Fire2Fission Podcast

Heating accounts for roughly 40% of global energy demand, far more than most people realize. Yet while the conversation around nuclear energy often focuses on electricity, Tommi Nyman, CEO and co-founder of Steady Energy, believes one of nuclear's biggest opportunities lies somewhere much simpler: producing clean, reliable heat. In this episode, Mark Hinaman sits down with Tommi to discuss how his...

The connection between military skills and the explosive growth of the data center industry might surprise you. While everyone talks about AI and mega-projects, few highlight the power of veterans as the backbone of this critical infrastructure revolution. If you're a veteran, an industry leader, or just curious about how the DoD has powered one of the most transformative sectors of our time, this...

Bobby Gallagher, CEO and CTO of Deployable Energy, shares how his team is pioneering nuclear microreactors built for our modern, mobile world, starting with a reactor so compact it fits in a shipping container. These innovations aren’t just about safety—they're about transforming energy accessibility for remote islands, heavy industry, and and anywhere you can find a diesel generator. In this...

Unlock the future of energy — where nuclear renaissance, innovative technologies, and workforce transformation collide. If you’re curious about how the industry is addressing shortages, reshaping infrastructure, and pioneering clean energy solutions, this episode is your front-row seat to the biggest shifts happening now. Bruce Nicholson and Imran Safiulla from Rev1 Energy, reveal the groundbreaki...

Most people overlook how nuclear energy could be the key to solving climate change, energy security, and economic stability—until now. Dr. Tim Gregory, a nuclear chemist and author of "Going Nuclear," reveals how this powerful technology is finally breaking free from old fears and political baggage. Discover the surprising history of nuclear success stories like France’s 50-year-old infrastructure...

In this episode, writer and nuclear advocate Mike Connolly joins us to unpack the science, history, and myths surrounding nuclear energy and radiation. Framing the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) model as a true crime story, Mike explains how decades-old bad science helped fuel public fear, distort regulation, and slow the adoption of one of the safest and most energy-dense power sources. Mike challenge...

Host Mark Hinaman talks with Phillip Koblence (New York Infrastructure) and Brian Smith (Idaho National Labs) about the relationship between data centers and nuclear energy. They explore how AI and digital infrastructure are driving power demand, and how small modular reactors and microreactors could support reliable, low-carbon growth.

In this episode of the Fire to Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman interviews Sam Gibson, founder and CEO of Hadron Energy. They discuss Hadron's mission to develop a light water microreactor, the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear energy sector, and Sam's journey from South Dakota to becoming a young entrepreneur in the energy industry. Sam shares insights into Hadron's strate...

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman is joined by Brennan Moore, Andrew Meehan, and Ryan Pickering to discuss the future of nuclear energy and financing. They explore the parallels between nuclear and other energy sectors, the importance of government support, and the challenges of nuclear waste management. The conversation highlights the potential for innovation in nucle...

In this episode of the Fire to Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman talks with Steven Zhang, a political science student at Columbia University and co-founder of the NiCE club Columbia Chapter. The discuss NiCE's impact in changing perceptions about nuclear energy, and the role of public-private partnerships in advancing nuclear projects. Steven shares insights into the challenges and opportunit...

In this special episode, join Mark and the Fire2Fission interns as they tackle the myths and misconceptions surrounding nuclear waste, revealing its untapped energy potential and the realities of its management. We contrast this with the challenges of produced water in the oil and gas industry, highlighting innovative solutions and the importance of education in changing public perception. Join us...

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman interviews Stephanie Fishman, a Senior Associate and nuclear regulatory attorney at Hogan-Lovells. They discuss Stephanie's journey from studying nuclear engineering to working in global nuclear security and eventually becoming a nuclear regulatory attorney. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in the nuclear in...

In this episode, we sit down with Thomas Jam Pedersen, co-founder and CEO of Copenhagen Atomics, to explore the advancements in thorium molten salt reactors. Learn how this innovative technology promises to deliver low-cost, sustainable energy by improving neutron economy and reducing structural costs. Thomas shares insights into the company's journey and their vision for a future where energy...

We welcome Nick Touran, the visionary behind What Is Nuclear. Nick shares his journey discovering nuclear power as an undergrad and founding a website dedicated to educating the public about nuclear energy. We explore Nick's 16-year tenure at TerraPower and discuss technological shifts in the nuclear industry, from large light water reactors to the rise of microreactors and advanced technologi...

In this insightful episode, host Mark Hinaman explores the groundbreaking plans of Geo2Watts with guests Bill Bartling and Wes Cruver. Discover how they are pioneering the transformation of end-of-life oil wells into sustainable energy storage solutions. Their innovative approach involves using phase change materials and solar energy to create a zero-emission system. Tune in to learn about the pot...

In this podcast, Rob Alexander delves into the groundbreaking use of aluminum disks in energy storage. The discussion centers around their innovative process that utilizes waste aluminum, transforming it into a cost-effective and sustainable energy carrier. Rob also outlines a strategic vision for using these aluminum disks to bolster energy security by keeping scrap aluminum within the United Sta...

Join us in this insightful episode as we sit down with Tayler Amatto, Associate Principal at Charles River Associates and future president of the Energy Leadership Institute. Tayler shares her journey through the energy sector, discussing the evolution of energy markets, the role of nuclear and natural gas, and the transformative impact of the Energy Leadership Institute. Discover how cross-sector...

Join us in this insightful episode of the Fire2Fission podcast as Mark Hinaman sits down with Neil Wilmshurst, Senior VP at EPRI. Neil shares his journey from the Royal Navy to becoming a leader in the nuclear industry, offering unique perspectives on global nuclear programs. Discover how Spain's nuclear program sets a benchmark and learn about Argentina's resilience in completing the Atucha proje...

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Brett Rampal, a nuclear energy expert and senior director at Veriten. They discuss Brett's journey in nuclear engineering, his experiences at various companies, and his current role at Veriten, where he focuses on energy strategy and investment. The conversation also explores the differences between nuclear and renewable technolo...

Summary  In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman speaks with returning guest Liz Muller, CEO and co-founder of Deep Fission, about the innovative approach to nuclear energy through deep borehole reactors. They discuss the transition from Deep Isolation to Deep Fission, the technical and economic aspects of the new reactor design, and the […]

In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman speaks with Dr. Jenifer Shafer, a professor at the Colorado School of Mines, about her journey into the field of nuclear energy and her research on nuclear fuel recycling and waste management. They discuss the evolution of energy sources, the importance of nuclear energy in providing […]

In this episode Mark Hinaman interviews Mathias Meyer and David Harestad, who helped create Klimavenner Kjernakraft– Climate Friends for Nuclear Power in Norway. They discuss the potential for nuclear power in Norway and the importance of advocating for nuclear energy for addressing climate change and energy poverty. They outline how they became one of the […]

Summary  In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, host Mark Hinaman speaks with Aimee Tooker, a community leader from Nucla, Colorado, about the challenges and opportunities facing her small town, particularly in the wake of the closure of the local coal plant. Aimee shares insights into the community’s history with mining, agriculture, and the impact […]

Summary  In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman speaks with Matt Solomon, project manager of the Northwest Colorado Energy Initiative (NCEI) and the Survey 1 Report, about the transition from coal to alternative energy sources in Colorado. As Matt walks through the survey report, they discuss the necessity of the feasibility study to […]

With a short forward by Mark Hinaman, this episode of Fire2Fission is a recording of a panel discussion in Norway at the ONS Conference in August 2024, on which Mark was invited to join by previous Fire2Fission guest, Martin Hjelmeland (see Episode 054). Martin and Mark are joined by Doug Sandridge (also a former guest on Episode 001), Nathan Snoke, Scott Livingston, and Øystein Stjern. Martin inv...