As global demand for energy surges, so do the risks for those working to meet it. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Kieran Ramsey, Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach and former Director of the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, to explore the dangers facing energy professionals operating abroad. Together, they examine the rise of hostage diplomacy, the targeting of Americans by state actors like Russia, China, and Iran, and the intelligence challenges facing companies operating in high-risk regions like Africa.

Kieran Ramsey is Chief Investigative Officer at Global Reach, a private company that deals with individuals wrongfully held or taken hostage around the world.

References:

Alterman, Jon B., and Jason Rezaian. Combating State Hostage Taking and Wrongful Detention. Center for Strategic and International Studies, 4 June 2025

As energy demands surge, protecting the U.S. power grid has become a national security imperative. In Part 2 of their conversation, Elisa and Dr. Jonathan Snodgrass of Texas A&M examine the next layer of challenges facing America’s electric grid—from the need for trained personnel to the importance of critical load prioritization. They discuss how redundancy, workforce expertise, and smarter policy conversations can shape a more secure and scalable grid for the future.

Jonathan Snodgrass is a Senior Research Engineer at Texas A&M University

References:

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC)

NSLT, Ep. 362, Elemental Power: Rethinking Nuclear—The Rise of Microreactors with Dr. Jeff Waksman (Part 1)

Is our grid capable of supporting our energy needs? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Elisa is joined by Dr. Jonathan Snodgrass of Texas A&M to break down what the electric grid is, who maintains it, and how its vulnerabilities could impact national security. From critical military systems to daily necessities like transportation and groceries, they explore how fragile our energy infrastructure may be—and what lessons the U.S. should draw from recent international blackouts.

Jonathan Snodgrass is a Senior Research Engineer at Texas A&M University

References:

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC)

Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC)

NSLT, Ep. 362, Elemental Power: Rethinking Nuclear—The Rise of Microreactors with Dr. Jeff Waksman (Part 1)