Nuclear energy gets a bad rap on "The Simpsons," but there's a lot more to the story. In this episode of Direct Current, we separate fact from fiction and and explore how splitting atoms could play a big role in America's clean energy future.

D'oh! Nuclear energy gets a bad rap on "The Simpsons". But don't believe everything you see on TV — there's a lot more to the story of our most misunderstood energy source. In this episode of Direct Current, we separate nuclear fact from fiction and explore how splitting atoms could play a big role in America's clean energy future.

Learn more at energy.gov/podcast.

This episode of Direct Current is dedicated to the makers at the Energy Department — the engineers, researchers and artisans whose creations are pushing science and technology to exciting new places.

This episode of Direct Current is dedicated to the makers at the Energy Department — the engineers, researchers and artisans whose creations are pushing science and technology to exciting new places. Check out photos, video and more from this episode at energy.gov/podcast.

You know Rick Perry as the current Secretary of Energy and former Texas governor, but did you know he once played drums with ZZ Top? On the Direct Current season 3 premiere, hear from Perry on everything from supercomputers to "Dancing with the Stars."

You know Rick Perry as the current Secretary of Energy and former Texas governor, but did you know he once played drums with ZZ Top? Hear from Perry himself in the season 3 premiere of Direct Current as he sits down with our hosts to discuss everything from supercomputers to "Dancing with the Stars."

Also, we bid a fond farewell to one of our show's original producers.

[Editor's Note: This interview was recorded shortly before the unveiling of the Summit supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which as of June 2018 claimed the title of fastest supercomputer in the world.]

A pair of energy detectives is hunting down waste and saving money at two big U.S. manufacturing companies. Hear their story, and learn how our Better Plants program is helping partners across the nation find similar success.

A pair of energy detectives is hunting down waste and saving money at two big U.S. manufacturing companies. Hear their story, and learn how our Better Plants program is helping partners across the nation find similar success.

We're keeping the season merry and bright with a show about data and holiday lights!

We're keeping the season merry and bright with a show about data and holiday lights!

Ever thought about how big a role data centers play in your life? From searching to streaming to shopping, these critical pieces of infrastructure provide the foundation for our digital world -- and they need an upgrade. Learn how an ARPA-E program is using light-powered technology to boost data center performance and energy efficiency for the future.

Also, we revisit our favorite energy-themed holiday poem from season 1! As always, you can find all our episodes at https://energy.gov/podcast.