Your weekly exploration inside Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Hear untold stories, meet boundary-pushing pioneers and get unparalleled access to ground...
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, overcoming challenges of aging systems to ensure it remains a cornerstone of innovation and a vital asset to the nation’s security.-- Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series. Executive Produced by Lacey Peace and Levi Hanusch.Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle. Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle. Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell. Narrated by Matthew Powell. Video Production by Levi Hanusch. Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance): Jean Michel Di Nicola, Co-Program Director for Laser Science and Systems Engineering at NIF, LLNLGordon Brunton, National Ignition Facility Director, LLNLJeff Horner, Project Manager for the NIF Sustainment Project, LLNLLarry Pelz, Deputy Group Leader for Laser Science Systems Engineering, LLNLBrought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
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22:12
Earthquake Modeling
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, this episode explores how LLNL’s work is making the world a safer place—one seismic wave at a time.-- Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series. Executive Produced by Lacey Peace. Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle. Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle. Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell. Narrated by Matthew Powell. Video Production by Levi Hanusch. Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance): Bill Walter, Geophysical Monitoring Programs Focus Area Lead, LLNLArben Pitarka, Seismology Group Leader, LLNLBrought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
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20:30
Next Gen Innovators
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. These programs aren’t just about teaching; they’re about preparing the U.S. to tackle tomorrow’s greatest challenges. With the global stakes higher than ever, hear how sparking curiosity in young minds today is essential to developing the innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers who will lead the world tomorrow.-- Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series. Executive Produced by Lacey Peace. Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle. Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle. Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell. Narrated by Matthew Powell. Video Production by Levi Hanusch. Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance): Joanna Albala, Science Education Programmer at LLNLPatrick Poole, Experimental Physicist at LLNLBrought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
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28:35
Roads to Removal
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, and stories behind this effort. Join us as we explore how scientists, farmers, and policymakers are uniting to turn the tide on climate change. -- Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series. Executive Produced by Lacey Peace. Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle. Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle. Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell. Narrated by Matthew Powell. Video Production by Levi Hanusch. Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance): Jennifer Pett-Ridge, Lead of the LLNL Carbon InitiativeSimon Pang, Associate Group Leader in the Materials for Energy and Climate Security Group at LLNLKimberley Mayfield, Staff Scientist of Energy Equity & Carbon Management at LLNLBrought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
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34:03
Additive Manufacturing
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 technology evolved, why it’s transforming industries like aerospace and healthcare, and what the future holds as researchers push its boundaries.-- Big Ideas Lab is a Mission.org original series. Executive Produced by Lacey Peace. Sound Design, Music Edit and Mix by Daniel Brunelle. Story Editing by Daniel Brunelle. Audio Engineering and Editing by Matthew Powell. Narrated by Matthew Powell. Video Production by Levi Hanusch. Guests featured in this episode (in order of appearance): Hayden Taylor, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, BerkeleyChris Spadaccini, Materials Engineering Division Leader, Engineering Directorate, LLNLCaitlyn Krikorian Cook, Polymer Engineer, LLNLMaxim Shusteff, Group Leader, Materials Engineering Division, LLNLBrought to you in partnership with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Your weekly exploration 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.
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