June 05, 2021

How to Survive a Nuclear Blast

If the unthinkable happened – a nuclear strike against the US – Would you know how to protect yourself and your family? Then, a former NASA rocket scientist says there is a shortage of females in science and technology, and we need to change that trend. Plus, a hidden danger of self-driving cars.

Episode Segments:

Survival Advice for a Nuclear Blast Irwin Redlener, PhD, Director of Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness said that a limited nuclear attack can be survivable. He said sheltering in place is the best way to avoid the radiation that would follow a nuclear detonation. He outlined emergency supplies that every household should have on hand, and he discussed the reasons that public officials are reluctant to discuss the topic.
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Females and STEM Olympia LePoint, author of Mathaphobia: How You Can Overcome Your Math Fears and Become a Rocket Scientist was a professional rocket scientist for NASA programs from 1998 to 2007, and was involved in 28 successful shuttle launches. She discussed the shortage of females in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) careers and why it is important to encourage young women to enter these fields.
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The Downside to Self-Driving Cars In a future filled with self-driving cars, how quickly will human drivers be able regain control in the event of a system failure or sudden emergency? David M. Neyens, PhD , Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Clemson University led a study that found that driver reaction times were poor. He said car designers will need to find ways to give drivers much earlier warnings. He added that driver education programs will also need to change significantly, once driverless cars hit the mass market
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Guest(s) Appearing on this Episode

Irwin Redlener Irwin Redlener is a pediatrician and public health activist who specializes in health care for underserved children, health care reform, and disaster planning, response, and recovery. Follow Dr. Redlener on Twitter

Olympia LePoint CEO of OL CONSULTING CORPORATION & PUBLISHING, Olympia LePoint is best known for her role as an award-winning rocket scientist, science entertainer and educator driving to help people overcome fear. Through triumph over adversity and rigorous scientific training, Olympia LePoint discovered the ways for her own life experiences to add together. Mathaphobia: How You Can Overcome Your Math Fears and Become a Rocket Scientist is her debut self-help, educational book designed to empower audiences to ace math and science without doing more problems. As an internationally-recognized science leader, LePoint helped launch NASA’s Endeavour, Discovery, Columbia, and Atlantis Space Shuttles, part of a career total of 28 Space Shuttle Launches. She won The 2004 Boeing Company Professional Excellence Award , and The 2003 National Black Engineer of the Year "Modern Day Technology Leader" Award. In 2009, San Fernando Valley Business Journal viewed Ms. LePoint as one of "Top 40 Under 40" Business Leaders with the article entitled, "Age Places No Barriers to Business Ownership," and in 2010 All Things Girl Magazine claimed Olympia LePoint as "An Inspiring Woman." Learn More About Olympia