PBE Podcast

In this episode of the PBE podcast, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with Tamer Ali at IMAGE 2026 to explore the cutting edge of geology, geophysics, and AI integration. Tamer shares his incredible journey from growing up on a farm in the Nile Delta to processing seismic data across six countries, and eventually earning degrees from the Colorado School of Mines and LSU. The conversation dives into Tamer's groundbreaking PhD dissertation, which uses a novel AI hybrid model—combining generalized additive models (GAM) and k-means clustering—to quantitatively integrate geophysical and geological data. By predicting grain size and permeability in shallow, unconsolidated sediments, Tamer's work precisely locates dangerous water seepage beneath structures like the LSU Veterinary School of Medicine. This localized, quantitative approach could save tens of millions of dollars annually in levee restoration and prevent catastrophic infrastructure failures across the Lower Mississippi Valley. Episode Highlights: The Elevator Pitch: An introduction to Tamer's extensive academic background and his focus on quantitative data integration using AI. Roots in the Nile Delta: Tamer discusses his Egyptian heritage, farming background, and how a geologist uncle sparked his early love for earth sciences. The Industry Grind: Balancing a full-time 3D seismic processing career at WesternGeco with a grueling daily commute to earn a master's degree at Colorado School of Mines. Quantitative vs. Qualitative: The shift from subjective visual inspections to writing robust Python and R code to build a new hybrid AI model. The LSU Vet School Project: Securing an AAPG grant and Army Corps permits to investigate uneven stress and water seepage beneath the university building. K-Means Clustering for Civil Engineering: Applying five distinct data properties to accurately classify subsurface facies from zero to 90 feet. Saving Millions & Preventing Disasters: How Tamer's precise seepage detection can prevent future tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and save an estimated $50 million a year. The Future of Petrophysics: Tamer's next chapter pursuing the only specialized petrophysics master's degree in the United States at Texas A&M-Kingsville.

In this episode, we sit down with Dalma Cerro Arrieta, a petroleum engineer and PhD candidate at UT Austin, to discuss her journey through the geosciences. Dalma shares her path from studying at a public school in northern Colombia to learning Portuguese in three months for a Master's degree in Brazil, and eventually transitioning to a PhD program in Texas. The conversation dives into the technical details of geomechanics, her time working for Petrobras in the Brazilian pre-salt layers, and her current research using NMR and resistivity logs to estimate permeability in complex carbonates. Episode Highlights: 00:00:00 - Origins & Education: Dalma discusses growing up in Colombia and her early interest in organic chemistry before shifting her focus to petroleum engineering at the National University in Medellín. 00:04:17 - A Life-Changing Encounter: Dalma explains how volunteering at a university geomechanics conference led to a meeting with a Brazilian professor, resulting in a master's degree offer in Brazil. 00:05:51 - Geomechanics Simplified: A breakdown of earth mechanics, wellbore stability, and how mud weight is used to prevent well fractures and keep fluids inside the rocks. 00:09:35 - Rock Frackability: An exploration of the rock properties used in frack modeling, including Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus. 00:11:17 - Innovative Fracking Concepts: A discussion on a patented, non-traditional "kinetic frac" method that utilizes expanding CO2 bubbles to shatter rock. 00:16:48 - Industry Experience at Petrobras: Dalma shares her experience working on wellbore stability in Brazil, specifically focusing on the challenges of drilling through salt seals to reach presalt carbonate reservoirs. 00:18:28 - The Journey to UT Austin: The story of how Dalma relocated to Austin to learn English, eventually passing her GRE and TOEFL exams to begin her PhD in formation evaluation. 00:21:15 - Permeability in Complex Carbonates: Insights into Dalma's current research on combining Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and electrical resistivity logs to navigate the challenges of micropores and heterogeneous rock. 00:22:22 - Protecting NMR Data: Practical advice on using ditch magnets in mud tank possum bellies to clear out iron and prevent electrical field disturbances during NMR logging. 00:24:26 - Leadership in SPWLA: Dalma highlights the importance of the UT Austin SPWLA student chapter for building networking skills, forcing student engagement, and connecting academia with industry professionals. 00:31:21 - Demystifying Wettability: A concise explanation of wettability and how rock mineralogy determines its affinity for holding oil versus water.

In this episode of the People Behind Energy (PBE) podcast, host Troy Tittlemier travels to UT Austin to sit down with PhD students Axel Jeconiah and Christian Dominguez from Dr. Carlos Verdin's formation evaluation program. The conversation dives deep into the future of the energy industry, focusing heavily on new-generation geothermal technologies, the integration of machine learning, and advanced fracture detection methods. Axel and Christian share their unique journeys into the energy sector—from growing up in Qatar and Houston to pursuing cutting-edge DOE-funded research. The episode explores how modern physics and engineering are being applied to create more efficient and sustainable energy solutions, including the economic challenges of mapping geothermal fractures and the vision for distributed geothermal micro-wells. Episode Highlights 00:00:00 - Introduction at UT Austin and meeting the PhD students in the formation evaluation program. 00:01:46 - Axel and Christian share their backgrounds, from Houston and Qatar, and what inspired them to pursue petroleum engineering. 00:04:33 - Breaking down the basics of geothermal energy and how water heat is converted to turbine power. 00:06:11 - Exploring "new generation" geothermal technology and the process of hydraulically fracturing hot dry rock. 00:09:41 - The experimental research surrounding the extraction of lithium from underground geothermal brines. 00:11:03 - Discussing Texas geothermal anomalies and the impact of tight gas on thermal conductivity in the McAllen area. 00:13:17 - Defining the difference between Machine Learning and AI, and their growing necessity in the energy sector. 00:15:41 - Axel details his DOE-funded PhD research on using electromagnetics and conductive proppant to map fractures through casing. 00:23:48 - Vision for the future: Why distributed networks of 20-megawatt micro-wells are more effective than giant, single-source geothermal wells. Episode Sponsors Mandrill Energy Solutions: Providing tailored staffing, solids control solutions, and equipment solutions to keep energy operations running safely and efficiently. Resonate H2O: A premium hydration mix featuring electrolytes and essential amino acids to support everyday focus and performance.

The Evolution of UTAPWeLS & Well-Log Modeling In this episode of the PBE Podcast, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with Dave Kennedy to explore the history of the UT Austin Formation Evaluation research consortium and the development of the UTAPWeLS software. Dave shares his expansive career journey, spanning from his early days at Georgia Tech and military service during the Vietnam War, to his extensive work with industry giants like Schlumberger, Mobil, ExxonMobil, and Baker Hughes. The discussion dives deep into the evolution of well-log modeling, detailing the industry's shift from the standard 30-year use of the 6FF40 induction instrument to proprietary array induction tools. Dave also highlights how consortium leader Carlos successfully united competing service companies to build a comprehensive petrophysical simulator that continues to push the technological envelope today. Episode Highlights Introduction to Dave Kennedy, his long-standing association with Carlos since 1986 at Berkeley, and the start of the UT Austin consortium in 2000. Dave's early life: Attending Georgia Tech, his family's military background, and his decision to join the army as airborne infantry during the Vietnam War. Entering the oil patch: Landing a job at Schlumberger in 1972 after sending out a hundred letters through a vendor catalog. Transitioning to research: Moving to Mobil in 1988, solving Maxwell's equations to understand the 6FF40 induction tool's response function, and adding 100 million barrels to the Statfjord field reserves using forward modeling. The industry shift to array induction tools and the service companies' initial reluctance to share their proprietary hardware specifications and modeling data. The birth of UTAPWeLS (University of Texas at Austin Petrophysical and Well-Log Simulator): How Carlos successfully negotiated with competing service companies to incorporate their models into a unified simulator for the industry. Forward modeling vs. inversion: A breakdown of how UTAPWeLS helps determine hydrocarbon saturation by overlaying guessed formation layer conductivities onto observed tool responses. Dispelling the myth of a "mature industry": How technological advancements like fiber optics, miniaturization, and rare earth magnets for nuclear magnetic resonance keep the oil and gas sector on the cutting edge. Concluding thoughts on the 26-year-old consortium's ongoing evolution, Carlos's leadership, and the modern integration of AI into their research.

In this episode of the People Behind Energy podcast, Dr. Carlos Torres-Verdín (Professor at the University of Texas at Austin) and Mark Kittridge (Principal and Manager of the Quantitative Interpretation Team at Occidental Petroleum) explore the 26-year history and future of the UT Austin Formation Evaluation Consortium. The conversation details Dr. Torres-Verdín's journey in establishing an independent academic program for formation evaluation, Mark Kittridge's perspectives as a long-time industry sponsor, and the core physics behind subsurface reservoir measurements. They also examine how multiphysics modeling, novel sensors, and artificial intelligence are advancing petrophysics, driving reservoir recovery factors, and enabling energy transition applications such as CO2 sequestration. Key Highlights & Timestamps - Celebrating 26 Years of Innovation: The conversation opens with reflections on the 26-year uninterrupted legacy of the UT Austin Formation Evaluation Consortium and its pivotal role in advancing petrophysics. - Mark Kittridge's Longhorn Legacy: Mark shares his journey coming to UT Austin in August 1986 for his Master's in Petroleum Engineering under Dr. Larry Lake, discussing how his graduate work laid the foundation for his industry career. - Dr. Carlos Torres-Verdín's Career Path: Carlos outlines his academic and industry path, from earning his PhD at UC Berkeley to conducting research at Schlumberger (SLB) and working in operations at YPF in Argentina before joining UT Austin in July 1999. - Pitching the Consortium Vision in 2000: Carlos recalls pitching his vision for an academic unit dedicated to formation evaluation, pushing back against the perception that petrophysical technology had reached its limit. - Early Consortium Impact: Mark discusses the immediate value the consortium brought to operators by tying tool physics directly to multiphysics, multiscale data, quantitative interpretation, and downhole formation testing. - The Power of Academic Neutrality: The guests discuss how UT Austin provided a neutral, independent research environment to maximize measurement value without commercial tool bias. - The Future of Subsurface Physics: Carlos highlights future research frontiers, focusing on complex heterogeneous rocks, new in situ sensors, fast computing, and combining physical laws with artificial intelligence to boost reservoir recovery factors. - Demystifying Formation Evaluation: Mark and Carlos break down how petrophysicists translate indirect wellbore measurements (density, acoustic, electromagnetic) into key reservoir properties like porosity, fluid saturation, and permeability. - Evolution of the University JIP Model: The group analyzes how university-led Joint Industry Projects (JIPs) must evolve amid changing academic landscapes and shifting industry funding priorities. - Subsurface Engineering in the Energy Transition: Mark details his work in CO2 sequestration, explaining how traditional petroleum engineering methodologies are being repurposed for carbon capture, groundwater management, and global energy solutions.

In this episode of the People Behind Energy (PBE) Podcast, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with Austin Williams, Founder of Upstream+, to unpack the hidden complexities of oil and gas accounting. Austin shares his unique journey from studying organic chemistry to building a revolutionary platform that bridges raw field data and actionable financial insights. They discuss the industry's struggle with fragmented reporting, why traditional accounting processes are too slow for modern operators, and how Upstream+ serves as an "economic decisions intelligence layer" to stop profit leaks in real time. Austin also shares his compelling perspective on the right—and wrong—ways to leverage AI as a thought partner in highly technical industries.

In this episode of the People Behind Energy podcast, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with Derek Buster, a seasoned petrophysicist and subsurface consultant. Derek shares his unconventional career journey, starting from a childhood fascination with RC cars and a degree in physics, to his grueling but formative years as an MWD/LWD field engineer for Schlumberger in the Gulf of Mexico. He discusses his transition to the operator side with companies like Apache, Stone Energy, and Guidon, where he leveraged his service-industry data-acquisition expertise to drive major economic impact. The episode's technical highlight is a deep dive into sonic logging. Derek shares a high-stakes, real-world story from the Midland Basin where his team hit a massive water-filled fault while drilling. By deploying acoustic dipole shear wave imaging (DSWI) through casing, they mapped the hazard, selectively avoided fracking it, and saved a multi-million-dollar well program. Beyond oil and gas, Derek also talks about the industry's "brain drain," mentoring the next generation, and his fascinating entrepreneurial side hustles—including 3D-printing custom RV parts and patenting a new air conditioning vent for RVs.

Welcome back to the PBE Podcast (People Behind Energy)! Today, we sat down with Bryan Bottoms for the first time since 2019 to catch up on life, fatherhood, and the booming state of the Mid-Continent oil and gas sector. Bryan, a technical advisor at Detring, gives a masterclass on the current "real estate" market of oil and gas A&D (Acquisitions & Divestitures). He brings incredible data and maps to the table, breaking down how drilling activity in Oklahoma has come full circle back to the Western Anadarko Basin. We take a deep dive into the Cherokee Shale, the highly channelized Red Fork sands, and the geologic mysteries behind the deep, oily Woodford in the Marietta Basin. Whether you are an exploration manager, an operator, or a geology enthusiast, this episode is packed with high-level technical insights and actionable market trends. Support Our Sponsors:

In this episode of the People Behind Energy Podcast, Troy and Joselynn Tittlemier, the host geologists, sit down with Iulian Hulea: physicist, saturation height modeling specialist, former Shell subject-matter expert, SPWLA leader, and independent petrophysics consultant. Iulian takes us from his early life in Romania to a PhD in organic semiconductors, where he worked on the science behind flexible electronic displays. He then shares the unexpected moment that pulled him into oil and gas: seeing a piece of core and learning that a significant portion of it could contain oil. This episode goes deep into: Why critical thinking starts with asking “why?” Organic semiconductors, transistors, flexible displays, and graphene The transition from physics into petrophysics and Shell research Saturation height modeling and capillary pressure explained simply Heavy oil, brine, density differences, viscosity, and reservoir complexity The role of SPWLA in technical growth and professional community Building connection through the SPWLA 5K fun run Discipline, running, accountability, and keeping promises to yourself Reinventing your career through independent consulting

In this episode of the People Behind Energy Podcast, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with Dr. Brian Horn, the 109th President of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the founder of Hatteris Energy Group. Brian shares his incredible 40-year journey through the geosciences, from making hand-drawn contour maps in the Williston Basin to leading global exploration initiatives at ION Geophysical. He opens up about the pivotal moments in his life—including a serendipitous missed deadline at a seminary school that kept him in geology—and shares his deep passion for the future of the energy industry. We dive deeply into the internal workings and future of the AAPG, the importance of engaging the next generation of geoscientists, and the expansion of the Imperial Barrel Award (IBA) to include modules in geothermal, lithium, and carbon capture. Whether you are a student, an early-career geoscientist, or an industry veteran navigating the M&A landscape, this episode is packed with invaluable career advice, leadership lessons, and technical wisdom.

This episode with Andy Anderson captures a retrospective discussion regarding the 67th SPWLA Annual Symposium, highlighting the event's unique atmosphere and professional value. The speakers emphasize the intimate, family-like environment that fosters organic networking and high-level technical exchange among petrophysicists, students, and major service companies. Key segments include the student paper competition, specialized workshops, and the transition of the international board of directors. The dialogue also explores the future of the society, focusing on digital innovation and the potential for AI-driven data accessibility for members. Ultimately, the show serves as a tribute to the volunteers and sponsors who facilitate global collaboration within the geoscientific community.

Tony Van Zuilekom, a Halliburton product champion with nearly five decades of experience in petrophysics and formation testing. The discussion highlights the transition of the oil and gas industry from analog to digital technologies, with a focus on the evolution of well logging and reservoir analysis. Van Zuilekom details the capabilities of the Reservoir Examiner and its "Deep" variant, which uses high-rate pumps and high-resolution gauges to investigate deeper into rock formations than traditional methods. A significant portion of the dialogue explains how these advancements allow for real-time data streaming and improved well control while circulating hydrocarbons. Ultimately, this show emphasizes how modular technology and data integration help operators reduce uncertainty and make more economical decisions regarding hydrocarbon recovery.

At the 67th annual SPWLA symposium, experts from Baker Hughes discussed integrating artificial intelligence with advanced subsurface technologies in modern energy exploration. The company introduced Proxima, a platform designed for formation evaluation in challenging well conditions using through-pipe conveyance. They also highlighted the Maxima platform, which utilizes machine learning to improve the speed and purity of hydrocarbon sampling while significantly reducing operational costs. For well integrity, the new CICM acoustic tool allows for 360-degree casing and cement imaging directly on the drill pipe, doubling operational efficiency. These innovations support a wide range of applications, including traditional oil and gas, geothermal energy, and carbon capture initiatives. By offering integrated advisory services, Baker Hughes aims to optimize the entire reservoir life cycle through collaboration and data-driven solutions.

Peter Barrett of Halliburton discusses the evolution and technical importance of borehole imaging within the energy industry. He explains how this technology uses acoustic and resistivity data to create 360-degree subsurface visualizations, enabling experts to identify geological fractures and bedding. Barrett highlights the critical role of the SPWLA, a professional society that fosters global collaboration and the development of new digital initiatives. The conversation covers significant historical milestones, such as the 1969 origins of the first acoustic images and the later breakthrough of oil-based mud imaging. Ultimately, Barrett emphasizes the shift toward integrated data analysis and the vital importance of mentoring the next generation of petrophysicists.

Rubi Rodriguez and Emmanuel Caroli, the leaders of the SPWLA France chapter, are preparing to host the 2027 Annual Symposium in Pau, France. The upcoming event is particularly significant because it marks the centennial of the first well log, a technology originally pioneered in France. The organizers highlight that the conference will bridge the industry's historical roots with its future by introducing sessions on new energy frontiers, including carbon storage, hydrogen, and geothermal technology. Beyond the technical program, the hosts emphasize the multicultural collaboration and networking opportunities inherent in the society. They also invite attendees to experience the unique gastronomy and history of the Pau region while engaging with the latest advancements in petrophysics. Information regarding abstract submissions and event updates will be shared through the organization's LinkedIn page and website.

Integrity Insitu, a company founded by Corey Fehr to modernize the way the energy industry measures geomechanical rock properties. Traditional methods for assessing rock strength are often prohibitively expensive and slow, requiring physical core samples to be shipped to distant labs for testing. In contrast, this new technology uses downhole pressure meters and shear heads to gather real-time physical data directly within the borehole. This precision allows engineers to better understand insitu stress patterns, which is critical for optimizing hydraulic fracturing and preventing catastrophic caprock failures. By replacing indirect calculations with direct measurements, operators can increase production efficiency and improve the structural safety of complex drilling projects. The interview also highlights the entrepreneurial persistence required to introduce such disruptive innovation into a risk-averse industry.

Throughout the discussion, Gales reflects on his forty-year career in the oil and gas industry, tracing the technological shift from analog field engineering to modern, AI-driven petrophysics. A significant portion of the text highlights the SPWLA's importance in fostering global mentorship and supporting the rapid growth of student chapters. The dialogue emphasizes how professional networking and the exchange of ideas have accelerated development timelines in unconventional reservoirs. These themes of technological evolution and industry collaboration are translated. Ultimately, the SPWLA serves as a retrospective on the value of active participation in scientific societies to ensure future innovation.

This podcast features a detailed discussion with Katerina Yared, the Global Portfolio Leader for energy sectors at 3M and a past president of the SPWLA. The conversation explores her transition from a traditional geology background to specialized roles in petrophysics, technical sales, and materials science. Yared highlights how 3M is leveraging its expertise in materials innovation to address complex challenges in oil and gas, geothermal energy, and carbon capture. A significant portion of the dialogue focuses on the importance of mentorship and the vital role of professional societies in training the next generation of scientists. The show also examines the shifting landscape of the energy industry, noting a rise in international student chapters despite a decrease in direct corporate support for skill development. Ultimately, the show provides an overview of how interdisciplinary collaboration and persistent curiosity drive technical breakthroughs in the evolution of modern energy.

In this episode of the People Behind Energy Podcast, we are live at the 67th Annual SPWLA Convention to talk with incoming SPWLA President-elect, Matt Blyth. Matt shares his incredible journey from an aeronautical engineering background at Cambridge to becoming a global domain expert in borehole acoustics and petrophysics. We dive deep into the technical evolution of the industry, the "cowboy" days of early Logging While Drilling (LWD), and how the petrophysics community is positioning itself as the ultimate integrator for the broader energy transition.

We're coming to you live from Day 3 of the 67th Annual SPWLA Symposium at Lake Conroe! In this episode, host Troy Tittlemier sits down with SPWLA International President Javier Miranda and VP of Education Dr. Clara Palencia to talk about the heart of the industry: The Wellbore. As the energy industry evolves, the SPWLA remains the essential nexus where reservoir engineering, geology, and drilling meet. Javier and Dr. Clara share their inspiring journeys, the importance of "critical thinking" in the age of AI, and why the SPWLA is more than just an organization—it's a global family of collaborators.

The 67th Annual Convention at Lake Conroe has several people to thank for making it possible. Veronica Montoya started off as a geophysics grad, and with the right mentors, she has become a leader in wireline and petrophysics, LETS GOOO!!

The 67th Annual Convention at Lake Conroe has several people to thank for making it possible. Robin Slocombe is one of those folks. As VP of Technology for the SPWLA, his role was to organize the technical talks and poster sessions. Check out his career and passion for geoscience after working 26 years with SLB and currently with AWS. He joins the show today to talk about his experience and what he is most excited about for this year's conference for well log analysts and petrophysicists. LETS GOOO!!

The People Behind Energy Podcast is headed to Lake Conroe, and it wouldn't be possible without Andy Anderson! Our special co-host for this 3-day event is a highly experienced petrophysicist with ConocoPhillips. He is visiting Texas for the 67th Annual Convention at Lake Conroe, all the way from Alaska. He joins the show today to talk about his experience and what he is most excited about for this year's conference for well log analysts and petrophysicists. LETS GOOO!!

The People Behind Energy Podcast had the honor to sit down with the Chief External Affairs Officer for the port, Mr. Omar Garcia, and two upstream specialists, Ms. Dawn Bissell and Mr. Brent Hopkins. The 3rd largest energy exporter in the world, and an entire show dedicated to learning more about it!

This is a pre-show podcast we did with Brent Hopkins. Brent serves on the Board for the Corpus Christi Chapter of SIPES. He called us interested in the Serpentinzation presentation we gave at the South Texas Geological Society in November of 2025. We said yes, and let's also do a podcast! Brent has an extensive history as an exploration geologist and has been instrumental in setting up the Podcast and presentation on the 27th.

Geological Societies. Whether you're a seasoned geologist, a curious student, or just someone who's ever picked up a cool rock and wondered where it came from—this episode is for you. Geological societies aren't just clubs for rock lovers. They're the backbone of the geoscience community, driving research, education, public awareness, and policy. Joining us today are two incredible guests: Dani Bartels, a geologist and editor for the STGSJack Sackrider, a geologist and President of the STGS Together, we'll explore: Why geological societies matter to professionals and researchers How they support teachers and students in bringing geology into the classroom And why the general public should care about the rocks beneath their feet From organizing conferences and publishing groundbreaking research to inspiring the next generation of Earth scientists, geological societies play a vital role in connecting people to the planet. So grab your hiking boots—or your headphones—and let's journey into the heart of the geoscience community.

This special episode is from the opening night Ice Breaker at the WTGS Fall Symposium. We get the opportunity to learn more about CO2 use and sequestration in the Permian Basin through the lens of over 25 years of experience doing it in the Permian Basin with Mike Raines and Stevel Melzer. The use of CO2 in the Permian to increase oil production is not new, but the 45Q tax credit can influence your economics as a company by putting the CO2 to use or in the ground forever! The 2025 CO2 conference is coming up; be there to be a part of this technical and economic breakthrough.

Welcome to the PBE Podcast—where innovation meets the future. This year, we're celebrating Cinco de Mayo in a way that bridges the past and the future. Back in 2021, we explored the revolutionary KinFrac technology—a potential breakthrough in hydraulic fracturing that redefined efficiency, fracture complexity, for operators wanting to re-frac old wells or bust up the reservoir in new drills. Fast-forward to today, and we're taking that conversation to the next level. Using NotebookLM, we've recreated that podcast with AI-driven hosts, bringing fresh perspectives, dynamic discussions, and cutting-edge insights into the evolution of KinFrac. This isn't just a replay—it's a reimagining, powered by AI, designed to make the conversation more immersive, engaging, and forward-thinking. KinFrac remains a potential game-changer, and as we revisit its impact, we're also exploring how AI-driven content creation is transforming the way we share knowledge, spark innovation, and push industries forward. So buckle up—because this episode is a fusion of past discoveries and future possibilities. Let's dive in.

We got to attend this year's NAPE, which didn't disappoint. “You can tell when things are going good or bad in the industry based on the quality of the happy hours at NAPE.” The opening night Happy Hour was TOP NOTCH!!! In this episode, we sit down with a past guest, DeWitt Smith, and a new guest, Andrew Welshans, to discuss natural fractures and a prospect developed by DeWitt. His exploration focus was natural fractures filled with oil. Enjoy!

Trey Cortez, the General Chair of the 2025 SWS AAPG Annual Convention, shared his excitement about the upcoming event in Fort Worth, TX. He highlighted the event's world-class short courses, engaging talks, and social events, emphasizing the opportunity for attendees to learn and integrate new ideas to elevate the oil and gas industry. He also expressed the importance of reconnecting in person, noting the energy and camaraderie that comes from face-to-face interactions, which he believes are crucial for moving the business forward.

The focus of the panel discussion is on the long history of study by the West Texas Geological Society and how this extensive research influences current policies and future outcomes in the geosciences, particularly in the context of the Permian Basin. The discussion also touches on the impact of these studies on the economics, infrastructure, and technological advancements in the oil and gas industry.

The event features various geologists and industry experts discussing their work, experiences, and the significance of core samples from different geological formations in the Permian Basin. Join in the fun as we walk through each core! You can still sign up for this event and watch all the technical talks, panel discussions, and core workshop on your time!

Amie Ostrander is a non-seismic oil and gas exploration consultant and researcher. His early research work with Exxon, Marathon, Texaco, and other major oil companies and some smaller independents demonstrated the potential of using non-seismic resistivity technology for oil exploration in plays where seismic data does not delineate the oil and gas reservoirs. Arnie's 40-year focus has been the utilization of non-seismic geophysical methods for the delineation of high-volume, high­ profit, and underdeveloped fracture reservoirs, and some potentially high-volume stratigraphic reservoirs that were not observed in either 2-0 or 3-0 seismic data.

Norman is a versatile Geologic Consultant with 15+ years of success in exploration, development, and petroleum geology. History of success in on-site support, drilling strategy optimization, and team mentorship. Expertise in wireline log interpretation, H2S risk management, and thorough well-logging in diverse basins worldwide. Skilled in productivity assessments, geologic modeling, and data accuracy, driving impactful contributions to production and exploration projects. Adept at instructing, leading, and mentoring new team members, elevating their expertise and professional development. Leverage advanced knowledge in petroleum production estimation software, enabling precise petrophysical analysis, reservoir characterization, and forward-thinking production forecasting.

Luis Sanchez is the Midland County Commissioner of Precinct 3. He comes from an oil field family and understands the importance of supporting that industry as much as possible. Midland County is the heart of the Permian Basin. Oil and Gas is the heartbeat of America. Thank you for everything you do for the operators and the people of your area sir! LET'S GOOOO!

Academic Geo's, industry Geo's, and discoveries! The Bureau of Economic Geology and the State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery folks are going from Strawn carbonates to siliciclastics!

This year Trey Cortez and the folks at the Oil Information Library of Fort Worth are bringing back one of the most important events of the year, a core workshop on the Strawn! Bringing in legends of the Strawn to talk about their core and the discoveries made over the years, along with, the top academics working on the Strawn. The Bureau of Economic Geology and the State of Texas Advanced Resource Recovery folks are going from Strawn carbonates to siliciclastics!

The 2024 AAPG GeoGulf was a hit. From technical talks, posters, and panels, to the field trips and conversations on the exhibit hall floor. This year rocked!! We were honored to sit down with Industry Professional Swapan Sahoo and Associate Professor at Steven F. Austin Julie Bloxson.

Every year there is 1 Christmas party that outdoes them all… The multi-society Christmas party in West Texas! We were there this year to share a gift to every geoscientist on Earth. RiVa Solutions from GeoComputing, Lenovo, and Nvidia is here to help you model the reservoir faster than ever. With computing time being reduced for seismic inversions some cases taking days to run, with RiVa Solutions, it's taking just hours. John Creevan CEO of GeoComputing, Brad Violand from Lenovo, and Jason Knudsen from Nvidia tell the story!

The 2024 AAPG GeoGulf was a hit. From technical talks, posters, and panels, to the field trips and conversations on the exhibit hall floor. This year rocked!! We had the honor to sit down with James Hawkins, Barry Rava, and David Tonner to discuss what the future of Energy might look like!

The 2024 AAPG GeoGulf was a hit. From technical talks, posters, and panels, to the field trips and conversations on the exhibit hall floor. This year rocked!! We had the honor to sit down with Dr. Joseph Batir and do a podcast about what he's up to and how he's making a difference in the geothermal energy space!

The 2024 AAPG GeoGulf was a hit. From technical talks, posters, and panels, to the field trips and conversations on the exhibit hall floor. This year rocked!! We had the honor to sit down with some industry experts to talk about Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as it is applied to help make decisions today!

Every year there is 1 Christmas party that outdoes them all… The multi-society Christmas party in West Texas! We were there this year to share a gift to every geoscientist on Earth. RiVa Solutions from GeoComputing, Lenovo, and Nvidia is here to help you model the reservoir faster than ever. With computing time being reduced for seismic inversions some cases taking days to run, with RiVa Solutions, it's taking just hours. John Creevan CEO of GeoComputing, Brad Violand from Lenovo, and Jason Knudsen from Nvidia tell the story!

Shawn Dawsey is a Petroleum Engineer out of THE Texas A&M University. He developed a passion for rod pumping and oil well optimization. He has studied the Dynomometer and Fluid Echometer in so much detail, he made a 50-hour eCourse on it. You can now learn every detail of how to maximize your pump efficiency and optimize operations and profits. Check out his website for more information.

Ms. Sue Pritchett is a technical engineer who infiltrated the geology world better than maybe anyone else we've had on this show! Her experience and wisdom are second to none, she's always a beam of light at the conventions and in the conversations. Thank you for your friendship! Check out Ikon Science for your 1-stop shop #Energy exploration and development software

There is a special place in the universe where a person with passion has the hard work to really make a difference. This is exactly what Shawn Dawsey from Downhole Diagnostic has done! Downhole Diagnostic diagnoses your downhole!  I use a Fluid Level Gun and a Dynamometer (Dyno) [metaphorically depicted above] to determine the fluid level and measure the downhole pump performance on Rod Pumped Wells.  To be more precise, Dynamometers are only applicable to Rod Pumped wells while Fluid Level Surveys can be used on any type of producing oil or gas well that doesn't have a Packer (Fluid Level Shots can even be taken down the tubing, for example:  if a tubing leak is suspected).   I then submit my findings in a concise report along with any optimization recommendations.

Monica Vrana is the Chief Marketing Officer of Microseismic Inc. She had a vision for the IMAGE 2023 show and PBE was a part of it. Once we saw the booth, the team working hard to put it together and the stories, we realized why it was so important for us to be there with them. 20 years of service and heading into another 100 years of hard work, dedication, and professionalism. The future infrastructures around the world will look nothing like the past!

Monica Vrana is the Chief Marketing Officer of Microseismic Inc. She had a vision for the IMAGE 2023 show and PBE was a part of it. Once we saw the booth, the team working hard to put it together and the stories, we realized why it was so important for us to be there with them. 20 years of service and heading into another 100 years of hard work, dedication, and professionalism. The future infrastructures around the world will look nothing like the past!

Doug Nester and Microseismic Inc have a partnership together, they have a history together, and they win together! Doug's story is one to hear.

Charlie Stevens has been in the microseismic business since it pretty much began! He has seen the ups and downs of the energy industry and applying this technology to exploration projects. He is now part of the team that's getting to take that 20-plus year experience and immediately apply the best practices to new businesses in energy like geothermal, carbon storage, and karst detection.

Dr. Thornton is the Chief Technical Officer for Microseismic Inc. and Keaton is a data scientist, they talk about the software and hardware of monitoring microsesmic events and making sense of the data. Allowing us to apply this technology to monitor hydraulic stimulation projects for oil and gas, geothermal, karsting environment mitigation and carbon storage seal integrity studies. The future is bright for the ones listening to the stories!