Episodes

  • Untold Stories of Women in the Manhattan Project

    Untold Stories of Women in the Manhattan Project
    May 12 2024

    Welcome to "Untold Stories of Women in the Manhattan Project"! Join us on an enlightening journey as we shine a spotlight on the incredible but often overlooked contributions of women during one of history's most pivotal scientific endeavors.

    We delve into the lives, achievements, and challenges faced by the remarkable women who played key roles in the development of the atomic bomb. From physicists and mathematicians to technicians and support staff, these unsung heroes made invaluable contributions that shaped the course of modern history. Discover the stories of women who defied societal norms, overcame obstacles, and left an indelible mark on the Manhattan Project and beyond.

    From the brilliant minds behind the scenes to the often hidden figures in the lab, The Rad Lab celebrates the diversity, resilience, and intellect of these pioneering women. Join us as we illuminate their stories and honor their legacy, showcasing the power of perseverance, passion, and intellect in the pursuit of scientific progress.

    Whether you're a history enthusiast, a science buff, or simply curious about untold narratives, this podcast is your gateway to uncovering the hidden history of women in the Manhattan Project. Tune in to and explore the untold stories that shaped our world.
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    23 mins
  • NASA, Nuclear Propulsion, and Exploring the Cosmos with Dr. Michael Houts

    NASA, Nuclear Propulsion, and Exploring the Cosmos with Dr. Michael Houts
    Jan 17 2024

    🎙️ Rad Lab Podcast Episode: Exploring the Cosmos with Dr. Michael Houts

    In this captivating episode of the Rad Lab Podcast, join us on a cosmic journey as we sit down with the distinguished Dr. Michael Houts. With over two decades of expertise in nuclear engineering, specializing in space nuclear power and propulsion, Dr. Houts brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.

    Hosted by Dr. David Dan, this episode delves into Dr. Houts' remarkable career, from his early days at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology to his pivotal roles at Los Alamos National Laboratory and his current position at NASA.

    Discover the fascinating world of space exploration as Dr. Houts shares insights into his groundbreaking research on space nuclear power and propulsion, actinide transmutation, tritium production, and radiation shielding. Explore the challenges and advancements in the field, and gain a deeper understanding of the critical role nuclear engineering plays in shaping the future of space technology.

    Tune in to this stellar episode of the Rad Lab Podcast for an enlightening exploration of the cosmos with one of the leading minds in nuclear engineering, Dr. Michael Houts.
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    42 mins
  • The Curie's: A Legacy of Radiance - Part 2

    The Curie's: A Legacy of Radiance - Part 2
    Oct 28 2023
    Welcome back to Part 2 of "The Curie's: A Legacy of Radiance" in The Rad Lab Podcast. In this continued exploration of the groundbreaking contributions of Marie and Pierre Curie, we delve further into their remarkable journey through the world of radioactivity.Join us as we unravel the compelling narrative of these two pioneering scientists, their tireless pursuit of knowledge, and their groundbreaking discoveries. Part 2 will take you on a deeper dive into their enduring legacy and the profound impact of their work on the field of radiochemistry.Discover how the Curies' relentless dedication paved the way for an understanding of radioactivity that continues to influence scientific research, medicine, and technology to this day. This episode is a testament to the indomitable spirit of two of history's most iconic scientists and the profound influence they have had on the world.If you're intrigued by the history of scientific innovation, the incredible legacy of the Curies, or the captivating world of radiochemistry, this episode is an enlightening continuation of a truly remarkable story. Join us as we journey through the radiant history of "The Curie's: A Legacy of Radiance."
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    40 mins
  • Atomic Reels: Radiochemists Review Oppenheimer

    Atomic Reels: Radiochemists Review Oppenheimer
    Jul 31 2023
    Welcome back to another thrilling episode of "The Rad Lab"! In today's episode, we're diving deep into the riveting Oppenheimer movie to dissect the science and history behind one of the most pivotal moments in the 20th century.As radiochemists, we can't help but be drawn to the atomic themes depicted in the film. From the initial stages of nuclear research to the top-secret Manhattan Project, we'll explore how the movie portrays the scientific breakthroughs that shaped the world forever.Join us as we analyze the accuracy of the movie's portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer. We'll examine his complex character and the personal struggles that haunted him during his quest to harness the power of the atom.But that's not all! We'll also take you on a behind-the-scenes journey into the world of filmmaking. Our radiochemists' eyes will be keenly focused on the sets, props, and visuals to spot any intriguing scientific details or any artistic liberties taken for dramatic effect.Throughout the episode, we'll share fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts about Oppenheimer's life, offering a unique blend of science and history that will captivate both movie enthusiasts and history buffs alike.As we wrap up this enthralling episode, we'll conclude with our final thoughts on the film's overall accuracy and its impact on how society perceives one of the most brilliant yet controversial figures in scientific history.So grab your lab notebooks, tune in, and get ready to be immersed in the world of atomic cinema with "The Rad Lab." Stay curious, stay tuned, and let the power of science and cinema collide!
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The Extraordinary Journey of Marie Curie and Pierre Curie Part 1: Radiochemistry Series

    The Extraordinary Journey of Marie Curie and Pierre Curie Part 1: Radiochemistry Series
    Jun 25 2023
    In this captivating episode of The Rad Lab, we delve into the extraordinary lives of renowned scientist Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie. Join us as we uncover the remarkable achievements, groundbreaking research, and enduring legacy of this power couple in the realm of science and beyond.Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist, shattered barriers and defied societal norms in her relentless pursuit of knowledge. From her early struggles as a young Polish student to becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to science inspire generations.Pierre Curie, an exceptional physicist and Nobel laureate in his own right, played an instrumental role in Marie's scientific journey. Together, they formed an exceptional partnership, sharing a profound love for science and a commitment to unraveling the mysteries of the universe.As we unravel their personal and professional lives, we uncover the challenges they faced, the breakthroughs they achieved, and the profound impact their discoveries had on the world. From their groundbreaking research on radioactivity to the discovery of new elements, their contributions revolutionized the field of science and paved the way for future advancements.However, their journey was not without its hardships. We explore the sacrifices they made, the discrimination they endured, and the tragic loss that forever altered Marie's life.Join us as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of Marie Curie and Pierre Curie, two luminaries who forever changed the scientific landscape. Through their tenacity, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to knowledge, they continue to inspire and empower future generations of scientists.Tune in to this enlightening episode of The Rad Lab as we delve into the captivating story of Marie Curie and her husband, Pierre Curie, and discover the profound impact they had on the world of science and beyond.
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    30 mins
  • Antoine Becquerel: The Discovery of the Uranic Ray - Radiochemistry Series

    Antoine Becquerel: The Discovery of the Uranic Ray - Radiochemistry Series
    Apr 9 2023
    Welcome to the The Rad Lab podcast, where we explore the stories behind some of the world's most fascinating scientific discoveries. In this episode, we'll dive into the life and work of Antoine Henri Becquerel, a French physicist who made a groundbreaking discovery that laid the foundation for the study of radioactivity and radiochemistry.Becquerel was born in 1852 into a family of distinguished scientists. He followed in their footsteps and became a physicist himself, conducting experiments on light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. But it wasn't until 1896 that he stumbled upon the discovery that would make him famous: the "uranic ray".In this podcast, we'll delve into the circumstances surrounding Becquerel's discovery, including his experiments with uranium salts and photographic plates. We'll explore how he realized that uranium was emitting a type of radiation that could penetrate opaque materials.So join us for this fascinating journey into the life and work of Antoine Henri Becquerel, hosted by Dr. David Dan and Dr. Dale Ensor and brought to you by the chemistry department at Tennessee Tech University. Whether you're a student, a scientist, or just someone with a curious mind, there's something for everyone in this episode of the The Rad Lab podcast.
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    15 mins
  • Polymers, DnD, and Happiness with Dr. Kyle Murphy: Interview Series

    Polymers, DnD, and Happiness with Dr. Kyle Murphy: Interview Series
    Feb 26 2023

    Welcome to The Rad Lab Podcast interview series, where we delve into the fascinating world of science and technology. Today, we have a very special guest with us, Dr. Kyle Murphy from Tennessee Tech University.

    . With years of experience in academia and industry, he has a wealth of knowledge to share about the design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers, and how they can be used in various applications.

    In this interview, we will discuss the latest advancements in polymer chemistry, including the development of new materials, the use of sustainable polymers, and the application of polymers in medicine, electronics, and other fields. Our guest will share their insights into the challenges and opportunities in polymer research, and how we can use polymers to solve real-world problems. Our guest will share their advice for aspiring chemists, and what qualities are needed to succeed in this field.

    So join us for this fascinating conversation with Dr. Kyle Murphy, as we explore the exciting world of polymers and their applications

    To learn more about Dr. Kyle Murphy and Tennessee Tech university follow this link: https://www.tntech.edu/cas/chemistry/
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    33 mins
  • Wilhelm Röntgen: Discovery of the X-ray - Radiochemistry Series

    Wilhelm Röntgen: Discovery of the X-ray - Radiochemistry Series
    Jan 15 2023

    In this episode of The Rad Lab podcast we take a look at the discovery of the X-ray. We look into Wilhelm Röntgen as a scientist and how x-rays made an immediate impact into the world.

    If you would like to learn more about Tennessee Tech University and its Chemistry department check out there website https://www.tntech.edu/cas/chemistry/
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    21 mins