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Connecting Cultures and Cosmos with Ed Krupp

AMSEcast

Release Date: 07/23/2025

The Story Of Rapa Nui: AMSEcast with Mike Pitts  show art The Story Of Rapa Nui: AMSEcast with Mike Pitts

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Mike Pitts to discuss the history of Rapa Nui, commonly referred to as Easter Island. Although not everything can be discerned about the story of this complex and history-rich island, much of the picture can be painted!

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AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of life with Philip Ball, taking an in-depth dive into Ball's newest book, How Life Works: A User's Guide to the New Biology.

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The History of Trademark: AMSEcast with Jason Clark show art The History of Trademark: AMSEcast with Jason Clark

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Jason Clark of the USPTO to discuss the history and the relevance of trademarks, patents, and copyrights for inventions in America to celebrate America's big 250th birthday!

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Discussing The Warhead: AMSEcast with Jeffrey Stern show art Discussing The Warhead: AMSEcast with Jeffrey Stern

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy Executive Director Alan Lowe sits down with award-winning journalist Jeffrey Stern to discuss his widely successful book, "The Warhead: The Quest to Build the Perfect Weapon in the Age of Modern Warfare."

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Creating The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Paul Cantonwine  show art Creating The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Paul Cantonwine

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits to chat with Paul Cantonwine, author of "The Never-Ending Challenge of Engineering: Admiral H.G. Rickover in His Own Words" to discuss the creation of the nuclear navy through the eyes of H.G. Rickover, and what his mentality might be like in today's ever-changing world.

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The Science of Presidency: AMSEcast with Andrew Busch  show art The Science of Presidency: AMSEcast with Andrew Busch

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and AMSE executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of a presidency with Andrew Busch, the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The episode goes in depth to analyze the behaviors of not only the American political system, but also its presidents, and how they have operated throughout different political climates and times in history. 

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The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Lawrence Townsend show art The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Lawrence Townsend

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe sat down with Lawrence Townsend to discuss the past, present, and future of America's nuclear navy, including what our advancements in technology throughout the country might mean going forward. 

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Less Weapons, More Energy: AMSEcast With Charles Oppenheimer show art Less Weapons, More Energy: AMSEcast With Charles Oppenheimer

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe welcomes Charles Oppenheimer, entrepreneur and grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, for a wide-ranging conversation on nuclear energy, global security, and the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential scientists. Oppenheimer discusses the mission of the Oppenheimer Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing his grandfather’s values through increased international cooperation on nuclear technology. He explains the organization’s dual focus: expanding the beneficial uses of nuclear fission (especially clean energy) and reducing the...

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AMSEcast Geoff deBeauclair show art AMSEcast Geoff deBeauclair

AMSEcast

AMSEcast launches a new series exploring America’s nuclear navy and Oak Ridge’s vital role in its history and future. From helping shape the legacy of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to supplying nuclear fuel for today’s fleet, Oak Ridge has long stood at the center of U.S. naval nuclear power. As the American Museum of Science and Energy prepares a new exhibit at the Wilcox K-25 Interpretive Center, this episode sets the stage. Our inaugural guest, Geoffrey deBeauclair, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 30-year Navy veteran who commanded a ballistic missile submarine and...

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AMSEcast with guest Michelle Shocklee show art AMSEcast with guest Michelle Shocklee

AMSEcast

Author Michelle Shocklee discusses her novel The Women of Oak Ridge and the personal, historical, and emotional paths that led her to the story of the Secret City during the Manhattan Project. Growing up near Los Alamos and coming from a World War II family shaped her long-standing connection to the era, but a chance encounter with a reader ultimately sparked her discovery of Oak Ridge. Shocklee describes her deep research process, drawing on oral histories, archival photographs, museum resources, and firsthand accounts to authentically portray life inside a city built on secrecy. She explains...

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More Episodes
Dr. E.C. “Ed” Krupp joins Alan on this episode of AMSEcast to discuss the Griffith Observatory and his role as its longtime director. Now in its 90th year, the observatory remains a hub for public astronomy, drawing over 1.6 million visitors annually. Ed shares its educational mission, including a fifth-grade program and immersive exhibits like “Water is Life.” He also discusses archaeoastronomy, the cross-disciplinary study of ancient skywatching, and how visiting historical sites deepens our understanding of past cultures. From the Hopi village of Walpi to upcoming lunar livestreams at Chimney Rock, Ed continues to connect humanity’s cosmic curiosity across centuries through science, culture, and wonder.
 
Guest Bio
Dr. E.C. “Ed” Krupp has served as director of the world-renowned Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles since 1974, guiding it through transformative changes and welcoming over 1.6 million visitors annually. Under his leadership, the observatory has become the most visited public observatory on the planet. Ed is also a leading authority in the field of archaeoastronomy—the study of how ancient cultures understood the sky—and has authored several acclaimed books, including Skywatchers, Shamans & Kings: Astronomy and the Archaeology of Power. Known for his engaging insights and deep knowledge, Ed continues to inspire public curiosity about the cosmos and our place within it.
 
Show Highlights
  • (1:43) When Griffith Observatory was established and its mission
  • (4:38) Exhibits and programs offered at the observatory
  • (8:51) How they work with students
  • (11:37) When archeoastronomy began to develop
  • (17:02) How astronomical knowledge shapes our place in society and culture today
  • (19:45) Places Ed has visited that have had the most impact on his work and life
  • (25:13) What still perplexes Ed Krupp after all his traveling and learning
  • (26:56) What’s next for Ed and the observatory
 
Links Referenced