Could the origins of life on Earth trace back to a natural nuclear reactor? Long before humanity split the atom, nature itself may have done it first. In this episode, we explore the astonishing possibility that self-sustaining fission reactions—like the Oklo natural reactor in Gabon—once powered the chemical engines of creation. From radioactive geysers and mineral-rich pools to the first self-replicating molecules, we’ll examine how nuclear energy might have provided the spark that turned chemistry into biology. Along the way, we’ll connect this mystery to the Fermi Paradox, asking whether such rare, radioactive beginnings might explain why intelligent life seems so scarce in the universe. Join us for a journey that blends cosmic mystery, geochemistry, and the science of life’s origins.


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Credits:
The Fermi Paradox - Did a Natural Nuclear Reactor Spark All Life?
Written by Isaac Arthur & Philip Kramer, PhD
Produced & Narrated by: Isaac ArthurSelect imagery/video supplied by Getty Images 
Music Courtesy of Epidemic Sound http://epidemicsound.com/creator

Chapters
0:00 Intro
3:39 The Fermi Paradox and the Great Filter
6:41 The Rare Earth Hypothesis & LUCA
11:42 Natural Nuclear Reactors – Earth’s First Fission Furnace
16:00 The Nuclear Geyser Hypothesis
21:27 Nebula
23:02 Implications for Alien Life
29:39 Fictional Exploration


The Fermi Paradox - Did a Natural Nuclear Reactor Spark All Life?

2J - SUBSTANCE ABUSE 122

EP Link: https://album.link/i/1846318398

Available to stream on all platforms

8 tracks recorded throughout the summer of 2025. "Mirror” EP is a collaboration mixtape between Moony Mercury Baby and Soulo Rebel. Moony provides the deep lyrics and fresh flows while Soulo blesses our ears with heavenly spacey sounds in his instrumental production. Soulo emailed Moony plenty of beats throughout the past 2 years and this project showcases his favorite beats from that selection. The subject matter and lyric themes are based on concepts of duality, which was inspired by the cover art (created by Soulo Rebel).

Follow Moony Mercury Baby’s Links Below

https://moonymercury.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoonyMercuryBaby
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/aj-kings/1363778383
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ig0tJyUgmCpvadtLhiUsR

Follow Soulo Rebel's Links Below

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Soulo777 
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4i7GzXFNn9xW3sTWPevAD0
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/thedon94
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/soulo-rebel/1721463368

New tracks tagged #RADIOACTIVE