NucleCast

• Byron Ristvet: Inside Nuclear Testing, History, Readiness, and Policy Implications

  In this episode of NucleCast, Adam talks with Dr. Byron Ristvet to discuss the complexities of nuclear testing, its historical context, and the current state of nuclear readiness. They delve into the types of nuclear tests, the role of various laboratories, and the controversial history surrounding Rocky Flats. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding nuclear policy and the implications of testing in today's geopolitical landscape.Currently, Dr, Ristvet is a consultant to Sandia National Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for studies on nuclear test detection, and through Keystone International and MSTS, a consultant to LANL, DoE IN-1 and NNSA/NFO. He is a Senior Mentor in Sandia’s Weapons Intern and Professional Development programs, and low yield nuclear monitoring research. Prior to his semi-retirement in February 2017, Dr. Ristvet was a senior subject matter expert (SME) to DTRA’s Research and Development Directorate in the areas of nuclear and conventional weapons effects and testing, hard and deeply-buried-target characterization and defeat, counter-terrorism, cooperative threat reduction, knowledge preservation, nuclear test readiness, and to the Defense Threat Reduction Information Analysis Center. Prior to the underground nuclear testing (UGT) moratorium in 1992, he was the UGT containment scientist for the Defense Nuclear Agency. Based on his experience, he is an advisor to the U.S. intelligence community on foreign nuclear programs. Dr. Ristvet had a key role in DoD’s Cooperative Threat Reduction efforts with the Russian Federation nuclear laboratories and the Kazakhstan National Nuclear Center. He is currently an Octant Associates consultant for DTRA nuclear proliferation prevention activities at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in Kazakhstan. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Nuclear Testing and Its Importance01:20 Understanding Nuclear Testing: Types and History05:38 Current State of Nuclear Testing and Readiness09:05 The Role of Laboratories in Nuclear Weapons Development13:34 Debunking Myths: The Rocky Flats Controversy18:27 Types of Nuclear Testing Conducted19:54 Key Takeaways and Future ConsiderationsSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

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• Ben Souther: Accelerating What Matters: Urgency, Accountability, and Large‑Scale Delivery

  In this episode of NucleCast, Ben Souther discusses the complexities of managing data in large projects, particularly focusing on the requirements from various stakeholders, including government regulations and internal procedures. He emphasizes the importance of navigating through extensive data to ensure successful project execution.Ben Souther is the general manager of the Environmental and Security business line of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security, and Environmental global business unit. Ben is an accomplished professional with more than 20 years of extensive experience and knowledge in automation, engineering, construction, delivery, and project management positions for Bechtel. His current portfolio includes the oversight of multiple government projects, operating sites, and national laboratories focused on nuclear security and nuclear waste management for the U.S. Department of Energy.Ben joined Bechtel on the Waste Treatment Plant project in 2002 supporting project automation efforts and in 2006 he began working on the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant project serving in various roles in project controls and construction. Other previous senior leadership roles include deputy project manager, business manager, and vice president of the Bechtel LLC working for the U.S. Army on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in 2011. He served as executive assistant to the president of NS&E from 2013 to 2015 and then went on to become an M&BD manager for the Defense & Security business line.He received his bachelor’s in business administration (Cum Laude) (Management Information Systems) from Washington State University and is PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certified.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

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• Rob Kittinger: Human Factors in Nuclear Safety

  In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Rob Kittinger, a seasoned expert from Sandia National Labs. They delve into the critical role of human factors in nuclear safety and explore the intriguing dynamics of the AI race between the US and China. From the potential pitfalls of human error to the strategic implications of AI advancements, this episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping our nuclear future. "Other examples of color vision affecting job safety can be found here: https://waggonerdiagnostics.com/pages/law-enforcement "Robert Kittinger, Ph.D. is a Senior Fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies (NIDS). He spent nearly 10 years at Sandia National Laboratories, culminating in the Nuclear Threat Science department and working in Nuclear Emergency Support and Counterterrorism & Counter-Proliferation (CTCP). During his time at Sandia, he was also a 2017 graduate of the prestigious Weapon Intern Program (WIP).Before joining Sandia, Dr. Kittinger spent over five years as a civilian in the U.S. Navy and was part of a five-person tech startup, BookLamp, which was acquired by Apple in 2013. Following his tenure at Sandia, he served as a senior researcher at Amazon and currently holds the role of Chief Research Officer at a MedTech company.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

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• Curtis McGiffin: Shaping the Age of Techno-Strategic Power

  Adam sits down with Curtis McGiffin—strategist, educator, and co-author—to explore his groundbreaking argument for redefining national instruments of power. Curtis introduces DIMET, adding “Technology” to the traditional DIME framework, and explains why high-tech capabilities have become a standalone measure of national strength. The discussion dives into how technological innovation is reshaping deterrence, influencing global power dynamics, and driving the future of warfare. Plus, Curtis shares insights from the National Institute for Deterrence Studies’ proposed Nuclear Posture Review, offering bold recommendations for strengthening U.S. nuclear deterrence in an era of rapid change.Link to Paper: Curtis McGiffin, DIMET: Shaping the Age of “Techno-Strategic” Power, No. 637, September 22, 2025 – NippSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

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• Brian Groft: Nuclear Ops, The A&AS Mission and DTRA’s Evolving Role

  In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Brian Groft, a senior leader at Systems Planning and Analysis (SPA), to discuss the A&AS mission and its significance in supporting the Department of Defense. Groft shares insights on the role of A&AS contractors, the importance of DTRA in nuclear operations, and the differences between various types of contracting. They also discuss the future of DTRA, the costs associated with government versus contractor roles, and the need for improved collaboration between contractors and government agencies.Brian Groft possesses 16 years of experience leading teams of scientists and engineers providing technical advisory services to government customers responsible for challenging homeland security and national defense missions. He serves as the Strategic Growth Manager for SPA which includes providing executive leadership in the defense and homeland security industry with emphasis in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive defense (CBRNE), Counter WMD, System Engineering, and R&D fields.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to [email protected]

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