Pipeline Things

By Rhett Dotson & Christopher De LeonScience Education

Pipeline Things episodes

June 11, 2025Failure Files 2.0: Macondo
Kicking off our Failure Files: Breaking Barriers series, this episode of Pipeline Things covers the infamous BP Macondo well disaster (otherwise known as Deepwater Horizon). Rhett and Christopher discuss the decisions that led to one of the worst oil spills in U.S. history – and what pipeline integrity professionals can learn from it.
Highlights:
Step-by-step failure chain that led to the Macondo well failure
The impact of deadlines, budget, and resource-based pressure on decision-making
How “checking the box” mentality and groupthink cost billions and, ultimately, lives
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 
47 min
June 04, 2025Introduction to the Failure Files: Barrier Breakdown
Introducing the newest series of Pipeline Things, Failure Files: Barrier Breakdown.
Each episode will dissect different stories from the midstream, aerospace, upstream operations, and space exploration industries. We will break down the broken barrier beneath each story that led to failure.
It is comfortable and easy to point to a single “source” when something goes wrong. However, if we break down these layers, these perfect storms have anything but perfect solutions.
Highlights:
Uncovering the broken layers of protection
Discuss events that develop patterns
How can our industry start engineering better outcomes?
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 
4 min
April 16, 2025Did Cliff Maier Confirm that Machines Are Taking Over?
To wrap up our PPIM 2025 series of Pipeline Things, we are joined by Cliff Maier to discuss his paper on machine learning and how to use it to manage SCC threats. It poses the question, are the machines ready to take over?
Tune in to this episode to catch the answer and learn about how machine learning is being used to improve SCC susceptibility models and help advance SCC threat management.
Highlights:
Top 10 machine learning predictors for SCC (specific to the study)
How can machine learning help us find the location of anomalies?
Parameters that are better correlated to where to find cracks
What further research should be done to improve this?
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Cliff Maier
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 
28 min
April 02, 2025Will You Autograph This Framework, Dr. Leewis?
Tune into the latest episode of the PPIM 2025 series of Pipeline Things, where the notable Keith Leewis discusses his paper, “BR (Basic Rupture) – a Framework to Improve the Likelihood of Failure Consequence.” The findings may shock you…
Listen in and learn all about:
The Basic Rupture Framework (BR) methodology
How an operator would put this methodology to use
BR influencing the decisions of integrity engineers

PHMSA Report:
Review the Intent and Safety Impact of Hoop Stress and Percentage of Specified Minimum Yield Stress Boundaries on Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution Pipelines
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Keith Leewis
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 
28 min
March 19, 2025Statistically Speaking... We Have a Problem - with Tom Bubenik
On the newest episode of the PPIM 2025 series of Pipeline Things, we are joined by the incredible Tom Bubenik to discuss his paper, “Lessons Learned Using API 1163 for Metal Loss.” And the findings are surprising…
Tune in to this highly anticipated episode to learn more.
Highlights:
Background and history of API 1163
The difference between the second and third edition of API 1163
The validation of performance specifications
What percentage of inspections actually met specifications?
What further research should be done to improve this?
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Tom Bubenik
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
March 05, 2025Define Like a Butterfly, Defend Like a Bee with Jason Skow
In this episode of the PPIM 2025 series of Pipeline Things, Jason Skow returns to discuss his paper, "Estimating Highlight Tool Performance on Identifying Unified Populations for Material Verification." Rhett, Christopher, and Jason rekindle their bromance as they discuss identifying populations with ILI tools.
Join us on this must-listen episode to learn more about confidence intervals in looking at population data and what further studies could be done to benefit the industry.
Highlights:
Requirements of 607 and defining a population
The variables studied in this paper to determine populations
Previewing the mathematics behind determining separate populations
The difference between confidence and performance
What does 95% confidence mean?
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Jason Skow
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
February 19, 2025Is Your Hard Spot Management Spot On? With Mike Rosenfeld
In the first installment of the PPIM 2025 series of Pipeline Things, Rhett and Christopher are joined by the esteemed Mike Rosenfeld. Together, they discuss the hot topic of hard spots, including the unofficial hard spot severity index (shall we call it the HSSI?).
Join us on the newest episode of Pipeline Things, where Chris, Rhett, and Mike discuss his latest paper, Managing the Pipe Body Hard Spots Integrity Threat, identifying hard spots, the challenges the industry is facing, and what further study is needed.
Highlights:
What should operators look for to mitigate hard spot threats?
What factors increase susceptibility for hard spot threats?
What is the role of inline inspection in managing hard spots?
What is Mike’s biggest takeaway?
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Mike Rosenfeld
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 
35 min
January 22, 2025Geoforce: The Musical Featuring Clay Johnson
Technology has truly changed over the years. Landlines and MapQuest are things of the past, and traditional data management methods may be headed in that direction for managing geohazard threats. New technologies under development have the potential to provide operators with alternatives for better management.
Tune in to the newest episode of Pipeline Things, where Chris, Rhett, and Clay discuss a new strategy for managing geohazard threats, the emerging need for this new strategy, where it came from, and its future.
Highlights:
What's the origin story of this technology, and what need is it fulfilling?
How does Geoforce help in site-specific decisions?
What efforts are being made to improve data gathering?

Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity 
Clay Johnson
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].  
40 min
January 08, 2025Do You Slip Stick It, Or Do You Slap Stick It? With Brett Dugan
Emerging geohazard threats are challenging to manage. Location-based data that provides real-time indicators of geohazards and their impact is ideal, but finding the technology to facilitate that is a different story. New technologies under development may provide operators with alternatives for better integrity management.
Join us on the newest episode of Pipeline Things, where Chris, Rhett, and Brett discuss geohazards and inclinometers, the need for this tool, where it came from, and its emerging future.
Highlights:
What’s the origin story of this technology and what need is it fulfilling?
What challenges are faced when working with inclinometers?
How do inclinometers fit in geohazard management programs?
What positive changes do inclinometers bring?
What's in store for inclinometers in the future?

Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity 
Brett Dugan
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].  
40 min
December 18, 2024Cracking Circumferential SCC and Poolside Problems with Jed Ludlow
Much like Chris’s leaking pool, what might appear as one problem turns into many others. Rhett Dotson and Christopher De Leon sit down with Jed Ludlow to understand the multi-faceted issues with circumferential stress corrosion cracking (SCC).
Join us on the newest episode of Pipeline Things, where Chris, Rhett, and Jed discuss circumferential SCC, the challenges the industry is facing, and the emerging solutions to combat them.
Highlights:
What are the latest updates for circumferential SCC?
What is and is not detectable from inline inspections?
What emerging solutions are available for managing circumferential SCC threats?
What is the development process for inspection tools in response to emerging threats?
What have we learned about where to find circumferential SCC?
Connect:  
Rhett Dotson  
Christopher De Leon  
D2 Integrity  
Jed Ludlow
Be sure to subscribe and leave a comment or rating!  
Pipeline Things is presented by D2 Integrity and produced by FUSE 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 2024 © D2 Integrity 
42 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.