One of SEG's great traditions is the special recognition of individuals and organizations for their contributions to geophysics and the Society. In this special episode, we celebrate Öz Yilmaz and Xianhuai Zhu for their Maurice Ewing Medal and Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal honors, respectively. First, Andrew Geary speaks with Xianhuai Zhu about how he discovered geophysics and then shares four items of advice for his colleagues and geoscientists. Öz Yilmaz then joins the show to reflect on his long and significant career, what this honor means, and the principles and perspectives that have helped him continue to be a successful geophysicist. This is a unique opportunity to hear from the best of the best in geophysics.

Souvik Mukherjee discusses his article in July's The Leading Edge about high-resolution imaging of subsurface infrastructure using AI. In this conversation, Souvik presents field study results from Texas and California that show the potential for imaging pipelines and other subsurface infrastructure using AI-based methods on high-resolution aboveground magnetic data. He also highlights the similarities and differences between conventional least-squares inversion and machine learning-based inversion and how he achieved a 100-fold increase in efficiency. Whether exploring AI, machine learning, algorithms, or the latest geophysical technology, this conversation has something for everyone.

Olga Nedorub and Diana Sineva preview IMAGE 2022 and the upcoming panel, "Changing The Dynamics Of Energy Use." Olga starts with a brief overview of the technical program at IMAGE and how Diana reached out to her to host this panel. Next, Diana explains how energy efficiency is the glue to the current energy transition, the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency, and why attendees should attend the panel. Diana also highlights why 40% of the current energy is wasted, why this estimate is low, and how to improve this number without sacrificing comfort or the bottom line.

Arnab Dhara discusses his paper, "Physics-guided deep autoencoder to overcome the need for a starting model in full-waveform inversion," in the June issue of The Leading Edge. Arnab proposes employing deep learning as a regularization in full-waveform inversion. He explains why physics-based solutions with machine learning are challenging to develop, how he made it possible to train the network without known answers, and why he tested his approach with the Marmousi and SEAM models. Arnab also shares why this research took over 20 years to build on the initial idea and how he used full-waveform inversion without a starting model. This is a cutting-edge conversation that may represent the future of FWI.

Yanlong Niu discusses his paper, "In-situ physical properties of reclaimed lands in Singapore," from the May issue of The Leading Edge. Yanlong explores the value of multichannel analysis of surface waves to investigate these lands and shares what they discovered with these pioneering tests. These in-situ measurements are crucial for civil engineering constructions and the redevelopment of reclaimed lands in the future. So he also offers tips on how other geophysicists can build upon this study in their communities.

Peter Rowbotham discusses his paper, "Investment in North Sea seismic leading to new opportunities," from the April issue of The Leading Edge. Peter makes the case for why it's wise to invest in seismic data. He also shares why the beginning of a project is the most important and the context where seismic projects deliver the most value. 

Warren Neff and Luke Gallery discuss exposing high school students to geophysics and how to incorporate the field into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. Warren also discusses how to recruit mentors for students and why shooting rockets in hallways is the best way to teach quadratics. Luke shares how he went from never hearing of geophysics to publishing papers and considering it for his major. Additionally, Warren highlights why keeping it real is the best way to teach students any subject.

Chester Weiss discusses the latest research to successfully use geophysical tools at well sites. Chester shares the impact of well infrastructure on geophysical assessment, how to use EM successfully, the challenges of using near-surface, and the applicability of this research in other cluttered environments. Along with our conversation in episode 141 on the life cycle of a well, this episode will help provide the full geophysical picture of working at a well.

Sue Carr and Patrick Meroney discuss the life of the well from the February 2022 special section in The Leading Edge. Sue and Patrick discuss the importance of a shared definition of a well, spotlight the most important well component for geophysicists, highlight the five life cycles of a well, and break down why well logs are the key piece for successful drilling. This conversation will help geophysicists better connect their work across the entire production chain and support their work in being more useful and practical to others.

Amine Ourabah discusses carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) from the January 2022 special section on seismic acquisition in The Leading Edge. Amine explains why CCUS is at the center of the net-zero-emission conversation, the need for cheaper and easier-to-use technology, and the unique innovations explored in his field trial. This conversation lays out the seismic and technological needs and innovations to move carbon capture and renewable energies forward.