NucleCast

Deb Gracio, Director of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), sits down with us to discuss the laboratory's remarkable evolution from its Hanford roots to its current role as a leader in scientific innovation, nuclear security, and national security research.
With more than 35 years at PNNL, Gracio shares her journey from researcher to laboratory director and reflects on the history and mission of one of the Department of Energy's premier national laboratories. The conversation explores PNNL's contributions to nuclear security, nonproliferation, homeland security, and deterrence, as well as the growing role of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and advanced computing in accelerating scientific discovery and supporting national security decision-making.
Gracio also discusses workforce development, the importance of knowledge transfer across generations of scientists and engineers, and how national laboratories are preparing the next generation to tackle complex security and scientific challenges.
Whether you're interested in deterrence, emerging technologies, scientific innovation, or the future of the national laboratory enterprise, this episode provides an insightful look inside one of America's most influential research institutions.
Deborah (Deb) Gracio is the Director of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy. She oversees a $1.7 billion research and development portfolio and a workforce of more than 6,000 staff advancing innovations in science, energy, and national security. A nationally recognized leader in data science, engineering, and national security, Gracio has held numerous leadership positions throughout her distinguished 35-year career at PNNL and is a Fellow of both the Washington State Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q
Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to Kimberly@anwadeter.org

In this episode of NucleCast, Guest Host, Manolis Priniotakis, sits down with JC Btaiche, CEO and Founder of Fuse, to discuss his path into the fusion industry and how his company is taking a pragmatic approach to advancing fusion technology. Rather than waiting decades for commercial fusion power, Fuse is focused on developing interim capabilities that address urgent national security, space, and defense needs today.
JC explains how Fuse is leveraging public-private partnerships, including its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the Nevada National Security Site, to accelerate innovation and expand radiation effects testing capabilities. The conversation explores the importance of radiation testing for spacecraft and defense systems, the growing role of industry in national security missions, and how a strong ecosystem of government, academic, and private-sector partners is helping drive the next era of nuclear innovation.
They also discuss the broader nuclear renaissance underway in the United States, the challenges of building talent and supply chains, and Fuse's vision of making "fusion as a service" a reality for government and industry customers.
Fuse is a U.S.-based company accelerating the world’s transition to fusion energy while safeguarding humankind. On the pathway to fusion, JC and the Fuse team are ensuring U.S. and Allied competitiveness through nuclear and radiation effects testing with their pulsed power machines in operation today.
Originally from Lebanon, JC began research while in high school at one of the most prominent plasma physics and fluid dynamics labs in the Middle East based on his interest in space and energy. In lieu of going to university, JC built Fuse, bringing together top leaders in fusion and pulsed power from the U.S. Department of Energy, Defense, the National Labs, and the Intelligence Community.
Fuse built the world’s first, most efficient, and highest power (1 TW) fusion driver of its kind — TITAN — and the most efficient pulsed neutron source — FAETON. The experimental results and Fuse’s machines have been peer reviewed and published by Nature Scientific Reports. The company has secured ongoing contracts and agreements with the U.S. Government and commercial entities for nuclear & radiation effects testing. Fuse has official partnerships with Los Alamos, Sandia National Labs and NNSS.
Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q
Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to Kimberly@anwadeter.org

As the global security environment grows more complex, how can the United States maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent without returning to nuclear testing? In this episode of NucleCast, Manolis sits down with Don Cook, former Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), to discuss the evolving challenges facing the U.S. nuclear weapons enterprise.
Drawing on decades of experience, Cook examines how the strategic assumptions that shaped nuclear policy in the early 2010s have been upended by renewed great power competition, Russia's aggression, and China's military modernization. He explains the critical role of the Stockpile Stewardship Program, the remarkable advances in simulation and modeling technologies, and how scientists continue to certify the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile without explosive testing.
The conversation also explores the importance of legacy underground test data, the challenges of pit production, aging infrastructure, workforce development, and the investments needed to modernize the nation's nuclear enterprise for the decades ahead. Cook offers a candid assessment of where the U.S. stands today and what priorities should guide future leaders responsible for sustaining the deterrent.
Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q
Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to Kimberly@anwadeter.org

As competition in space intensifies, how can the United States deter aggression and defend its vital space assets? In this episode of NucleCast, Chris Stone explores the evolving role of deception in space warfare and its potential to transform space deterrence strategies.
Drawing on lessons from military history and current geopolitical realities, Stone examines why understanding an adversary's strategic culture and worldview is essential for effective deterrence. He discusses the growing challenges of protecting satellites, the vulnerabilities of space systems, and how innovative approaches such as decoys, fake satellites, and maneuver warfare could complicate enemy targeting and strengthen U.S. space security.
The conversation also dives into Chinese and Russian approaches to space conflict, the future of space defense operations, and why active defense and deception may become indispensable tools for maintaining strategic advantage in an increasingly contested domain.
Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q
Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to Kimberly@anwadeter.org

In this episode, Lindell Lucy shares his recent experiences traveling across Ukraine, insights on life during wartime, and explores the complex topic of nuclear deterrence and Ukraine's potential nuclear future.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
01:00 Lindell Lucy's Trip Across Ukraine
02:53 Lessons Learned from Ukraine Trip
04:02 Life in Ukraine During War
06:54 Ukrainian Perspectives on NATO and Support
09:01 Nuclear Deterrence Ideas and Strategies
14:51 Front Lines and Battlefield Conditions
20:07 Personal Encounters and Human Stories
24:58 Three Wishes for Ukraine's Future

Follow us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@nuclecast3665?si=h1kCO6NqUtL87w6q
Follow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcast
Subscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/
Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278
Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to Kimberly@anwadeter.org