Today, I sit down with a close friend and mentor, Jonnie T. — a 43-year veteran of the Canadian nuclear industry, host of the Refuge Freedom Stories podcast, and a man whose life blends technical precision with unwavering faith. We talk about his start as a nuclear operator after spotting a newspaper ad, his time commissioning reactors, and how Canada's approach to heavy water and fueling technology differs from the U.S. We also unpack the rise of small modular reactors and microgrids, and their potential to revolutionize energy — and even space travel.
Jonnie breaks down not just the mechanics but the politics and public perception of nuclear energy. We explore real-world concerns around microgrid safety, passive shutdown systems, and what happens when the power source fails. He speaks to the challenges and promise of energy independence, renewable limitations, and the misinformation surrounding nuclear power’s environmental impact. His decades of experience offer rare insight into both the science and the strategy behind global energy development.
But Jonnie's story doesn’t end with power plants. We dive deep into his family's long history of ministry and military service — from World War II tank recovery missions to Lancaster bombers in the Dam Busters raid. He shares how that legacy shaped his life, his calling in ministry, and the heart behind the show Refuge Freedom Stories. We close by talking faith, scripture, and the reality of God in our lives — a message that resonates across every generation.
*Note: Jonnie T made a statement about US commercial reactors not having passive shutdown systems. He did research and now stands corrected on that. The Westinghouse AP1000 Gen III+ reactor has a passive safety system.
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/refuge-freedom-stories/id1524349333
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*Couple O' Nukes LLC and Mr. Whiskey are not licensed medical entities, nor do they take responsibility for any advice or information put forth by guests. Take all advice at your own risk.
