Pipeliners Podcast

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.

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat speaks with Dave Norton of Hawk Consultants to mark the 50th anniversary of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The conversation explores the history and legacy of the project—from its groundbreaking construction and technological innovations to its enduring economic and environmental impact on Alaska. Norton also discusses the work of the Alaska...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat sits down with Jim Francis of ENTRUST Solutions Group to reflect on key insights from the recent AGA Pipeline Safety Management System (PSMS) Workshop.  Their discussion explores how PSMS implementation has evolved across the industry—from broader organizational engagement and leadership integration to advancements in data use and perfor...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Jim Curry of Babst Calland returns for an in-depth discussion on current and upcoming PHMSA rulemakings.  The conversation covers the agency's evolving focus on risk-based, technology-driven regulation — including the growing role of AI and advanced analytical tools — and what these changes mean for operators. Curry also provides insights into regulatory...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Osten Olorunsola of Aradel Holdings about the opportunities and challenges of building measurement capability at the national level in Nigeria. The discussion explores the critical role of measurement in oil and gas operations, the regulatory landscape, and the impact of shifting from multinational operators to indigenous companie...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Ben Gilman about the American Gas Association's GIS and Asset Records Management Committee. The discussion explores the evolution of mapping and GIS in the utility industry, the committee's focus on improving accuracy and best practices, and the growing importance of integrating GIS with asset management and field operations. The...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast welcomes back Keith Coyle, now serving as Chief Counsel at PHMSA, to discuss his new role and the agency's current priorities. The conversation highlights leadership changes within PHMSA, the administration's push for greater efficiency and impact, and the agency's updated approach to rulemaking, enforcement, and safety priorities. Listeners get a high-level...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a discussion with Marissa Anderson of Magnolia River and Gary Choquette of PRCI about the Pipeline Open Data Standard (PODS) and the new SCADA Link module. The conversation explores how PODS provides a geospatial framework for managing pipeline data, the value of linking SCADA data to precise pipeline locations, and the broader implications for leak...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, we revisit our conversation with Clint Bodungen of ThreatGEN. The discussion focuses on the application of gamification and generative AI in professional training, specifically for enhancing cybersecurity and incident response exercises. The episode also explores a PHMSA-sponsored R&D project that is adapting these advanced technologies for the unique ope...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features pipeline consultant and former pipeline engineer with Phillips 66, Ed Hetsko, discussing the complexities of pipeline encroachment. The conversation defines what an encroachment is and explores the challenges that arise as urban areas expand around once-rural pipelines. Hetsko also explores the various methods and technologies used to manage these is...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Rob Day of Cognisense to discuss AI Based Risk Washing in Training Delivery.  In this episode, Rob discusses his background, as well as the relatively new risk regarding pipeline training and AI.  Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider te...

This episode of the Pipeliners Podcast features a conversation with Suzanne Ogle and Cindy Anderson from the SGA Natural Gas Association. They discuss the association's mission, which is centered on providing training and development to the natural gas industry's workforce. The discussion also touches on the organization's recent rebrand and its role in fostering collaboration and a shared underst...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Sarah Magruder Lyle of the Common Ground Alliance returns to discuss 811 Day and the latest insights from the annual DIRT report. The conversation explores systemic challenges in underground utility damage prevention, including inconsistent regulations, outdated mapping, and underutilized technology. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the indus...

In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, Russel Treat is joined by Mike Mercer from the High Reliability Group to explore what it means to be a high-reliability organization (HRO). The conversation covers how leadership, culture, and standardized processes contribute to safety and performance in high-consequence industries like nuclear and pipeline operations. Listeners will gain insight into ho...