NucleCast

In this episode, General (Ret.) Robin Rand joins NucleCast to discuss the mission and impact of the Kyle Institute for National Security at the University of Arizona.
Rand provides an inside look at how the Institute is advancing national security through cutting-edge research in hypersonics, cyber, space, and directed energy, while building critical partnerships with federal agencies, the defense industry, and regional military installations. He also highlights the Institute’s role in developing the next generation of the national security workforce.
The conversation explores today’s most pressing strategic challenges—from contested domains like cyber and space to acquisition hurdles—and underscores the enduring importance of modernizing the nuclear deterrent in a rapidly evolving threat environment.
General (Ret.) Robin Rand is President and CEO of the Kyl Institute for National Security at the University of Arizona. A former Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and U.S. Strategic Command’s air component, he served over 44 years in the U.S. Air Force, with more than 5,100 flying hours, primarily in the F-16.
Following his military career, he has held senior leadership and advisory roles across the defense, nonprofit, and academic sectors, bringing deep expertise in strategic deterrence, national security policy, and workforce development.
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In this episode of NucleCast, Neile Miller breaks down the often-overlooked mechanics of federal budgeting and what they mean for the nuclear enterprise. From the earliest stages of budget formulation within the laboratories to the critical role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Miller offers a clear, insider perspective on how funding decisions shape national security priorities.
The conversation also explores the remarkable evolution of the Nevada National Security Site—from its origins as a nuclear testing ground to its current role as a hub for advanced science and stockpile stewardship. Miller highlights how underground experiments, cutting-edge research, and the management of government-owned, contractor-operated facilities contribute to maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
Neile Miller is Vice President of Strategic Engagement & Communications for Mission Support and Test Services (MSTS), the management contractor for the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). She leads strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach efforts.
Since joining NNSS in 2018, Miller has served as Senior Director of Business Operations—overseeing finance, HR, IT, and supply chain—and as Chief Strategist, guiding the site’s long-term operational success.
Previously, she served as Acting Undersecretary of Energy for Nuclear Security and Principal Deputy Administrator of the NNSA. During her tenure, she drove major transformation across the U.S. nuclear weapons enterprise and received top awards from both the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Energy.
Miller also served as DOE Budget Director and held senior roles in the Office of Nuclear Energy, as well as two tours at the White House Office of Management and Budget overseeing DOE, DoD, NNSA, and NRC programs.
In the private sector, she has advised organizations on strategy, innovation, and growth, and continues to serve as a Senior Advisor to HWG, LLP.
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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam sits down with Jay Tilden, former Department of Energy intelligence officer, for an inside look at how the U.S. understands, tracks, and deters nuclear risks in an increasingly complex global environment.
From the intelligence role of the Department of Energy to the evolving threats posed by China, Russia, and Iran, Tilden breaks down the realities of nuclear proliferation, the risks of nuclear terrorism, and the critical role of nuclear forensics in deterrence. He also explains why modern nuclear challenges extend beyond weapons—highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity in the energy sector and the continued need for reliable nuclear power to ensure national and economic security.
Jay Tilden is Managing Director for National Security at Mission Strategies, leading the firm’s national and energy security practice after a 35-year career at the U.S. Department of Energy, including 13 years in the Senior Executive Service.
He most recently served as Director of DOE’s Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, leading nuclear, energy, cyber intelligence, and counterintelligence efforts across the enterprise. Previously, he was Deputy Under Secretary for Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation at NNSA.
Jay is also a 22-year U.S. Army veteran, serving as a Counterintelligence Technician.
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In this episode of NucleCast, host Manolis Priniotakis sits down with former CIA executive Maura Burns to unpack China’s rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities and what they mean for global strategic stability.
China is undertaking an unprecedented pace of nuclear modernization—building out its arsenal, advancing delivery systems, and investing in infrastructure that signals long-term strategic ambition. As Burns explains, Beijing’s actions often speak louder than its official doctrine, raising important questions about transparency, intent, and the future of deterrence.
The conversation explores the drivers behind China’s nuclear buildup, including its pursuit of a more survivable and flexible nuclear triad, as well as emerging technologies such as MIRVs, hypersonic weapons, and fractional orbital bombardment systems. Burns also examines how China’s nuclear growth could reshape arms control paradigms, challenge existing deterrence frameworks, and increase pressure on global strategic stability.
Maura Burns is a transformational enterprise executive who served as Chief Operating Officer of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)—the agency’s third-highest position—until her retirement in 2025, where she led global operations and drove strategic initiatives to modernize technology and strengthen organizational resilience. With more than 30 years of experience across nuclear energy and weapons systems, space and counterspace security, and biosecurity, she previously directed the Weapons and Counter-Proliferation Mission Center, leading a multidisciplinary team of over 500 experts to address emerging threats and advance international collaboration. Known for her transparent, collaborative leadership style, she has been a strong advocate for workforce development, succession planning, and STEM recruitment. A trusted advisor to senior leaders and policymakers, Burns has shaped complex national security decisions and earned some of the nation’s highest honors, including two Presidential Rank Awards and multiple distinguished intelligence medals, reflecting her lasting impact on global security and technology strategy.
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What happens when a nuclear threat becomes real—and who responds first?
In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther speaks with retired Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officer Steve Andros about nuclear incident response, interagency coordination, and the growing risks of proliferation and terrorism. From the role of local responders to specialized capabilities like the Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST), the discussion highlights how the U.S. prepares for and deters nuclear threats.
The conversation also explores how deterrence extends beyond traditional strategy to include denial, disruption, and threat-based approaches, while separating Hollywood myths from the realities of nuclear security operations.
Steve Andros serves as Policy Advisor and Exercise Planner for the Office of Nuclear Incident Response, supporting the integrated use of U.S. capabilities and the development of national and interagency nuclear response policy. He previously served nearly 30 years as a U.S. Navy EOD officer, including assignments supporting DOE nuclear incident response policy and counter–WMD efforts.
He holds advanced degrees from Johns Hopkins SAIS and the U.S. Army War College, with a background spanning operational, strategic, and interagency nuclear security missions.
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