In-Basin Observations

The smallest cost… with the biggest impact.On In-Basin Observations podcast, host Bill Austin sits down with Cody Sutton, Co-Founder & CEO at Guide Energy Solutions, to unpack how completions chemistry is becoming a major performance driver.From produced water reuse to AI-powered decision-making, they dive into how smarter chemistry, tighter vendor accountability, and data-driven insights are reshaping frac outcomes.Tune in now!00:00 Conference Intro00:47 Guide Overview01:20 Founder Background03:03 Why Guide Started04:47 Chemistry Market 202606:12 Cost Pressure Opportunity08:42 Water Treatment Expansion10:21 Managing Variable Water11:36 Good Water KPIs12:34 Iron And Scaling Risks14:01 Outcome Based Partnerships15:33 Chemistry Impact Reality16:43 Predictable Accountability Wins17:25 Fast Low Cost Solutions18:03 Completions Outlook 202619:31 Bigger Jobs Reuse Pressure20:52 Market Share Consolidation22:14 AI Agents In Operations26:14 Sensors Real Time Data26:57 Surfactants Boost Recovery28:04 Tune Systems With Data29:25 Closing Thanks

At THRIVE 2026, Bill Austin sat down with Matt Wilks of ProFrac to discuss the current state of the U.S. completions market and how operators are thinking about the next phase of shale development. A key theme was the underlying tightness in pressure pumping capacity following years of fleet attrition, with the market appearing stable but lacking meaningful spare capacity. Wilks also highlighted a shift back toward recovery and well performance as efficiency gains begin to plateau, with increased focus on data, automation, and closed-loop fracturing to improve stage quality and consistency. The conversation also explored how new Permian gas takeaway capacity could unlock additional inventory and support higher activity levels into the second half of 2026.

During a recent visit to Carbo Ceramics’ office in Houston, Bill Austin sat down with Max Nikolaev to discuss how operators are reassessing completion design as U.S. shale matures. A key theme was the renewed focus on fracture conductivity and long-term well performance, particularly as supermajors take a longer-term development view of key basins. Nikolaev noted that while the industry’s shift to low-cost sand delivered clear economic benefits, operators are increasingly revisiting proppant design as tier-one inventory declines and recovery optimization becomes more important. The conversation also explored growing interest in lightweight proppants following Exxon’s recent comments, as well as how Carbo’s R&D efforts and customer-driven innovation continue to shape new applications in energy and beyond.

In this episode of the In Basin Observations Podcast (recorded live at the Permian Basin Barbecue Cookoff) Bill sits down with Caterpillar’s Collin Clark and Chris Berry. They highlight CAT’s new gas mechanical system, which nearly doubles pumping horsepower versus legacy diesel units while lowering fuel costs and emissions and running on both CNG and field gas. The discussion also covers the growing grid “power gap” from data center demand and how Caterpillar’s natural gas engines, turbines, and energy storage can be deployed behind the meter, backed by CAT’s ongoing investments in manufacturing capacity and dealer service support.

In this episode, Bill and Blake visit Texas Steel Conversion (TSC) to discuss the company’s long history in the tubular and drill-pipe markets. The conversation with Russell Werner and John Hubbard from TSC highlights how the company has expanded across multiple facilities in Southeast Texas, driving new efficiency gains in heat treatment, upsetting, and premium connection manufacturing. The team discusses volatility in both OCTG and drill-pipe pricing, the impact of tariffs on domestic producers, and how customer-driven designs are adapting to longer laterals and higher torque requirements. 

Bill and John sit down with David Paradis, CEO of GD Energy Products, to discuss innovation in high-pressure pumping, the impact of tariffs, and the company’s strategy for growth across U.S. land and international markets.

In-Basin Observations Podcast – Episode 55: Dennis Jol, CEO of AIQIn this episode, Bill and John sit down with Josh Lowery and Dennis Jol, CEO of AIQ, a joint venture between ADNOC / Presight a G42 company focused on applying artificial intelligence across the energy sector. Dennis shares how AIQ was founded to combine ADNOC’s domain expertise with G42’s technology capabilities, transforming operations through data-driven workflows and next-generation analytics. The discussion covers how AIQ has grown to deploy products across 25% of ADNOC wells and all of its drilling rigs, the development of its new Agentic AI platform, and the company’s plans to expand globally from its base in the UAE. Dennis also provides insight into how the region is positioning itself as a hub for energy technology ahead of ADIPEC 2025, where AIQ will co-host the AI Pavilion and will be the Title Sponsor of the Global Energy Soiree.

In the latest episode of the DEP In Basin Observations podcast, Bill and John sit down with Larry Bruno, Chairman & CEO of Core Laboratories, to discuss how the nearly 90-year-old company is positioning itself for the next phase of the energy cycle. Larry walks through Core’s expansion into unconventional reservoir analysis in the Middle East, the balance between offshore and onshore markets, and what rising international FIDs mean for the business. He also details how Core differentiates itself through proprietary technology, disciplined capital allocation, and a culture focused on client trust and technical excellence. Listen here: https://tr.ee/AppleDEPPodcast

In this In Basin Observations episode, Bill Austin and Sean Mitchell sit down with Mark Freeman, CEO of ProDirectional, for an in-depth discussion on the state of the directional drilling market. The conversation explores how ProDirectional is positioning itself amid shifting rig counts, what operators are asking for in today’s efficiency-driven environment, and how technology is influencing well design and execution. 

This week’s episode of In Basin Observations features Dave Anderson from Barclays, who recently released a through report discussing Distributed Power. We enjoyed discussing one of the most important themes shaping the energy services landscape with Dave. As traditional grid infrastructure struggles to keep up with demand, new opportunities are emerging for OFS companies to support operators with mobile and scalable power solutions.We hit on what’s driving the shift, which players are leading the way, and why capital is starting to move in this direction. It’s a timely conversation that ties directly into what we’ve been hearing for quite some time now.

In our latest In Basin Observations podcast, DEP hosts Bill Austin and Geoff Jay sit down with John Freeman, Managing Director and Head of Energy Research at Raymond James, to discuss the firm's comprehensive Midland and Delaware Basin deep dive reports. John provides critical insights into inventory life, operator strategy, valuation trends, and evolving productivity across core acreage in the Permian. This episode offers a grounded, data-rich discussion on how capital discipline and resource scarcity are reshaping the competitive landscape in U.S. shale.

This week on In Basin Observations, Bill sits down with Vulcan Industrial President Simon Lawrie from their Houston headquarters to talk manufacturing in a market shaped by volatility and opportunity. In 2025 Vulcan is leaning into high-performance machining and customer-driven innovation. Simon shares how the company was founded, navigating tariffs, and innovation in the oilfield.SS

In this week’s episode of The DEP In-Basin Observations podcast, Bill Austin and Geoff Jay sit down with industry veteran Doug Terreson to unpack his new book, Can’t Deny It, a blend of memoir and market dissection shaped by a decades-long career in energy equity research. The conversation explores how capital discipline displaced growth-at-any-cost thinking, with Doug offering candid reflections on super mergers, the shale revolution, and the investment paradigm shift that followed.

Special Edition of The In Basin Observations Podcast Live From The Observation Deck At Thrive

Special Edition of the In Basin Observations Podcast Live from the observation deck at thrive.

Special Edition of the In Basin Observations Podcast Live from the observation deck at thrive

Breaking down the importance of financial discipline, low debt, and steady free cash flow in an era of capital efficiency.

Unveiling Caterpillar’s new Gas Mechanical System, an innovative solution for burning 100% natural gas in frac operations, improving efficiency and power density.

Sharing Atlas’ expansion into distributed power with their acquisition of Moser Energy Systems, and how autonomous trucking is set to change the logistics of sand delivery.

Special Edition of The In Basin Observations Podcast Live From The Observation Deck At Thrive