Pipeliners Podcast

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat speaks with David Murk of the American Petroleum Institute about the upcoming API Pipeline, Control Room, and Cybernetics Conference. Their conversation covers how the conference has evolved over the past decade, key themes shaping the 2026 program, and why the event continues to be a central gathering for pipeline professionals. Visit Pipeli...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Brianne Craddock and Melanie Lampton of Babst Calland to discuss PHMSA enforcement. The conversation explores how the enforcement process works, recent trends in enforcement activity and penalties, and what operators should understand to better navigate inspections and compliance expectations. Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.co...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Paul Roberti, Administrator of PHMSA, about the agency's role in pipeline safety and his broader regulatory philosophy. The discussion covers enforcement priorities, modernization efforts, and how PHMSA is working to balance safety, efficiency, and industry collaboration. Listeners will gain insight into how regulatory frameworks,...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Samer El Issa of FloSeer about applying AI to solve real-world challenges in pipeline and measurement operations. The discussion covers how different types of AI, including large language models, mathematical models, and agent-based systems, can be used together to deliver practical and reliable outcomes, as well as the key consid...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat discusses alarm management and the risk that poorly designed alarm systems pose to operators. Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions. 

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat sits down with Shawn Patterson of Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline to discuss the future of natural gas and the forces reshaping the industry. Drawing on more than three decades of leadership experience, Shawn shares perspectives on workforce transition, safety culture, infrastructure modernization, and the growing role of technology and AI...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Marc Lamontagne returns to discuss how in-line inspection (ILI) technology has evolved over the past eight years. He shares insights on advancements in crack detection, including phased array ultrasonics, improvements in magnetic-based tools, and the increasing volume and fidelity of inspection data. The conversation also explores the growing role of adva...

The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the  Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation . In this episode, Marc discuss data. Specifically, what should operators do with all of the data they're collecting? Marc provides his perspective on data integration, what to look for in the data as it pertains to the condition of pipes in the field, th...

The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this episode, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss the important roles of geometry and mapping for inline inspection. You will learn about the caliper and geometry tools used for inline inspection, why it's important to have accurate maps to tr...

The Pipeliners Podcast is continuing a series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. In this episode, host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne discuss the use of ultrasonics for inline inspection. In this episode, you will learn about the use of ultrasonic tools to capture information about corrosion and cracking, the advantages of using ultr...

This Pipeliners Podcast episode is part of a rebroadcast of a previously-aired series on inline inspection (ILI) with Marc Lamontagne of the Lamontagne Pipeline Assessment Corporation. Host Russel Treat and Mr. Lamontagne begin the series discussing magnetic flux leakage (MFL) technology. In this episode, you will learn about the value of MFL as the workhorse of inline inspection, how MFL can help...

In this republished episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, you will learn about the important topic of inline pipeline inspection with guest Marc Lamontagne. Included is a discussion of the history of pigging and the three categories of threats to pipeline integrity. You will be in the same position as host Russel Treat walking through the pigging process, what tools are available to identify specific...

In this week's episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Rick Bondy joins the show to discuss the evolution of pipeline emergency response from a planning and operational perspective.   Drawing on his background as a first responder and emergency manager, the conversation explores how regulations, frontline preparedness, and program design influence an operator's ability to manage high-consequence events...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat talks with pipeline integrity veteran Jerry Rau about how he came to write and publish a multi-author book series designed to capture hard-earned industry lessons in a story-driven format for the next generation of pipeliners. They discuss the intent behind the books—focusing on practical perspective, leadership, and knowledge transfer rather...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat is joined by returning guest Mark LaCour for a wide-ranging discussion on what the pipeline industry may face in 2026. Together, they reflect on prior-year predictions before exploring forward-looking themes such as infrastructure investment, LNG expansion, workforce constraints, data and digitalization, and the evolving role of AI and emergi...

This special holiday episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a brief year-end message from Russel Treat, reflecting on the podcast's mission, thanking contributors behind the scenes, and wishing listeners a Merry Christmas. Russel also shares high-level thoughts on emerging industry themes to watch in the coming year—particularly AI and regulatory activity—while previewing upcoming conferences...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a thoughtful conversation with Scott Tinker on the realities of the global energy landscape and the often-misunderstood narrative surrounding the energy transition. The discussion explores energy demand, economic development, and the continued role of both traditional and emerging energy sources, offering a fact-based perspective on what the future m...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Dr. Keith Leewis joins the show for a practical, experience-driven discussion on determining fitness for service in pipeline systems. Building on prior conversations, the episode explores how operators evaluate integrity, assess risk, and make informed decisions using established industry practices and standards. The discussion offers context and perspect...

In this week's episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Dr. Keith Leewis joins to discuss the differences between old and new steel pipe and why those distinctions matter for pipeline integrity and maintenance practices. The conversation highlights how manufacturing methods, coatings, and metallurgical properties influence how pipeline materials behave over time. The episode also touches on practical co...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with metallurgical expert Keith Leewis, who introduces the fundamentals of pipeline metallurgy and explains how steelmaking practices have evolved over time. The discussion explores the key concepts that influence how modern and legacy pipeline steels behave, setting the stage for a multi-part series on metallurgy and its practical imp...

On this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Pete Weber of DoC Mapping joins Russel Treat to discuss how operators determine depth of cover for pipelines at water crossings and why it matters for integrity and risk management. The conversation explores regulatory expectations, historical and modern inspection practices, and emerging technologies that improve accuracy in underwater pipeline surveys....

This anniversary episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features host Russel Treat reflecting on eight years of the show, highlighting its mission of education through conversation and the breadth of technical topics covered. He discusses the evolution of the show, acknowledges key contributors and sponsors, and offers insights into what may be ahead for the podcast. Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com fo...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat talks with Rob Jennings of the American Petroleum Institute about how the rapid growth in electricity demand is creating new opportunities for the natural gas and pipeline industries. The discussion explores the changing dynamics of U.S. power generation, including the resurgence of domestic manufacturing, the rise of energy-intensive da...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat welcomes Andrew Bell (Explorer Pipeline) and CaLae Miller (CEM Solutions) to discuss the Stockyards Corrosion Short Course, an annual training event in Fort Worth, Texas. The conversation covers the course's origins, its "by technicians, for technicians" philosophy, and the hands-on, real-world approach that makes it valuable for corrosi...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Robin Rorick, Vice President of Midstream Policy at API, returns to the show to discuss pipeline conservation as a mechanism for building community.  Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.