Nuclear Hotseat

THIS WEEK’S FEATURED INTERVIEW: LINKS to Access TPNW Coverage: Recap of 2023 interviews at 2MSP with International Politicians Against Nukes JAPAN’S FUKUSHIMA STUPID DEBRIS TRICKS Photo of the fabled Fukushima debris particle removed from Reactor 1. Note the lack of comparison for scale – it’s not a boulder; it’s only 0.7 grams, or the equivalent...

Keystone Photo: President John F. Kennedy signing the 1963 Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. We haven't had an atmospheric nuclear test since 1962. BUT under Project 2025, atmospheric tests - and their attendant health-destroying radioactive fallout - may soon resume. Journalist Karl Grossman spells it out.

Melissa Bumstead, founder of Parents Against the Santa Susana Field Lab, sheds light on grassroots efforts to clean up the contaminated site in California. She discusses recent victories in regulatory changes, advocating for environmental justice and nuclear disarmament. The conversation highlights upcoming international peace demonstrations against U.S. nuclear weapons and the significance of the UN Meeting on the TPNW. Additionally, the impact of the Trinity Test's anniversary on public awareness and activism is explored, emphasizing community engagement.

This Week’s Featured Interview: Numnutz of the Week (for Outstanding Nuclear Boneheadedness) A trifecta! From the Onion… and then unfortunately, NOT the Onion: New Orleans has a National Nucleaer Security Administration helicopter scanning the city for nuclear weapons (say what? In Mardi Gras beads?); and NRC’s updated mission statement turns the already captured regulator into...

In this discussion, veteran anti-nuclear activist Harvey Wasserman shares insights from his 50 years of fighting against nuclear power and promoting renewable energy. He emphasizes the missteps of nuclear energy as a climate solution, advocating for an Eco-Broadcast Network to inform and inspire activism. Joined by Jack Cohen-Joppa, the conversation highlights grassroots efforts like the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp and raises awareness about ongoing nuclear threats and overarching environmental concerns.

Mary Olson, an expert in evolutionary biology focused on radiation health, and Amanda Nichols, a postdoctoral researcher studying women's roles in the anti-nuclear movement, dive deep into the disparities in radiation exposure. They reveal how ionizing radiation affects men and women differently, with women facing greater risks. The conversation challenges outdated health standards that neglect children and females. They also discuss the importance of gender representation in nuclear disarmament treaties and highlight alarming research that underscores the urgency for updated safety measures.

Guests Greg Mello, Executive Director of the Los Alamos Study Group, Donna Gilmore, Founder of SanOnofreSafety.org, and Linda Pence-Gunter, a Nuclear Hot Seat contributor, delve into the alarming intersection of California wildfires and nuclear safety. They discuss the vulnerabilities of nuclear facilities amid raging fires and the dire consequences of inadequate safety protocols. The conversation highlights the pressing need for better regulations and public awareness, while drawing chilling parallels between wildfire threats and the potential for nuclear disasters.

This week, the spotlight shines on the most outrageous nuclear stories of the year, crowned as the 'Nuclear Numbnuts of the Year.' A gathering of hibakusha celebrates their Nobel Peace Prize, urging action for nuclear disarmament. The podcast critiques reckless nuclear industry practices and notes Japan's controversial release of tritium-contaminated water. It also addresses misguided narratives aimed at youth and the flawed justification for using AI in reviving nuclear power. Activism against nuclear proliferation takes center stage as listeners are encouraged to engage.

The late, great, Sr. Megan Rice. This Week’s Peace Special Year-End Interviews: Sister Megan Rice Susi Snyder: What You Can Do to Help De-Fund Nuclear Weapons

Cindy Folkers, a Radiation and Health Hazards Specialist for Beyond Nuclear, joins alongside Ian Fairlie to discuss their important new book, which sheds light on the history of scientists who have fought to reveal the dangers of radiation. They address the systemic suppression of research, alarming findings of radioactive contamination in local communities, and the dangers posed by AI technology. They emphasize the overlooked health impacts of radiation on vulnerable populations, urging greater awareness and advocacy for nuclear safety.