Episode 392: Anniversary of the Bellingham Incident with Larry Shelton
Release Date: 06/10/2025
Episode 407: AGA GIS and ARM Committee Work with Ben Gilman
Pipeliners Podcast
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 conversation highlights how these developments are shaping the future of records management, regulatory compliance, and damage prevention in pipeline and utility operations. ...
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Episode 406: PHMSA’s Focus on Safety Impact with Keith Coyle
Pipeliners Podcast
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 view of how PHMSA is focusing its efforts to drive meaningful improvements in pipeline safety. Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes...
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Episode 405: New release of SCADA Connect component of PODS with Marissa Anderson and Gary Choquette
Pipeliners Podcast
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 detection, hydraulic modeling, and asset management. The guests also highlight the importance of data standards and governance in advancing safety and efficiency across the pipeline industry. ...
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Episode 404: Combining Gamification and Generative AI to Improve Training (with Survey) with Clint Bodungen
Pipeliners Podcast
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 operational needs of the pipeline industry, highlighting the development of AI-driven, multiplayer training environments. Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as...
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Episode 403: Managing Pipeline Encroachment with Ed Hetsko
Pipeliners Podcast
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 issues. Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.
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Episode 402: AI based Risk Washing in Training Delivery with Rob Day
Pipeliners Podcast
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 for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.
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Episode 401: SGA Natural Gas Association Mission and Capabilities with Suzanne Ogle and Cindy Anderson
Pipeliners Podcast
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 understanding across the entire natural gas value chain. Visit for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.
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Episode 400: Common Ground Alliance 811 Day and latest DIRT Report with Sarah Magruder Lyle
Pipeliners Podcast
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 industry's current state and what it will take to drive meaningful progress. Visit for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.
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Episode 399: Leadership in the High Reliability Organization with Mike Mercer
Pipeliners Podcast
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 how deliberate leadership behaviors can build more resilient teams and better prepare organizations to manage the unexpected. Visit for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with...
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Episode 398: Revised API 1161 Operator Qualification with Scott Sanders and Chrystah Carter
Pipeliners Podcast
In this episode of the Pipeliners Podcast, host Russel Treat is joined by Scott Sanders of Enbridge and Chrystah Carter of Plains to discuss the recently revised API Recommended Practice 1161, which provides guidance on Operator Qualification (OQ) for hazardous liquid pipelines. The conversation covers the history and purpose of the OQ rule, the collaborative process behind the latest updates to the standard, and the increasing emphasis on performance-based tasks and training efficacy. Listeners will gain insight into the significance of OQ programs in supporting safety, reducing risk, and...
info_outlineThis episode of the Pipeliners Podcast commemorates the 26th anniversary of the tragic Olympic Pipeline rupture in Bellingham, Washington, which resulted in a catastrophic explosion and the loss of three young lives. Larry Shelton shares his insights from the incident and the conversation serves as a reminder of the responsibilities of those in the pipeline industry.
On the 20-year anniversary of the Bellingham Incident in Bellingham, Washington, Pipeliners Podcast host Russel Treat welcomed retired pipeline professional Larry Shelton to share his first-hand recollections and reflect on the importance of pipeline integrity management.
Visit PipelinePodcastNetwork.com for a full episode transcript, as well as detailed show notes with relevant links and insider term definitions.