AMSEcast

The History of Trademark: AMSEcast with Jason Clark 02.07.2026 25dk

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Jason Clark of the USPTO to discuss the history and the relevance of trademarks, patents, and copyrights for inventions in America to celebrate America's big 250th birthday!

Discussing The Warhead: AMSEcast with Jeffrey Stern 17.06.2026 24dk

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy Executive Director Alan Lowe sits down with award-winning journalist Jeffrey Stern to discuss his widely successful book, "The Warhead: The Quest to Build the Perfect Weapon in the Age of Modern Warfare."

Creating The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Paul Cantonwine 03.06.2026 1sa 3dk

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits to chat with Paul Cantonwine, author of "The Never-Ending Challenge of Engineering: Admiral H.G. Rickover in His Own Words" to discuss the creation of the nuclear navy through the eyes of H.G. Rickover, and what his mentality might be like in today's ever-changing world.

The Science of Presidency: AMSEcast with Andrew Busch 20.05.2026 54dk

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and AMSE executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of a presidency with Andrew Busch, the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The episode goes in depth to analyze the behaviors of not only the American political system, but also its presidents, and how they have operated throughout different political climates and times in history.

The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Lawrence Townsend 06.05.2026 27dk

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe sat down with Lawrence Townsend to discuss the past, present, and future of America's nuclear navy, including what our advancements in technology throughout the country might mean going forward.

Less Weapons, More Energy: AMSEcast With Charles Oppenheimer 22.04.2026 28dk

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe welcomes Charles Oppenheimer, entrepreneur and grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, for a wide-ranging conversation on nuclear energy, global security, and the legacy of one of the 20th century's most influential scientists. Oppenheimer discusses the mission of the Oppenheimer Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing his grandfather's values through increased international cooperation on nuclear technology. He explains the organization's dual focus: expanding the beneficial uses of nuclear fission (especially clean energy) and reducing the risks posed by nuclear weapons. Emphasizing "energy abundance," he argues that nuclear power can play a major role in addressing climate change and global poverty if financing and project risks can be overcome. The conversation explores persistent public misconceptions about nuclear safety, the challenges emerging economies face in adopting nuclear energy, and the growing appetite among investors to fund large-scale nuclear projects. Oppenheimer also outlines his advocacy for renewed international arms control dialogue, particularly among the United States, China, and Russia. The episode concludes with reflections on the 2023 film Oppenheimer, including Oppenheimer's thoughts on Cillian Murphy's portrayal of his grandfather and recommended readings for those who want to continue pursuing historical understanding.

AMSEcast Geoff deBeauclair 08.04.2026 37dk

AMSEcast launches a new series exploring America's nuclear navy and Oak Ridge's vital role in its history and future. From helping shape the legacy of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to supplying nuclear fuel for today's fleet, Oak Ridge has long stood at the center of U.S. naval nuclear power. As the American Museum of Science and Energy prepares a new exhibit at the Wilcox K-25 Interpretive Center, this episode sets the stage. Our inaugural guest, Geoffrey deBeauclair, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 30-year Navy veteran who commanded a ballistic missile submarine and later led the Newport Division of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center. He shares his journey into the Navy's Nuclear Power Program, the demanding training and qualification process, and what it means to command a submarine at sea. Geoff offers a rare look inside daily life underwater, from relentless drills and rotating watch schedules to crew traditions, leadership challenges, and staying connected with family during long patrols. It's a compelling introduction to the people, discipline, and mission behind America's nuclear navy.

AMSEcast with guest Michelle Shocklee 26.03.2026 24dk

Author Michelle Shocklee discusses her novel The Women of Oak Ridge and the personal, historical, and emotional paths that led her to the story of the Secret City during the Manhattan Project. Growing up near Los Alamos and coming from a World War II family shaped her long-standing connection to the era, but a chance encounter with a reader ultimately sparked her discovery of Oak Ridge. Shocklee describes her deep research process, drawing on oral histories, archival photographs, museum resources, and firsthand accounts to authentically portray life inside a city built on secrecy. She explains how she weaves history into fiction by grounding the narrative in the lived experiences of her characters, particularly women whose wartime work reshaped their futures. The conversation highlights the challenges of secrecy, segregation, and stress faced by Oak Ridge residents, as well as the lasting impact of women entering the workforce during the war. Ultimately, Shocklee reflects on Oak Ridge as both a hidden chapter of history and a powerful source of human resilience and transformation.

The Secrets of Gravity: AMSEcast with James Riordon 11.03.2026 22dk

In this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe welcomes back science journalist and NASA senior science writer James Riordon to discuss his new book Crush: Close Encounters With Gravity. Riordon explores the fascinating science of gravity, from Isaac Newton's groundbreaking laws to Albert Einstein's revolutionary theory of general relativity. The conversation dives into how gravity shapes everything from the structure of Earth to the behavior of black holes and gravitational waves. Riordon also explains the strange effects of weightlessness on the human body, the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, and the possibility of exotic phenomena like wormholes. Blending history, physics, and cutting-edge discoveries, this episode offers an accessible look at one of the universe's most fundamental forces and the scientists who helped us understand it.

AMSEcast with guest Dr. Sam Schrell 05.03.2026 12dk

In this episode of AMSECast, Dr. Samantha Schrell explores the fascinating and often mysterious world of actinides—rare, radioactive elements with powerful applications in medicine, energy, space exploration, and national security. She explains what makes actinides unique, why they are difficult to study, and how elements like californium play a critical role in starting nuclear reactors and powering space missions. Dr. Schrell also discusses Oak Ridge National Laboratory's long-standing leadership in producing and researching heavy actinides through the High Flux Isotope Reactor. The conversation highlights the mission of the Glenn T. Seaborg Institute: building a pipeline of scientists and engineers trained to work in this highly specialized field. Through fellowships, collaboration across national labs, and cutting-edge research, the Institute is ensuring the future of actinide science. Ultimately, the episode reveals how curiosity, expertise, and education drive innovation at the atomic edge.

AMSEcast with guest Vasyl Dunets 19.02.2026 32dk

This episode explores how science education becomes an act of resilience, hope, and nation-building in Ukraine. From the creation of the country's first national science museum to mobile science labs traveling near the front lines, the Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine demonstrates how curiosity can endure even amid war. The guest traces a personal journey from law and political science into science education, driven by a commitment to Ukraine's future. Listeners learn how museums, labs, competitions, and business incubators form an educational "vertical" that guides children from first wonder to real-world innovation. The conversation highlights international collaboration, UNESCO recognition, and the global importance of engaging young minds in science. Ultimately, it's a powerful reminder that investing in knowledge is investing in peace, progress, and possibility.

AMSEcast with guest Dr. Ahmed El-Mokadem 05.02.2026 44dk

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ahmed El-Mokadem explores the deep ideas behind mathematics' most mysterious numbers, revealing how concepts like zero, infinity, irrational numbers, and imaginary numbers challenge both logic and philosophy. He traces how constants such as π, e, the golden ratio, and the Feigenbaum constants appear universally across nature, physics, biology, and technology—suggesting they are discovered features of reality rather than human inventions. El-Mokadem highlights how mathematics repeatedly expands its own boundaries, from accepting imaginary numbers to assigning meaning to divergent infinities through Ramanujan's work. He shows that even chaos follows hidden numerical order, and that numbers long viewed as paradoxical often turn out to be indispensable. Throughout, mathematics emerges not as cold abstraction, but as a living language that reveals structure, mystery, and beauty in the universe. The discussion ultimately invites listeners to see math as a bridge between human curiosity and the deep order of the cosmos.

From Earth to Mars: A Rock's View with Jan Zalasiewicz 21.01.2026 28dk

From Oak Ridge, Tennessee, AMSEcast host Alan Lowe sits down with geologist and paleontologist Dr. Jan Zalasiewicz, chair of the Anthropocene Working Group and author of How to Read a Rock. Their conversation explores how rocks and minerals form and what they reveal about Earth's history, from the rock cycle and earthquakes to ancient climates recorded in stone. Jan explains how life, human activity, and materials like bricks and concrete have reshaped geology, and how coal, oil, and gas fit into Earth's carbon cycle. The discussion also looks outward to the Moon and Mars, where rocks offer clues to planetary history and the possibility of past life. Guest Bio Dr. Jan Zalasiewicz is a geologist and paleontologist and an emeritus professor of paleobiology at the University of Leicester. He serves as chair of the Anthropocene Working Group, which has played a leading role in advancing the idea of the Anthropocene as a new geologic epoch shaped by humanity's impact on Earth. A prolific and widely published author, Jan explores how rocks, fossils, and landscapes record the planet's deep history. His books include The Cosmic Oasis: The Remarkable Story of Earth's Biosphere, Discarded: How Technofossils Will Be Our Ultimate Legacy, and How to Read a Rock: Our Planet's Hidden Stories, which is the focus of today's conversation. Show Notes: (1:34) The difference between a rock and a mineral (2:38) How minerals form rocks (4:51) How limestone and marble are formed (6:33) Identifying faults based on rock strata and surface landscapes (8:51) What rocks say about the structure and atmosphere of ancient Earth (10:43) How materials can survive millennia without changing (12:56) The ways animals and plants can affect the Earth's geology (15:28) How concrete and bricks are created (18:53) How hydrocarbons are formed (21:47) What we've learned about the Moon and Mars from their samples (25:15) What's next for Jan Zalasiewicz Links Referenced The Cosmic Oasis: The Remarkable Story of Earth's Biosphere https://www.amazon.com/Cosmic-Oasis-Remarkable-Earths-Biosphere/dp/0198845871/ Discarded: How Technofossils Will be Our Ultimate Legacy https://www.amazon.com/Discarded-Technofossils-Will-Ultimate-Legacy/dp/0192869337/ How to Read a Rock: Our Planet's Hidden Stories https://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Rock-Planets-Stories/dp/1588347281

AMSE Science Report with Alan Chodos and James Riordon 09.01.2026 4dk

What if I told you that, no matter where you are or what you are doing, about 100 trillion neutrinos are passing through your body every second? Well, you might first respond, as I did, by asking what is a neutrino, and then wondering why we seem to have no awareness at all of their presence. I mean, if were one or two particles, sure, you might miss them, but 100 trillion every second? I needed to learn more so I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Alan Chodos and James Riordon about their fascinating book, Ghost Particle: In Search of the Elusive and Mysterious Neutrino.

AMSE Science Report with Robert Hettich 06.01.2026 4dk

Robert Hettich who serves as the Corporate Fellow and Leader of the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group of the Biosciences Division at Oak Ridge National Lab, and as a Joint Faculty Member in the Microbiology Department at the University of Tennessee. Bob is an internationally recognized leader in the field of microbiomes. Now, you might have heard of microbiomes especially in regard to the biome or family of bacteria, that lives in your digestive system - our growing understanding of that symbiotic relationship has made prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health a big business

Why We Go to Space: Curiosity, Innovation, and the Human Spirit with William Harris 24.12.2025 39dk

In this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe sits down with William Harris, President and CEO of Space Center Houston, to explore the past, present, and future of human space exploration and what it means for American innovation. As the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston serves as the public gateway to human spaceflight. William shares how the center uses historic artifacts, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge STEM programming to demystify space exploration and inspire the next generation of innovators. From Apollo and the Space Shuttle to Artemis, Mars, and the James Webb Space Telescope, this conversation dives deep into how humans have made the impossible possible, often with limited technology but unlimited curiosity. William also discusses workforce development, diversity in innovation, the power of failure, and why STEM truly is for everyone. If you're fascinated by space, innovation, education, or the future of exploration, this episode offers a powerful reminder of what humans can achieve when curiosity, collaboration, and courage come together. Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Amse Cast (00:46) Guest Introduction: William Harris (01:44) Exploring Space Center Houston (03:12) Key Exhibits and Artifacts (06:24) STEM Education Initiatives (08:57) Innovation Gateway Programs (16:40) The Legacy of the Space Shuttle (18:56) Artemis and the Future of Space Exploration (23:18) Unmanned Missions and Their Impact (35:14) Conclusion and Future Plans

AMSEcast with guests Alan Chodos and James Riordon 17.12.2025 28dk

Ghost Particle explores the neutrino, one of the most abundant yet elusive particles in the universe, tracing its journey from a theoretical fix to puzzling nuclear reactions to a cornerstone of modern physics. The book explains how neutrinos helped preserve fundamental laws like conservation of energy and reveals how decades of ingenious experiments finally confirmed their existence. The authors guide readers through discoveries such as neutrino "flavors," oscillations, and the surprising realization that neutrinos have mass—challenging the Standard Model of particle physics. Cutting-edge research is connecting neutrinos to cosmic phenomena, including supernovae, the interior of the Sun, and the structure of the galaxy itself. Neutrinos may unlock answers to some of the universe's deepest mysteries, from the imbalance between matter and antimatter to the nature of dark matter and dark energy.

How to Kill an Asteroid 15.12.2025 4dk

Around 66 million years ago, an asteroid that was perhaps 9 miles wide struck the Earth, an impact that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. What if an asteroid that large or even larger was headed toward Earth today? We've seen this scenario in books and in movies like Armageddon, but I wanted to get some expert input, so I spoke on our podcast, AMSEcast, with Robin Andrews, about his book, How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense.

Inside The Franklin Institute with Larry Dubinski 10.12.2025 12dk

Alan Lowe interviews Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute, as part of a series celebrating 250 years of American innovation. He joins AMSEcast to discuss the institute's 1824 origins, its mission to inspire curiosity in science and technology, and its deep ties to Benjamin Franklin's legacy. He highlights major exhibits, including the National Memorial, the Hamilton Collections Gallery, and historic patent models, and online series like Ingenious and The Road to 2050. Dubinski emphasizes fostering lifelong learning, diverse voices, and bold leadership to sustain innovation. Episode Highlights (1:16) When The Franklin Institute was established and its mission (1:58) Why Benjamin Franklin still looms large over so many subjects (2:48) How Franklin's story is preserved and presented at the institute (3:33) Why the Baldwin 60000 steam locomotive is such a great engineering innovation (6:47) Exploring the museum's artifacts in "Ingenious: The Evolution of Innovation" (8:23) Why the U.S. has such an ability for creating new technologies and creative problem solving (9:06) How we can continue being leaders and innovators for the next 250 years Guest Biography Larry Dubinski is the President and CEO of The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, one of the nation's oldest and most respected centers for science education. Since taking the helm in 2014, he has led major initiatives that expand the institute's reach, modernize its exhibits, and deepen its role in inspiring curiosity about science and technology. Under his leadership, The Franklin Institute has continued to honor Benjamin Franklin's legacy while showcasing cutting-edge innovation and educational programming. A champion of lifelong learning and public engagement in STEM, Larry brings both vision and passion to the advancement of science education. Links Referenced The Franklin Institute: FiHome | The Franklin Institute https://fi.edu/

Franklin's Curiosity Unpacked with Richard Munson 26.11.2025 22dk

Alan Lowe talks with Richard Munson about his book Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist. Munson's book aims to highlight Franklin's often overlooked scientific achievements. He describes Franklin's rise from a penniless runaway to a successful printer whose curiosity fueled his scientific breakthroughs. Franklin's experiments helped define core electrical concepts and led to inventions like the lightning rod, reflecting his Enlightenment commitment to reason and inquiry. His scientific fame later boosted his diplomatic mission in France, where his celebrity status helped secure essential support for American independence. Episode Highlights (1:18) How Benjamin Franklin's printing success allowed him to pursue science (4:59) The role of Poor Richard's Almanac in Franklin's life (7:27) What was known about electricity before his experiments and how he advanced it (9:35) Benjamin Franklin's invention of the lightning rod (11:22) What motivated Franklin to be constantly active (16:55) His role in America's future alliance with France (17:45) Why so many biographers have pushed Benjamin Franklin's scientific work to the side (19:40) What Richard Munson is working on now Guest Biography Richard Munson is an award-winning author and longtime leader in environmental and clean-energy innovation. His career spans influential roles in nonprofits, academia, business, and on Capitol Hill, including serving as a director at the Environmental Defense Fund. A prolific writer, Munson explores the intersection of technology, sustainability, and public policy in works such as Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food. His latest book, Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist, examines the scientific curiosity and innovations of one of America's most iconic founders. Munson returns to AMSEcast to share fresh insights into Franklin's legacy and the power of science-driven problem-solving. Links Referenced Tech to Table: 25 Innovators Reimagining Food: https://www.amazon.com/Tech-Table-Innovators-Reimagining-Food/dp/1642831905 Ingenious: A Biography of Benjamin Franklin, Scientist: https://www.amazon.com/Ingenious-Biography-Benjamin-Franklin-Scientist-ebook/dp/B0CTXNJL6Y Power Corrupts: Cleaning Up America's Biggest Industry: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Corrupts-Cleaning-Americas-Industry/dp/1538199394