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NucleCast

ANWA Deterrence Center
NucleCast
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  • Rob Kittinger: Human Factors in Nuclear Safety
    In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Rob Kittinger, a seasoned expert from Sandia National Labs. They delve into the critical role of human factors in nuclear safety and explore the intriguing dynamics of the AI race between the US and China. From the potential pitfalls of human error to the strategic implications of AI advancements, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping our nuclear future. "Other examples of color vision affecting job safety can be found here: https://waggonerdiagnostics.com/pages/law-enforcement "Robert Kittinger, Ph.D. is a Senior Fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies (NIDS). He spent nearly 10 years at Sandia National Laboratories, culminating in the Nuclear Threat Science department and working in Nuclear Emergency Support and Counterterrorism & Counter-Proliferation (CTCP). During his time at Sandia, he was also a 2017 graduate of the prestigious Weapon Intern Program (WIP).Before joining Sandia, Dr. Kittinger spent over five years as a civilian in the U.S. Navy and was part of a five-person tech startup, BookLamp, which was acquired by Apple in 2013. Following his tenure at Sandia, he served as a senior researcher at Amazon and currently holds the role of Chief Research Officer at a MedTech company.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]
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  • Curtis McGiffin: Shaping the Age of Techno-Strategic Power
    Adam sits down with Curtis McGiffin—strategist, educator, and co-author—to explore his groundbreaking argument for redefining national instruments of power. Curtis introduces DIMET, adding “Technology” to the traditional DIME framework, and explains why high-tech capabilities have become a standalone measure of national strength. The discussion dives into how technological innovation is reshaping deterrence, influencing global power dynamics, and driving the future of warfare. Plus, Curtis shares insights from the National Institute for Deterrence Studies’ proposed Nuclear Posture Review, offering bold recommendations for strengthening U.S. nuclear deterrence in an era of rapid change.Link to Paper: Curtis McGiffin, DIMET: Shaping the Age of “Techno-Strategic” Power, No. 637, September 22, 2025 – NippSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]
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  • Brian Groft: Nuclear Ops, The A&AS Mission and DTRA’s Evolving Role
    In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Brian Groft, a senior leader at Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA), to discuss the A&AS mission and its significance in supporting the Department of Defense. Groft shares insights on the role of A&AS contractors, the importance of DTRA in nuclear operations, and the differences between various types of contracting. They also discuss the future of DTRA, the costs associated with government versus contractor roles, and the need for improved collaboration between contractors and government agencies.Brian Groft possesses 16 years of experience leading teams of scientists and engineers providing technical advisory services to government customers responsible for challenging homeland security and national defense missions. He serves as the Strategic Growth Manager for SPA which includes providing executive leadership in the defense and homeland security industry with emphasis in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive defense (CBRNE), Counter WMD, System Engineering, and R&D fields.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]
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  • Brent Sadler: Reviving American Sea Power, Maritime Strategy and National Security
    In this conversation, Brent Sadler discusses the critical importance of maritime issues in relation to national security and economic stability. He emphasizes the need for a dedicated maritime advisor to the president and highlights the current gaps in leadership within the Navy's shipbuilding sector. The conversation underscores the necessity of interagency coordination to ensure timely delivery of warships and the overall revival of American maritime strength.Brent Sadler joined Heritage Foundation after a 26-year Navy career with numerous operational tours on nuclear powered submarines, personal staffs of senior Defense Department leaders, and as a military diplomat in Asia. As a Senior Research Fellow, Brent’s focus is on maritime security and the technologies shaping our future maritime forces, especially the Navy.Brent is a 1994 graduate with honors of the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Systems Engineering (robotics) and a minor in Japanese. As a 2004 Olmsted Scholar in Tokyo, Japan, he studied at Keio University, Jochi University and the United Nations University. He has a master of arts from Jochi University and master of science from National War College, where he graduated with distinction in 2011 and received several writing and research awards.In 2011, he established the Navy Asia Pacific Advisory Group (NAPAG), providing regionally informed advice directly to Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO). He again served on the CNO’s personal staff in 2015-2016, playing a key role in developing the Defense Department’s Third Offset. At Pacific Command from 2012-2015, he held numerous key positions. As lead for Maritime Strategy and Policy, he incorporated all 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into the first regional maritime domain awareness forum and was instrumental in the eventual passage of the $500 million-dollar Maritime Security Initiative. As Special Advisor on Japan, and a Council of Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in Tokyo, he played a key role in revising the U.S. and Japan Defense Guidelines. As Deputy Director Strategic Synchronization Group, he oversaw a think-tank like body of over 30 advisors and analysts. Brent led the Commander’s Rebalance Task Force coordinating execution of the President’s Defense Strategic Guidance—Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific resulting in over $12 billion USD of additional monies budgeted in fiscal years 2013 through 2015 during a time of fiscal austerity.Following his final tour on CNO’s staff, Brent returned to Asia as Senior Defense Official, Defense and Naval Attaché in Malaysia. During his tenure he played a key role in coordinating responses to the USS McCain collision in August 2017, opened several politically sensitive ports and airfields to U.S. forces, oversaw unprecedented expansion of U.S. military relations, and steadied relations during the historic May 2018 national elections ushering in an opposition party for the first time since independence.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]
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  • Kyle Balzer / Bob Peters: Reimagining the Sentinel ICBM: A Mobile Future
    Adam interviews Dr. Kyle Balzer and Bob Peters on their recent article in Breaking Defense. They discuss the future of the Sentinel ICBM program, particularly the potential for mobile basing options. They explore the cost implications, strategic effectiveness, and the need for political engagement to advocate for a more robust nuclear deterrent. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to a changing threat environment, particularly with the rise of peer competitors like China, and the necessity of public discourse on nuclear strategy.Kyle Balzer is a Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in US nuclear strategy and policy. He is currently working on a book project, The Revivalist: James R. Schlesinger and the Rebirth of Cold War U.S. Nuclear Strategy. It examines the origins of diagnostic net assessment and competitive nuclear strategies. His work has been published in Breaking Defense, National Review Online, The Hill, The National Interest, and War on the Rocks. Robert J. Peters is Chief of the Strategic Integration Directorate within the Strategic Trends and Effects Department (STED) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). He leads efforts to generate actionable insights on counter-WMD and emerging threats, assess agency effectiveness, and foster strategic dialogues with allies through research and exercises.Previously, Peters was a Senior Research Fellow at the National Defense University’s Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He also served as Special Assistant to the DASD for Countering WMD at the Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy, and held roles at Northrop Grumman and the Potomac Institute.He holds an MA in National Security Studies from Georgetown University and a BA in Political Science and History from Miami University. His published work includes articles in Strategic Studies Quarterly, 38 North, and the Nonproliferation Review.Article Link: Forge ahead with the Sentinel ICBM, but consider making it mobile - Breaking DefenseSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]
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About NucleCast

Welcome to NucleCast, the official podcast of the ANWA Deterrence Center. NucleCast is an engaging, educational podcast featuring a series of discussions and interviews with experts in nuclear policy, technology, and deterrence. The show is hosted by Dr. Adam Lowther, Strategic Advisor to the ANWA Deterrence Center and an expert on nuclear deterrence.
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