The QTS Experience

Episode 220: Jim Gao – AI, Data Centers, and the Peanut Butter Apocalypse

AI is learning, growing, and optimizing our world—but can it make a proper peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Jim Gao joins David McCall to discuss how AI went from winning board games to optimizing data centers, why trusting AI is like supervising an intern, and how data centers might just become the next big "player" in AI’s game of efficiency.

Guest Links

Jim Gao’s Company (Phaidra): https://www.phaidra.ai/

Jim Gao on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimgao/ 

Episode 219: Carrie Goetz – Tech Careers, Mentorship & The Future of Digital Infrastructure

AI isn’t coming for your job—but it might take the boring parts! Carrie Goetz joins David McCall to talk about mentorship, career opportunities in tech, and how to make AI work for us (instead of the other way around). Plus, why data centers are the best-kept secret in the job market and how one simple trick can clean up your social media feed.

Guest Links:

Carrie Goetz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriegoetz/ 

Company Website: https://strategitcom.com/

 

External References & Resources Mentioned:

Carrie Goetz's Website & Resources: https://carriegoetz.com/

National Apprenticeship Programs for Data Centers: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/

Book by Carrie Goetz: Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers – Available on https://www.amazon.com/ 

Episode 218: Dr. Paul Root Wolpe | Conflict Resolution, AI, and Building a More Peaceful Future

How do we transform conflict into peace? Dr. Paul Root Wolpe returns to discuss his mission to make Atlanta a global hub for conflict resolution. Can AI help in this process? Maybe—but should we trust it blindly? Probably not. This episode unpacks the balance between technology and human connection. Plus, Dave investigates Dr. Wolpe’s suspiciously youthful appearance.

• Dr. Paul Root Wolpe’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-root-wolpe-123456
• Emory University Conflict Transformation Article: https://news.emory.edu/stories/2024/04/er_wolpe_new_center/story.html
• Dr Wolpe’s Blog: A Different Future: https://paul.root.wolpe.family/ 

Referenced Reports, Data & Studies

European Conflict Resolution Cities (The Hague, Geneva, Oslo, Helsinki) – European Peacebuilding Database

Episode 217; Dan Crosby; Powering the Future – Dan Illuminates the Path to Smarter Energy and Data Centers

Dan Crosby sheds light on the exciting world of data center power, exploring innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Discover how microgrids, strategic partnerships, and a touch of optimism can power the data centers of tomorrow!

• Dan Crosby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-crosby-a58a3212/
• Legend Energy Advisors: https://legendenergyadvisors.com/

Episode 216: Craig Pennington; AI, Liquid Cooling, and How to Save a Data Center (& Your Marriage?)

Craig Pennington takes us on a journey from adventures with the Royal Air Force to rethinking data centers for AI environments. Tune in for GPU gossip, liquid cooling confessions, and why collaboration might just save us all! This episode is as electrifying as a 130-kilowatt cabinet!

Episode 215: Christine King, Chris Lohse; Nuclear Energy: Big Risks, Bigger Rewards, & Gummy Bears?

David McCall, Christine King, and Chris Lohse dive into nuclear power’s pivotal role in meeting rising energy demand and decarbonization goals. They explore AI-driven challenges, grid reliability, SMRs, microreactors, energy justice, and policy hurdles. Spoiler: even gummy bears find their way into this electrifying discussion on resilience and innovation.

 

Christine King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-king-engineer/ Chris Lohse: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lohse-7033a2126/

INL: GAIN Program: https://gain.inl.gov/ Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC): https://www.ferc.gov/

DOE Advanced Nuclear Liftoff Report: https://www.energy.gov/

ISO New England Report on Renewable Integration: https://www.iso-ne.com/

X-energy and Amazon Partnership Announcement: https://x-energy.com/

Kairos Power: https://kairospower.com/

TerraPower: https://www.terrapower.com/

 

Episode 214: Grandma Stocks and Dragon Flames: Cooling the AI Heatwave with Vertiv’s Greg Stover

Greg Stover, Vertiv’s Global Director of High Tech Development, takes us on a wild ride from IBM laser printers to AI-driven liquid cooling solutions. Learn how data centers are saving humanity, embracing renewables, and battling 43kW racks—one kilowatt at a time.

Greg Stover: LinkedIn

Vertiv: https://www.vertiv.com/en-emea/

External References Supercomputing 2024 Conference (SC24): Highlights emerging liquid cooling technologies. https://scconference.org

Nvidia’s Role in Data Centers: Nvidia’s growth and influence in AI-driven data center design. https://www.nvidia.com

Renewable Energy Adoption in Data Centers: Studies on sustainability driven by data centers. https://www.iea.org/reports/data-centre-energy-report 

Ep 213: James Walker; Unlocking the Future of Nuclear: Microreactors, Safety Myths, and Salmon Fishermen

James Walker, nuclear physicist, engineer, and proud salmon fisherman-accent holder, dives deep into the future of nuclear energy with me on this episode of the QTS Experience. From debunking safety myths and exploring microreactor innovation to tackling the energy sovereignty puzzle, James shares why nuclear is poised to power our data centers, remote islands, and even military bases. We discuss the practicality of modular designs, their environmental benefits, and why he believes nuclear is key to sustainable growth. And yes, we even detour into the mysteries of marriage, 3D-printed reactors, and whether nuclear engineers can really master the mind of their spouses. Spoiler: they can’t.

Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and maybe a little charmed as we explore why nuclear energy is not just a solution for today’s power needs but a critical investment in our collective future.

Episode 212: Jeff Barber; Powering the Data Center Future: Fuel Cells, Microgrids, and the Hunt for Mr. Fusion

Bloom Energy’s Jeff Barber joins me to discuss why reliable, sustainable, and innovative power generation is the key to the future of data centers. From his days as a mainframe operator at Chico State to leading the charge with hydrogen fuel cells, Jeff shares his insights into the evolving energy landscape. We tackle the challenges of scaling AI workloads, oscillating power demands, and why your Netflix stream isn’t the only thing at stake when the lights go out. Whether you’re curious about on-site power generation, SMRs, or the economics of energy infrastructure, Jeff’s practical, informed perspective is a must-hear. Plus, find out why his stage name might just be “Four Nines and an Eight.” Tune in for a conversation that’s all about more power, less pollution, and making the future a little brighter (literally).

Episode 211: Adam Black; Building Leaders, Breaking Barriers, and Why Safety is a Love Language

Adam Black joins me to talk leadership, construction, and the complex world of critical infrastructure. From his early days as a fresh Georgia Tech grad to leading multi-million dollar data center projects, Adam shares how his journey shaped his philosophy: leadership is service to others. We discuss why failures are often the best teachers, how to identify potential leaders (hint: it involves risk and some humility), and the importance of stepping back to see the big picture—even when the pressure’s on. From safety culture to leadership mindset, Adam’s insights are a masterclass in balancing grit, growth, and grace. Plus, he shares his passion for inspiring crews by connecting their work to life-changing innovations. Spoiler: It might involve AI and curing cancer. Join us for a conversation that’s as practical as it is inspiring