
Hosted by Don Sullivan · EN
The Don Sullivan Show is dedicated to expanding fundamental awareness and knowledge in Science, Technology, and Computing for all Americans. To achieve this lofty goal, we bring in expert guests from every corner of these fields to explore a wide range of topics. Our hosts and guests tackle today’s most intriguing subjects, with a blend of casual conversation, sharp wit, and just the right amount of glib sarcasm. We aim to break down complex ideas in a way that even your average sharp teenager can grasp, using sports metaphors where they fit to keep things lively. Our goal is to introduce difficult concepts to the broadest of audiences.

This subject may be the most serious issue ever discussed on The Don Sullivan Show. The future of Western civilization may very well depend on how we respond to it. Jeff Miller of Smartphone Free Childhood joins us to discuss the growing evidence linking smartphones, social media, and unrestricted internet access to profound changes in childhood and adolescent development. More importantly, he explains why there is still reason for hope and what parents, schools, and communities can do to address the problem. Please listen carefully, and be sure to watch the remarkable PSA featured in the show notes.https://youtu.be/h_xwJ5u9I8o?si=2DzdHMH6XZ3cHbrH https://youtu.be/Fd-_VDYit3U?si=cr-us1zs4Clob5DM

From nuclear power and energy policy to AI and social media, this episode asks a simple question: should leaders understand the science behind the decisions they make? Don Sullivan and Sean Campbell discuss Physics for Future Presidents and why scientific literacy may be one of the most overlooked requirements for effective leadership today.

What happens when AI workloads demand 10 times the power of traditional computing? Don Sullivan, Jersey Steve, and Mohan Potheri unpack the rise of liquid-cooled AI factories, sovereign AI initiatives, and the massive infrastructure race underway in Texas, Utah, and beyond.

On this episode of the Don Sullivan Show, we debut a new panel-driven format to unpack the escalating legal battle between Elon Musk and OpenAI and Sam Altman. Joining Don are veteran Silicon Valley observers examining the case from every angle, including the technical, business, legal, and entertainment dimensions of a showdown that at times feels worthy of the Death Star itself.

Don and Gina Rosenthal break down the hype around AI-driven job losses, exploring whether layoffs are truly caused by AI or simply shifting business priorities. They discuss the limits of current AI, the continued need for human oversight, and how, like past tech revolutions, AI may ultimately create new roles even as it disrupts existing ones.

Don tackles an enlarged prostate and, naturally, decides to record the whole thing from the operating room. Dr. Theo breaks down what causes prostate enlargement, how it’s treated, and what comes next. They also get into the research around prostate health and sexual activity, including the often cited “20 times” stat, in a PG-13 episode that is humorous and educational.

Climbing to nearly 20,000 feet was exhilarating, and five days through the heart of the Serengeti made it unforgettable. But every adventure has its price. Don brought home some uninvited guests. Listen as he tells the story of his run-in with Shigella, and Dr. Theo explains the not-so-glamorous aftermath.

Don sits down with his friend Mark to debrief their Kilimanjaro climb, reflecting on the ascent, the descent, and what stood out most along the way. Then it’s off to the western part of Serengeti National Park, where Don shares what it’s like to be out in the savannah surrounded by elephants, giraffes, lions, leopards, and warthogs. Along the way, torrential downpours turn the roads into rivers, with hippos and crocodiles adding to the experience, and even a cancelled balloon ride becomes part of the story. The trip also includes glamping in massive tented camps, where a herd of elephants passes by at sunset, and one night takes an unexpected turn when a rogue elephant forces Don out of his tent.

In Part 2, Mark Bradley of Flexera breaks down how sustainability becomes profitable when companies gain real visibility into IT and start managing carbon like cash. The discussion blends sharp insight with classic Don Sullivan Show banter, moving from carbon accounting and data center efficiency to bigger ideas around energy, materials, and innovation. It ultimately lands on a bigger point that sustainability is not just compliance but a real opportunity to drive value, rethink infrastructure, and build something meaningful along the way.

IT sustainability is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about topics in enterprise technology, driven by rising cloud costs and the growing demands of modern data infrastructure. Mark Bradley of Flexera joins the show to explain how organizations can uncover hidden inefficiencies, measure their true impact, and turn sustainability into a practical lever for both cost savings and smarter operations.