Inevitable

Juliann Edwards, Chief Development Officer at The Nuclear Company and a leader in U.S. Women in Nuclear, shares her insights on the resurgence of nuclear energy in America. She discusses the challenges of recent builds like Vogtle, China's rapid nuclear expansion, and the potential of AI in optimizing operations. Juliann reveals how fleet-scale deployments can drive down costs and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in shifting public perceptions about nuclear. She also highlights the unique role of hyperscalers in the future energy landscape.

In this discussion, Steve Oldham, CEO of Captura and former leader at Carbon Engineering, reveals cutting-edge Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology that efficiently extracts CO₂ from seawater. He explains the advantages of utilizing oceans over air, including a no-waste closed-loop process. Oldham delves into deployment strategies—from onshore plants to barge systems—and emphasizes using renewable energy. He also addresses policy gaps in carbon crediting and the significant potential for ocean deacidification while outlining Captura's impressive pilot progress in Hawaii.

Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, discusses groundbreaking work in de-extinction, raising over $400 million to revive species like the woolly mammoth and dire wolf. The conversation dives into the ethical implications and environmental impact of rewilding extinct species. Lamm explains how synthetic biology and AI are revolutionizing this field. He also shares insights on Colossal’s multifaceted business model and addresses polarized public reactions to their ambitious mission. Discover the fascinating intersection of science, technology, and conservation!

Dr. Stephen Beaton, Co-founder and CEO of Circularity Fuels, talks about transforming waste carbon into high-value fuels. With a rich background in clean fuels and military petroleum, he shares insights on shifting from diamond production to sustainable aviation fuel. The podcast dives into the innovative process of using high-purity methane to revolutionize fuel production, explores military energy solutions, and highlights the benefits of biogas in creating carbon-negative jet fuel. It's a fascinating look at the future of sustainable energy.

Marc Tarpenning, Co-founder of Tesla and venture partner at Spero Ventures, dives deep into his groundbreaking work in electric vehicles. He recounts how the demise of the EV1 and the popularity of the Prius inspired the creation of the Tesla Roadster, which was powered by 7,000 laptop batteries and outperformed a Porsche. Marc discusses how his experiences in Saudi Arabia and at NuvoMedia shaped his innovative mindset. He believes EVs have already won and shares insights on the future of sustainable transportation and the importance of economic viability in green innovations.

Susan Hubbard, Deputy Director for Science and Technology at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, leads groundbreaking innovations in energy and technology. In this discussion, she highlights the evolution of national labs from the Manhattan Project to contemporary initiatives, including advancements in nuclear and fusion energy. Hubbard explains the significance of isotopes in various fields, the role of AI and quantum computing in future energy management, and the importance of public-private partnerships to tackle today’s challenges in sustainability and security.

Mitch Lee, CEO and co-founder of Arc Boat Company, is on a mission to revolutionize marine travel with electric boats. He discusses why electric makes more sense on water than land and explains Arc's unique approach of building complete boats instead of just motors. With insights into charging infrastructure, customizable designs for water sports, and a $100M funding boost, Mitch highlights the shift towards cleaner, high-performance recreational and commercial vessels. He also shares lessons from their flagship models and the advantages over traditional gas-powered boats.

Katherine Boyle and Erin Price-Wright, both General Partners at Andreessen Horowitz, dive into the concept of American Dynamism. They discuss the urgent need for the U.S. to reindustrialize, the transformative role of AI in heavy industries, and the competition with China. The conversation highlights how software is revolutionizing manufacturing and energy sectors. They explore the interplay between government and private capital, and the shifting talent landscape as innovators move from Big Tech to hard technology firms.

Dr. Michael Mann, a leading climate scientist and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, offers a candid perspective on the ongoing climate crisis. He humorously reflects on his portrayal in 'Don't Look Up,' highlighting the intersection of science and popular culture. The conversation dives deep into the rampant misinformation hindering climate action and the economic drivers behind renewable energy transitions. Mann calls out the fossil fuel industry's influence on politics while advocating for urgent, unified efforts toward a sustainable future.

Dr. Mark Jacobson, a Stanford professor and director of the Atmosphere Energy Program, passionately advocates for a world powered solely by wind, water, and solar energy. He argues that alternatives like nuclear power and carbon capture are distracting and unnecessary for a sustainable future. Jacobson discusses the legislative hurdles facing renewables, the rapid clean energy deployment in China, and the importance of energy storage solutions. He believes a swift transition to 100% renewables is achievable and critical for combating climate change.