Stripping down nuclear energy for everyday listeners

Naked Nuclear

Ever wondered how nuclear energy works or what advanced nuclear technology really means? Naked Nuclear breaks down complex topics like nuclear reactors, fuel types, and emerging technologies into simple, accessible conversations. Whether you're a curious beginner or an energy enthusiast, we make the...

Recent Episodes

Oct. 6, 2025

After-Pop! Inside the Z Machine: The Most Powerful Pulse on Earth

What happens when you unleash more power than every power plant on Earth — for just a few billionths of a second? Welcome to After-Pop! — today, we’re diving into the Z Machine , the crown jewel of Sandia National Laboratorie...
Sept. 22, 2025

Swimming through Fusion Research: Student Spotlight with Ryan Zerpa

In this Student Spotlight, we trace how childhood curiosity—sparked by Nikola Tesla and MythBusters—led Ryan Zerpa from building a Tesla coil in grade school to pursuing fusion research. Ryan shares how he reframed a mostly-f...
Sept. 8, 2025

Becoming the No. 1 University for Nuclear Engineering: University of Michigan Deep Dive with Department Chair, Dr. Todd Allen

What does it mean to be the #1 nuclear engineering program in the country? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Allen , department chair of the University of Michigan’s Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences (NERS)...
Sept. 1, 2025

After-Pop! What is Reactor Physics?

Ever wonder how tiny particles can power whole cities? In this After-Pop! we follow our previous episode with Ikhwan Khaleb and dive into the world of reactor physics — the science behind nuclear chain reactions, neutrons, an...
Aug. 25, 2025

UMich NER's Alumni Spotlight: Jenga Blocks, TikTok's, and Life as an International Student

Ikhwan Khaleb tells the story of moving from Malaysia to study in the University of Michigan’s NERS program, learning reactor physics in a second language, and turning TikTok into a platform for clear, visual nuclear educatio...
Aug. 18, 2025

Now Offering: Recruiting Services with Nuclear Talent Scout

Breaking into the nuclear industry can feel overwhelming, from specialized certifications and security clearances to jobs that never even make it to job boards. In this episode of Naked Nuclear , Danielle shares an exciting n...

Recent Blog Posts

Aug. 6, 2025

Your Reference Guide to Scholarships in Nuclear (Engineering, Welding…

The Ultimate Guide to Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships in Nuclear and STEM [Updated 8/6/25] Whether you're fresh out of high school, transitioning careers, or deep into a grad program, one thing is clear—school is expensive. But here's t…

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May 26, 2025

Find Your Nuclear Fit: Career Exploration Tools for the Future of Ene…

In our latest episode of Naked Nuclear, we sat down with Dr. Fiona Rayment, OBE—a global leader in nuclear energy and workforce development. From leading research at the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory to advising international energy p…

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April 28, 2025

From Oil Leases to Nuclear Futures: Why Landmen Are More Relevant Tha…

When you think of the oil and gas industry, your mind probably jumps to roughnecks on drilling rigs or engineers working deep in the heart of oil fields. But behind every lease, every well, and every energy deal, there’s often a landmanmaking …

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About the Hosts

Danielle Allen Profile Photo

Danielle Allen

Podcast Host & Creator

Hey, I’m Danielle Allen—firefighter, paramedic, commercial pilot, and host of Naked Nuclear. I’ve taught physics in Vietnam, trained as a flight instructor, and was once cast for a Discovery Channel-affiliated spaceflight show (RIP). After years of chasing adrenaline and saving lives, I realized the next frontier wasn’t just the sky—it was energy.

Naked Nuclear is my mission to strip down nuclear energy so it actually makes sense. We break past the fear, jargon, and politics to explore what nuclear really is, why it matters, and how it’s shaping the future. I interview engineers, ethicists, and industry pioneers to open the doors for curious minds who want in—whether you're switching careers or just nuclear-curious.

Whether I’m free-diving with sea creatures, climbing Denali, or decoding reactor systems in my nuclear engineering classes, I’m all in. The future is electric—and nuclear is the quiet giant behind it. Let’s get you up to speed.

Jackson H.

Nature loving, nuclear enthusiast, just here to support the mission.