NucleCast

Latest Episodes:

General Tom Bussiere: Modernizing the Nuclear Triad Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

General Tom Bussiere, the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, discusses the modernization of the nuclear triad, including the challenges and progress of the Sentinel system, updates on the B-21 program, and the importance of long-range stand-off capabilities. He emphasizes the need for support and understanding of the nuclear enterprise and shares insights on recent operations and future goals. Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere is Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command and Commander, Air Forces Strategic - Air, U.S. Strategic Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. AFGSC provides strategic deterrence, global strike capability, and combat support to USSTRATCOM and other geographic combatant commands. The command is comprised of more than 33,700 professionals operating at two numbered air forces; 12 active duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve wings; and the Joint Global Strike Operations Center. Weapons systems assigned to AFGSC include all U.S. Air Force intercontinental ballistic missiles and bomber aircraft, UH-1N helicopters, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft, and the U.S. Air Force NC3 weapons system.

Gen. Bussiere is a 1985 distinguished graduate of Air Force ROTC from Norwich University. He has held a variety of flying, staff and command assignments including the Deputy Director for Nuclear, Homeland Defense and Current Operations, Joint Staff; Inspector General, Headquarters, AFGSC; Advanced Programs Division, Headquarters, Air Combat Command and duty as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Camp Victory, Baghdad. He commanded the 325th Bomb Squadron, 13th Bomb Squadron, 509th Operations Group and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. He also served as the Commander, Alaskan Command, United States Northern Command; Commander, Eleventh Air Force, Pacific Air Forces; and Commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Commander, Eighth Air Force; Commander, Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and Commander, Joint Functional Component for Global Strike; Commander, Task Force 204, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. Gen. Bussiere is a graduate of the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies and the U.S. Army War College Advanced Strategic Arts Program. Prior to his current position, Gen. Bussiere served as Deputy Commander, USSTRATCOM.

Gen. Bussiere is a command pilot with more than 3,400 hours in the T-38 Talon, F-15C Eagle, B-2A Spirit, B-1B Lancer and F-22 Raptor. He led F-15C combat missions during operations Southern Watch and Vigilant Warrior and B-2 combat missions during operations Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom.

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Gibum Kim - Navigating South Korean Politics: A New Era Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Gibum Kim from the Korean Institute for Defense Analysis to discuss the recent political changes in South Korea, particularly the impact of the new Democratic Party leadership on foreign policy, especially regarding North Korea and the US-South Korea alliance. They explore the philosophical differences between the political parties regarding denuclearization, the future of the US-South Korea alliance, and the challenges posed by China. The conversation concludes with Gi-bum's wishes for the future of South Korea's security and international relations.

Gibum KIM is an associate research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA). He leads the Current Issues Team under the Future Strategy Office. Before becoming the Team Lead, his research focused on issues pertaining to the ROK-U.S. alliance, U.S. nuclear strategy and extended deterrence, and defense space strategy at the Center for Security and Strategy. He was formerly a research associate at both the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Center for Foreign Policy and National Security of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies (AIPS) in Seoul. Mr. Kim was a member of the Pacific Forum Young Leaders Program from 2014 to 2019. He earned both an MA and BA in Political Science at the College of Political Science and Economics, Korea University, and is pursuing his doctoral degree at his alma mater. His research interests include issues related to nuclear strategy, nonproliferation, alliance politics, defense space strategy, and multilateral security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Matthew Loh: The United States' Relationship with Singapore and China Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam speaks with Matthew Loh, a defense reporter from Singapore, about the complex geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia, particularly regarding Singapore's relationship with China and the United States. Loh provides insights into Singapore's unique position as a small but strategically important nation, navigating its ties with major powers while maintaining a neutral stance. The conversation explores Singapore's military reliance on the US, the potential risks of conflict over Taiwan, and the implications of China's ambitions in the region. Loh also shares his wishes for Singapore's future, emphasizing the need for public education on geopolitics and the importance of stability in a rapidly changing world.

Matthew Loh is a senior reporter for Business Insider's Singapore bureau. He primarily covers defense in Asia and how innovation is shaping the war in Ukraine. A Singaporean citizen, he spent eight years in China between 2008 and 2014.

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Brent Sadler: Shipbuilding and China's Naval Expansion Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Brent Sadler discusses the current state of the U.S. Navy, focusing on shipbuilding challenges, the need for increased capacity, and the implications of China's naval expansion. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration with allies, the role of government in revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, and the strengths and weaknesses of both the U.S. and Chinese naval forces. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure U.S. maritime readiness in the face of potential conflicts.

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Michael Casey: Understanding China's Nuclear Command and Control Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam interviews Michael Casey, a former DIA analyst, about the modernization of China's military, particularly its command-and-control systems and nuclear strategy. They discuss the evolution of China's military capabilities, the challenges it faces in integrating new technologies, and the implications of its ambitions for global dominance. The conversation also touches on the potential risks of AI in military applications and the need for greater focus on C4ISR issues in defense analysis.

Michael Casey is a defense technology consultant and the author of the 'Orders and Observations' Substack, where he provides in-depth analysis of the Chinese military. He previously served for eight years as a Defense Intelligence Agency intelligence officer, focusing on PLA C4ISR, space systems, and emerging technologies. He is a specialist in Mandarin-language open-source intelligence and has briefed senior leaders across the Department of Defense and the U.S. government on Chinese military modernization.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Michael Casey and C4ISR

02:04 China's Military Modernization and Command Control

07:30 Challenges in Chinese Nuclear Command and Control

14:48 Shifts in China's Nuclear Strategy

18:56 China's Global Ambitions and Strategic Goals

21:25 Potential Challenges and Internal Dynamics

27:03 Wishes for the Future of Global Security

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Brig. Gen. (Ret) Paul Tibbets IV: The Legacy of Hiroshima Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

In this Legacy Series episode of NucleCast, Adam speaks with General Paul Tibbets IV, the grandson of the pilot who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. They discuss the historical significance of the event, the life and legacy of General Tibbets, the preparation and execution of the mission, and the impact of nuclear weapons on warfare. The conversation also touches on the importance of educating future generations about World War II and the necessity of a strong nuclear deterrent.

Paul W. Tibbets IV received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989. Following graduation, he served in a variety of operational assignments as a B-1 and B-2 pilot. The general commanded the 393rd Bomb Squadron and 509th Bomb Wing, both commanded by his grandfather during World War II. He flew combat missions in support of operations in Southwest Asia, the Balkans and Afghanistan and was awarded the Bronze Star and Distinguished Flying Cross. Paul retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Brigadier General with more than 4,000 flying hours after nearly 30 years of service.

Paul is currently the President and Owner of Strike Advanced Solutions, LLC, as an Independent Consultant. He also works for KBR Corporation as a Senior Manager and Portfolio Lead for Global Strike, based at Barksdale AFB in Bossier City, LA.

Additionally, Paul is a First Officer for FedEx Express, flying the B-777.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Legacy of Hiroshima

02:34 The Life and Legacy of General Paul Tibbets

05:37 The Preparation for the Mission

08:15 Challenges and Innovations in Training

11:14 The Day of the Mission

13:51 The Execution of the Bombing

16:36 Reflections on the Aftermath

19:40 The Second Bombing Mission

22:16 The Impact of Nuclear Weapons on Warfare

24:56 Final Thoughts and Wishes for the Future

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Pranay Vaddi: Inside the National Security Council, Policy and Arms Control Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Adam interviews Pranay Vaddi, who shares his experiences working at the National Security Council (NSC) and his insights into nuclear policy and arms control. Vaddi discusses the daily operations at the NSC, the challenges of elevating nuclear issues within the government, and the importance of collaboration among various agencies. He also reflects on the evolution of the NSC, the dynamics of working within the bureaucracy, and the demanding nature of the job. Vaddi emphasizes the need for future leaders to engage in discussions and share their ideas to address pressing national security challenges.

Pranay Vaddi is currently a Senior Nuclear Fellow in the Center for Nuclear Security Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From May 2022 to January 2025, he served as Special Assistant to President Biden and Senior Director for Arms Control, Disarmament, and Nonproliferation at the National Security Council. Prior to this, he served as a senior advisor in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance at the Department of State, where coordinated the Department’s inputs for the Biden Nuclear Posture Review. Previously, he was a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where his research focused on U.S. nuclear posture, arms control policy, and Congress' role in arms control. He served for several years at the U.S. Department of State coordinating policy on the New START and INF treaties, and joined numerous arms control delegations. He has testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and before the congressional U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.

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Paul Amato: The Future of Nuclear Strategy Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, Adam engages with Paul Amato, a seasoned expert in nuclear deterrence policy. They discuss the evolving landscape of nuclear strategy, the importance of education and leadership in nuclear discussions, and the challenges faced in communicating the significance of nuclear deterrence. Amato emphasizes the need for modernization of nuclear forces and the necessity of understanding the risks associated with nuclear escalation. The conversation also touches on the differences in nuclear strategy between Europe and the Pacific, and the importance of providing flexible options for national leadership in the face of nuclear threats.

Mr. Amato served as Director for Nuclear Deterrence Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense (2015–March 2025), leading a team responsible for U.S. nuclear strategy, force posture, modernization, arms control, and allied engagement. He was the principal author of the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review and led development of classified guidance for the President and Secretary of Defense. Earlier, he focused on NATO nuclear policy and extended deterrence with South Korea, and represented OSD in arms control talks with Russia and China. He previously served as Pakistan Country Director, deploying to Afghanistan and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. A retired Marine Corps Colonel with 28 years of service and three combat tours, Mr. Amato also practiced law for 12 years. He holds a BA from Franklin & Marshall and a JD from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Olena Kryzhanivska: Analyzing War In Ukraine Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

In this compelling episode of NucleCast, Olena Kryzhanivska, a Ukrainian policy analyst and senior editor at the NATO Association of Canada explores the ongoing war in Ukraine, offering a deeply informed and personal perspective on the conflict’s origins, evolution, and global implications.

Olena traces the roots of the war back through centuries of Russian imperialism, Soviet oppression, and the 2014 annexation of Crimea. She explains how the full-scale invasion in 2022 was not a sudden act but a continuation of long-standing Russian ambitions. The conversation delves into the psychological and societal divides between Ukrainians and Russians, the resilience of Ukrainian civil society, and the strategic miscalculations made by the Kremlin.

The discussion also covers:

The role of Western support, particularly from the U.S., and the impact of political shifts on military aid.
The human toll of the war, including the trauma endured by civilians and the challenges of military recruitment.
Russia’s nuclear rhetoric and its implications for NATO and global security.
Olena’s three heartfelt wishes for Ukraine’s future: sustained U.S. support, greater global recognition of the Russian threat, and the restoration of Ukraine’s full sovereignty.

This episode offers a sobering yet hopeful look at Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and the broader stakes for the international community.

Olena Kryzhanivska is a Ukrainian policy analyst and senior editor at the NATO Association of Canada. She has provided expert analysis for the Norwegian Embassy in Turkey and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs. Currently, she authors the weekly newsletters Ukraine’s Arms Monitor, focusing on weapons transfers, military cooperation, defense production, and drone warfare in the context of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

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Dena Volovar: Powering National Security; Bechtel’s Role in Nuclear Innovation Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther speaks with Dena Volovar, president of Bechtel's Nuclear Security and Environment Global Business Unit. They discuss Bechtel's extensive role in national security, particularly in managing operations at NNSA labs, and the company's commitment to nuclear power as a sustainable energy solution. Dena shares insights on the challenges faced in nuclear facility management, the transition from private to public sector projects, and the future of nuclear engineering careers. The conversation highlights the importance of innovation and collaboration in the nuclear industry.

Dena Volovar is President of Bechtel’s Nuclear, Security & Environmental (NS&E) global business unit. She has more than 26 years

of experience in project management, operations, business development, and engineering. Her current portfolio includes the oversight of U.S. and allied government projects and nuclear power projects with missions focused on ensuring the world is cleaner, safer and more secure.

Bechtel’s NS&E global business unit encompasses all the company’s government contracts including work for the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Energy, and NASA, as well as nuclear power projects worldwide.

Prior to her current role, Dena served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of NS&E’s Environmental and Security business line. She managed oversight of government projects, operating sites, and national laboratories focused on nuclear security and nuclear waste

management for the U.S. Department of Energy. Previously, Dena served as the Manager of Functions for NS&E and was responsible for all of the people, processes, and execution in the areas of engineering, procurement, construction, startup and operations as well as their supporting functions. Dena has held leadership roles on a variety of projects, including project director of the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Uranium Processing Facility project, a multi-billion-dollar complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for processing highly enriched uranium for U.S. nuclear defense and naval nuclear propulsion. She also served as project manager of the Sabine Pass Liquified Natural Gas facility in Cameron Parish, Louisiana and operations manager for all of Bechtel’s nuclear operating plant services.

Dena was elected a Bechtel senior vice president in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Maryland and is a Project Management Professional. She is the chair of the Board of Visitors for the University of Maryland’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and an executive committee board member of the Nuclear Energy Institute.

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