Emmet Penney Podcasts

John and I are back with our third installment of our reading series on The Machine in the Garden by Leo Marx. This chapter is all about “the machine” as a symbol in American life and letters. We talk about obscure figures like the Pennsylvanian manufacturer Tench Coxe, Thomas Carlyle’s “Signs of the Times,” the Newtonian reconciliation of art and …

Writer and film critic Andrew Plimpton returns to the pod to speak with me about Scorsese’s latest film, which centers around oil rights and a covert assault on the Osage tribe. We discuss the merits and demerits of this epically long film, Scorsese’s legacy, the American project, and more.By Emmet Penney

John and I continue our series on Leo Marx’s The Machine in the Garden: Technology and the Pastoral Ideal in America. This chapter delves deep into the symbol of the garden—we dive into Marx’s reading of Jefferson, the nature of the pastoral ideal and how it evolved, the vision of Virginia, and more.…

Hugo Kruger is a razor sharp engineer with a deep knowledge of energy systems. He came onto the show to talk to me about what’s going on with South Africa’s grid. I learned a ton from this episode—I hope you guys enjoy it! Check out Hugo’s work on Substack. Connect with him on LinkedIn.By Emmet Penney

John Goodson, my old co-host from the ex.haust podcast, joined me in the first of our series on Leo Marx’s The Machine in the Garden: Technology and the Pastoral Ideal in America. There are a few audio problems in this episode, for which we apologize. Thankfully, they’re brief. “Believing in America,” Leo Marx, Boston Review. The Elizabethan World …

Spencer Klavan (author, podcaster, and editor) joined me to talk about that horrible Apple clean energy/Mother Nature video, neo-paganism as social and ideological force, quantum physics, epistemology, THE LORD, and more. Watch the Apple video here. “Mother Nature Returns,” Spencer Klavan, Rejoice Evermore “Where Wind Meets Matter,” Spencer Klavan,…

Nick O’Hara—writer, host of the Gridlocked podcast, and owner of an enviable speaking voice—joined me to talk about climate, energy, how to have a sane conversation in insane times, and much more. Listen to Gridlocked: Why the 21st Century is Broken and How to Fix It. Why Big Oil Loves the Renewable Energy Industry by Nick O’Hara, Salon. We abandon…

Thomas Fazi is a journalist from Rome, Italy. He's the author of The Battle for Europe: How an Elite Hijacked a Continent – and How We Can Take It Back (Pluto Press, 2014), Reclaiming the State: A Progressive Vision of Sovereignty for a Post-Neoliberal World (co-authored with Bill Mitchell; Pluto Press, 2017) and The Covid Consensus: The Global Ass…

Wireline worker Andrew De La Rosa came on to talk to me about the fracking process and how wireline works. I learned a ton from this conversation and had a great time. I hope you guys enjoy it! Follow Andrew on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TejanobrownBy Emmet Penney

Juan David Rojas is a Miami-based Compact columnist, covering the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. He is also a contributor to American Affairs. He was an intelligence fellow at Florida International University’s Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy. In our chat, we discuss the economic history of Latin America. We provide an in-depth and…

Writer and film critic Andrew Plimpton joined me for a new running series we’re doing: Energy Cinema. For our inaugural episode, we decided to talk about the new Oppenheimer movie. Hope you enjoy it!By Emmet Penney

Entergy’s Chief Nuclear Officer Kimberly Cook-Nelson stopped by the pod to talk to me about Entergy’s nuclear fleet, her experience working in the nuclear industry, how utilities are changing nuclear comms, and more.By Emmet Penney

Julius Krein is the editor of the American Affairs journal, has contributed to numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Times Literary Supplement. He also has a background in private sector finance. In our chat, we discussed the history of American economic development, the trends that led to growth and decl…

Juan David Rojas returns to Nuclear Barbarians to talk to me about Brazilian industrial history. We touch on Eletrobas, Petrobras, Brazil’s nuclear energy missteps, and a whole lot more. “The Center That Will Always Hold: Brazil’s Lost Decades,” by Juan David Rojas, American AffairsBy Emmet Penney

Rian C. Whitton works as a researcher for Bismarck Analysis and writes an independent Substack called Doctor Syn. His primary areas of interest are automation, industrial policy, energy markets, geopolitical strategy, Britain’s place in the world, and cultural commentary. In this episode, we discuss industrial strategy across countries with a speci…

Pat O’Brien, Holtec’s Director of Government Affairs and Communications, sat down with me to talk about his background in nuclear energy, Holtec’s attempts to save the Palisades plant in Michigan, its new SMR design, and more!By Emmet Penney

Jonah Messinger wrote a thoughtful piece on cold fusion for the Breakthrough Institute. I brought him on to talk about cold fusion, science as a process vs. science as an institution, and more! Fusion Runs Hot And Cold by Jonah MessingerBy Emmet Penney

Dr. Chris Keefer of Decouple came on the pod to talk about Canadians for Nuclear Energy’s new report, The Case for CANDU: Why Ontario's Homegrown Nuclear Technology Is Its Best Option In A Time Of Rising Electricity Demand. The Report: https://www.canfornuclearenergy.org/ Follow Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_Keefer Check Out Decouple: ht…

Collin McClelland of Digital Wildcatters joined me to talk about oil and gas, telling better energy stories, and tons more. This is some of the most fun I’ve had hosting the show—hope you guys like it! DW Website: https://digitalwildcatters.com/ EQT Documentary: Collin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/fracslap Collin's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/…

Cinematographer and documentarian Jesse Freeston joined me to talk about how he got nukepilled, his wonderful videos for Decouple Studios, the rat park, and how nuclear fits into his view of global flourishing. Check out Jesse’s videos: Inside the World’s BIGGEST Nuclear Plant (the one that got Ontario off coal): https://youtu.be/DM61idKNWtg How I …

Alex Trembath, the Deputy Director of the Breakthrough Institute, joined me to talk about the deep contradictions in environmentalism, climate anxiety, the Jefferson/Hamilton divide, and much more! Some of Alex’s work. Support Breakthrough. Subscribe to my energy newsletter, Grid Brief.By Emmet Penney

Noah Rettberg returns to the pod to talk to me about synthfuels derived from carbon. We also want Monster Energy to sponsor us. CALL ME MONSTER. Anyone else interested in advertising on the podcast can reach me here: emmet@nuclearbarbarians.com. [Nuclear Now.](nuclearnowfilm.com) Chicagoans! Get your ticket to see Nuclear Now at the Alamo Drafthous…

I'm joined in episode 12 of the Ryan Research podcast by Krzysztof Tyszka-Drozdowski. He is a writer and analyst with a specific focus on globalization, industrial policy, and international conflict. He worked as an analyst in one of the agencies overseeing industrial policy in Poland. In our chat, talk about the history of economics focusing on th…

Juan David Rojas joined me to talk about AMLO, Pemex, and Mexican energy. AMLO and Mexico’s Fourth Transformation by Juan David Rojas: https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2022/11/amlo-and-mexicos-fourth-transformation/ Follow Juan: https://twitter.com/rojasrjuand Subscribe to my energy newsletter: https://www.gridbrief.com/subscribe…

Grant Dever, one of the brightest whippersnappers in the whole Lone Star state, joined me to talk about nuclear in Texas, but then the conversation ranged all over the place with a long meditation on hope. Texas Should Continue to Lead in Nuclear Power by Grant Dever Subscribe to Grid Brief. Check out Nuclear Now!…

My good friend and all around nuclear energy badass Paris Ortiz-Wines of Stand Up for Nuclear swung by to talk about what’s changed in the nuclear narrative and what we can and should do about it. It ended up being on a far-ranging discussion about fear, hope, and how people change their minds. How can advocates amplify global shifts in the nuclear…

Alan Medsker, the one man nuclear revolution in Illinois, joined me to talk about convincing politicians in the Prairie state to protects its nuclear plants and repeal its moratorium. Read about Alan’s efforts to bring pro-nuclearism to the Episcopal Church. Subscribe to my daily energy newsletter.By Emmet Penney

Darius Mortazavi of the new chemical engineering Substack, Feedstockland, joined me to talk about the industrial chemical processes, the newsletter game, industry comms, energy realities, and more! “Visible Emissions and Invisible Problems” by Darius Mortazavi “Casino, Chemicals, and Kinetics!” by Darius Mortazavi Check out his other newsletter, Th…

Doomberg, one of the best and most popular Substackers in the world, joined me to talk about the problems besetting the so-called energy transition, political decadence, and our quantum-pilled energy future. Thar She Blows by Doomberg: https://doomberg.substack.com/p/thar-she-blows The Streisand Effect by Doomberg: https://doomberg.substack.com/p/t…

Author and journalist William D. Cohan joined me to talk about his new book on the rise and fall of General Electric—Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Failure-Rise-Fall-American/dp/0593084160/ref=sr_1_1 Follow William on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WilliamCohan Check out Puck News: htt…

The climate scientist Roger Pielke Jr. joined me to talk about the origins of the 1.5c warming goals, its strange origins, and the troubled relationship between science, expertise, and politics. Check out Roger’s Substack. Check out his book. Subscribe to my energy newsletter. Articles Discussed: https://rogerpielkejr.substack.com/p/book-review-fos…

Former electric lineman and all around transmission and distribution expert [Bryce Johanneck](twitter.com/brycejohanneck) joined me to talk about some grid fundamentals that everyone, including me, overlooks. Subscribe to my energy newsletter: gridbrief.com/subscribeBy Emmet Penney

Julius Krein, the editor of American Affairs, sat down to talk with me about the origins of ESG and how to fight it. Here's Julius's piece in Compact: https://www.compactmag.com/article/why-the-right-can-t-beat-esg Follow Julius on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JuliusKrein Subscribe to American Affairs: https://americanaffairsjournal.org/ Check out …

I'm joined in episode 11 of the Ryan Research podcast by Eric Helleiner. He is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Waterloo. He received his B.A. in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto, and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from the Department of International Relations of the London School of Econom…

Dr. Chris Keefer swung by to talk about all his big moves in Canada and why the Save Pickering campaign is popping off. Check out the Save Pickering campaign: https://www.canfornuclearenergy.org/save-pickering The Decouple: https://www.decouplemedia.org/ Follow Chris on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dr_Keefer…

Austrian nuclear advocate Dominic Wipplinger joined me to talk about how nuclear support has changed, and what got him interested in nuclear. And he gives me an education in Austrian nuclear history. I learned a lot and I hope you do too! Here's Dominic's info: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NukerKernundEnergietechnik Linkedin: https://www.link…

Noah Rettberg joins me again to talk about synth fuels. This time we go into hydrogen production and a whole bunch more. I love having Noah on as I always learn a ton. Follow him on twitter: https://twitter.com/NoahRettbergBy Emmet Penney

Phil Ord, who's been advocating for nuclear for way longer than I have, joined me to talk about how he became a "nukebro." We also talk about climate change, renewable propaganda, and how the nuclear movement has grown since Phil got into it. Note: we recorded this a week before Diablo Canyon was saved. Check out Phil's stuff: https://twitter.com/F…

Seán Keyes joins me for episode #10 of the Ryan Research Podcast. He is a Finance Correspondent with The Currency. A specialist in equity research, he writes on the Irish and international stock markets, bringing his rigorous analytical skills to in-depth profiles of major companies and sectors. He served as an editor for the UK's MoneyWeek and has…

I'm joined by Jessica Burbank. She is an Executive Co-Director at Public Money Action, Contributor & Co-Host on The Young Turks, a Content Creator for More Perfect Union, and regularly covers public policy as it pertains to economics and monetary systems on her Tik Tok series, “Econ for the People.” Her TEDx talk, “A New Direction for the U.S. Econ…

Noah Rettberg joined me to talk about synthetic fuels. I learned a ton--and there's so much more to learn we're going to do a follow-up! Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NoahRettberg Subscribe to Grid Brief: https://www.gridbrief.com/subscribeBy Emmet Penney

Nuclear advocate, UC Davis grad student, environmentalist, and barbell squatter Amelia Tiemann joined me to talk about convincing people of nuclear, the Beautiful Nuclear Report, and more! Check her out on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TiemannAmelia Subscribe to Grid Brief: gridbrief.com/subscribeBy Emmet Penney

My friend James Fleay, founder of Down Under Nuclear Energy (DUNE), joined me to talk about what's stopping Australia from building nuclear. We talk about the AUKUS nuclear submarine deal, electricity spot market, economic complexity, human capital, Australian economic history, and more! Detailed description of how the anti-nuclear legislation was …

Mark Hinaman joined me again to talk about his vision for the Fire2Fission fund, nuclear regulation, the value of human capital, what the fossil fuel and nuclear industries can do better, and more! Check out his blog: https://fire2fission.com/2022/03/19/fire2fission-a-fund/ Follow Mark on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarkHinaman Subscribe to Grid B…

Dr. Chris Keefer, the host of the Decouple podcast, stopped by to update me on the incredible progress being made in Canada for nuclear energy. https://www.gridbrief.com/subscribeBy Emmet Penney

Brian Gitt was once a true Amory Lovins all-renewables believer. But then, as he spent time in the industry, things stopped adding up. We talk about his journey towards the radiant light of nuclear and what renewables advocates leave out when they make their case. Follow Brian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianGitt Check out his website: https:/…

Mark Hinaman, who grew up in an oil and gas family and found great success in fracking, is now turning towards nuclear for a vision of the future. In this first episode in a two-parter, Mark and I dove into his background, what nuclear can learn from O&G, realistic energy transitions, and so much more. I absolutely loved talking to him and am looki…

Jenifer Avellaneda is one of my favorite new Twitter follows. She's a young Nuclear Risk Analyst for Westinghouse whose been passionate about nuclear since she was a kid and who does a great job of communicating nuclear safety to the public. We had a fun chat about her background and our mutual love of nuclear. Follow Jenifer: https://twitter.com/N…

Wiliam Davison of Crisis Group joined me to talk about GERD. It's a hugely informative episode about the hurdles developing countries face in scaling up the energy ladder. Read more about it here: Shock death intensifies dam debate: was Abiy pessimistic or realistic about GERD? https://medium.com/@wdavison10/shock-death-intensifies-dam-debate-was-a…

I'm joined by Emmet Penney. He is the Editor-in-Chief for the Grid Brief, a newsletter on fossil fuels, renewables, nuclear, and the grid. He co-hosts the Nuclear Barbarians: a weekly podcast and newsletter dedicated to bringing you interviews, analysis, and insight that can help us to reconsider our entire approach to the energy problems that face…