Best National Physical Laboratory Podcasts (2025)

1
AI at the Lab 18:42

4d ago18:42

18:42

Artificial intelligence is transforming how science is conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. From accelerating drug discovery to optimizing complex experiments, AI is helping researchers work faster, smarter and with greater precision. Today we’ll explore how scientists are using Cognitive Simulation - an AI-driven approach that comb…

1
Jupiter Laser Facility 21:42

18d ago21:42

21:42

From fusion experiments to cancer-fighting tech, the Jupiter Laser Facility is where bold ideas meet billion-watt lasers. In this episode, we go inside the lab where students and scientists alike get hands-on with some of the most powerful laser systems on Earth - turning science fiction into real-world breakthroughs, one laser shot at a time. -- B…

1
Spring Break - We'll Be Back Soon! 1:15

2M ago1:15

1:15

Big Ideas Lab is taking a quick spring break, but the story is far from over. We're continuing to uncover the untold breakthroughs and hidden histories of Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Stay tuned — there’s so much more ahead!By Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Mission, LLNL, Mission.org

1
Machinists 13:24

2M ago13:24

13:24

Before a laser fires or a rocket launches, machinists make the mission possible. This episode explores the world of machining at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory—where skilled craftspeople transform raw materials into components for fusion research, national security, and space exploration. From time-tested manual tools to advanced digital ma…

1
Space Security 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

In the vast silence of space, security is anything but quiet. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, cutting-edge science and strategic defense converge to protect the satellites we rely on—guarding them from cyber threats, kinetic attacks, and space debris. As the risks above grow more complex, we’ll uncover the evolving dangers and the invisi…

1
Tech Transfer 17:45

2M ago17:45

17:45

Today we’ll explore how technologies developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory make their way from the Lab into industry — impacting lives every day, in ways that might surprise you. We’ll explore how scientific breakthroughs like high-peak-power laser peening, 3D metal printing, and more spotlight LLNL’s Innovation and Partnerships Offic…

1
Inertial Fusion Energy 18:20

2M ago18:20

18:20

What if we could harness the same energy that powers the stars to fuel our world? Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are working towards turning this vision into reality. In this episode, we explore how fusion works, why it’s fundamentally different from today’s nuclear energy, and how the groundbreaking achievement of ignition at…

1
Community Giving 11:59

3M ago11:59

11:59

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is celebrated for its groundbreaking science - from Fusion Ignition to safeguarding the nuclear stockpile. But there’s another story - grounded in community, connection, and a deep culture of giving. In this episode, we’ll explore how the same passion that drives scientific discovery fuels the Lab’s commitment…

1
Drug Discovery 28:54

3M ago28:54

28:54

For centuries, drug discovery was a slow, trial-and-error process—sometimes taking decades to develop life-saving treatments. But what if we could speed up that timeline? At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, scientists are using supercomputing, machine learning, and AI to revolutionize how new medicines are found, tested, and developed. In th…

1
Optics Recycle Loop 19:53

3M ago19:53

19:53

Inside the National Ignition Facility, 192 laser beams push the limits of science and technology, supporting critical national security and scientific research. But the extreme energy takes a toll, leaving tiny cracks and damage on the system’s delicate optics. Instead of replacing these costly components, scientists at Lawrence Livermore National …

1
Planetary Defense (Part 2) 14:04

3M ago14:04

14:04

Asteroids have reshaped Earth before—and scientists know another impact is inevitable. When traditional deflection methods won’t work, what’s the last resort? At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, experts are exploring nuclear deflection: using nuclear energy to alter an asteroid’s path or break it apart before impact. But how does it work, wh…

1
Planetary Defense (Part 1) 23:35

4M ago23:35

23:35

In 2013, a house-sized asteroid exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, with the force of 30 atomic bombs. A century earlier, an asteroid impact flattened 830 square miles of Siberian forest. And while Hollywood loves to dramatize asteroid threats, the real work of planetary defense isn’t happening in action movies—it’s happening in research labs. At La…

1
NIF Sustainment 22:12

4M ago22:12

22:12

How do you maintain a facility built to achieve the impossible? In this episode, we explore the National Ignition Facility Sustainment Project—an undertaking to ensure that the world’s most energetic laser continues to deliver on its mission. Discover how scientists at the National Ignition Facility keep this technological marvel running, overcomin…

1
Earthquake Modeling 20:30

4M ago20:30

20:30

The ground beneath us is always moving—but what can it reveal about our future? At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, seismic monitoring has evolved into a cornerstone of national security and disaster preparedness. From detecting nuclear tests halfway across the globe to simulating the devastating effects of earthquakes before they strike, th…

1
Next Gen Innovators 28:35

4M ago28:35

28:35

What happens when you bring a group of fifth graders into one of the world’s most advanced science labs? It’s not just magic—it’s mission-critical. At Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, student outreach programs, from elementary school activities to graduate internships, are designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of science. Th…

1
Testing the Waters 26:20

4M ago26:20

26:20

From studying polluted waters off the coast of California to explaining the feasibility of a fungal-based zombie outbreak at San Diego Comic Con, Kari Sant, PhD, Michigan State University, discusses her passion projects with co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, DABT, and David Faulkner, PhD, DABT. Dr. Sant also reveals what it is like to start a new lab w…

1
Roads to Removal 34:03

5M ago34:03

34:03

Entire communities erased by hurricanes. 240,000 square kilometers burned. Floodwaters swallowing towns. Extreme weather isn’t a distant threat—it’s reshaping our world. But here’s the good news: we’re not powerless. Enter the Roads to Removal report, a new strategy for combating climate change. In this episode, we delve into the science, strategy,…

1
Boom! When Evolutionary Biology and Toxicology Collide 28:12

5M ago28:12

28:12

Noah Whiteman, PhD, a professor at UC Berkeley, shares his unique perspective on toxins, stemming from his background in entomology and plant-insect interactions. He explores how toxins impact the ecology and evolution of various organisms, from insects to humans, with co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, and David Faulkner, PhD. About the Guest Noah Whit…

1
Cardiovascular Risks from Low-Level Metal Mixtures 27:13

5M ago27:13

27:13

Sometimes negative results can be just as interesting as positive ones. Nivetha Subramaniam, a student at McGill University, discusses her research regarding the potential cardiovascular risks from exposure to mixtures of arsenic and cadmium with co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, and David Faulkner, PhD. About the Guest Nivetha Kamalavannan Subramaniam…

1
Tox in Your Backyard 27:31

5M ago27:31

27:31

From Superfund remediation sites near neighborhoods to wartime combat zones, toxicology is everywhere, which is why many states employ toxicologists on their public health teams. Co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, and David Faulkner, PhD, speak with Julie Miller, PhD, Public Health Toxicologist for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, about the impacts of …

1
Additive Manufacturing 29:01

5M ago29:01

29:01

Once a concept in 1940s science fiction, additive manufacturing—better known as 3D printing—has become a game-changer in modern production. Unlike traditional methods that cut away material, additive manufacturing builds components layer by layer, enabling intricate designs, reduced waste, and faster production. In this episode, we uncover how this…

1
Toxicology Is a Team Sport: The Science of Working Together 26:07

5M ago26:07

26:07

Did you know that there are scientists who study teamwork? Co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, and David Faulkner, PhD, DABT, speak with Stephen Fiore, PhD, Director, Cognitive Sciences Laboratory, about the art and science of working in teams and what you can do to improve teamwork in your lab, department, etc. About the Guest Stephen M. Fiore, PhD, is …

1
Stockpile Modernization 18:30

5M ago18:30

18:30

In the mid-1990s, global treaties and a U.S. moratorium on nuclear testing marked a turning point in reducing the nuclear threat. As Cold War tensions eased, U.S. nuclear test and production sites fell silent for the first time since 1945. But, as the years passed, a new threat to U.S. nuclear deterrence emerged—one that no technology has ever esca…

1
Pipping the Scales with Zebrafish 25:54

6M ago25:54

25:54

Fish on treadmills? Lisa Truong, PhD, MBA, Oregon State University, discusses the unique ways that they test exposure effects using zebrafish. Co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, and David Faulkner, PhD, also ask her about the benefits of having an MBA as a scientist. About the Guest The overall goal of Lisa Truong's research program is to utilize the ze…

1
Site 300 25:33

6M ago25:33

25:33

After the first successful atomic bomb test in 1945, code-named Trinity, a new era in global politics began. Unlocking the power of the atom sparked a race among world governments—not just to build bigger weapons, but smaller, cheaper, and more agile ones. Achieving this would require rapid iteration to stay ahead. In 1955, the Atomic Energy Commis…

1
Snow Big Deal? Similar Exposures, Different Outcomes 27:39

6M ago27:39

27:39

Can two people experience the same exposure and have different reactions to both chemical and non-chemical stressors? Yes, according to Samantha "Sam" Snow and a team of toxicologists, epidemiologists, exposure scientists, and others who assess risk. Dr. Snow talks with co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, and David Faulkner, PhD, about exposure science, …

1
NARAC 30:57

6M ago30:57

30:57

In the 1960s and 70s, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory were pushing the boundaries of nuclear weapons technology. But these breakthroughs came with a daunting question: Now that nuclear technologies existed, how could the world manage their risks and keep people safe? Enter NARAC, the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Cente…

1
High Intensity Sweeteners with a Sugar Czar 28:33

6M ago28:33

28:33

Whether its found in nature or composed by chemists a sweetener undergoes the same evaluations, according to Corey Scott, PhD, Principal Nutritionist, Cargill. Dr. Scott explains to co-hosts Anne Chappelle, PhD, and David Faulkner, PhD, how all sweeteners must be able to replace multiple properties inherit in sugar, such as taste, nutritional conte…

1
El Capitan 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

For decades, it was an ambitious dream: to create a supercomputer powerful enough to tackle humanity's most complex problems. Now, that dream is a reality. On November 18, 2024, El Capitan made history as the world’s fastest supercomputer, surpassing two exaflops of speed. Join us as we explore how this monumental achievement is set to redefine nat…

1
Little Zombie Parasites 37:12

6M ago37:12

37:12

Co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner speak with William J. Sullivan, PhD, Showalter Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Professor of Microbiology & Immunology with the Indiana University School of Medicine, about toxic parasites lying dormant in your brain and the power and importance of science communication. About the Guest Bill Sull…

1
DYNA3D 19:41

6M ago19:41

19:41

What does designing hurricane-proof buildings have to do with heart surgery and light beer? Surprisingly, the answer lies in a groundbreaking computer code developed more than 50 years ago. A code so powerful that automakers use it for car crash simulations, beer manufacturers rely on it to design cans, and surgeons turn to it to understand how flu…

1
Implantables 24:49

7M ago24:49

24:49

Imagine an artificial retina that restores sight or micro-devices implanted to monitor health in real time. This isn’t science fiction—it’s our new reality. In this episode, we journey into the groundbreaking world of implantable technology. Discover the science driving these innovations, explore the life-changing devices already in use, and glimps…

1
Beyond Ignition 22:41

7M ago22:41

22:41

Over millennia, humanity has mastered fire, wind, steam and even the atom to fuel its progress. Now, we stand on the brink of the next monumental leap: fusion. At the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a team of scientists and engineers has been working tirelessly to achieve Fusion Ignition, an achievement that co…

1
Fusion Ignition 17:22

7M ago17:22

17:22

Step inside LLNL’s National Ignition Facility, home to the world’s largest and most powerful laser. It’s a building as vast as three football fields, with beams amplified a million times in strength, all focused on a tiny target no bigger than a centimeter. The scale is immense, but the goal is even bigger: to create the most extreme conditions in …

1
Day in a Life of Deterrence 27:27

8M ago27:27

27:27

Strategic deterrence is the foundation of U.S. national defense, but it’s only as strong as the nuclear triad that supports it. Think of the nuclear triad—land, sea and air—as a three-legged stool that holds up the entire strategy. For this "stool" to remain steady, the weapons, systems and devices within each leg must be credible. But what does it…

1
Strategic Deterrence 26:00

8M ago26:00

26:00

In October 1962, a U-2 reconnaissance plane captured images of Soviet missile sites under construction in Cuba. What followed was a tense 13-day standoff between the US and the Soviet Union—an event that became known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. This pivotal moment in the Cold War revealed the catastrophic potential of nuclear war and the urgent ne…

1
Supercomputing 36:25

8M ago36:25

36:25

In the 1960s, a quiet revolution was taking shape behind the scenes—one that would eventually touch every corner of our modern world. As Cold War tensions rose and the future grew more uncertain, scientists embarked on a mission to harness a new kind of power: high performance computing. What began as an effort to solve complex nuclear challenges w…

1
History of the Lab 21:20

8M ago21:20

21:20

In the wake of the Soviet Union's first atomic bomb test, the looming threat of nuclear war sent shockwaves through the United States. Air raid sirens blared, bomb shelters were built, and schoolchildren were drilled in "Duck and Cover" tactics. But the U.S. government knew preparation wasn’t enough—they needed a breakthrough, something far more po…

1
Meet the Lab 12:56

9M ago12:56

12:56

What if one square mile could change the world? Welcome to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where groundbreaking scientific discoveries are transforming the way we understand, interact with and shape our reality. Tucked just beyond the San Francisco Bay, this hub of innovation is home to some of the brightest minds tackling humanity's toughe…

1
About Big Ideas Lab 3:05

9M ago3:05

3:05

Welcome to the Big Ideas Lab, a weekly podcast that takes you inside Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Hear untold stories, meet boundary-pushing pioneers and get unparalleled access to groundbreaking science and technology. From national security challenges to computing revolutions, discover the innovations that are shaping tomorrow, today. …

1
The Intersection of Toxicology, Environmental Health Law, and Justice 31:10

2y ago31:10

31:10

As the foremost experts on the effects of chemicals, biological substances, and more, toxicologists are key contributors to health regulation and laws. Law Professor and lawyer Claudia Polsky, University of California Berkeley, discusses how science can influence environmental health law, as well as environmental justice, with co-hosts Anne Chappel…

1
Pitfalls in Pharmaceutical Production: Protecting the Actual Drug Makers 23:30

2y ago23:30

23:30

While pharmaceuticals provide positive benefits for patients, what about workers that may be exposed during production? Elizabeth M. Vancza, Merck & Co. Inc., reveals to co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner the role of occupational toxicologists in understanding the exposure risks of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and other substances that may a…

1
The Big Picture of Small Things: Nanotoxicology 30:10

2y ago30:10

30:10

Nanoparticles are manmade fibers, particulates, and other objects that are so small that when inhaled, they can escape the lungs and enter other body systems. Timothy Nurkiewicz, West Virginia University, studies the effects of these and other particulars. He discusses his inhalation and nanotoxicology research, as well as work with the National Gu…

1
Tox in the Family: Generational Exposure and DDT 25:00

2y ago25:00

25:00

Blood samples and health records for 15,000 pregnancies provides a wealth of scientific data. Add samples and records from the resultant children and grandchildren, and you have an invaluable cohort with which you can study the long-term results of events that occur during pregnancy. Barbara Cohn with the Public Health Institute is the Director of …

1
Bringing Cohorts in Cahoots with Lab Science 31:03

2y ago31:03

31:03

The fields of epidemiology and toxicology sometimes find themselves at odds, but Gradient’s Julie Goodman, an epidemiologist and toxicologist, shares how the two disciplines can complement each other to evaluate public health risks. Dr. Goodman also dives into the finer points of systemic reviews and meta-analyses in her conversation with co-hosts …

1
Estradiol Complicates Everything: Toxicology across the Gender Spectrum 28:31

2y ago28:31

28:31

When it comes to hormones, everyone has them all, but their levels are where things get interesting. How chemicals affect estrogen signaling in the brain is the research focus of Troy Roepke, Rutgers, who talks to co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner about how gender is not easily defined biologically, what it is like to be a “fabulously quee…

1
Up in Smoke: Where Cannabis Meets the Immune System 33:56

2y ago33:56

33:56

Since the discovery of cannabinoid receptors in the mid-1990s, researchers have been trying to determine their role and how they affect the immune system. Barbara Kaplan, Mississippi State University, discusses research in this area with co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner and also shares what scientists are discovering about CBD, vaping, TH…

1
Wildfire Smoke Isn’t Monkey Business 26:54

3y ago26:54

26:54

Because of natural exposure to wildfire smoke, nonhuman primates have provided an increased understanding of the long-term effects of smoke inhalation during infancy, shares Lisa Miller, University of California Davis (UC Davis). Dr. Miller also discusses with co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner the importance of animal models in human healt…

1
Sweating It Out: Exercise versus Toxic Exposures 25:19

3y ago25:19

25:19

With nonalcoholic fatty liver disease affecting nearly a third of the US population, Luma Melo, University of Pittsburgh, describes how mouse studies have shown that low-impact exercise can help reverse liver damage. Dr. Melo also shares with co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner how research funding works in her native Brazil and the role of …

1
Anthropogenic Ghosts on the Coast 26:42

3y ago26:42

26:42

While no longer national news, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is still impacting the ecological health of the Gulf of Mexico and the livelihoods of the communities that rely upon the gulf’s aquatic life, as Robert “Joe” Griffitt of the University of Southern Mississippi reveals. Dr. Griffitt and co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner discuss h…

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National Physical Laboratory Podcasts

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