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 potential economic and environmental benefits of this ambitious project and the exciting future of ener...
Aug 14, 2025•51 min
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 States.
Aug 11, 2025•57 min
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 collaboration and innovative leadership are shaping the future of energy. Whether you're an industr...
Aug 06, 2025•43 min
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 project. Tune in for a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of the nuclear sector, and Neil's plans...
Aug 04, 2025•49 min
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 technologies, the importance of staying informed in the energy sector, and the challenges faced by the nucle...
Feb 27, 2025•2 hr 13 min
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 […]
Dec 16, 2024•37 min
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 […]
Dec 09, 2024•54 min
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 […]
Nov 18, 2024•45 min
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 […]
Nov 11, 2024•55 min
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 […]
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 5 min
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 invited the panel to discuss the potential of oil and gas companies to contribute to nuclear energy, em...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 4 min
On this episode of the Fire2Fission Podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Florencia Renteria, PhD in Nuclear Science and Technology. They discuss various topics related to the nuclear industry, including; high temperature gas reactor (HTGR) technology, her nuclear energy education and experience from around the world, and the importance of international collaboration in the nuclear industry. Florencia also shares her experiences working with organizations like Women in Nuclear and the International Y...
Sep 06, 2024•34 min
Trey Lauderdale, the founder and CEO of Atomic Canyon, discusses the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the nuclear power industry. Atomic Canyon focuses on bringing next-generation technologies to the existing nuclear power fleet to drive efficiencies and make nuclear power more efficient and cost-effective. Trey explains the intersection of fast-moving AI technology and the slow-moving, risk-averse nuclear industry. He shares his background in healthcare IT and how it led him to the nucle...
Sep 04, 2024•57 min
In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Michael Crabb, SVP Commercial at Last Energy. They discuss Last Energy's background and their mission to build, own, and operate micro nuclear power plants. Michael shares his experience in the energy industry and the challenges faced by the nuclear industry. They also talk about the importance of learning, collaboration, and competition in driving innovation and progress. The nuclear industry faces challenges, both logical and...
Jul 22, 2024•52 min
In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman and Ryan Pickering interview Heather Feldman, the director of training and development at EPRI. They discuss the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation (GFNI) and the importance of innovation and education in the energy sector. Heather shares her background in mechanical engineering and her experience working on the space shuttle program. She explains how her time in the space industry prepared her for her role at EPRI and the importance of ...
Jul 18, 2024•55 min
In this episode of the Fire2Fission Podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Lauren Thew, President of Bluestone Group, about her background in the nuclear industry and the role of technical staff augmentation in nuclear projects. They discuss the need for more young professionals in the industry and the importance of spreading awareness about nuclear power. Lauren emphasizes the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the need for government funding to support the development of nuclear projects...
Jul 15, 2024•45 min
In this episode of the Fire to Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Martin Hjelmeland, a postdoc researcher in Norway. They discuss Martin's background in energy and environmental engineering, his work in hydropower scheduling, and his interest in nuclear energy. They also touch on Norway's nuclear history and the country's transition from oil and gas to nuclear. The conversation highlights the importance of energy system modeling and the potential role of nuclear power in a renewable energy...
May 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min
In this episode of Fire2Fission, Mark Hinaman talks with Jeff Whitt from Framatome about the changing dynamics of nuclear energy. From his journey in the field to spearheading initiatives for the US government, Jeff sheds light on the pivotal role of nuclear power in environmental sustainability, the obstacles of innovation and talent acquisition, and the promising future of advanced reactor technologies.
Apr 04, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Mark Hinaman talks with Craig Ranson from Framatome about the nuclear industry's past, present, and future. From robotics to reactor vessel examination and the challenges of expanding nuclear energy, Craig provides insights into Framatome's contributions and the industry's need for innovation and new talent.
Mar 29, 2024•39 min
Mark Hinaman interviews Sean Farrell, Senior Vice President of Operations at TeraWulf, a company focused on zero-carbon cryptocurrency mining. Farrell shares his extensive background in the energy sector, including his time at Siemens and Siemens Gamesa. He discusses TeraWulf's unique approach to sustainable crypto mining, leveraging existing infrastructure at retired power plants, and the importance of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) in the industry. The conversation also ...
Jan 09, 2024•42 min
Host Mark Hinaman interviews Doomberg, an anonymous energy analyst and head writer for the Doomberg Substack. They discuss the importance of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and energy needs, criticizing the nuclear industry's lack of effective marketing and political advocacy. Doomberg advocates for a more assertive approach in promoting nuclear power, emphasizing its benefits over renewable sources. The conversation also touches on the challenges and potential strategies for advanci...
Jan 02, 2024•58 min
Caleb Tomlin, Senior Technical Leader at EPRI, discusses the transition from coal to nuclear power. He explains the research being done on synthetic fuels and the opportunities for nuclear beyond electricity. Caleb highlights the challenges and considerations involved in converting coal plants to nuclear, including site characterization, technology and design selection, and securing land and transmission rights. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and workforce development in th...
Dec 28, 2023•46 min
Host Mark Hinaman interviews Arjun Murti, Partner at Veriten. Murti discusses the complexities of energy transition, emphasizing the importance of balancing environmental concerns with the need for reliable and affordable energy. The conversation delves into various topics, including the role of traditional and renewable energy sources, the impact of market dynamics on energy strategies, and the future of energy consumption globally. Murti offers insights into the energy sector's evolution, addr...
Dec 27, 2023•58 min
In this episode of the Fire2Fission podcast, Mark Hinaman interviews Dr. Joshua Goldstein, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at American University and Research Scholar at the University of Massachusetts. Goldstein, an environmentalist and author, discusses his shift from anti-nuclear to pro-nuclear views, the role of nuclear power in climate change mitigation, and the impact of societal perceptions on nuclear energy. He emphasizes the need for affordable and scalable nuclear solutio...
Dec 26, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Mark Hinaman interviews Irina Slav, a seasoned energy writer with a focus on the oil and gas sector. Their discussion pivots around energy supply dynamics, the pivotal role of nuclear power, and the limitations of renewables like wind and solar. They delve into the geopolitical energy landscape, especially concerning Eastern Europe and the EU. The episode concludes with actionable insights for promoting nuclear energy, centering on policy advocacy and government engagement.
Dec 25, 2023•47 min
This episode of the Fire2Fission Podcast featured Bob Hargraves, co-founder of ThorCon International, discussing nuclear power's economic viability and the importance of cost reduction. Hargraves shared his diverse background, including software development and consulting in the energy sector, and his transition to advocating for nuclear power. The discussion also covered ThorCon's focus on molten salt reactors and their unique approach using ships as power plants. Listeners interested in nuclea...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Shawn Connors speaks with Mark Hinaman about his career in the publishing business, his admiration of the nuclear energy industry, and the opportunity nuclear energy has to tell an optimistic story about it's capability to save the world. They also discuss Connors' new novel, Chain Reaction, which tells the story of a young, female, pro-nuclear scientist and environmentalist trying to save a nuclear power plant from closing.
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 4 min
DJ Hanson sits down to discuss with Mark Hinaman the thorium fuel cycle, molten salt reactors, and Flibe Energy's strategy to commercialize the technology in the United States.
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Everett Redomond, Senior Director of Fuel Affairs at Oklo, discusses his career history at Holtec, NEI, and his new role at Oklo. He covers a lot of the nuance around the uranium fuel cycle and how the nuclear energy industry faces shortages in the future if domestic conversion and enrichment capacities aren't increased.
Nov 20, 2023•44 min
Tiffany Dickenson and Mark Hinaman discuss the economic struggles of northwest Colorado, the challenges for communities associated with closing coal mines and coal fired power plants, and how nuclear energy can be a viable replacement during the energy transition.
Oct 20, 2023•49 min
