Fissionary

In a world where climate anxiety looms large, the power of storytelling shines as a beacon of hope. In this episode of Fissionary, we chat with Charly Frisk, Director of Climate Action at Time for Better, about her mission to reshape the climate conversation. Charly and her team are redefining what it means to gather around climate issues by creating vibrant spaces like the Hope House, where optimism thrives and meaningful connections are made. From engaging events at Climate Week NYC to innovative approaches to climate communication, she shares how they’re turning traditional events into inspiring hubs of creativity and collaboration.

Charly Frisk: Time For Better | LinkedIn | Frø: Nordic Seed Heroes Documentary 

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Ever thought nuclear energy and abstract art could be connected? In this episode, we sit down with Angel “Ralph” Rafael Vázquez-Concepción, an artist, educator, and advocate who blends nuclear technology with the beauty of abstraction. From uranium glass to abstract expressionism, Ralph explores the atomic world through a creative lens, using art to challenge our views on nuclear power. We dive into his story, his vibrant creations, and how he uses art to spark conversation about energy, climate change, and humanity’s future. From education to activism, Ralph’s work challenges us to rethink our approach to science, technology, and the future of energy.

Angel “Ralph” Rafael Vázquez-Concepción: Website | Ralph’s Uranium Collection

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Rhino poaching remains a critical issue, threatening the survival of their species while fueling illegal trade networks. Luckily, there is hope for these creatures as new anti-poaching methods like the Rhisotope Project emerge.

In this episode, James Larkin, the director of the radiation and health physics unit at the University of the Witwatersrand and the founder of The Rhisotope Project, shares how one conversation led him to develop an innovative method to fight back. He explains the global implications of rhino poaching, the criminal syndicates behind it, and how his project aims to protect the species using radiation.

James Larkin: The Rhisotope Project

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Recent climate and energy reporting have emphasized the need to roll out new technologies on a large scale to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But what exactly needs to happen to make this a reality?

In the Season 3 premiere, we sit down with Cat Clifford, senior science and economics correspondent at Cipher. With her extensive experience in climate reporting, Cat delves into the challenges of deploying nuclear technologies. She provides valuable insights on the barriers to scaling and commercializing climate technology across various sectors.

Cat Clifford: Cipher | LinkedIn 

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Welcome back to Fissionary! A podcast dedicated to exploring the potential of nuclear energy in addressing the climate crisis and securing our energy future. As our podcast continues to grow, 

we’re diving even deeper into how nuclear technology is being used to heal, power, and save our planet.

Season 3 launches on October 10, 2024! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out.

Sign up for our Newsletter: https://www.nei.org/news/fissionary

For Fissionary’s season 2 finale, Mary and Jordan speak with some nuclear power players!  

We’re joined again by Dr. J’Tia Hart, along with Kaylee Cunningham (Ms. Nuclear Energy) and Ryan Pickering who are working hard to advocate for a cleaner world powered by nuclear. They discuss the current state of the nuclear industry, the challenges they face when educating others on nuclear, and where they hope to see the world in 2050.  

J’Tia Hart: Website | YouTube | LinkedIn 

Kaylee Cunningham: Website | TikTok | LinkedIn 

Ryan Pickering X (Twitter) | LinkedIn 

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary. 

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

From the Manhattan Project to the Oscars—Oppenheimer brought nuclear back into the mainstream. 

Charles Oppenheimer, grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, is building a legacy of his own with The Oppenheimer Project. In this episode, Charles reflects on seeing his grandfather portrayed on the big screen, funding a nuclear future, and the importance of distinguishing between nuclear weapons and nuclear energy.

Charles Oppenheimer: Website | LinkedIn 

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Will fission be the future of energy on Mars? 

Join us for an out-of-this-world conversation with Trudy Kortes, the director of technology demonstrations at NASA, and one of the minds behind the Fission Power Project. In this episode, Mary and Jordan dive into the fascinating ways NASA is harnessing nuclear technology to fuel our missions to the Moon (and Mars!) as well as the importance of listening to your intuition when navigating your career. 

Trudy Kortes: Website | LinkedIn

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Grab your headsets and controllers because the future of nuclear operations is here! 

Join Mary and Jordan as they discover how nuclear is harnessing the power of virtual reality with their guest, Derek Kultgen from Argonne National Laboratory. Derek shares how his team is using video game technology to revolutionize how we work in the nuclear industry, making operations safer, more efficient, and more accessible. 

Argonne National Lab: Website | METAL | LinkedIn

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

The worlds of nuclear energy and reality TV collide in this episode with Survivor alum and nuclear engineer, J’Tia Hart! 

As Director of Nuclear Non-Proliferation at Idaho National Laboratory, J’Tia is paving the way for the future of nuclear energy all while championing diversity and representation in STEM. She shares her unique journey with Mary and Jordan as they chat about energy security and the exciting future of the nuclear industry!

J’Tia Hart: Website | YouTube | LinkedIn

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik