NucleCast

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

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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

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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

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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

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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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James Dawkins: Inside Savannah River; Tritium, Pits, and the Future of U.S. Nuclear Readiness Jul 01, 2025

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In this episode of NucleCast, host Adam Lowther welcomes retired Lieutenant General Jim Dawkins, now Executive Vice President and COO of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Together, they explore the pivotal role of the Savannah River Site in America’s nuclear enterprise—from its origins in the Manhattan Project to its current missions in tritium production and plutonium pit manufacturing.

Dawkins shares insights into the site's transformation from a Cold War-era bomb plant to a modern hub for national security and environmental stewardship. He breaks down the complexities of repurposing the MOX facility into the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility (SRPPF), the only U.S. site slated to produce over 50 plutonium pits per year. The conversation also dives into the challenges of maintaining the nation’s sole tritium facility, the importance of skilled trades, and the need for sustained congressional support.

James (Jim) Dawkins is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC (SRNS). He is responsible for safe execution of all management and operating functions for National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Department of Energy (DOE) Environmental Management Operations at the DOE’s Savannah River Site, including the Site’s tritium operations, the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility, the Site’s nuclear material operations, and landlord services.

Before joining SRNS, he served as the Vice President of Nuclear Operations at HII’s Nuclear and Environmental Services Group where he provided guidance, direction and support to HII’s management and operations project teams at NNSA national laboratories and DOE legacy cleanup sites. He also served on several NNSA laboratory advisory committees and boards. Dawkins served in the Air Force for 34 years in a variety of operational and executive staff assignments, retiring as a Lieutenant General. He was an Air Force pilot with combat missions

in fighter, reconnaissance and bomber aircraft. His last duty assignment was as lead of the Air Force’s nuclear weapons enterprise as the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration (AF/A10). During this assignment, he collaborated closely with NNSA Headquarters and the design and production agencies, approved and accepted the B61-12 into the Air Force stockpile and brokered requirements for the Air Force’s next generation of nuclear weapons, the W80-4 and W87-1.

Dawkins has executive experience gained within the Department of Defense, DOE (NNSA Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application) and the National Security Council as Director of Strategic Capabilities Policy, where he developed nuclear weapons policy for the

president. He has forged national security policy for three presidents and has led organizations of over 21,000 personnel.

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Brian D'Andrea: TechSource; A Leader in Nuclear Expertise Jun 24, 2025

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In this episode of NucleCast, Jim Howe interviews Brian D'Andrea, CEO of TechSource, discussing the company's significant role in supporting America's nuclear security enterprise. They explore TechSource's growth, employee ownership, and the importance of retaining critical skills in the nuclear field. Brian shares insights into the company's project management approach, workforce development initiatives, and strategic partnerships that enhance their capabilities.

Brian D’Andrea is an entrepreneurial leader and senior executive with proven experience creating early profitability in a start-up, driving continued growth, and sustaining operations through strategic oversight. As the CEO and Chairman of the Board of TechSource, Inc., Mr. D’Andrea believes that people are as important as profit margins since people drive business success. His unique abilities in bridging technical and management requirements, creating agile management teams, and empowering his staff to create innovative and implementable solutions to complex problems result in consistent success.

Since joining TechSource, Mr. D’Andrea has lead corporate growth from $2M to over $34M per year while remaining debt-free and operating socially responsibly. His approach to corporate governance of high technology companies is grounded in decades of technical and management experience in aviation systems, nuclear sciences, accelerator technologies, non-proliferation, systems engineering and integration, and safety and security. His practical technical experience supports his performance of fiduciary and strategic oversight, including corporate strategy, planning, and execution; business transformation and restructuring; investment in emerging technologies; recruitment of key personnel; and strategic partnerships.

In addition to TechSource, Mr. D’Andrea has held leadership positions in Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) and the U.S. Navy. His management experience spans major programs at the Navy, the Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration, national laboratories, and the Navajo Nation Public Safety Division.

Mr. D’Andrea has a Masters of Environmental Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, a Bachelors in General Engineering from the Naval Academy, and certification in Lean Manufacturing from the University of Michigan. He holds a Project Management Professional certification and numerous other qualifications/trainings in management, emergency preparedness, FEMA, and DOD.

He is a former Chairman of Leadership Los Alamos and a current board member of the Los Alamos Public Schools Foundation. Mr. D’Andrea was also a Naval Flight Officer and holds his private pilot’s license. He lives in Los Alamos, NM with his wife Dana and their children, and enjoys spending his free time with them.

To learn more about Mr. D’Andrea, go to his LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-brian-d-andrea-8a8a6

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James Ragland: Defense Nuclear Weapons School (DNWS) Jun 17, 2025

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James Ragland from the Defense Nuclear Weapons School (DNWS) shares the school's history, mission, and the various courses it offers. He talks about the evolution of the school's focus from Cold War-era nuclear weapons to contemporary threats, the types of students who attend, and the unique courses available, including specialized training for first responders. Ragland also highlights the importance of the Nuclear Weapons Instructional Museum and the role of DNWS in enhancing nuclear education within the military and government.

James Ragland is a former Bioenvironmental Engineer and a 15-year veteran of the United States Air Force. Since 2003, he has served as a faculty member at the Defense Nuclear Weapons School, the nation’s premier institution for nuclear and radiological education. Mr. Ragland is recognized as a subject matter expert in nuclear policy and deterrence, with extensive expertise in nuclear weapons design, effects, and issues related to nuclear proliferation.

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Rick Evans USAF, Maj. Gen (Ret.): The Evolution of STRATCOM: From SAC to C2F Jun 10, 2025

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Major General (Ret.) Rick Evans shares the history and significance of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and the United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM), focusing on the evolution from Building 500 to the new Command and Control Facility (C2F). The conversation covers the historical context of SAC, the transition to STRATCOM, the necessity for a new facility, funding challenges, and the operational capabilities of the new C2F, highlighting its importance in national security.

Major General, USAF (Ret.) Richard J. Evans III (Rick) serves as the Executive Director for the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), a national security-focused research institute created by the University of Nebraska. Before joining NSRI, he served more than 35 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of Major General in October, 2019. He was previously the Director of Reserve Forces and Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He served as the principal advisor to the Commander on reserve component matters related to the command's diverse missions, including strategic deterrence, nuclear operations and command, control and communications, space and cyberspace operations, full-spectrum global strike, integrated missile defense, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations and joint warfare analysis.

Maj. Gen. Evans received his commission in 1984 as a distinguished graduate of the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science. He has commanded at the detachment, squadron, group and wing levels. His operational flying assignments include instructor weapon systems officer in the RF-4C; and instructor and evaluator navigator in the KC- 135 Stratotanker. His staff assignments include: wing- level operations, plans, tactics and personnel assignments; Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard for the Quadrennial Defense Review 2010; Acting Director for Space and Information Superiority at the National Guard Bureau; and National Reconnaissance Office Liaison Officer to U.S. Strategic Command. He also served as Chair of the Air National Guard's KC-135 and Space, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Cyber Weapon System Councils and was a member of the Air Directorate Field Advisory Council from 2004-2012.

Maj. Gen. Evans has commanded expeditionary forces and flown combat missions in the KC-135 supporting operations Uphold Democracy, Decisive Endeavor, Deliberate Guard, Deliberate Forge, Allied Force, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also served as Director of Mobility Forces for NATO Operation Unified Protector. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School and master navigator with over 4,000 flying hours, including 153 combat/combat support hours. He has also completed over 100 operational missions as an Airborne Emergency Actions Officer leading the Battle Staff on the U.S. Strategic Command E-6B Airborne Command Post.

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Dr. Tom Karako: Understanding the Golden Dome Initiative Jun 03, 2025

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In this episode of NucleCast, Adam speaks with Dr. Tom Karako from the Center for Strategic and International Studies about the Golden Dome initiative, a response to increasing air and missile threats. They discuss the initiative's purpose, its funding structure, and the importance of missile defense in national security. The conversation also covers the role of space in missile defense, critiques of the Golden Dome initiative, and the need for more capacity and sensors in the defense strategy.

Dr. Karako is a senior fellow with the International Security Program and the director of the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where he arrived in 2014. His research focuses on national security, missile defense, nuclear deterrence, and public law. For 2010–2011, he was an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow, working with the professional staff of the House Armed Services Committee and the Strategic Forces Subcommittee on U.S. strategic forces policy, nonproliferation, and NATO.

Karako is also currently a fellow with the Institute for Politics and Strategy of Carnegie Mellon University. He received his Ph.D. from Claremont Graduate University and his B.A. from the University of Dallas.

00:00 Introduction to Golden Dome and Missile Defense

05:38 Understanding the Golden Dome Initiative

11:32 The Role of Golden Dome in National Security

16:59 Exploring Space Components of Golden Dome

23:23 Critiques and Misconceptions of Golden Dome

27:01 Wishes for the Future of Golden Dome

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Dr. Stephen Nagy: Navigating Japan's Strategic Landscape May 27, 2025

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Dr. Stephen Nagy discusses Japan's strategic positioning in a complex geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to the U.S.-China rivalry. He explores Japan's economic ties with China, the challenges posed by regional security threats, and the evolving strategies Japan is employing to navigate these issues. The conversation delves into Japan's historical pacifism, the potential for nuclear deterrence discussions, and the importance of trade agreements and technological cooperation in ensuring regional stability.

Dr. NAGY’s main affiliation is as a professor at the International Christian University, Tokyo. Concurrently, he is a visiting fellow with the Japan Institute for International Affairs (JIIA). He serves as the director of policy studies for the Yokosuka Council of Asia Pacific Studies (YCAPS), spearheading their Indo-Pacific Policy Dialogue series.

He is currently working on middle-power approaches to great-power competition in the Indo-Pacific.

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