E1: Let’s Get Nuke-Pilled

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Oct 27, 2023

In this episode of the podcast, the hosts discuss the changing narrative around energy and climate change, the significance of nuclear energy in combating climate change, and address misconceptions and challenges it faces. They also explore major nuclear disasters, the need for a shift in the conversation about energy, and the potential of nuclear fusion as a clean and abundant energy source.

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ANECDOTE

Nuclear Construction Inefficiencies

Elon Musk cites an "idiot factor" in nuclear construction, highlighting its inefficiencies.
An example is the Volga plant, where a minor error led to a billion dollars in rework.

INSIGHT

Need for Nuclear Support

Widespread support for clean energy, including nuclear, is crucial for an abundant future.
The historical fear of nuclear is misguided, and more energy equals more human flourishing.

ANECDOTE

Sierra Club Tweet Backlash

The Sierra Club's tweet celebrating a veto on new nuclear plants was widely criticized in 2023.
This reflects a shift in public opinion, with growing support for nuclear energy.

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Welcome to the first episode of the first season of “Age of Miracles”. This new show from Packy McCormick, investor and writer of the Not Boring newsletter, asks the question: how do we create a future of abundance?

This season, we’re exploring the future of energy – specifically, diving deep into nuclear energy, both fission and fusion. The world needs more energy, not less, argues Packy, and nuclear has been neglected as a clean, reliable source of energy for too long. Joining Packy as co-host this season is Julia DeWahl, who previously helped scale SpaceX’s Starlink and Opendoor and is now co-founder of micro-nuclear reactor startup Antares.

In this episode, Packy and Julia set the stage for the season. They start with how they each got nuke-pilled and how the global narrative on energy has shifted, following events like the war in Ukraine and growing inflation. Next, they bust the three most common myths about nuclear energy: it’s too unsafe, there’s too much nuclear waste, and nuclear energy = nuclear weapons. And then they set the stage for the real challenges we’ll tackle this season: the economics of nuclear power, regulation and the role of government, and the power of public perception.

If you’re curious about the future of energy, technology, or how to get out of a doomer loop and start working towards an abundant future, join us. An age of miracles is within reach — if we're willing to work for it.

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A huge thank you to our presenting sponsors for Season 1:

Range Fund Holdings: Visit https://www.rangeetfs.com or contact your financial advisor to learn more about the Range Nuclear Renaissance ETF and start investing in the future of energy.

Secureframe: Get 10% off your first year of Secureframe: https://secureframe.com/packy

Pilot.com: Get 20% off your accounting bill for the first 6 months, go to https://pilot.com/packy

Clean Air Task Force https://www.catf.us/

For the full list of resources referenced in this show: https://ageofmiraclesss.addpotion.com/

Subscribe to Not Boring to get weekly doses of tech and business strategy, straight to your inbox: https://www.notboring.co/

Timestamps:

(00:00) Why the world needs more energy

(06:43) Preview of this season of Age of Miracles

(10:03) Let's talk nuclear fission

(19:15) Busting common nuclear myths: disasters, waste, and proliferation

(30:22) The 201 challenges with nuclear energy

(36:21) Could all the energy in 2050 just be fusion?

(45:23) Closing thoughts

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.