Topic: Atom

45 chapters across the catalog

Coup Afoot
Episode 1838 1:13:55 - 1:15:31

1838: Coup Afoot

Doomsday Clock, 85 Seconds to Midnight Announcement

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to 85 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to a perceived global catastrophe. The announcement cites nuclear weapons, climate change, and disruptive technologies as the primary drivers of existential risk. Critics dismiss the clock as a dated 1970s-era communication tool that has lost its impact on the modern public.

Eat The Babies
Episode 1759 3:06:41 - 3:15:05

1759: Eat The Babies

Final Donations, Archduke of Luna, St. Louis Nuclear Waste

The final donation segment includes contributions from the Archduke of Luna and a detailed note about the St. Louis nuclear waste issue. A producer recommended the HBO documentary "Atomic Homefront" and noted that RFK Jr. visited the town to hear from affected residents. The hosts thank all contributors for their "numerology" and support of the show's independent model.

MEGA
Episode 1734 2:37:25 - 2:43:36

1734: MEGA

Doomsday Clock, Atomic Scientists, Climate Change Financing

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the "Doomsday Clock" to 89 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been. The board cited nuclear risks, climate change, and the spread of "misinformation" as primary drivers for the move. The segment criticizes the clock as a political tool, noting that it moved closer to midnight due to Trump's intention to withdraw from the Paris Agreement rather than actual nuclear threats.

e-Safety
Episode 1654 2:09:10 - 2:11:53

1654: e-Safety

Climate Change and Earth's Rotation, Leap Seconds

A study from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography suggests that melting polar ice is redistributing water weight and slowing the Earth's rotation. Researcher Duncan Agnew claims this may require the subtraction of a "leap second" from atomic clocks by 2029. The hosts dismiss the story as "climate kookery" designed to create a new Y2K-style panic regarding financial and satellite systems.

Day One Dictator
Episode 1615 1:08:50 - 1:13:21

1615: Day One Dictator

Methane Leak Fines and Oil Refinery Operations

Texas oil industry insiders dispute the accuracy of methane leak reports issued by the Department of Energy, claiming they are based on flawed algorithms rather than physical inspections. The discussion also touches on how environmental fines are often funneled into non-profit organizations for tax write-offs.

Grip & Grin
Episode 1527 2:13:28 - 2:16:02

1527: Grip & Grin

AI Voice Cloning, Adam Curry and John Dvorak Deepfakes

A demonstration of AI voice cloning technology features synthesized versions of the hosts' voices. While the vocal timbre is accurate, the hosts note that the cadence and spontaneity of human "performance art" are difficult for current AI to replicate. They discuss the potential for AI to eventually automate certain aspects of podcasting or broadcasting.

Climatarian
Episode 1524 1:28 - 4:56

1524: Climatarian

Doomsday Clock Advances to 90 Seconds to Midnight

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved the Doomsday Clock to 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to global catastrophe. Suzette McKinney of the Science and Security Board explains that the decision was influenced by the war in Ukraine, nuclear threats, biological risks, and climate change. The hosts critique the scientific validity of the clock's metrics.

COVID Medley
Episode 1440 2:40 - 8:56

1440: COVID Medley

Doomsday Clock Update, Wuhan Flu Parody Songs

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moves the Doomsday Clock to 100 seconds to midnight, citing climate catastrophe and global threats. A series of musical parodies follow, focusing on the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, and the early spread of the "Wuhan Flu." The lyrics describe the confusion surrounding the unknown germ and the beginning of international quarantine measures.

Beaches are Open
Episode 1239 46:08 - 48:19

1239: Beaches are Open

Low-Dose Radiotherapy, Alternative COVID-19 Treatments

Expert Rod Adams is advocating for the use of low-dose lung radiotherapy to treat COVID-19 pneumonia, a method used in the 1950s that has since fallen out of favor. Other potential treatments being explored include the use of a hydrogen peroxide-like spray in the lungs of intubated patients. These low-cost alternatives are reportedly being ignored by the medical establishment in favor of more profitable vaccine development.

Pale Male
Episode 1211 1:46:48 - 1:50:01

1211: Pale Male

Doomsday Clock, Jerry Brown "Prophet of Doom"

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved the Doomsday Clock to 100 seconds to midnight, citing climate change and nuclear proliferation. Former California Governor Jerry Brown, speaking at the event, compared himself to biblical prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah for warning of impending disaster. The hosts mock Brown as "Moonbeam" and criticize the inclusion of climate change in a nuclear-focused metric.

Eleven Eleven
Episode 1111 1:36:43 - 1:41:46

1111: Eleven Eleven

Atomic Bomb Manuals, Illuminati Card Game

Sir Melvin sent a package containing self-published materials on "heritage nukes" and declassified information regarding the construction of the first atomic bombs. The shipment also included the "Illuminati Deluxe" card game and a 3D-printed raven skull. The hosts discuss the "Squirrel Mail" jingle and the various "totems" sent in by producers for the show's archives.

Post Racial
Episode 1064 2:51:34 - 2:54:12

1064: Post Racial

NIST Budget Proposal to Close WWV Radio Stations

A 2019 budget proposal for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) includes the closure of radio stations WWV and WWVH. These stations provide frequency standards and time synchronization for 50 million devices, including radio-controlled clocks and appliances. Industry leaders hope Congress will reject the cuts due to the massive number of dependent devices.

Doomsday Sandwich
Episode 1003 55:10 - 58:54

1003: Doomsday Sandwich

Doomsday Clock Update, Hillary Clinton Activism Video

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock forward to two minutes to midnight, citing nuclear risks and climate change. Simultaneously, Hillary Clinton appeared in a video thanking activists for their "feminism" and "activism," specifically addressing a group called "Bitches Supporting Bitches." The move is seen by some as an attempt to remain politically relevant ahead of the 2020 election cycle.

Competitive Victimhood
Episode 997 1:03:04 - 1:10:53

997: Competitive Victimhood

No Agenda Value-for-Value Donor Segment

The hosts acknowledge executive and associate producers who support the show through the value-for-value model. Notable donations include $333.33 from Sir Atomic Rod Adams and $333 from Dame Francine Hardaway. The segment covers the upcoming 1000th episode milestone and the lack of traditional advertising on the program.

Hitler's Playbook
Episode 906 1:14:15 - 1:17:35

906: Hitler's Playbook

Rod Adams, Depleted Uranium, A-10 Warthog Weapons

Nuclear expert Rod Adams, Baron of Blue Ridge, provides a technical breakdown of depleted uranium (DU) munitions used by A-10 Warthog pilots. Adams argues that DU is largely inert until impact, where it turns into a plasma form to pierce tank armor. The discussion addresses the controversy surrounding DU's alleged link to birth defects, with Adams suggesting such claims are often anti-nuclear propaganda.

Morally Obtuse
Episode 902 2:14:14 - 2:18:21

902: Morally Obtuse

Fukushima Radiation, Atomic Rod, Unit 2 Probe

Reports of extreme radiation levels inside Fukushima's Unit 2 reactor are addressed by nuclear expert "Atomic Rod." He explains that high radiation levels are expected inside a damaged reactor containment vessel and do not necessarily indicate a new threat to the public. The segment aims to deconstruct sensationalist media coverage regarding the ongoing cleanup efforts at the Japanese nuclear site.

Loyalty Test
Episode 899 19:55 - 24:24

899: Loyalty Test

Doomsday Clock, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists and Midnight

The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists moved the Doomsday Clock to two and a half minutes to midnight, the closest it has been since the 1950s. The board cited reckless language regarding nuclear weapons and a disregard for scientific expertise on climate change as primary reasons for the shift. The hosts dismiss the clock as a fear-mongering tool and reference an Iron Maiden song of the same name.

Trump Head
Episode 795 1:50:58 - 1:58:18

795: Trump Head

800 Quarters and the Ant Song

Sir Tom "Rod" Adams donated $200 in the form of "800 quarters" to celebrate the show's upcoming 800th episode. Adams, a nuclear energy expert, is praised for providing accurate industry information. The segment also features a humorous "Ayn Rand Mac and Cheese" clip and the return of the "Ant Song" following a discussion about a pest infestation in the studio.