14 chapters across the catalog
A fleet of Russian military ships, including a nuclear-powered submarine and a frigate, arrived in Havana, Cuba, for military exercises. The deployment is seen as a response to President Biden authorizing Ukraine to use U.S. weapons for strikes inside Russia. While U.S. officials state the ships carry no nuclear weapons, the proximity to Florida has drawn comparisons to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Biden CNN Interview, Russian Belgorod Submarine
President Joe Biden stated in a CNN interview with Jake Tapper that he does not believe Vladimir Putin will use nuclear weapons, despite previous "Armageddon" warnings. Meanwhile, reports from WION describe the Russian Belgorod submarine, the world's largest nuclear-powered vessel, which is allegedly testing the Poseidon nuclear torpedo. This "doomsday" weapon is claimed to be capable of triggering radioactive tsunamis.
The newly formed AUKUS alliance between the US, UK, and Australia aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines to counter Chinese aggression. Media reports in Australia are increasingly focused on the possibility of a conflict over Taiwan as President Xi Jinping tightens domestic control.
The hosts review the listener-submitted artwork for the previous episode, which featured a "Yellow Submarine" theme in IKEA colors (yellow and blue). The art referenced the nuclear submarine deal between Australia, the US, and the UK, which excluded France. Other submissions included a Bauhaus-inspired logo and a caricature of Al Sharpton.
Diesel Submarines, Stealth Capabilities and Nuclear Comparison
A producer provides a technical explanation of why diesel-electric submarines are often quieter and more dangerous than nuclear-powered vessels. The note explains that nuclear subs must constantly run coolant pumps, while diesel subs can operate silently on batteries at low speeds. However, diesel subs are vulnerable when they must surface or use a snorkel to recharge their batteries.
The newly launched submarine USS Indiana features an S9G nuclear reactor designed to operate for 33 years without refueling. This technological advancement allows the vessel to remain powered for its entire service life. Despite the safety record of naval nuclear power, the IPCC continues to express concerns regarding the risks associated with nuclear energy.
Nuclear Posture Review, Small Submarine Nukes
The Trump administration's Nuclear Posture Review calls for the development of new, relatively small nuclear weapons to be deployed on submarines. Pentagon officials state this is a necessary response to modernization efforts by Russia and China, though critics warn it could spark a new global arms race.
HMS Vigilant Scandal, Nuclear Submarine Parties, Cocaine Allegations
Nine sailors on the British nuclear submarine HMS Vigilant were fired after testing positive for cocaine following "drug-fueled parties." The incidents allegedly occurred while the sub was docked in the US to pick up nuclear weapons. The report includes claims of a sailor having sex with a prostitute in a swimming pool.
New York Times Leak, Trump-Duterte Transcript, and Nuclear Submarines
The New York Times published a leaked transcript of a private phone call between President Trump and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. In the call, Trump reportedly revealed the location of two U.S. nuclear submarines near North Korea and praised Duterte's aggressive anti-drug campaign. The hosts criticize the media for reporting on confidential transcripts without questioning the source or the legality of the leak.
Nuclear Reactor Technology, Submarine Cores and Breeder Reactors
A listener known as Sir Atomic Rod provides technical details on the size of nuclear cores used in 1960s-era submarines, noting they could fit under a desk and run for decades. The hosts argue that modern breeder reactor technology is "anti-science" to ignore, as these reactors can consume their own waste. They criticize the public's programmed fear of nuclear energy in favor of less efficient wind and solar power.
Decommissioned Submarines, Power Generation and Environmentalist Skepticism
A proposal to use decommissioned nuclear submarines as offshore power plants suggests they could power 250,000 homes by modifying their turbines. Skepticism remains regarding why environmentalists reject nuclear options in favor of cap-and-trade systems. Additionally, the rising cost of low-sulfur diesel fuel is noted as exceeding premium gasoline prices due to heavy taxation.
Nuclear Powered Naval Vessels, Submarine Scandals
A discussion on the prevalence of nuclear power in modern naval fleets, including aircraft carriers and submarines, leads to a report on a recent scandal. Several crew members were reportedly disciplined after an unauthorized video of an orgy aboard a submarine was discovered. The segment also references "Atomic Rod" Adams, a former nuclear submarine officer and long-time contributor to the program.
Listener Donations and Submarine Service Corrections
Various listeners are thanked for their donations, including a request for a Reverend Manning remix and a correction regarding a donor's service on a nuclear submarine. The hosts clarify that they do not have the staff to manage complex accounting for "nighthood" funds and ask donors to track their own totals. Issues with PayPal canceling recurring donations are also addressed.
Three Mile Island History and Small-Scale Nuclear Power
A retrospective on the 1979 Three Mile Island accident notes the cultural impact of the film "The China Syndrome." The possibility of small-scale nuclear reactors, similar to those used in submarines, is explored as a potential alternative for independent power generation.
