PBE Podcast

Hosted by People Behind Energy

Technology Education Science

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Episodes

236

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Energy innovation is born in the Permian Basin, we’re on the front lines of it! Let’s build a community for the next generation of energy needs.

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June 15, 2026Episode 159

159: Tony Van Zuilekom, Bridging the Digital Age

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.

June 15, 2026Episode 158

158: Baker Hughes, Advancing Subsurface Innovation

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.

June 15, 2026Episode 157

157: Peter Barrett Borehole Imaging with Halliburton

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.

June 15, 2026Episode 156

156: Previewing SPWLA France 2027

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.

June 15, 2026Episode 155

155: Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Integrity with Cory Fehr

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.

June 10, 2026Episode 154

154: Past President SPWLA Robert (Bob) Gales

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.

June 4, 2026Episode 153

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.

May 30, 2026Episode 152

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.

May 30, 2026Episode 151

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.

May 17, 2026Episode 150

150: Veronica Montoya with SLB

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!!