PBE Podcast

PBE Live: The South Texas Geological Society

Welcome to the PBE podcast, where we dig deep into the stories, science, and people shaping our planet—one layer at a time. I’m your host, and today we’re cracking open a topic that’s foundational to the geology world and beyond: 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.

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.

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, 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.

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!

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.