Mark Nelson, managing director of the Radiant Energy Group, joins us for the third installation of our masterclass series, this time all about energy storage. We take a first principles approach focusing on the core concepts of storage to equip the listener with the analytical skills to better understand the contentious energy debates of our time. Mark expla ... Show More
Jun 24
CANDU: The Truly Modular Reactor w/ Navid Badie
In this reactor deep dive, Chris Keefer is joined by Navid Badie, Chief Nuclear Engineer at Candu Energy Inc, to explain the inner workings of the distinctive CANDU reactor. They trace how Canada’s decision to use natural uranium led to heavy-water moderation, horizontal pressure ... Show More
1h 9m
Jun 17
The Birth of America’s Nuclear Power Industry
James Krellenstein returns to take apart one of the most persistent myths in energy discourse: the idea that there was a golden age when nuclear power was cheaper than coal. The plants people point to, Oyster Creek, Dresden, Point Beach, Quad Cities, were cheap to the utilities t ... Show More
1h 2m
Jun 4
Limits to Growth of LLMs w/ David Helmer
AI hype has bled deep into the nuclear sector, and in this episode, Chris Keefer sits down with returning guest David Helmer, an engineer and AI advisory consultant with a decade advising the US government on machine learning and autonomous systems, to examine what the technology ... Show More
1h 32m
Dec 2022
MacroVoices #355 Mark Nelson: Understanding All Things Nuclear
<p>In this first part of holiday special, MacroVoices welcomes nuclear engineer Mark Nelson to the show to discuss all things nuclear. Erik and Mark start with a brief history of the industry, then talk about both real and perceived problems with nuclear power, before moving on t ... Show More
2h 34m
Aug 2023
Things You Thought You Knew – What is Energy?
<p>How is energy different from matter? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice break down what energy is and where it comes from, ancient theories about sight, and how wheels keep us moving. Explore physics, thermodynamics, and more!</p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen ... Show More
38m 13s
Sep 2024
Cosmic Queries – In a Zeptosecond
<p>Can nuclear fusion become the ultimate renewable energy source? Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-host Chuck Nice answer fan questions about transporters, the smallest unit of time, expansion, and other ideas that push the boundaries of our understanding of the universe.</p><p>NOTE: ... Show More
45m 3s
Jan 2023
Fusion, Lasers, & More with NIF Laser Scientist
<p>How did we achieve nuclear fusion? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice learn about thermonuclear fusion, the world’s most powerful lasers, and harnessing nuclear power with operations manager at The National Ignition Facility, Bruno Van Wonterghem.</p><p>NOTE: StarTalk ... Show More
51m 3s
Jul 2022
Things You Thought You Knew – The Fast and The Friction
<p>What is the Magnus Effect? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly explore physics through spin, banking, and angular momentum. Why are race tracks banked? </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commerci ... Show More
43m 4s
Feb 2024
Neil’s Guide to Heat Transfer Physics
<p>How do you make some things stay hot and others stay cool? Neil deGrasse Tyson, with the help of comedian Chuck Nice, explains the physics of heat transfer, insulation, and why your Stanley cup can keep your drink cold during a fire. </p><p>NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen t ... Show More
38m 33s