NucleCast by ANWA Deterrence Center

06.11.2024

B.G. (Ret.) Gregory S. Bowen: The Importance of Hedging

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Brigadier General Retired Greg Bowen about hedging in nuclear conflicts. They discuss the importance of hedging as a strategy to quickly react to unforeseen events in a conflict. They also emphasize the need...

06.04.2024

Bruce Tarter - LLNL's Technology, the Development of Nuclear Weapons, and the Era of Stockpile Stewardship

Bruce Tarter is Director Emeritus of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and was the eighth director to lead the Laboratory since it was founded in 1952. This episode covers the history and influence of the lab's technology on policy and...

05.28.2024

Thomas Ramos - The Importance of Capturing History to Inform Current Threats

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Tom Ramos, a physicist at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, about the relevance of the early years of the Cold War to today's national security challenges. They discuss the lessons learned from the past...

05.21.2024

William Hennigan - Bringing Nuclear Issues to the Forefront for Everyday People

William Hennigan, national security correspondent for the New York Times Opinion Section, discusses his series of articles on nuclear issues and the motivation behind them. He highlights the convergence of events such as modernization efforts, arms control treaties, and the...

05.14.2024

Greg Weaver - The Need for U.S. Strategy: Rebuilding and Expansion of the US Nuclear Weapons Production Infrastructure

In this episode of NucleCast, Greg Weaver, former Deputy Director for Strategic Stability in the Joint Staff J5 and nuclear policy expert, discusses the potential use of nuclear weapons in a Taiwan conflict and the role of nuclear weapons in...

05.07.2024

Col. USAF (Ret.) Curtis McGiffin - Enhancing Decision-Making: AI-enabled NC3

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam and Colonel Curtis McGiffin discuss the need for an AI-enabled NC3 system with a dead hand. They argue that the current NC3 system and the decision-making process have significant problems that need to be...

04.30.2024

Kyle Balzer, Ph.D. - The Importance of SLCM-N in the US Nuclear Posture

In this episode of NucleCast, Dr. Kyle Balzer discusses three topics: the submarine launch cruise missile (SLCM-N), the origins of tailored deterrence, and the concept of hedging the hedge. SLCM-N is seen as a missing piece in the US nuclear...

04.23.2024

Amit Gupta, Ph.D. - Revamping Defense Production: Strengthening India's Capabilities

Dr. Amit Gupta discusses the Indian and Pakistani nuclear weapons programs and their relations with China. The Indian nuclear program was driven by the desire for autonomy and the need to showcase scientific ability. The Pakistanis pursued nuclear weapons as...

04.16.2024

Peter Huessy - The Unrealistic Scenario in "Nuclear War: A Scenario"

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Peter Huessy, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, about Annie Jacobsen's book 'Nuclear War, A Scenario.' They discuss the flaws in Jacobsen's arguments and mischaracterizations of American...

04.11.2024

Major General Retired Chris Adams - From Old to New: The B-52/B-36

In this episode of NucleCast, Major General (Retired) Chris Adams shares his experiences flying the B-36 and B-52 aircraft and serving in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War. General Adams discusses the unique features of the B-36,...

04.09.2024

Joseph Bosco - Major Security Threats Facing the US Today

In this episode, Adam Lowther interviews Joseph Bosco, a former senior Department of Defense official, who discusses the complex challenges and decisions the US faces in a world with multiple adversaries, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Bosco emphasizes...

04.04.2024

Kevin Cooney, Ph.D. - The Morality of Nuclear Weapons

In this episode, Adam and Dr. Kevin Cooney discuss the morality of nuclear weapons. They explore the concept of just war theory and its application to nuclear weapons, as well as the role of international law in regulating conflict. They...

04.02.2024

Rob Spalding, Brig Gen, USAD (Ret) - Protecting Our Most Valuable Asset, Our Data

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews US Air Force Brigadier General (ret) Rob Spalding, CEO of SEMPRE, about their 5G technology and its relevance to the nuclear enterprise. They discuss the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of...

03.28.2024

Lt. Col. Anthony Santino - The Important Mission of the 576 Flight Test Squadron

Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Santino, Commander of the 576 Flight Test Squadron, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, discusses the importance of ICBM testing and the unique mission of his squadron. He explains the process of ICBM testing and the role it...

03.26.2024

Ken Myers - Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Ken Myers, the former director of DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency 2009-2016), about the agency's mission and history. As a member of the Senior Executive Service, he was the fourth and longest serving...

03.21.2024

Malcolm Davis, Ph.D. - AUKUS: An Australian Perspective

Dr. Malcolm Davis discusses the Australian perspective on AUKUS, American extended deterrence, and the views of China as a potential threat. He highlights the evolving relationship between Australia and the United States, the importance of the US alliance, and the...

03.19.2024

William Dale Conwell, Ph.D. - The FY 2025 Budget Overview

Dr. William Conwell, Deputy Associate Administrator for Budget at the National Nuclear Security Administration, discusses the importance of the budget and the challenges of managing the nuclear security enterprise. The budget is allocated to five major national security endeavors, including...

03.14.2024

Polly Keim and Caleb Yip - NNSA Changing Perspectives and Opportunities for Young Professionals

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Polly Keim and Caleb Yip, program analysts at NNSA, to gain insights into the perspectives and experiences of young professionals in the field. The conversation covers topics such as the fellowship program, career paths, the...

03.12.2024

Nick Eftimiades: Chinese Espionage and the Impact on US National Security

Retired senior intelligence officer Nick Eftimiades discusses China's whole of society approach to espionage and its impact on national security. He highlights the methods used by China, such as theft of technology, trade secrets, and covert influence operations. Eftimiades explains the...

03.07.2024

Rebeccah Heinrichs - The Aftermath of the Strategic Posture Commission's Report

Rebecca Heinrichs discusses the aftermath of the Strategic Posture Commission's report and the lack of media coverage. She highlights the broad agreement on the threat assessment and the need for the United States to address the deteriorating threat environment. Heinrichs...

03.05.2024

Col (Ret) USAF Dale Hernandez - Education Efforts of Air Force Global Strike Command

Drysdale “Dale” H. Hernandez is the Chief Learning Officer (CLO) for Headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command where he serves as the Chief, Force Development Division in the Directorate of Manpower and Personnel. In this position he serves as the primary advisor to...

02.29.2024

Whitney Jones - Submarine Construction, Technology, and Skilled Workforce

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam Lowther interviews Whitney Jones. She is the Director, Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), a component of the Navy’s (DON) Program Executive Office, Strategic Submarines (PEO SSBN). about the workforce challenges in submarine construction. They discuss the...

02.27.2024

Jim Stokes - NATO’s Nuclear Policy

Jim Stokes, Director of Nuclear Policy at NATO, discusses NATO's nuclear policy and the nuclear mission in Europe. He covers various topics, including the relevance of NATO nuclear policy, the role and implications of the Nuclear Planning Group (NPG), efforts...

02.22.2024

Brig. Gen. William D. Murphy - Understanding the NC3 Enterprise

Brigadier General Bill Murphy discusses the importance of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) system and their role in strategic deterrence. He explains that NC3 is a system of systems that ensures the President has command and control over...

02.20.2024

Marcus L. Lea - NNSA Workforce Recruitment and Retention for the Nuclear Security Mission

In this episode, Adam interviews Marcus Lea, the Deputy Associate Administrator for Management at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), about the importance of human capital and growing the workforce in the nuclear security field. They discuss recruitment and retention...

02.15.2024

Zachary Kallenborn - How A Nuclear Weapons Ban Threatens Humanity

In this episode, Zachary Kallenborn discusses the arguments made in his article on why a nuclear weapons ban would threaten humanity. He highlights that while nuclear weapons present an existential threat, there are other existential risks such as extreme biological...

02.13.2024

Brendan Melley - The Role of Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Brendan Melley, Director, Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction at the Institute for National Strategic Studies. Melley discusses the role of the center and its sponsors, as well as its...

02.08.2024

USAF Col. (Ret) George Farfour - The Role of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Nuclear Enterprise

George Farfour, the Associate Dean of the School of Strategic Force Studies at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), focuses on the educational initiatives undertaken by the Air Force to improve the nuclear knowledge of airmen. Colonel Farfour explains...

02.06.2024

Bruce Goodwin, Ph.D. - Nuclear Weapons Technology 101

Dr. Bruce Goodwin, a retired Senior Laboratory Fellow in the Center for Global Security Research of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, discusses his publication 'Nuclear Weapons Technology 101 for Policy Wonks' and the importance of understanding nuclear weapons design. He...

02.01.2024

The Honorable Chris Stewart - Nuclear Policy in Congress

Congressman Chris Stewart discusses his experience in Congress and the dynamics of nuclear policy. He highlights the importance of committees and the role they play in shaping policy. He explains the responsibility of different committees for nuclear forces and the challenges...

01.30.2024

Jim Howe, Ph.D. - A Historical Analysis of U.S. Nuclear Space Propulsion and Power Programs

Dr. Jim Howe, a consultant in the space industry, talks about nuclear propulsion in space. He discusses the history of nuclear propulsion, current developments, and the advantages of nuclear rockets. Dr. Howe highlights the need for continued bipartisan support and...

01.25.2024

Joe Buff - Applying Actuarial Sciences to Nuclear Deterrence

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther interviews Joe Buff, an MIT-trained mathematician and author, about applying actuarial sciences to nuclear deterrence. The conversation explores the prediction of human behavior in deterrence, the application of actuarial sciences to improve...

01.23.2024

Matthew Sermon - Revitalization of the Submarine Industrial Base

In this episode of NucleCast, guest Matthew Sermon, the Executive Director of the Program Executive Office Strategic Submarines, discusses the future of ballistic missile submarines. He describes the status of the future submarine program, the differences between the Ohio and...

01.18.2024

Bryan Bender - Exploring Workforce Barriers in Deterrence

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Bryan Bender, VP for Communication Strategy at SMI and a contributor to Politico magazine. They explore the barriers to entry and the challenges faced by young people interested in nuclear issues. The conversation...

01.16.2024

Brad Gericke, Ph.D. - Ukraine, Will Russia Use Nukes?

Brad Gericke discusses international affairs and national security, specifically focusing on the situation leading up to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. He shares his insights and assessments of the events and the consensus among intelligence agencies. Takeaways:The conversation explores...

01.11.2024

Alexis Littlefield, Ph.D. : Defending Taiwan

Dr. Alex Littlefield discusses China's aspirations to become a regional and global hegemon, with a focus on its relationship with Taiwan. He explains China's historical claim to Taiwan and the cultural differences between the two regions. Dr. Littlefield also highlights...

01.09.2024

David Rehbein - Dispelling the Arms Control Myth; Not All Nukes are the Same

This episode features Dave Rehbein, a retired Army FA-52 nuclear officer, about the differences between tactical and strategic nuclear weapons. They discuss the misconception that all nuclear weapons are the same and explore the effects and scale of different types...

01.04.2024

Laura Goodroe Ph.D. and Ernest Rockwell Ph.D. - The Value of Military Professional Journals in Deterrence

In this episode of NucleCast, the importance of professional writing and publishing in the military is discussed. The guests, Dr. Ernest Gunasekara-Rockwell and Dr. Laura Thurston-Goodrow, highlight the role of journals in bridging the gap between military and civilian academia....

01.02.2024

Kim Budil, Ph.D. - Weapons Design and Modernization

In this episode of Nuclecast, Adam Lowther interviews Kim Budil, Director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). They discuss various topics related to LLNL's work in nuclear weapons design and modernization. The conversation covers the achievement of ignition, the recruitment...

12.28.2023

"Best of Episode" - Rebecca Grant

This is a rereleased episode from October 26, 2023. Rebecca Grant is a national security analyst based in Washington, DC and president of IRIS Independent Research, a small, woman-owned business specializing in defense and aerospace research and national...

12.26.2023

"Best of Episode" - Thom Mason

This is a rereleased episode from September 5th, 2023. Thomas (Thom) Mason is the President and CEO of Triad National Security, LLC (Triad) and serves as the Director of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Most recently he was the Senior...

12.21.2023

"Best of" - Holiday Show Re-Release with Adam Lowther and Bob The Genie

This episode is a look back to December of 2022 with a reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas". with Adam and Bob, the Genie. ANWA DC and NucleCast wish you a happy holiday season. "Twas the Night Before...

12.19.2023

James Kraska, S.J.D. - The Role of International Law Supporting Deterrence

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam Lowther interviews James Kraska, an expert in international maritime law, about the role of international law in shaping conflict. They discuss the history and impact of international law, its strengths and weaknesses, and its...

12.14.2023

Tyler Hamilton - Perspectives from a Missile Maintainer: A Career in the Missile Fields

With a decade of experience in the aerospace industry, Tyler currently serves as a Future Systems Integration Engineer at the ARES Corporation, dedicated to supporting NASA's Future Systems Project Office at the Kennedy Space Center. His journey began with his...

12.12.2023

Zachary Davis, Ph.D. - The Inflection Point in Global Politics

Dr. Zachary S. Davis is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Security Research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and a Research Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he teaches courses on counterproliferation. He has...

12.07.2023

Alan Carr - The History of Los Alamos National Laboratory Part 2

Alan B. Carr currently serves as a Program Manager and the Senior Historian for Los Alamos National Laboratory. During his tenure as a Laboratory historian, which began in 2003, Alan has produced several publications and lectures pertaining to the Manhattan...

12.05.2023

Alan Carr - The History of Los Alamos National Laboratory Part 1

Alan B. Carr currently serves as a Program Manager and the Senior Historian for Los Alamos National Laboratory. During his tenure as a Laboratory historian, which began in 2003, Alan has produced several publications and lectures pertaining to the Manhattan...

11.30.2023

Curtis Buckles - The Navy's Role in Deterrence

Mr. Curtis Buckles is the Navy’s Strategic Deterrence Policy Advisor to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Operations, Strategy and Policy) (N3N5). His responsibilities include providing Navy strategy and policy guidance on strategic and integrated deterrence, countering of weapons of...

11.28.2023

The Honorable Frank Miller - Strategic Posture Commission Report

The Honorable Franklin Miller is a principal at the Scowcroft Group in Washington, DC. He dealt extensively with nuclear policy and nuclear arms control issues during his 31-year government career, which included senior positions in the Defense Department and on...

11.21.2023

Codeac Solutions: Revolutionary Technology and Partnerships

Aaron McAdow, Head of US Marketing Development Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Aaron McAdow, who has more than 20 years of experience in US Special Operations and other Joint Strategic DoD programs. Aaron currently serves as Codeac Solution’s Head of...

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NucleCast episodes:

B.G. (Ret.) Gregory S. Bowen: The Importance of Hedging

Bruce Tarter - LLNL's Technology, the Development of Nuclear Weapons, and the Era of Stockpile Stewardship

Thomas Ramos - The Importance of Capturing History to Inform Current Threats

William Hennigan - Bringing Nuclear Issues to the Forefront for Everyday People

Greg Weaver - The Need for U.S. Strategy: Rebuilding and Expansion of the US Nuclear Weapons Production Infrastructure

Col. USAF (Ret.) Curtis McGiffin - Enhancing Decision-Making: AI-enabled NC3

Kyle Balzer, Ph.D. - The Importance of SLCM-N in the US Nuclear Posture

Amit Gupta, Ph.D. - Revamping Defense Production: Strengthening India's Capabilities

Peter Huessy - The Unrealistic Scenario in "Nuclear War: A Scenario"

Major General Retired Chris Adams - From Old to New: The B-52/B-36

Joseph Bosco - Major Security Threats Facing the US Today

Kevin Cooney, Ph.D. - The Morality of Nuclear Weapons

Rob Spalding, Brig Gen, USAD (Ret) - Protecting Our Most Valuable Asset, Our Data

Lt. Col. Anthony Santino - The Important Mission of the 576 Flight Test Squadron

Ken Myers - Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

Malcolm Davis, Ph.D. - AUKUS: An Australian Perspective

William Dale Conwell, Ph.D. - The FY 2025 Budget Overview

Polly Keim and Caleb Yip - NNSA Changing Perspectives and Opportunities for Young Professionals

Nick Eftimiades: Chinese Espionage and the Impact on US National Security

Rebeccah Heinrichs - The Aftermath of the Strategic Posture Commission's Report

Col (Ret) USAF Dale Hernandez - Education Efforts of Air Force Global Strike Command

Whitney Jones - Submarine Construction, Technology, and Skilled Workforce

Jim Stokes - NATO’s Nuclear Policy

Brig. Gen. William D. Murphy - Understanding the NC3 Enterprise

Marcus L. Lea - NNSA Workforce Recruitment and Retention for the Nuclear Security Mission

Zachary Kallenborn - How A Nuclear Weapons Ban Threatens Humanity

Brendan Melley - The Role of Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction

USAF Col. (Ret) George Farfour - The Role of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in the Nuclear Enterprise

Bruce Goodwin, Ph.D. - Nuclear Weapons Technology 101

The Honorable Chris Stewart - Nuclear Policy in Congress

Jim Howe, Ph.D. - A Historical Analysis of U.S. Nuclear Space Propulsion and Power Programs

Joe Buff - Applying Actuarial Sciences to Nuclear Deterrence

Matthew Sermon - Revitalization of the Submarine Industrial Base

Bryan Bender - Exploring Workforce Barriers in Deterrence

Brad Gericke, Ph.D. - Ukraine, Will Russia Use Nukes?

Alexis Littlefield, Ph.D. : Defending Taiwan

David Rehbein - Dispelling the Arms Control Myth; Not All Nukes are the Same

Laura Goodroe Ph.D. and Ernest Rockwell Ph.D. - The Value of Military Professional Journals in Deterrence

Kim Budil, Ph.D. - Weapons Design and Modernization

"Best of Episode" - Rebecca Grant

"Best of Episode" - Thom Mason

"Best of" - Holiday Show Re-Release with Adam Lowther and Bob The Genie

James Kraska, S.J.D. - The Role of International Law Supporting Deterrence

Tyler Hamilton - Perspectives from a Missile Maintainer: A Career in the Missile Fields

Zachary Davis, Ph.D. - The Inflection Point in Global Politics

Alan Carr - The History of Los Alamos National Laboratory Part 2

Alan Carr - The History of Los Alamos National Laboratory Part 1

Curtis Buckles - The Navy's Role in Deterrence

The Honorable Frank Miller - Strategic Posture Commission Report

Codeac Solutions: Revolutionary Technology and Partnerships

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