Between Two Cacti is the signature conversational series from the Energy Institute at The University of Texas at Austin. EI Director Brian Korgel sits down, literally between two cacti, with leading voices in energy. Recorded live from energy events on the UT Austin campus, these candid conversations explore big ideas, industry insights, and the personal stories shaping the future of energy. Expect fresh perspectives, thoughtful dialogue, and a little Texas charm along the way.
In this episode of Between Two Cacti, Brian Korgel sits down with Andy Uhler, Energy Reporter in Residence at the Energy Institute and host of the podcast "Phases and Stages: The Texas Energy Story." They discuss Andy's experience travelling across Texas to explore the state's evolving energy landscape and hear from the Texans experiencing these changes firsthand. Andy shares what he learned reporting in places like Midland, Odessa, and Kermit, from the growth of sand mining for oil and gas production to the challenges communities face when new energy infrastructure arrives. They also discuss the tensions surrounding data centers, solar farms, and other major developments, including who benefits economically and who bears the costs. They also preview Season 2 of Phases and Stages, where Andy explores hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and innovations in oil and gas technology, with a closer look at how energy technologies are evolving in Texas and around the world. Listen as Brian and Andy compare notes on podcasting in the energy space and explore why understanding the future of energy starts with listening to the people living through its changes.
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1 Oct 2026
Between Two Cacti with Milda Saenz
In this episode, EnergyX Chief of Staff Milda Saenz joined Brian Korgel to discuss her journey from being the company's 10th employee five years ago to helping lead its growth today. Saenz shared insights into lithium extraction in North America and along the Gulf Coast, the history of lithium mining, and how EnergyX is exploring new approaches to lithium extraction using "smack water," a byproduct of oil and gas production. She also discussed the differences between startups and technology transfer and what it takes to move an idea from invention to patenting to execution.
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25 Sept 2026
Between Two Cacti with Jaqui Pinto
Jaqui Pinto, Researcher at the University of Eastern Finland's Center for Climate Change, Energy, and Environmental Law (CCEEL)
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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9 Sept 2026
Between Two Cacti with Jeff Miers
Jeff Miers, Global Director of Partnerships and Alliances for Energy and Utilities at Amazon Web Services
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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2 Sept 2026
Between Two Cacti with Nick Clausi and Haibin Xu
Nick Clausi, VP of Research at ExxonMobil and Haibin Xu, former General Manager of Shell's Research Alliance
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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26 Aug 2026
Between Two Cacti with Luke Bassett 2023
Luke Bassett, Senior Advisor and Director of Policy and Program Impact, IRA Implementation, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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26 Aug 2026
Between Two Cacti with Luke Bassett 2024
Luke Bassett, Senior Advisor and Director of Policy and Program Impact, IRA Implementation, U.S. Department of the Treasury
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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19 Aug 2026
Between Two Cacti with Ira Ehrenpreis
Ira Ehrenpreis, Founder and managing partner, DBL; Independent Director, Tesla Board
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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12 Aug 2026
Between Two Cacti with Liz Ramsay Dalton
Liz Ramsay Dalton, Executive Director, HyVelocity Hub, GTI Energy.
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin.
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5 Aug 2026
Between Two Cacti with Marilu Hastings
Marilu Hastings, Executive Vice President of the Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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29 Jul 2026
Between Two Cacti with Audrey Robat
Audrey Robat, Finance VP & CFO of ENGIE North America
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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22 Jul 2026
Between Two Cacti with Carolyn Comer
Carolyn Comer, President of Shell Energy North America
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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15 Jul 2026
Between Two Cacti with Andy Bowman
Andy Bowman, Chief Executive Officer, Jupiter Power
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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8 Jul 2026
Between Two Cacti with Alexei Tcherniak and Lorna Ortiz
Brian Korgel is joined by Lorna Ortiz, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer, GeoKiln Energy Innovation; Founder & President, The Genuine Foundation, and Alexei Tcherniak, Co-Founder & CEO, GeoKiln Energy Innovation.
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1 Jul 2026
Between Two Cacti with Greg Gosnell
Brian Korgel is joined by Greg Gosnell, President & Chief Executive Officer of GenH2
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24 Jun 2026
Between Two Cacti with Danny Hellebusch
Danny Hellebusch, Vice President of CO₂ Electrolysis at Twelve
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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17 Jun 2026
Between Two Cacti with David Baldwin
David Baldwin, Partner at SCF Partners and Co-Founder of OpenMinds Inc.
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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10 Jun 2026
Between Two Cacti with Gabriel Rio
Gabriel Rio, President and CEO of Milestone Environmental
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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1 May 2026
Between Two Cacti with Shawn Cumberland
Shawn Cumberland, Managing Partner, Energy Transition, Encap Investments
Brian Korgel, Director, Energy Institute, UT Austin
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