune in for a watt of interesting facts... okay, I'll stop with the watt jokes. 00:00 Introduction: The Neighbor's Holiday Light Show 00:42 Understanding Energy Consumption: What is a Watt? 02:48 Incandescent vs. LED Lights: The Energy Battle 03:37 Calculating the Cost: Energy Prices Across States 05:10 Peak Energy Hours: The Grinch in the Grid 06:49 Tips for Safe and Cost-Effective Holiday Lighting 07:38 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Energy Resources to find out exactly how much your neighbor is paying for their display:

1. What’s a Watt, Kilowatt, and Kilowatt-Hour?

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/electric-meters#:~:text=The%20basic%20unit%20of%20measure,kilowatt%2Dhour%20(kWh).

2. Christmas Light Safety Tips

https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/winter-holidays

3. Peak Energy Hours: What You Need to Know

https://www.constellation.com/energy-101/energy-education/peak-vs-off-peak.html

4. Energy-Saving Tips for Holiday Lights

https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2020/PGE-Reminds-Customers-LED-Holiday-Lights-Are-the-Safest-Way-to-Brighten-Up-the-Seasonand-Help-Save-Money/default.aspx

5. Understand your Home Appliances in Kilowatt hour

https://electricityplans.com/kwh-kilowatt-hour-can-power/#:~:text=What's%20the%20difference%20between%20a,energy%20something%20uses%20over%20time.

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

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 

Contaminant Hydrogeology

Interested in learning more about groundwater modeling studies? 

EPA Groundwater Modeling

How does groundwater get remediated? 

Groundwater Remediation

Wanna learn how you can get involved with protecting your water supply? 

International Association of Hydrogeologists

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?

See the process here 👀

Check out the LARGEST producer of uranium:

Kazakhstan

What does the EPA say about radionuclides in our water?

Quick Reference Guide