What type of content does AtomicBlender post?

AtomicBlender is a nuclear energy education channel. Most videos explain nuclear concepts along with perspective of the pros and cons, technologies, economics, and politics that can be used to help viewers understand how nuclear energy impacts the world now and in the future. Occasionally we post videos on related topics ("nuclear adjacent" as I call them) where nuclear energy could play a role, or it is the result of nuclear energy such as electric cars.

Where does the name "AtomicBlender" come from?

I wanted a name that conveyed the mixing of everything related to nuclear. Rarely does anything operate in isolation and most things in the world are interconnected. A shipping company may focus on trucks and ships, but they are ultimately moving someone else's goods to customers. Nuclear power is the same way - it can't be looked at in isolation, something that I found people in the industry tend to do. The idea is to broaden the perspective of how nuclear fits into the bigger picture; and that includes the good and the bad.

What's your professional and education background?

I have a bachelors and masters degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan and I am a licensed Professional Engineer. After graduating in 2006, I joined a nuclear design company before working at a few nuclear plants in various fuel and engineering organizations. Most recently, I spent 8 years in Abu Dhabi, UAE helping to build an engineering team in a country entering nuclear power for the first time, which was an excellent experience.

What do you do outside of YouTube?

I currently work as a consultant advisor for the UAE nuclear project, providing guidance on program strategy, fuel, safety analysis, and licensing. It’s a job that’s let me see a major project from start to finish (well, construction to operation) in a unique environment and I've thoroughly enjoyed it and the people.

Does your channel or content have any affiliation to your employers?

No, there are no affiliations, funding, or censorship from any of Michael's employers. All content is selected and created by AtomicBlender for the channel. Occassionally there are specific pieces of information that are provided by entities associated with the nuclear industry that may not be publicly available. In these instances, it is made clear that this information was provided to produce the content and under what conditions. For example, often this means I was granted an interview or provided a press packet. In line with YouTube's content rules, any sponsored content is labelled as such.

How do you make your vidoes?

I come up with an idea I think is interesting, then research, script, record, send to my editor, and publish. I use some stock footage from Envato Elements and try to clean up all of my takes in GlingAI and Final Cut Pro. One thing I've learned is that editing takes much longer than I first thought, and one of the best things I ever did for my sanity and time was hire a professional editor. Otherwise, some topics are more popular than others, but I feel even if a smaller group enjoys, then it is worthwhile.

What equipment do you use?

I started with a 10 year old Canon Rebel SL1 before I transitioned to a much nicer and easier Canon R10. The room I record in has a lot of echo so no matter what, the Deity D3 Pro microphone has its work cut out. Otherwise, I have 2 generic LED softbox lights.

My Studio Equipment (note: I may receive a small commission when you use these links, but it doesn't affect the price you pay and supports the channel)

Camera - Canon EOS R10

Microphone - Deity D3 Pro

Lights - Generic Softbox LED like these

MacBook Air - MacBook Air M2