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Join Cody Simms each week as he engages with experts across disciplines to explore innovations driving the transition of energy and industry. Inevitable is an MCJ podcast. This show was formerly known as 'My Climate Journey.'
Join Cody Simms each week as he engages with experts across disciplines to explore innovations driving the transition of energy and industry. Inevitable is an MCJ podcast. This show was formerly known as 'My Climate Journey.'
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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics
Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Inevitable.
Hosts
Cody Simms
Previous Guests
Liz Muller
Liz Muller is the CEO and Co-founder of Deep Fission, a company that is innovating the traditional light-water nuclear reactor by placing it one mile underground. She previously founded Deep Isolation, a venture focused on storing nuclear waste deep underground. With a background in nuclear energy solutions, Liz has been instrumental in pioneering new approaches to nuclear reactor design and has recently led Deep Fission in raising a pre-seed round of funding.
Liz Muller is the CEO and Co-founder of Deep Fission, a company that is innovating the traditional light-water nuclear reactor by placing it one mile underground. She previously founded Deep Isolation, a venture focused on storing nuclear waste deep underground. With a background in nuclear energy solutions, Liz has been instrumental in pioneering new approaches to nuclear reactor design and has recently led Deep Fission in raising a pre-seed round of funding.
John Mills
John Mills is the Co-Founder and CEO of Watch Duty, a leading app for real-time wildfire alerts in the U.S. He has played a pivotal role in developing the platform into a vital public safety tool, especially during significant wildfire events such as the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles. With a background in technology and a commitment to public service, John transitioned from a career in Silicon Valley to founding a nonprofit organization aimed at providing live updates on fire spread, evacuations, and recovery efforts. His vision focuses on building a mission-driven tech company that addresses the growing challenges posed by wildfires in an increasingly vulnerable environment.
John Mills is the Co-Founder and CEO of Watch Duty, a leading app for real-time wildfire alerts in the U.S. He has played a pivotal role in developing the platform into a vital public safety tool, especially during significant wildfire events such as the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles. With a background in technology and a commitment to public service, John transitioned from a career in Silicon Valley to founding a nonprofit organization aimed at providing live updates on fire spread, evacuations, and recovery efforts. His vision focuses on building a mission-driven tech company that addresses the growing challenges posed by wildfires in an increasingly vulnerable environment.
Roman Arutyunov
Roman Arutyunov is the Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Products at Xage Security, a Series B startup dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure, including energy systems, from cyber threats. With a strong background in cybersecurity, Roman has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions that address the vulnerabilities in today's infrastructure. Under his leadership, Xage Security has gained recognition for its Zero Trust security approach and has attracted significant investment from major players like Chevron Technology Ventures and Aramco. Roman's expertise lies in navigating the complexities of operational technology and information technology, making him a key figure in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
Roman Arutyunov is the Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Products at Xage Security, a Series B startup dedicated to protecting critical infrastructure, including energy systems, from cyber threats. With a strong background in cybersecurity, Roman has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions that address the vulnerabilities in today's infrastructure. Under his leadership, Xage Security has gained recognition for its Zero Trust security approach and has attracted significant investment from major players like Chevron Technology Ventures and Aramco. Roman's expertise lies in navigating the complexities of operational technology and information technology, making him a key figure in the evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
Mike Schroepfer
Mike Schroepfer is a Partner at Gigascale, a venture firm he founded and self-funded to support startups focused on creating significant climate impact. He served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Meta (formerly Facebook) from 2013 to 2022, having joined the company in 2008 as Vice President of Engineering. Throughout his career, Mike has been involved in various technology roles, including positions at Sun Microsystems and Mozilla. He is recognized for his contributions to engineering leadership and his commitment to investing in climate solutions.
Mike Schroepfer is a Partner at Gigascale, a venture firm he founded and self-funded to support startups focused on creating significant climate impact. He served as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Meta (formerly Facebook) from 2013 to 2022, having joined the company in 2008 as Vice President of Engineering. Throughout his career, Mike has been involved in various technology roles, including positions at Sun Microsystems and Mozilla. He is recognized for his contributions to engineering leadership and his commitment to investing in climate solutions.
James McWalter
James McWalter is the CEO and co-founder of Paces, an AI-powered software platform designed to assist clean energy project developers in identifying and evaluating optimal sites for new projects. With a background in clean energy and technology, James has been instrumental in streamlining the site selection process by integrating critical data such as interconnection, environmental, zoning, and legal factors. He is also known for co-authoring a white paper with Scale Microgrids and Stripe Climate, which discusses the energy demands of AI and the potential of off-grid solar microgrids. Additionally, James hosts his own podcast, Build Repeat, where he interviews project developers and others involved in deploying clean energy solutions.
James McWalter is the CEO and co-founder of Paces, an AI-powered software platform designed to assist clean energy project developers in identifying and evaluating optimal sites for new projects. With a background in clean energy and technology, James has been instrumental in streamlining the site selection process by integrating critical data such as interconnection, environmental, zoning, and legal factors. He is also known for co-authoring a white paper with Scale Microgrids and Stripe Climate, which discusses the energy demands of AI and the potential of off-grid solar microgrids. Additionally, James hosts his own podcast, Build Repeat, where he interviews project developers and others involved in deploying clean energy solutions.
Topics Discussed
nuclear reactors
Deep Fission
light-water nuclear reactor
underground reactor
nuclear waste
modular design
regulatory engagement
Endeavor Data Centers
nuclear energy
wildfire alerts
Watch Duty
public safety
real-time updates
nonprofit
first responders
emergency management
disaster response
cybersecurity
energy systems
cyber threats
Xage Security
Ransomware
nation-state threats
Zero Trust security
AI in cybersecurity
multifactor authentication
real-world cyberattacks
Mike Schroepfer
Gigascale
Meta
energy transition
AI
climate impact
venture capital
engineering teams
fundraising
climate solutions
data center
renewable energy
site selection
clean energy
AI-powered software
Paces
permitting
grid capacity
NIMBY opposition
off-grid solar microgrids
Episodes
Here's the recent few episodes on Inevitable.
0:0036:21
Underground Nuclear Reactors? Inside Deep Fissions Energy Solution
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Cody Simms
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Liz Muller
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
nuclear reactorsDeep Fissionlight-water nuclear reactorunderground reactornuclear wastemodular designregulatory engagementEndeavor Data Centersnuclear energy
Liz Muller is the CEO and Co-founder of Deep Fission, a company pioneering a new approach to the traditional light-water nuclear reactor. Rather than using concrete and constructed containment, Deep Fission places the reactor one mile underground, fundamentally changing the design paradigm.
Liz was on the show over five years ago when she was building a company focused on storing nuclear waste deep undergrounda related concept. Now, shes back with a fresh vision and a new venture. Deep Fission recently raised a pre-seed round led by Eight VC, and we wanted to catch up with her to hear how the idea came together and how shes approaching the challenge this time around.
In this episode, we cover:
[1:37] Lizs previous venture: Deep Isolation and lessons learned
[4:19] The origin story of Deep Fission and the core insight that sparked it
[9:37] Cost comparison between underground and traditional above-ground nuclear reactors
[12:17] Deep Fissions modular, scalable reactor design
[19:10] Plans for maintenance, refueling, and long-term waste disposal
[22:25] Regulatory engagement with the NRC and path to licensing
[23:24] Initial commercial partnership with Endeavor Data Centers
[25:07] Advantages of Deep Fissions approach vs. traditional nuclear plants
[28:23] Funding milestones and capital raised to date
[29:10] Lizs vision for the future of nuclear energy
[35:03] Who Deep Fission wants to hear fromand how you can help
Episode recorded on March 27, 2025 (Published on April 10, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
Liz Muller is the CEO and Co-founder of Deep Fission, a company pioneering a new approach to the traditional light-water nuclear reactor. Rather than using concrete and constructed containment, Deep Fission places the reactor one mile underground, fundamentally changing the design paradigm.
Liz was on the show over five years ago when she was building a company focused on storing nuclear waste deep undergrounda related concept. Now, shes back with a fresh vision and a new venture. Deep Fission recently raised a pre-seed round led by Eight VC, and we wanted to catch up with her to hear how the idea came together and how shes approaching the challenge this time around.
In this episode, we cover:
[1:37] Lizs previous venture: Deep Isolation and lessons learned
[4:19] The origin story of Deep Fission and the core insight that sparked it
[9:37] Cost comparison between underground and traditional above-ground nuclear reactors
[12:17] Deep Fissions modular, scalable reactor design
[19:10] Plans for maintenance, refueling, and long-term waste disposal
[22:25] Regulatory engagement with the NRC and path to licensing
[23:24] Initial commercial partnership with Endeavor Data Centers
[25:07] Advantages of Deep Fissions approach vs. traditional nuclear plants
[28:23] Funding milestones and capital raised to date
[29:10] Lizs vision for the future of nuclear energy
[35:03] Who Deep Fission wants to hear fromand how you can help
Episode recorded on March 27, 2025 (Published on April 10, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
John Mills is the Co-Founder and CEO of Watch Duty, the leading app for real-time wildfire alerts in the U.S.
In this episode of Inevitable, John shares how Watch Duty became a vital public safety tool—rising to #1 in the App Store during the recent Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Watch Duty delivers live updates on fire spread, evacuations, and recovery efforts. While historically funded by donations and memberships, the platform now also offers a pro version for first responders, utilities, and emergency managers.
John discusses his vision for building a mission-driven tech company that serves the public while scaling to meet growing demand in an increasingly wildfire-prone world.
In this episode, we cover:
[4:00] Introduction to Watch Duty
[07:39] Gaining trust and overcoming initial resistance from fire departments
[09:06] How first responders are using Watch Duty
[09:57] Inside the “war room” during the Palisades Fire response
[13:24] How Watch Duty reporters gather and vet real-time radio traffic
[17:28] Nuance and restraint in sharing emergency information
[20:50] The origin story of Watch Duty
[21:11] John’s journey from Silicon Valley to off-grid life and nonprofit founder
[36:44] Operating as a nonprofit and scaling into new disaster zones
[52:58] Why private innovation is outpacing government tech
[57:22] Advice for founders building in disaster response and recovery
[01:00:12] Final thoughts on mission, trust, and what’s next for Watch Duty
Episode recorded on March 12, 2025 (Published on April 3, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
John Mills is the Co-Founder and CEO of Watch Duty, the leading app for real-time wildfire alerts in the U.S.
In this episode of Inevitable, John shares how Watch Duty became a vital public safety tool—rising to #1 in the App Store during the recent Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Watch Duty delivers live updates on fire spread, evacuations, and recovery efforts. While historically funded by donations and memberships, the platform now also offers a pro version for first responders, utilities, and emergency managers.
John discusses his vision for building a mission-driven tech company that serves the public while scaling to meet growing demand in an increasingly wildfire-prone world.
In this episode, we cover:
[4:00] Introduction to Watch Duty
[07:39] Gaining trust and overcoming initial resistance from fire departments
[09:06] How first responders are using Watch Duty
[09:57] Inside the “war room” during the Palisades Fire response
[13:24] How Watch Duty reporters gather and vet real-time radio traffic
[17:28] Nuance and restraint in sharing emergency information
[20:50] The origin story of Watch Duty
[21:11] John’s journey from Silicon Valley to off-grid life and nonprofit founder
[36:44] Operating as a nonprofit and scaling into new disaster zones
[52:58] Why private innovation is outpacing government tech
[57:22] Advice for founders building in disaster response and recovery
[01:00:12] Final thoughts on mission, trust, and what’s next for Watch Duty
Episode recorded on March 12, 2025 (Published on April 3, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
Roman Arutyunov is the Co-founder and SVP of Products at Xage Security, a Series B startup focused on protecting critical infrastructure—including energy systems—from cyber threats. Xage is backed by investors like Chevron Technology Ventures, Aramco, Piva Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Overture.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern as our energy systems become more distributed, electrified, and digitally connected. We spoke with Roman about the vulnerabilities in today’s infrastructure, the motivations behind cyberattacks, and how the rise of AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape.
In this episode, we cover:
[2:11] Introduction to Xage Security
[3:12] Cybersecurity 101: Ransomware, nation-state threats, and attacker motivations
[7:10] Operational tech (OT) vs. information tech (IT)
[13:29] Xage’s Zero Trust security approach
[15:45] Customer segments and differing security challenges
[20:47] Navigating regulations vs. fast deployment timelines
[23:40] How AI is shaping both threats and defenses
[28:00] When multifactor authentication becomes a vulnerability
[31:59] Real-world cyberattacks on energy systems
[34:10] Xage’s funding history and growth trajectory
Episode recorded on Feb 20, 2025 (Published on Mar 26, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
Roman Arutyunov is the Co-founder and SVP of Products at Xage Security, a Series B startup focused on protecting critical infrastructure—including energy systems—from cyber threats. Xage is backed by investors like Chevron Technology Ventures, Aramco, Piva Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Overture.
Cybersecurity is a growing concern as our energy systems become more distributed, electrified, and digitally connected. We spoke with Roman about the vulnerabilities in today’s infrastructure, the motivations behind cyberattacks, and how the rise of AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape.
In this episode, we cover:
[2:11] Introduction to Xage Security
[3:12] Cybersecurity 101: Ransomware, nation-state threats, and attacker motivations
[7:10] Operational tech (OT) vs. information tech (IT)
[13:29] Xage’s Zero Trust security approach
[15:45] Customer segments and differing security challenges
[20:47] Navigating regulations vs. fast deployment timelines
[23:40] How AI is shaping both threats and defenses
[28:00] When multifactor authentication becomes a vulnerability
[31:59] Real-world cyberattacks on energy systems
[34:10] Xage’s funding history and growth trajectory
Episode recorded on Feb 20, 2025 (Published on Mar 26, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
0:001:01:45
Mike Schroepfer: Lessons from Scaling Meta to Investing in the Energy Transition
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Cody Simms
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
Mike Schroepfer
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
Mike SchroepferGigascaleMetaenergy transitionAIclimate impactventure capitalengineering teamsfundraisingclimate solutions
Mike Schroepfer is Partner at Gigascale, a venture firm he founded and self-funded to back startups building venture-scale businesses with the potential for outsized climate impact. Previously, Mike served as CTO at Meta (Facebook’s parent company) from 2013 to 2022, having originally joined in 2008 as VP of Engineering.
In this episode, Mike and Cody discuss his career journey, key lessons learned, and their shared counterpoint to the often-repeated myth that "America doesn’t build hard things." They also dive into AI, energy’s role in its advancement, and the work Mike and his team are doing at Gigascale.
Mike has been a longtime supporter of MCJ, and we’re honored to count him among our investors. It’s inspiring to see a technologist of his caliber not only invest in climate solutions but also roll up his sleeves to help founders tackle hard problems and build the future.
In this episode, we cover:
[2:08] Mike’s early career working on video software
[5:28] Fundraising challenges and lessons from the dot-com crash
[10:12] Working at Sun, Mozilla, and joining Facebook in 2008
[13:16] Risks and opportunities of early Facebook
[15:40] Managing large engineering teams and the value of humility
[18:30] The era of building hard things in the U.S.
[21:25] AI and energy innovation: compute, chips, and power
[27:49] How scale brings down cost curve and modularized technology
[32:01] How he thinks about software-based opportunities
[37:40] Shrep’s pivot to climate tech after Meta
[41:04] The talent interest evolution in climate
[43:33] Gigascale’s investment thesis
[49:49] Gigascale’s approach to identifying sectors
[51:37] Storytelling and marketing in climate tech
[54:10] Gigascales talent efforts for its portfolio
Episode recorded on Mar 4, 2025 (Published on Mar 20, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
Mike Schroepfer is Partner at Gigascale, a venture firm he founded and self-funded to back startups building venture-scale businesses with the potential for outsized climate impact. Previously, Mike served as CTO at Meta (Facebook’s parent company) from 2013 to 2022, having originally joined in 2008 as VP of Engineering.
In this episode, Mike and Cody discuss his career journey, key lessons learned, and their shared counterpoint to the often-repeated myth that "America doesn’t build hard things." They also dive into AI, energy’s role in its advancement, and the work Mike and his team are doing at Gigascale.
Mike has been a longtime supporter of MCJ, and we’re honored to count him among our investors. It’s inspiring to see a technologist of his caliber not only invest in climate solutions but also roll up his sleeves to help founders tackle hard problems and build the future.
In this episode, we cover:
[2:08] Mike’s early career working on video software
[5:28] Fundraising challenges and lessons from the dot-com crash
[10:12] Working at Sun, Mozilla, and joining Facebook in 2008
[13:16] Risks and opportunities of early Facebook
[15:40] Managing large engineering teams and the value of humility
[18:30] The era of building hard things in the U.S.
[21:25] AI and energy innovation: compute, chips, and power
[27:49] How scale brings down cost curve and modularized technology
[32:01] How he thinks about software-based opportunities
[37:40] Shrep’s pivot to climate tech after Meta
[41:04] The talent interest evolution in climate
[43:33] Gigascale’s investment thesis
[49:49] Gigascale’s approach to identifying sectors
[51:37] Storytelling and marketing in climate tech
[54:10] Gigascales talent efforts for its portfolio
Episode recorded on Mar 4, 2025 (Published on Mar 20, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
0:0049:09
Accelerating Data Center and Renewable Energy Siting with Paces
Hosts
Hosts of this podcast episode
Cody Simms
Guests
Guests of this podcast episode
James McWalter
Keywords
Keywords of this podcast episode
data centerrenewable energysite selectionclean energyAI-powered softwarePacespermittinggrid capacityNIMBY oppositionoff-grid solar microgrids
James McWalter is the CEO and co-founder of Paces, an AI-powered software platform that helps clean energy project developers identify and evaluate the best sites for new projects. Paces streamlines the process by integrating interconnection, environmental, zoning, and legal data on land parcels—key factors developers must navigate when selecting viable locations. MCJ is proud to be an investor in Paces through our venture funds.
In renewable project development, one of the biggest challenges is quickly pinpointing sites with the highest likelihood of reaching operation efficiently. As James explains, this process depends on multiple factors: the capacity of the local grid, whether upgrades are needed to connect a project, the feasibility of permitting, and more. And as we discuss, the recent AI-driven data center boom is intensifying the urgency and complexity of each of these considerations.
Paces’ platform is being used by both clean energy developers and data center developers who need to get projects built as quickly, cost-effectively, and cleanly as possible. A few months ago, Paces co-authored a white paper with Scale Microgrids and Stripe Climate titled Fast, Scalable, Clean, and Cheap Enough: How Off-Grid Solar Microgrids Can Power the AI Race—a report that sparked a lot of conversation. In it, they explore whether the forecasted energy demands of AI can be met with off-grid, behind-the-meter projects.
Oh, and James also hosts his own podcast, Build Repeat, where he interviews project developers and others actively building and deploying clean energy solutions.
With all that said, James and I dive into his background, the origins of Paces, and much more in this episode.
In this episode, we cover:
[2:48] Introduction to Paces and James’ background
[6:26] The origin story of Paces and how James met his co-founder, Charles
[9:24] Key challenges faced by clean energy project developers
[11:45] Permitting bottlenecks and delays
[14:57] The growing challenge of decreasing grid capacity
[16:01] How Paces’ software addresses site selection challenges
[19:11] The role of NIMBY opposition in the permitting process
[22:42] How developers leverage Paces' platform
[24:51] Paces’ customer segmentation and user types
[28:08] How Paces supports data center development
[30:16] Insights from Paces’ white paper on off-grid solutions for AI-driven data centers (available at offgridai.us)
[38:49] The feasibility of achieving 100% renewable energy for data centers
[46:10] Paces’ fundraising to date and the types of partners they’re looking for
Episode recorded on Feb 19, 2025 (Published on March 6, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
James McWalter is the CEO and co-founder of Paces, an AI-powered software platform that helps clean energy project developers identify and evaluate the best sites for new projects. Paces streamlines the process by integrating interconnection, environmental, zoning, and legal data on land parcels—key factors developers must navigate when selecting viable locations. MCJ is proud to be an investor in Paces through our venture funds.
In renewable project development, one of the biggest challenges is quickly pinpointing sites with the highest likelihood of reaching operation efficiently. As James explains, this process depends on multiple factors: the capacity of the local grid, whether upgrades are needed to connect a project, the feasibility of permitting, and more. And as we discuss, the recent AI-driven data center boom is intensifying the urgency and complexity of each of these considerations.
Paces’ platform is being used by both clean energy developers and data center developers who need to get projects built as quickly, cost-effectively, and cleanly as possible. A few months ago, Paces co-authored a white paper with Scale Microgrids and Stripe Climate titled Fast, Scalable, Clean, and Cheap Enough: How Off-Grid Solar Microgrids Can Power the AI Race—a report that sparked a lot of conversation. In it, they explore whether the forecasted energy demands of AI can be met with off-grid, behind-the-meter projects.
Oh, and James also hosts his own podcast, Build Repeat, where he interviews project developers and others actively building and deploying clean energy solutions.
With all that said, James and I dive into his background, the origins of Paces, and much more in this episode.
In this episode, we cover:
[2:48] Introduction to Paces and James’ background
[6:26] The origin story of Paces and how James met his co-founder, Charles
[9:24] Key challenges faced by clean energy project developers
[11:45] Permitting bottlenecks and delays
[14:57] The growing challenge of decreasing grid capacity
[16:01] How Paces’ software addresses site selection challenges
[19:11] The role of NIMBY opposition in the permitting process
[22:42] How developers leverage Paces' platform
[24:51] Paces’ customer segmentation and user types
[28:08] How Paces supports data center development
[30:16] Insights from Paces’ white paper on off-grid solutions for AI-driven data centers (available at offgridai.us)
[38:49] The feasibility of achieving 100% renewable energy for data centers
[46:10] Paces’ fundraising to date and the types of partners they’re looking for
Episode recorded on Feb 19, 2025 (Published on March 6, 2025)
Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at [email protected].
