The Don Sullivan Show

What exactly is time? Is it simply the interval between events, a fundamental dimension of the universe, or the way we measure the passing moments of our lives? From the origins of time and the mysteries of space-time to the clocks and watches we rely on every day, time is a fascinating concept that touches nearly every aspect of our existence. Join Jersey Steve and Don Sullivan as they explore the history, science, and philosophy of time, along with the evolution of the timepieces we've created to measure it.

What would you risk for a chance to strike it rich? Join Don Sullivan as he ventures deep into Colorado’s rugged backcountry to explore historic 19th-century gold mines and uncover the stories of those who risked everything in pursuit of fortune. Discover how gold is found and processed, why it remains so valuable, and what has fueled humanity’s obsession with this precious metal for centuries.

What’s going wrong with healthcare in America? Why are so many people being pushed toward Medicare or large-group plans, and why can making the wrong choice come with such steep financial consequences?Don takes a hard look at a healthcare system he believes is failing too many Americans, shares what people are facing today, and questions whether the system is still working as it should. Agree or disagree, listen in and join the debate.

What turns a single spark into an unstoppable wildfire? In this episode of The Don Sullivan Show, Don, Steve, and returning guest Tony Foster dig into the fascinating science of fire, from the surprising ways wildfires can start and how quickly they can spread to controlled burns, firefighting tactics, and what it really means when a massive blaze is “contained.” They also explore how wildfires can create their own weather, why preventing every fire may actually make the problem worse, and how AI and emerging technologies could change the way we predict and fight them. It’s a wide-ranging look at one of nature’s most destructive, powerful, and surprisingly necessary forces.

There are still places in America you simply can’t reach by road. Wrangell-St. Elias, America’s largest national park at more than 13 million acres, is one of them. Don heads deep into the Alaskan wilderness, flying low over spectacular terrain before beginning a 10-day backpacking adventure far from roads, towns, and everyday comforts. Come along for the flight in and the start of an unforgettable journey through one of America’s wildest national parks.

What happens when a volcano is powerful enough to change the world? Don returns to Yellowstone National Park to explore the massive super volcano beneath one of America’s most famous landscapes. From ancient eruptions to other super volcanoes around the globe, Don examines their destructive power, their impact on civilizations, and the unsettling question: Could it happen again?

What makes a great watch more than just a timekeeper? Don and Steve are joined by Monica Barrett of Right Time Watches & Jewelry to explore the materials science, engineering, and craftsmanship behind modern timepieces. From stainless steel, titanium, gold, and ceramic to sapphire crystals, advanced coatings, meteorite dials, recycled ocean plastics, and other exotic materials, they reveal how watchmakers combine durability, performance, innovation, and artistry in some remarkable ways.

Throughout the dozens of episodes of the DSS, we’ve spent a disproportionate amount of time either on ice or talking about ice, without ice ever being the actual subject of the show. Until now. In this episode, Don and Jersey Steve head back to Alaska on yet another cruise ship, traveling through enormous and magnificent fields of ice. So it seems only appropriate that ice finally gets an episode of its own. Listen as Don and Jersey Steve discuss glaciers, icefields, and the incredible frozen landscapes of Alaska, all while trying to avoid having too many drinks that contain ice.

Not long ago, The Don Sullivan Show explored the book Physics for Future Presidents and the importance of understanding the science behind some of the biggest issues facing society.

In this episode, Don takes aim at a phrase that’s been making the rounds: “destroying nuclear dust.” What does that actually mean, and is it even scientifically possible? In his characteristically animated style, Don cuts through the rhetoric, explains the physics, and clears up some common misconceptions about nuclear materials and radiation.

The AI boom is driving a massive wave of data center investment, but are we building for real demand or getting swept up in another tech hype cycle? The Don Sullivan Show news panel is back to debate the explosive growth of AI infrastructure, its impact on energy and the environment, and whether emerging battery and power technologies could change the equation.

The conversation also takes on quantum computing, AI governance, cybersecurity, shadow AI, and the growing challenge of keeping track of autonomous agents inside the enterprise. Plus, when AI companies claim their models are “breaking out,” is it a legitimate warning sign or just great marketing? Don, Marian Newsome, Gina Rosenthal, Tony Foster, and Jersey Steve separate the real risks from the hype and look at what’s actually worth paying attention to.