Fissionary

What if Walt Disney had actually built the city of the future—powered by nuclear energy?

In the Season 5 premiere of Fissionary, hosts Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton sit down with urban planner and author Sam Gennawey to uncover how Walt’s imagination extended far beyond theme parks. From Disneyland to his unrealized vision for Epcot, Walt dreamed of communities built around innovation, clean power, and human connection. Sam shares how those plans included a nuclear-powered city under a climate-controlled dome, what it reveals about Disney’s faith in technology, and why his “yes, if” philosophy still matters to...

Every era has its spark- a force that drives imagination, innovation, and the will to build something extraordinary. 

Fissionary returns with Season 5: What Powers Wonder, an exploration of how energy fuels creativity, culture, and progress. From life-saving breakthroughs to designs and the boundless imagination of Walt Disney himself, hosts Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton uncover the surprising ways nuclear shapes our world.

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

The world runs on energy, but the real power comes from curiosity. Fissionary is the podcast that uncovers how nuclear energy shapes our lives in ways you might never expect, from medicine and design to space exploration and climate solutions. Hosted by Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton, Fissionary brings together scientists, artists, policymakers, and creators to explore how innovation and imagination collide.

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Gabriel Ivory, one of the creative forces behind the "I Heart Nuclear" sign at College GameDay, joins us for the season finale of Fissionary to talk about how a bold move turned into a nationwide campaign. Gabriel shares the story behind the sign, the strategy that helped it go viral, and how he’s using his platform to change the conversation around nuclear energy. It’s not just about advocacy; it’s also about making nuclear relatable, creative, and fun for a new generation of activists. Tune in to hear how one sign sparked a movement and how the next w...

When it comes to moving the needle on nuclear energy, support is needed at every level, and Illinois is at a turning point. In this episode of Fissionary, Mary and Jordan sit down with Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin—a longtime advocate for nuclear energy—to talk about lifting the state’s partial moratorium and Illinois’ unique position to support nuclear energy production. 

With Illinois home to the largest nuclear fleet in the country and transmission infrastructure already in place, Sue makes the case for why the state is perfectly positioned to meet rising energy demands fueled by AI, da...

What happens when a generation raised online realizes that data centers, social media, and streaming all depend on a strained power grid? As climate pressure mounts and digital consumption surges, Gen Z is stepping into the energy conversation—with nuclear power on their radar.

In this episode of Fissionary, hosts Mary and Jordan sit down with José Gaona, founder and CEO of ZETA, a fast-growing Gen Z-led organization focused on emerging tech and energy policy. From his first role as a voting school board trustee at age 16 to organizing advocacy campaigns that reached all 535 congressional offices, José offe...

What if saving the world looked more like a rave than a lecture? In this episode, we catch up with Ryan Pickering—former anti-nuclear activist turned DOE policy advisor, co-founder of NICE (Nuclear is Clean Energy) and all-around nuclear hype man. From organizing a rave to support California legislation to collaborating with Indigenous leaders and traveling globally to advocate for nuclear inclusion, Ryan is doing the most in the best way. We get into how culture, community, and energy realism are reshaping the nuclear conversation and why the future might just be on-grid and wildly optimistic.



Visi...

Imagine building something today that has to stay safe for tens of thousands of years! That’s the mind-bending challenge behind long-term nuclear waste storage, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into how Canada is pulling it off.



Jordan and Mary sit down with Lisa Frizzell from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to unpack how one of the most complex infrastructure projects in the world is being designed to protect people and the planet for basically forever. From solid ceramic fuel pellets and copper-coated steel canisters buried beneath 500 meters of rock, to the In...

We've sent humans to space and robots to Mars. The next leap? Sending nuclear reactors that can power the future, space life, and beyond.

Joining us today is Dr. David Poston, the reactor designer behind NASA’s Kilopower project and one of the leading minds in the push to bring compact, resilient nuclear systems to space. From Krusty and DUFF (yes, those are Simpsons references) to his disruptive new company, SpaceNukes, David walks us through how we power life far from Earth and why nuclear is the right fuel source for the job. 

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What do ChatGPT, cloud servers, and nuclear reactors have in common? More than you think. 

As AI expands and tech giants scramble for energy that’s clean, constant, and scalable, nuclear power is stepping into the spotlight. In this episode, Mary and Jordan sit down with Faraz Ahmad, the former head of Amazon’s global clean energy team, to explore why Big Tech is betting on nuclear. With a résumé spanning GE, NextEra, and British Nuclear Fuels, Faraz offers a rare insider’s look at why nuclear is becoming essential infrastructure for the digital a...

We’re SO back! In the Season 4 premiere, Mary and Jordan catch up on just how fast things are moving in the world of nuclear. From billion-dollar investments and new reactor projects breaking ground to nuclear’s role in powering AI and deep space missions, the pace of change has been wild—and it’s only speeding up.

We break down what’s behind the hype, who’s driving it, and why nuclear is suddenly the main character in conversations around clean energy, tech infrastructure, and climate solutions.

Visit us at www.ne...

Nuclear is having a moment, and Fissionary is back to break it all down!  In Season 4, we’re diving headfirst into the next era of nuclear.

Hosts Mary Carpenter and Jordan Houghton return to explore the bold ideas, and brilliant minds shaping the future of clean energy. From deep space to data centers, nuclear’s time is now- and trust us, you’ll want a front-row seat.

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

The future of clean energy is here, and it’s nuclear. Welcome to Fissionary, your guide to the innovations, stories, and amazing possibilities of nuclear.

Season 4 coming soon!

Visit us at https://www.nei.org/news/fissionary

Get ready to dive deep into the thrilling possibilities of nuclear power on the high seas! In our season finale, Mary and Jordan drop anchor with Mikal Bøe, Chairman and CEO of CORE Power, a company building scalable new nuclear technologies for ocean transport. Striving to see a world where shipping generates zero carbon emissions, Mikal and his team are leveraging new nuclear technologies for the development of both nuclear ships and floating reactors. 

Mikal shares insights on how nuclear ships operate, what decarbonizing ocean transport would mean, the evolution of shipping technology, an...

What happens when a passion for the outdoors meets a mission to advocate for nuclear energy? Meet Matt, a military veteran turned nuclear energy advocate, who biked more than 1,500 miles from Massachusetts to Florida to shine a light on the role nuclear plays in sustainable energy. In this episode, Matt shares stories from his epic ride, including tours at seven nuclear plants, stealth camping through the night, and the inspiration behind his advocacy for nuclear in the outdoor community.

Matt Randall: Instagram | YouTube 

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Duration: 00:31:47

In a world increasingly focused on clean energy solutions, nuclear power is re-emerging as a critical player in the fight against climate change. Yet, in some places, like Australia, long-standing bans and public misconceptions continue to hold back its potential. In this episode, we meet Will Shackel, the founder of Nuclear for Australia, who has become a leading voice for nuclear advocacy at just 18 years old. From his meetings with global leaders like Emmanuel Macron to his work debunking myths about nuclear power, Will discusses the challenges and triumphs of changing public opinion in a politically charged landscape.

Meet MURR (the Missouri University Research Reactor), a leading facility in the production of life-saving medical isotopes that’s redefining what’s possible in both energy and healthcare.

In this episode, we talk to Mike Hoehn, Program Director for NextGen MURR, and John Brockman, Associate Director of Research and Education at MURR, about how MURR’s cutting-edge research is revolutionizing cancer treatment and diagnostic tools with isotopes that are essential for modern medicine. 

Learn more about MURR: https://www.murr.missouri.edu/

Next Gen MURR: https://nextgenmurr.missour...

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 cr...

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, t...

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...

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 

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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

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.

Duration: 00:34:41

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 ep...

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.

Ready for a dose of nuclear medicine? By using the power of radioactive molecules, doctors are reshaping the landscape of cancer treatment, offering more effective diagnoses and enhanced quality of life for patients.

Paulien Moyaert is a doctor and content creator with more than 160,000 subscribers on YouTube. She joins Jordan and Mary to discuss how nuclear medicine can be used to treat cancer, dementia, and more! 

Paulien’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.paulinemoyaert

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Mus...

Cryptocurrencies and AI are becoming a larger part of our everyday lives, but how are we going to power this rapidly growing demand for digital energy? 

Tom Mapes is the founder of Digital Energy Council, the first member association focused solely on digital energy. He joins Mary and Jordan to explore the intersection of technology, energy and innovation, and uncover how nuclear energy is the perfect solution to fuel this digital revolution.

Tom Mapes: LinkedIn

Digital Energy Council: digitalenergycouncil.org

Visit us at www.nei.o...

Energy is life, and as demand for it surges, so does the urgency for more investment into reliable clean energy solutions. But what will it take and is the world ready for it?

Well-known (and anonymous) Substack economic and energy writer Doomberg is ready to ruffle a few feathers and address this question head on. If you can believe it, they cover everything from nuclear energy to chicken wings.

Doomberg: Substack | Twitter

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this e...

Join Jordan and Mary as they embark on an electrifying new season of Fissionary. From powering space exploration to transforming medicine, nuclear energy continues to push boundaries and stay on the cutting edge. Get ready to take a closer look at some of the ways nuclear technology is changing our world.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

COP is one of the biggest events of the year for tackling climate issues—and some have been referring to COP28 as the “nuclear COP,” with more and more nations looking to next-generation nuclear technology as a solution.

Jackie Toth is live from Dubai to discuss everything she’s seen at COP28. She works as the deputy director at Good Energy Collective, an organization that advocates for policies that support nuclear energy.

To learn more about Good Energy Collective visit: https://www.goodenergycollective.org/

Good Energy Co...

The fashion industry is responsible for 1.7 billion tons of carbon emissions annually. Rickey Ruff wants to fix that, but it is going to take a lot of work.

With his background in the fashion industry, working for Ralph Lauren and Adidas, he started Global Nuclear Concepts (GNC) as a solution to decarbonizing the industry. The goal? To retrofit factories with micro-nuclear reactors.

To learn more about Global Nuclear Concepts, visit: globalnuclearconcepts.com

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

While nuclear energy does a lot of things really well, our guest thinks there is room for improvement in one area in particular: marketing.

In fact, John Marshall founded Potential Energy Coalition because climate change has a big marketing problem. His work aims to help rebrand nuclear energy and reshape the way we communicate about the climate crisis.

You can check out the recent report ‘The World Wants New Nuclear’ by Thirdway, ClearPath, RePlanet, and Potential Energy Coalition.

Potential Energy Coalition: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

To learn more...

Jesus Nunez, the CEO of the Nuclear Alternative Project (NAP), wants to bring nuclear energy to Puerto Rico. The island’s electric grid is regularly destabilized by hurricanes, and with climate change, this could get worse. Jesus believes nuclear could play a major role in fixing that. 

On this episode, he joins Mary and Jordan to talk about how extreme weather can impact electricity, what it was like growing up in Puerto Rico, and more.

Jesus Nunez: Twitter | Facebook | Linkedin

Nuclear Alternative Project: Twitter | Facebook | Li...

What happens when our favorite characters and shows get nuclear power all wrong? From Jane Fonda to The Simpsons, nuclear is often misrepresented. Without realizing it, The Simpsons, and many other pieces of pop culture, influenced an entire generation to believe in the misconceptions about nuclear energy.

Environmental advocate Zion Lights joins Fissionary to discuss how pop culture got nuclear energy wrong and the influence it has on public opinion. Zion Lights is the founder of the evidence-based climate activism group ‘Emergency Reactor’ and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Green Parenting.

Duration: 00:43:24

If you can learn about what hotel to book for your vacation through an influencer, you can learn about the safety and effectiveness of nuclear energy from one. 

Probabilistic Risk Assessment Engineer and Influencer, Jenifer Avellaneda (aka Nuclear Hazelnut) joins our co-hosts to talk about her role in making nuclear safe and how she disseminates this complex information for all of her social media followers.

Jenifer Avellaneda: Twitter | Instagram

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

The climate crisis isn't going away, and energy demands will only grow. This reality is pushing people and countries toward clean, reliable nuclear energy. 

Director of International Policy for Third Way’s Climate and Energy program Lindsey Walter joins our co-hosts to break down changing perceptions around nuclear energy, the main reasons behind the shift, and the global perspective on a net-zero future.

Lindsey Walter: Twitter | Carbon-Free Europe Linkedin | Third Way Twitter

To learn more visit Carbon-Free Europe and Third Way

Nuclear energy, the largest clean energy generator in the United States, is more than just a power source. 

Grace Stanke, Miss America 2023 and a nuclear engineer, breaks down some of the ways that nuclear fission contributes to society—she also gives a crash course on how to become a nuclear advocate!

Grace Stanke: Instagram | Twitter | Tiktok

Visit us at www.nei.org/fissionary.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik

Have you found yourself searching for answers to some of today’s most pressing questions like how to solve the climate crisis and secure our energy independence? Luckily, we have an answer for you—nuclear energy. But don’t just take it from us. Hear from experts, researchers, and influencers (and even a pageant queen!) from a variety of backgrounds as they envision a world powered by clean nuclear energy.

Music used in this episode was created by Beat Mekanik