Episode 19

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Published on:

8th Sep 2025

Nothing Is Off the Table: Brian Smith Gets Real About Powering the Future

Brian Smith, former Navy officer, federal executive, and now Director of Nuclear Reactor Development at Idaho National Laboratory, joins the latest Nomad Futurist Podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. He shares his unexpected journey and how it prepared him to help solve one of today’s most critical challenges: powering the digital age. 

“Nothing is off the table.”  


With that bold opener, Brian set the tone for an honest and wide-ranging discussion — the kind needed in an industry we strive to demystify. 


Brian’s path didn’t start in labs or government halls but rather began on golf courses. Once immersed in the world of elite tournaments with the USGA, he seemed destined for a future in sports. But after the tragic events of 9/11, and drawn by a family legacy of service, Brian answered the call and joined the Navy, where he rose quickly through the ranks:  


“I thought golf was my future… but I’ve always felt a call to serve. That call to service was pretty widespread for folks like me.”  


That sense of purpose carried him into the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program, where he discovered a passion for technology and translating complex ideas into action, especially for policy and government decision-makers. 


Now, Brian sits at the intersection of advanced nuclear development and the surging energy demands of AI and hyperscale infrastructure. With a deep background in defense nuclear policy and a sharp understanding of both systems and people, he offers a rare perspective on what's next: 


“The data center industry is starting to view nuclear power the same way the Navy views nuclear submarines.”  


Yet despite the scale and complexity of his work, Brian grounds his success, and the industry’s future, in something deeply human: 


“This is a human-driven business.... And the beauty is [we] are representative of our industry... [And] the networks in this industry are what make it [thrive].”  


Brian’s story is a masterclass in adaptability, service, and communication. It’s a reminder that curiosity, commitment, and community are what truly power progress. 


Connect with Brian Smith on LinkedIn to follow his insights on powering the next generation of infrastructure.  

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About the Podcast

Nomad Futurist
The #nomadfuturist show is a true tech podcast phenomenon. The two hosts are technologists and futurists, so they really know their stuff, and following their in-depth conversations feels like you have a backstage pass to a gathering of the best of the
The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry.

For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature.

With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.