Pipeline Things

By Rhett Dotson & Christopher De LeonScience Education

Pipeline Things episodes

December 24, 2025Chipping Away At Cross-Border Differences with Dr. Nicki Robertson
Canada may be just across the border, but when it comes to pipeline integrity management, the differences can make it feel like we’re oceans apart. Learn how each country balances the world of politics and regulators, the key differences in engineering approaches, and the distinction between performance versus prescriptive culture.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris bring on Dr. Nicki Robertson, who is currently standing up D2 Integrity’s Canadian office, to discuss pipeline regulations across borders.
Highlights:
Key differences and similarities between each country’s regulatory environment
How each country approaches interpreting regulations
Relationships between operators and regulators
Ensuring sound engineering for engineering assessments
Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Nicki Robertson
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
44 min
December 10, 2025That’s So Mega: What the Mega Rule Part 3 Means for Gas Gathering Lines with Mark Ryan
On this episode of the Pipeline Things podcast, Rhett and Christopher sit down with guest Mark Ryan of Phillips 66 to discuss the impact of Part Three of the PHMSA Mega Rule on onshore gas gathering lines, 8-inch and up. The discussion confronts the reality that with its adoption, there are no longer any unregulated gas lines.
Highlights:
Motivations behind the rule stem from a wide-scale effort to reduce emissions across the pipeline industry.
Enhanced compliance thresholds for gas gathering lines have introduced challenges and opportunities for pipeline operators, like new classifications and reporting requirements.
Implications of prescriptive vs. performance-based integrity management as the gas gathering space continues to evolve.
If you haven’t thought of the impact of the Mega Rule on gathering lines before, or if you’re knee deep in the new regulations, this episode is for you.
Connect:
Mark Ryan
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity
49 min
November 26, 2025What Makes an Effective Composite Repair & That Thing They Say About Boxes of Chocolate, with Tim Mally
Excavating an anomaly flagged during an in-line inspection can sometimes feel like opening a box of chocolates. Say it with us, now: “You never know what you’re going to get.”
When determining whether a composite system is a suitable repair option, defining permanency (i.e., What does permanent mean to you?), evaluating the long-term strength of the system, and understanding the role of adhesion all come into play.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris sit down with special guest Tim Mally to discuss the ins and outs of using composites, common installation issues, and some of the major challenges with composite repairs.
Highlights:
Essential variables considered when evaluating composite repair applicability
The importance of surface prep and proper adhesion for a successful composite repair
Exploring the heightened scrutiny of composite repairs compared to alternative methods
Common questions with ensuring “permanency” of composite repairs
Connect:   
Rhett Dotson   
Christopher De Leon   
Tim Mally
D2 Integrity   
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!   
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.    
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].   
  
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity  
47 min
November 12, 2025What’s the Deal with Water Crossings? With Fernando Curiel
On this episode of the Pipeline Things podcast, Rhett and Christopher sit down with Fernando Curiel of ExxonMobil to discuss the technical and organizational challenges of managing water crossings.
Highlights:
Real-world considerations, dependencies, risks, and implications of operator approaches to vortex-induced vibration (VIV)
Lessons learned from the Yellowstone River pipeline failure
Operator strategies for managing water crossings, including inventory of crossings, data collection and integration, and risk assessment, prioritization, & potential mitigations
This episode is a must-listen for pipeline integrity engineers or anyone focused on building a safer, more transparent pipeline industry.
Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Fernando Curiel
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
42 min
October 29, 2025Can MFL Capture River Bottom, and What Exactly Is A Hot Take? Featuring Bruce Nestleroth
There’s a lot to learn about MFL tools, and who better to learn it from than the one and only Bruce Nestleroth.
In this episode of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Chris sit down with returning special guest Bruce Nestleroth, as they dive headfirst into a heavily debated topics around MFL technology. It’s a conversation filled with details of MFL capabilities and advancements in recent years, how it has refined, and where future opportunities might lie.
Highlights:
What “high resolution” really means for MFL tools
MFL data, RSTRENG, and P-Square approaches for burst pressure predictions
Capabilities for capturing true “river bottom” profiles for corrosion
The questions operators should ask their MFL vendors
Connect:
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
Bruce Nestleroth
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
49 min
August 20, 2025Failure Files 2.0: Geohazards
On this episode of the Failure Files series, Pipeline Things break down a significant geohazard incident: the 2023 rupture of Gulf South’s Index 381 pipeline near Jackson, Mississippi.
Rhett and Christopher unpack how a vintage weld flaw, masked geohazards, and the limitations of in-line inspection (ILI) tools came together to produce a high-cost failure. This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in integrity management or considering how to implement effective geohazard management programs.
Highlights:
How a Mississippi pipeline was impacted by construction work on a reactivated retention pond
The slow-moving, well-documented earth movement that still went unaddressed
A girth weld defect from 1952 and why ILI didn’t catch it in time
Why LiDAR and bending strain data weren’t enough without expert interpretation

Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
34 min
August 06, 2025Failure Files 2.0: Third Party Damage
In this episode of the Failure Files series, Pipeline Things tackles one of the most persistent and arguably preventable causes of pipeline failure in North America: third-party damage.
Rhett and Christopher walk through four real-world incidents, ranging from farmland to construction sites, where pipelines were struck. In some of these cases, lives were lost, all because no one called 811, or location information was ignored. From Brandon, MN to Dixon, IL, these stories reveal a pattern of missed warning signs, incomplete communication, and public awareness efforts that failed to translate into action.
This episode breaks down the responsibility on both sides of the fence and how even well-intentioned outreach can fall short without boots-on-the-ground follow-through.
Highlights:
Why do over 160,000 third-party damages still happen each year, despite widespread awareness campaigns?
A bulldozer strike in Georgia that turned deadly for a contractor’s family
The repeat offender: a pipeline in Kansas hit multiple times by the same excavation crew
How Kinder Morgan’s years of landowner outreach still couldn’t prevent a fatal accident
What does DIRT data tell us about who’s not calling 811, and why?
The limitations of signs, mailers, and brochures when human behavior doesn’t change
What can pipeline professionals do to prevent future third party damage incidents?
“Three Seconds Later” (Dixon Incident Video): https://youtu.be/Ejxvrnfk2uE

Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
34 min
July 23, 2025Failure Files 2.0: Challenger
On this episode of the Failure Files series, Pipeline Things breaks down the most talked-about safety-related incident in U.S. history: Challenger. Rhett and Christopher discuss the controversial choices made prior to the tragedy and how they hit close to home for anyone in asset integrity, risk management, or decision-making roles. Together, they examine how past success isn't a guarantee of future performance.
Highlights:
Step-by-step failure chain that led to the Challenger explosion, including the infamous 11th-hour conference call
The impact of deadlines and groupthink on decision-makers
How quickly the flip switched between assumption of danger to assumption of safety, and the impacts on decision-making
How risk communication and organizational pressure led to disaster
Key takeaways for asset integrity professionals for the day-to-day protection of vital infrastructure
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
37 min
July 09, 2025Failure Files 2.0: Boeing
An Important Note: This episode was filmed before the June 12 plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. The crash involved a Boeing Dreamliner bound for London, and the incident killed more than 240 people. This incident is truly devastating, as are all the incidents that have occurred and resulted in injury and loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this incident.
We hope by bringing an analysis of recent incidents to light, fewer tragic accidents will occur in the future. We believe starting these honest, open conversations is Step 1. We urge all safety professional to take learning from these events very seriously – there is no progress without an honest review and reflection of the past.
The latest episode of Failure Files on Pipeline Things discusses the breakdown of barriers that led to two Boeing plane crashes. These devastating accidents raise questions about cost pressures impact on safety culture and the role of regulatory oversight. Rhett and Christopher discuss how the aviation industry was pressured to give approval, and how this story serves as a cautionary tale for the pipeline industry.
Like many of the failures discussed in this series, it is difficult to name one “bad actor” that enabled these tragedies. In truth, these events are the culmination of many different barriers breaking down under a complex network of business incentives. By arming ourselves with the ability to identify these influences, we are better prepared to make safer decisions in the future.
Highlights:
Factors and outcomes of the two incidents
Regulatory processes and blurred lines between safety and a race to revenue-generating business
Lessons learned for pipeline safety regulatory processes
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
43 min
June 25, 2025Failure Files 2.0: Type A Sleeves
Continuing our Failure Files series, this episode of Pipeline Things covers two recent stories of Type A sleeve failures. We discuss Type A repairs, when to use them, and the steps and procedures needed to confidently make the repair.
Tune in to this episode to hear the lessons learned.
Highlights:
Background on two recent failures with Type A sleeves
Overcoming the permanency assumption
Impacts of the “fire and forget” mentality
How to implement lessons learned in ongoing integrity management practices
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FORME Marketing.   
D2 Integrity (D2I) is providing this podcast as an educational resource, but it is neither a legal interpretation nor a statement of D2I policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by D2 Integrity. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by D2I employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of D2I or any of its officials. If you have any questions about this disclaimer, please contact Sarah Etier at [email protected].  
 
Copyright 2025 © D2 Integrity 
32 min

About Pipeline Things

From the publisher's feed

Christopher and Rhett live for pipelines. Seriously. We’re not joking. Out of all things (and against all odds), pipelines are their passion. On this Pipeline Things podcast, these two share what they know, how they know it, and why you should know it too. Think Pipeliners Digest, but make it funny. Listen to the Pipeline Things podcast every other Wednesday for a hearty dose of relevant, trustworthy advice that cuts through the noise and doesn’t take itself too seriously.