In our latest episode of the Scientista Podcast, Monica and I sat down with former Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and her longtime senior advisor Karen Skelton to talk about energy, geopolitics, and how decisions actually get made when the stakes are high. While the conversation ranged widely, one thread stayed with me long after we wrapped: how easily national security narratives become oversimplified.
One of the most compelling moments came when Secretary Granholm shared insight into what might be underlying the renewed focus on Greenland. She pointed to something largely absent from mainstream coverage: a 2021 Greenland law that prohibits mining any ore connected to uranium. Because many critical minerals are geologically linked to uranium, this law effectively blocks most large-scale critical mineral extraction on the island. Granholm’s view was that the desire to change that legal constraint — rather than abstract claims about security — may be an important part of what’s driving Trump’s recent interest.
Granholm also spoke candidly about leadership — and how no cabinet-level role functions in isolation. That’s where Karen Skelton’s role comes into focus. Throughout the conversation, it was clear how central Skelton was in translating policy goals into durable action: asking hard questions, stress-testing assumptions, and ensuring continuity as political winds shifted. Their dynamic offered a rare look at how trust and collaboration shape outcomes far more than any single decision-maker.
What this episode reinforced for me is the importance of staying attentive to complexity. Energy transitions, mineral supply chains, and national security debates don’t resolve neatly. They demand patience, context, and a willingness to look beyond the loudest headlines.
If we want to understand where things are actually heading, we have to keep paying attention — and keep asking better questions.
