Analytic Endeavors

Recorded towards the end of October 2020. Nic and Zander talk about which institutions are trustworthy, opinions being used as facts on all sides, Hologram rights, the dissolution of the American shared narrative, whether patriotism has a place in society, and finally they once again, part as friends.

In this episode we interview reactor physicist and creator of whatisnuclear.com, Dr. Nick Touran, about thorium fueled nuclear reactors. Thorium reactors have garnered immense interest in recent years, particularly within certain online communities, as a "silver bullet" and borderline urban legend of nuclear technology. However, many of the claims of thorium fueled reactors are either not unique to thorium or simply false. Nick Touran goes through some of the myths, science, and pros/cons behind the internet's favorite reactor.    Find articles Nick Touran has written at: https://whatisnuclear.com/ and check out his recent appearance on NPR's Science Friday: https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/floating-nuclear-power-plants/ All views expressed are their own and not representative of any the hosts or guests respective employers. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

It's our first season finale! We discuss the ups and downs of Season One, what we would like to do in the next season, and how we plan to improve. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

This week, Dr. Zander and Nic watch a piece of Star Wars media that should have been forgotten. Watch the garbage with us! You must watch-along for this to make any sense. The video is available on Youtube for free. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Nic and Dr. Zander talk about the very basics of cryptocurrency including: Bitcoin, Ethereum, security of blockchain technology, smart contracts, ditching the big banks, and taking back financial freedom. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com DISCLAIMER: This is not financial advice! Do your own research into risks and laws associated with cryptocurrency.

No new episode today. Next week, Nic and Zander will discuss cryptocurrency including: Bitcoin, Ethereum, distributed finance, and more. Contact us at Analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

On this week's episode, Dr. Zander gives us some info on the difference between a theory and a hypothesis. Pretty much everyone is using them incorrectly these days. It may seem like a trivial thing but knowing the difference will quickly help you spot a BS artist. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Nic and Dr. Zander ramble about their music influences and taste, how they discovered their favorite artists, and how weird it feels to stream everything. Also why is it so hard to remember song names when we stream everything? Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Dr. Zander and Nic ramble about the long term effects of the COVID-19 on liberty and working toward a greater good. They transition to an example of helmet laws in different states and it's effects on the healthcare system. Zander talks about the scrouge of leafblowers pushing leaves to and fro and how to be a helpful skeptic. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com *Nic does not actually want to ban leafblowers*

Dr. Zander and Nic have their first ever guest! They sat down (over skype) with Rev. Kenn Blanchard, host of the excellent podcast Gamechangers: https://kblanchard.libsyn.com/ The three talk about mental health in America particularly during the COVID-19 shutdown, some personal experiences with suicide, and what we can all do to help each other during these troubling times. You can also find Kenn on youtube here: http:kenn.live Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Dr. Zander kicks off by telling us about a silly mistake he recently made then Nic brings up the problems with Institutions and particularly Institutional Media. The term Institutional Media is used by Dr. Eric Weinstein, a fascinating thinker whose passion for a new Unified Theory could revolutionize our world - if he can get the message out. Nic wonders if he may be too contrarian for our current media climate and should start his own distributed media empire. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Dr. Zander explains how we can control nuclear reactors when neutrons are flying into and out of the fuel in .0000000001 seconds. He also explains the natural limiting factors and the mechanical methods that are used to control the fission chain reaction. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Dr. Zander gives us a look into the complicated world of computer modeling and specifically how it's used to model the spread of diseases such as COVID-19. He explains how it's done and why the results are our best shot at predicting how a disease will spread through a population. Nic asks what we should keep in mind when looking at computer-generated models and how we can use this in our daily lives to be more informed. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Nic and Dr. Zander chat talk about an assortment of news stories excluding anything related to any viruses. It begins with a discussion the camless of engine in the new Koenigsegg. Zander is confounded that people pronounce the meme as "me-me" during a conversation about boogaloo meme based insurgency. Nic gives an update on a feud between Bill Nye and Disney. And much more! Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Dr. Zander gives us a rundown on nuclear power starting from a basic description of the fission process to the basics of how a nuclear plant operates. 

Nic and Dr. Zander finally get into the topic of guns in America. They discuss technical aspects that make guns difficult to regulate, the freedom vs. safety debate, how suicide impacts gun death statistics, and what can be done with policies to curb gun violence. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Dr. Zander begins the conversation by talking about the EARN IT act working it's way through Congress. They also discuss the ramifications of backdoors to popular encrypted apps commonly used by many people around the world. They wrap up by talking about the broader implications of privacy in the digital age. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Dr. Zander and Nic ramble about politics and the 2020 Democratic race. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Nic and Zander talk about communicating science concepts and how average people like Nic shouldn't be afraid to question certain aspects of scientific theory. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Nic and Zander talk about all things radiation in this episode. Learn how it works and questions should be asked when you hear the word "radiation". Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com.

Nic and Zander talk about where they are from and how that shaped their political and philosophical views. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Nic and Zander reflect and discuss what they may have done differently on the Bill Nye episode. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com

Nic and Zander discuss nuclear science and technology while providing a counter narrative to comedian Bill Nye. Find out why we call him the Selective Science guy as we dissect some of his public statements on nuclear power. Contact us at analyticendeavors@protonmail.com