Three is the magic number (but not the end) for NEI’s two-time award-winning podcast, Fissionary! Season four is coming soon… but while you wait for the official news, make sure you’re all caught up on previous episodes.
Season three brought us guests from all over the literal and figurative map. Pick a location and get started with your (re)listen:
The Front Page 📰
Our favorite cohosts, Mary and Jordan, kicked off season three with a conversation with Cat Clifford, senior science and economics correspondent for Cipher, on the world of climate reporting and her own journalism journey. She started in general and business news, but now she’s working in the energy and climate world. Cat offers her thoughts on the evolution of climate reporting and on the future of nuclear energy (hint: AI).
For a crash course on the world of climate journalism, listen to Season 3, Episode 1: The Scoop on Climate Reporting with Cat Clifford.
A Rhino Sanctuary 🦏
We’ve covered lots of nuclear topics on Fissionary, but this episode might be the most unusual! James Larkin came on the podcast to talk about the Rhisotope Project, which works to prevent rhino poaching by injecting radioisotopes into rhinos’ horns. It sounds crazy, but James explains how it all works.
To learn how radioisotopes can be used to save rhinos, listen to Season 3, Episode 2: Using Radiation for Rhino Conservation with James Larkin.
An Art Classroom 🎨
Get your paintbrushes and smocks out for this one! Artist, educator, and nuclear advocate Angel “Ralph” Rafael Vázquez-Concepción explores the world of nuclear through a creative lens—though that wasn’t his original intention. Ralph went to school for nuclear medicine but later started a career in education, and that’s where he connected with the art world. Now, Ralph uses art to evoke emotion and challenge people’s views on nuclear energy.
To see how art can be a tool for nuclear education and advocacy, listen to Season 3, Episode 3: Coloring Outside the Nuclear Lines with Angel “Ralph” Rafael Vázquez-Concepción.
New York Climate Week 🗽
Climate anxiety can be hard to deal with. That’s why this episode’s guest, Charly Frisk, thinks it’s so important to spread positivity and foster human connection in the climate space. Charly works with Time for Better to put on Hope House events at big, traditional conferences like New York Climate Week that bring people together with creative activities and meaningful conversation. She is also a documentary filmmaker, using her art to bring attention to various issues surrounding climate change.
For a discussion on using art, food, and even friendship bracelets to shine a light on climate change, listen to Season 3, Episode 4: Optimism in the Time of Climate Change with Charly Frisk.
The University of Missouri 🐯
Season three brought us another nuclear medicine episode! Mary and Jordan spoke with John Brockman and Mike Hoehn, who work on the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR), a leading facility producing life-saving medical isotopes and giving Mizzou students the incredible opportunity to work with these materials. Mike and John also break down exactly what isotopes and radioisotopes are, in case you’ve been afraid to ask!
To learn how MURR is revolutionizing cancer treatment, diagnostic tools, and more, listen to Season 3, Episode 5: The Intersection of Energy and Modern Medicine with MURR.
Down Under 🐨
Did you know nuclear energy is currently banned in Australia? Will Shackel is working to change that. Will initially learned about Australia’s nuclear ban in school, and it just didn’t stack up to him. He started doing more research, founded Nuclear for Australia at just 18 years old, amassed tens of thousands of supporters, and now travels the world visiting nuclear energy sites and speaking with world leaders. Listen to the episode for more details and try not to compare your accomplishments at age 18 to Will’s!
For the scoop on Australia’s nuclear energy ban and the movement to reverse it, listen to Season 3, Episode 6: Nuclear Down Under with Will Shackel.
A Bike Trail 🚲
This episode is perfect for the cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts out there! During his break from service in the National Guard, Matt Randall learned about climate change and the role of nuclear energy and decided to spread the word. In order to shine a light on nuclear, he did something crazy: he biked from Massachusetts to Florida, visiting seven nuclear plants along the way! Matt gave Mary and Jordan all the details of his 1,500-mile ride, including touring plants, camping in questionable locations, and being chased by a very scary Chihuahua.
To learn about a nuclear advocate’s exciting trip down the East Coast, listen to Season 3, Episode 7: A 1500 Mile Journey for Nuclear with Matt Randall.
A Nuclear-Powered Ship 🚢
Yes, you read that right! CORE POWER CEO Mikal Bøe and his team are working to leverage new nuclear to decarbonize—and even speed up—commercial shipping. The global shipping industry has a goal to cut 70% of its carbon emissions by 2040, and Mikal thinks the best way to do that is with nuclear power—and we agree!
For a discussion on cleaning up global industry using nuclear, listen to Decarbonizing the High Seas with Mikal Bøe.
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