153: Katerina Yared with 3M
153: Katerina Yared with 3M

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
152: SPWLA President-Elect
152: SPWLA President-Elect

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
151: SPWLA President and VP of Education
151: SPWLA President and VP of Education

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
149: Robin Slocombe AWS Energy
149: Robin Slocombe AWS Energy

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!!

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
148: Andy Anderson Conoco Petrophysicist
148: Andy Anderson Conoco Petrophysicist

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!!

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
146: Brent Hopkins
146: Brent Hopkins

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
PBE Live: The South Texas Geological Society
PBE Live: The South Texas Geological Society

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 STGS
Jack 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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
The Geology of Carbon Dioxide
The Geology of Carbon Dioxide

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
Cinco de Mayo Special: KinFrac
Cinco de Mayo Special: KinFrac

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 and 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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
PBE at NAPE 25'
PBE at NAPE 25'

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!

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
145: Trey Cortez, Geologist
145: Trey Cortez, Geologist

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
144: WTGS Panel Discussion
144: WTGS Panel Discussion

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
143: WTGS Core Workshop
143: WTGS Core Workshop

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!

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
141: Induced Seismicity in the Permian Basin
141: Induced Seismicity in the Permian Basin

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.

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
140: Midland Commissioner, Luis Sanchez
140: Midland Commissioner, Luis Sanchez

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!

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment
138: Strawn Core Workshop
138: Strawn Core Workshop

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!

Read More
Permian Basin ExperienceComment