NucleCast
by ANWA Deterrence Center
From Kitty Hawk to the Cold War: The Wright Brothers’ Enduring…
About this podcast
Welcome to NucleCast, the official podcast of the ANWA Deterrence Center. NucleCast is an engaging, educational podcast featuring a series of discussions and interviews with experts in nuclear policy, technology, and deterrence. The show is hosted by Dr. Adam Lowther, Strategic Advisor to the ANWA Deterrence Center and an expert on nuclear deterrence.
Episodes
The newest 50 of 291 episodes
- From Kitty Hawk to the Cold War: The Wright Brothers’ Enduring Legacy | Part 2 · 31 min · Season 4 Episode 291In Part Two of NucleCast’s special Legacy Series on the Wright Brothers, Robert Leddy returns to explore what happened after Wilbur and Orville Wright solved one of humanity’s…
- Before Kitty Hawk: The Genius Behind the Wright Brothers | Part 1 · 30 min · Season 4 Episode 290Before aviation transformed transportation, warfare, commerce, exploration, and global affairs, two brothers working from a bicycle shop set out to solve a problem many believed…
- 289 - Robert Peters: Rethinking Nuclear Deterrence: China, Missile Defense, and the Future of Strategic Stability · 32 min · Season 4 Episode 289The nuclear landscape is changing, and U.S. deterrence strategy must change with it. In this episode of NucleCast, Robert “Bob” Peters examines how the rise of China as a nuclear…
- Dr. Hunter Hustus - Deterrence on NATO’s Front Line · 38 min · Season 4 Episode 288In this episode of NucleCast, Hunter Hustus joins the conversation to examine the changing security environment in Europe and what it means for NATO deterrence. From the…
- John Copper - Taiwan at the Crossroads · 41 min · Season 4 Episode 287In this episode of NucleCast, Professor Emeritus John Copper examines the complex relationship among the United States, China, and Taiwan and the factors that could shape the…
- Bryan Clark - Why the Arctic Is the Back Door to America · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 286The Arctic is no longer a remote blank spot on the map - it is a frontline for missile defense, undersea warfare, and the future of U.S. national security. Bryan Clark reveals…
- Cullen Glass - Supply Chain Manufacturing Capacity and Deterrence · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 285What does it take to build and sustain the industrial foundation behind America's national defense? In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther sits down with Cullen Glass…
- Amir Vexler - Fueling National Security; Rebuilding America's Uranium Enrichment Capacity · 32 min · Season 4 Episode 284In this episode of NucleCast, Manolis sits down with Amir Vexler, CEO of Centrus Energy, to discuss one of the most critical challenges facing America's nuclear future…
- Deb Gracio - PNNL, AI, and the Future of National Security Science · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 283Deb Gracio, Director of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), sits down with us to discuss the laboratory's remarkable evolution from its Hanford roots to its current…
- JC Btaiche - From Fusion Dreams to Defense Reality · 32 min · Season 4 Episode 282In this episode of NucleCast, Guest Host, Manolis Priniotakis, sits down with JC Btaiche, CEO and Founder of Fuse, to discuss his path into the fusion industry and how his…
- Don Cook - Stockpile Stewardship and Nuclear Modernization · 43 min · Season 4 Episode 281As the global security environment grows more complex, how can the United States maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent without returning to nuclear testing? In…
- Chris Stone - Deception, Deterrence, and the Future of Space Warfare · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 280As competition in space intensifies, how can the United States deter aggression and defend its vital space assets? In this episode of NucleCast, Chris Stone explores the evolving…
- Lindell Lucy - Ukraine's War Zone, Lessons from a Cross-Country Trip · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 279In this episode, Lindell Lucy shares his recent experiences traveling across Ukraine, insights on life during wartime, and explores the complex topic of nuclear deterrence and…
- Tyler Hacker and Luke Widenhouse - The Missing Ingredient in Military Modernization, Why Advanced Energetics Matter · 37 min · Season 4 Episode 278In this episode of NucleCast, host Manolis sits down with Tyler Hacker and Luke Widenhouse of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) to examine why advanced…
- Lt. Gen. (Ret) Tom Jones - From Cold War to NATO; A Nuclear Journey · 41 min · Season 4 Episode 277Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Tom Jones shares firsthand insights from a career spanning the height of the Cold War through modern NATO nuclear operations. Drawing on…
- Paul Amato - The Importance of Theater Nuclear Weapons for Deterrence · 33 min · Season 4 Episode 276In this episode of NucleCast, Adam sits down with Paul Amato for an in-depth discussion on the role of theater nuclear weapons in maintaining U.S. deterrence and strategic…
- Jay Tilden 2 - The Myth of the Missile Gap, Rethinking Nuclear Deterrence · 42 min · Season 4 Episode 275Are perceived gaps in nuclear capabilities driving unnecessary fears of a new arms race? In this Part 2, Jay Tilden examines one of the most enduring questions in deterrence…
- General (Ret.) Robin Rand - The Kyle Institute’s Role in National Security Innovation · 36 min · Season 4 Episode 274In this episode, General (Ret.) Robin Rand joins NucleCast to discuss the mission and impact of the Kyle Institute for National Security at the University of Arizona. Rand…
- Neile Miller: Inside Nuclear Budget and the Evolution of Neveda National Security Site · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 273In this episode of NucleCast, Neile Miller breaks down the often-overlooked mechanics of federal budgeting and what they mean for the nuclear enterprise. From the earliest stages…
- Jay Tilden - Nuclear Threats Uncovered: Intelligence, Terrorism, and Deterrence · 38 min · Season 4 Episode 272In this episode of NucleCast, Adam sits down with Jay Tilden, former Department of Energy intelligence officer, for an inside look at how the U.S. understands, tracks, and deters…
- Maura Burns: Inside China’s Growing Nuclear Arsenal · 37 min · Season 4 Episode 271In this episode of NucleCast, host Manolis Priniotakis sits down with former CIA executive Maura Burns to unpack China’s rapidly expanding nuclear capabilities and what they mean…
- Steve Andros: Inside Nuclear Threat Response · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 270What happens when a nuclear threat becomes real—and who responds first? In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther speaks with retired Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)…
- Dr. Todd Sriver: Inside NC3 Modernization, Securing the Future of Nuclear Command and Control · 32 min · Season 4 Episode 269In this episode of NucleCast, the official podcast of the ANWA Deterrence Center, Adam sits down with Todd Sriver, Director of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3)…
- Jonathan Cefalu - Is AI Becoming Too Smart for Its Own Good? · 33 min · Season 4 Episode 268AI expert, Jonathan Cefalu, joins the conversation to examine some of the most pressing—and underappreciated—challenges in artificial intelligence safety, from prompt injection…
- Frank Rose: Reimagining Arms Control for the 21st Century · 33 min · Season 4 Episode 267Former senior national security official Frank Rose joins the conversation to examine the future of arms control, nuclear policy, and strategic stability in an increasingly…
- Tom Summers: Artificial Intelligence at the Nuclear Threshold · 33 min · Season 4 Episode 266Most discussions of AI and nuclear deterrence miss a critical question: does AI reinforce human decision‑making—or risk replacing it? In this episode, security expert Tom Summers…
- Alyssa Agard: China’s System Destruction Strategy · 28 min · Season 4 Episode 265NucleCast welcomes, emerging scholar Alyssa Agard who talks about Chinese strategic thinking, system destruction warfare, and what these concepts mean for the future of…
- David Albright: Iran, Inspections, and the Future of Nonproliferation · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 264In this episode of NucleCast, renowned nuclear expert David Albright offers a clear‑eyed assessment of Iran’s nuclear program—where it began, where it stands today, and the risks…
- Manolis Priniotakis: Inside Nuclear Intelligence, From the Manhattan Project to Today · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 263In this Legacy Series episode of NucleCast, Manolis Priniotakis explores the history and evolution of nuclear intelligence—from its origins during the Manhattan Project to the…
- Andrea Stricker: Iran’s Nuclear Path and What the Latest Strikes Mean for Global Security · 32 min · Season 4 Episode 262In this episode of NucleCast, Adam speaks with Andrea Stricker, Deputy Director of Nonproliferation Programs at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about the current state…
- LTG (Ret) Dan Karbler: Defending the Skies, Air and Missile Defense in a High‑Threat World · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 261In this episode of NucleCast, retired Lieutenant General Dan Karbler joins the podcast to examine the evolving landscape of air and missile defense amid ongoing regional…
- Dakota Rudesill: Who Decides War? Law, Power, and the Use of Force Against Iran · 38 min · Season 4 Episode 260In this episode of NucleCast, Professor Dakota Rudesill, Esq. examines the legal boundaries that govern the use of military force, with a particular focus on the United States…
- Alireza Nader: Inside Iran’s Military Conflict: Risks, Strategy, and What Comes Next · 34 min · Season 4 Episode 259In this episode of Nuclecast, Iran analyst Alireza Nader breaks down the current military conflict involving Iran and what it means for the Middle East and beyond. Drawing on…
- Stacie Pettyjohn: AI Development in Defense and Nuclear Deterrence · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 258In this episode of NucleCast, Adam is joined by Dr. Stacie Pettyjohn, senior fellow and director of the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security, for a…
- Derek Williams: Evaluating the Evolving Nuclear Landscape and Global Security · 42 min · Season 4 Episode 257Colonel Derek “Kiwi” Williams joins NucleCast for a wide‑ranging discussion on the evolving nuclear landscape and what it means for global security. Together, they examine recent…
- Christopher Stone: Redefining Defense, Homeland Priorities and Global Strategy · 36 min · Season 4 Episode 256Join host Adam Lowther and guest Christopher Stone, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, as they delve into the intricacies of the National Defense…
- Robert Peters: Greenland, Could it Become the Next Flashpoint Between US, Russia, and China? · 31 min · Season 4 Episode 255Greenland’s strategic importance is hotter than ever—and the questions about the U.S. desire to secure access aren’t just political posturing. In this eye-opening episode…
- Maj. Gen. Brook Leonard, USAF (Ret): The Hidden Danger of Space Dependency We Still Underestimate · 35 min · Season 4 Episode 254Major General Brook Leonard delves into the evolving role of space in military strategy and its implications for global security. The conversations highlight Leonard's…
- Ben Zweibelson, PhD: Bad War Stories, Lessons from the Battlefield · 37 min · Season 4 Episode 253Dr. Ben Zweibelson, a retired US Army officer and author of "Bad War Stories" delves into the complexities of military planning, particularly in the context of nuclear deterrence…
- Dr. John Copper - Taiwan in Focus: History, Identity, and the Realities of U.S.–China Tensions · 43 min · Season 4 Episode 252In this episode of NucleCast, Adam talks with Professor John Copper, a leading expert on Taiwan, to discuss the complex history and current geopolitical landscape of Taiwan. The…
- Hugh White: Navigating the US-China Rivalry: An Australian Perspective · 40 min · Season 4 Episode 251Professor Hugh White from the Australian National University discusses the evolving security landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in light of China's rise as a…
- Byron Ristvet: Inside Nuclear Testing: History, Strategy, and Readiness (Part 2) · 58 min · Season 4 Episode 250This is part two of a discussion featuring Dr. Byron Ristvet. The episode delves into the intricacies of nuclear testing, covering topics such as the history and types of nuclear…
- Byron Ristvet: Inside Nuclear Testing, History, Readiness, and Policy Implications (Part 1) · 35 min · Season 3 Episode 249In 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…
- Ben Souther: Accelerating What Matters: Urgency, Accountability, and Large‑Scale Delivery · 33 min · Season 3 Episode 248In this episode of NucleCast, Ben Souther discusses the complexities of managing data in large projects, particularly focusing on the requirements from various stakeholders…
- Rob Kittinger: Human Factors in Nuclear Safety · 34 min · Season 3 Episode 247In 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…
- Curtis McGiffin: Shaping the Age of Techno-Strategic Power · 40 min · Season 3 Episode 246Adam sits down with Curtis McGiffin—strategist, educator, and co-author—to explore his groundbreaking argument for redefining national instruments of power. Curtis introduces…
- Brian Groft: Nuclear Ops, The A&AS Mission and DTRA’s Evolving Role · 36 min · Season 3 Episode 245In 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…
- Brent Sadler: Reviving American Sea Power, Maritime Strategy and National Security · 34 min · Season 3 Episode 244In this conversation, Brent Sadler discusses the critical importance of maritime issues in relation to national security and economic stability. He emphasizes the need for a…
- Kyle Balzer / Bob Peters: Reimagining the Sentinel ICBM: A Mobile Future · 33 min · Season 3 Episode 243Adam interviews Dr. Kyle Balzer and Bob Peters on their recent article in Breaking Defense. They discuss the future of the Sentinel ICBM program, particularly the potential for…
- Brian Zieroth: Building the Future: UPF's Role in National Security · 32 min · Season 3 Episode 242Join us for an insightful conversation with Brian Zieroth, Senior Program Manager at the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) at Y-12. Discover the pivotal role UPF plays in…







