Michael Thompson, co-founder and managing partner of Reinvent Capital, a director at Joby Aviation, and a board member at Oklo, joins the show to talk about what it will actually take to reindustrialize America. We dig into why Oklo's small modular reactors (SMRs) are the missing piece for abundant, reliable power and how overregulation has slowed nuclear’s ability to scale when the country needs it most. Then we pivot to the mobility side of the rebuild: why Joby’s approach is different, including its hydrogen-electric work aimed at unlocking true regional-range flight powered by hydrogen fuel cells. If you care about energy dominance, manufacturing capacity, and the next era of American infrastructure, this one’s a blueprint.

Learn more here:

Oklo: https://oklo.com/overview/default.aspx

Joby Aviation: https://www.jobyaviation.com/

VISIT OUR MERCH STORE https://www.redpillthreads.com/icamewithfire

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:58 The 1870s Thesis and Infrastructure Investment

05:43 Challenges in American Manufacturing

08:47 The Nuclear Industry's Decline and Regulation

11:34 Oklo's Vision and Partnerships

14:32 The Future of Nuclear Energy and SMRs

17:42 Uranium Mining and Domestic Supply Chains

20:45 Understanding SMRs and Oklo's Technology

23:29 Community Integration and Energy Solutions

26:47 Education and Career Pathways in Nuclear Engineering

35:04 The Impact of AI on Education and Employment

39:34 Nuclear Technology and Global Diplomacy

43:26 Transformations in U.S. Defense and Manufacturing

46:28 Joby Aviation: Innovations in Air Travel

52:47 Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Future of Aviation

01:01:05 Advice for Entering Cutting-Edge Technologies

Check Out Our Sponsors:

Honor Tribe Outdoors (HTO) is more than a non-profit organization – we are a tribe, a community of Combat Veterans and Gold Star Families who find healing and connection through the serenity of outdoor conservation activities. Our programs offer a respite from the everyday grind, providing the opportunity to hunt, connect with nature, and create lifelong memories and bonds.

https://honortribeoutdoors.org/

Kill Cliff Energy! Looking for a clean energy boost without the crash? Kill Cliff Energy has you covered! Packed with natural ingredients, electrolytes, and just the right amount of caffeine, Kill Cliff gives you the energy you need to power through your day. Plus, with our exclusive discount code KCPODCAST20, you can get 20% off your next purchase. Fuel your energy and recovery with Kill Cliff! Check them out at https://www.killcliff.com

Redefine Violence. Redefine Violence is a unifying banner for ALL violent arts, disciplines, professions, and survivors of violent circumstance. REDEFINE VIOLENCE! If you fit into one of those categories or just want to support a noble cause, head on over to their site either directly at www.redefineviolence.com or through our "Promos" highlight on Instagram and get yourself some awesome merch or MMA gear. Use coupon code "FIRE10" at checkout for 10% off your entire purchase! https://redefineviolence.com/