Naked Nuclear
Naked Nuclear
Podcast Description
Ever wondered how nuclear energy works or what advanced nuclear technology really means? Naked Nuclear breaks down complex topics like nuclear reactors, fuel types, and emerging technologies into simple, accessible conversations. Whether you're a curious beginner or an energy enthusiast, we make the science behind nuclear power easy to understand so you can launch your career in the clean energy future. Tune in to strip down the fascinating world of nuclear energy—one atom at a time.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of themes including the science of nuclear reactors, the influence of indigenous perspectives on nuclear policy, and historical spotlights on influential figures, with episodes focused on topics such as the ethics of nuclear energy, the technical aspects of in-situ leaching, and the contributions of pioneers like Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson.
Ever wondered how nuclear energy works or what advanced nuclear technology really means? Naked Nuclear breaks down complex topics like nuclear reactors, fuel types, and emerging technologies into simple, accessible conversations. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an energy enthusiast, we make the science behind nuclear power easy to understand so you can launch your career in the clean energy future. Tune in to strip down the fascinating world of nuclear energy—one atom at a time.
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What keeps a nuclear power plant running safely after 50 years? Tighe Smith knows better than almost anyone. As Chief Nuclear Officer at Paragon Energy Solutions — now part of Mirion Technologies following a $585 million acquisition — Tighe has spent his career in nuclear instrumentation and control (I&C): the nervous system of every reactor.
In this episode, we get into what I&C actually does, why some of the control systems inside U.S. nuclear plants predate the transistor, how Paragon reverse-engineers obsolete circuit cards with 1970s components, and how they broker spare parts between 94* reactors across the country — 3,000 parts a year, same-day or next-day shipping. Plus: the workforce reality of digital upgrades, advanced reactor design, and a culture built on three P's and three C's.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
– What instrumentation and control (I&C) is and why it's the most invisible-but-critical system in any nuclear plant
– Why some U.S. reactor control systems still use technology from before the transistor was invented
– How Paragon reverse-engineers obsolete circuit cards — and why rotating a transistor 90 degrees can introduce failure modes
– The PEAKS program: how 3,000 parts move between 94 reactors every year
– Why nuclear plants carry $100 million in spare parts inventory (and why it's worth it)
– The analog vs. digital debate: why a digital upgrade only makes sense if you're planning to run a plant for 20+ more years
– How I&C changes for advanced reactors — simpler safety systems, new challenges
– Paragon's Three P's (Present, Persistent, Passionate) and Three C's (Competence, Commitment, Character)
CONNECT WITH PARAGON/MIRION
LinkedIn (Tighe Smith): Search ”Tighe Smith Paragon Energy Solutions”
Paragon Energy Solutions (now Mirion Technologies): https://www.mirion.com/
Mirion Technologies LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mirion-technologies/
RESOURCES MENTIONED
– HIPS (Highly Integrated Protection System) — Paragon's FPGA-based digital safety platform
– Core Vision — Paragon's neutron monitoring product line
– PEAKS — Paragon's nuclear spare parts network program
– 10 CFR 50 — NRC domestic licensing requirements
– Three Mile Island accident and lessons for human-machine interface design
– NRC maintenance and testing requirements for nuclear facilities
JOIN THE NUCLEAR WORKFORCE
The nuclear industry is growing, and companies like Paragon/Mirion need engineers, technicians, and trades workers with the right skills and the right character.
Are you a skilled professional interested in nuclear? Nuclear Talent Scout connects candidates with nuclear employers.
Apply here: https://nucleartalentscout.com/apply/
ABOUT NAKED NUCLEAR
Naked Nuclear is the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the nuclear industry — no hype, no fear, just real conversations with the people doing the work. Hosted by Danielle Allen.
Website: www.nakednuclear.com
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.