Episode 150 – The Driller Newscast
The Battle of Bron vs. Brock: Talking Rigs, Regulations, and Real-Life Drilling Stories
Overview:
In The Driller Newscast #150, Brock Yordy celebrates a major milestone with a special episode that blends heartfelt storytelling with industry insight, with an appearance from his archnemesis, Bron. This episode is a boxing match of an interview between Brock and “Bron,” a Ron Burgundy-style character with flair and plenty of sass. But in between the laughs and jabs, Brock shares his most memorable day drilling, unpacks the critical need for better water oversight, and delivers a passionate take on how the loss of clean energy tax credits could stall progress for geothermal and water well contractors. It’s part history lesson, part call to action—and all heart. Watch the video above!
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Read on for a more detailed recap of our discussion this week.
The Driller Newscast marks its 150th episode with flair—and a return from a mustachioed alter ego named “Bron.” In a special edition that blurs the lines between heartfelt reflection and satirical showdown, host Brock Yordy sat down with himself—or rather, his Ron Burgundy-inspired nemesis—to take stock of a show that has spent years championing drilling professionals and the vital work they do.
The episode pits Brock against Bron in a rapid-fire, ego-laden interview. But behind the playful punches lies a deeper narrative.
“I started this newscast because the news was moving too fast and print couldn’t keep up,” Yordy explains. “We needed regular updates on everything from regulatory shifts to climate impacts, and we needed it from people in the field—not just observers.”
(You can listen/watch this part at 3:03 above)
In between Bron’s barbs, Brock recounts his most memorable day drilling—laying two-and-three-quarter wells with his father during the summer of ’99. It was a day defined by speed, grit, and bonding, one that cemented his connection to the trade and its legacy.
Yet this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. Yordy also uses the milestone to sound alarms: water oversight is lagging, clean energy tax credits are being stripped away, and with them, the economic viability of geothermal projects for average homeowners.
“When we lose the 30% tax credit for geothermal, we’re not just hurting drillers,” Yordy says. “We’re taking opportunities away from families trying to make smarter, more sustainable energy choices.”
His message is clear: geothermal technology works. It's not some futuristic gamble—it's proven, and water well contractors are already doing the work. But regulatory delays, lack of awareness, and loss of incentives could jeopardize the industry’s momentum.
(You can listen/watch this part at 5:15 at the top of this page)
Yordy also touches on the need for broader participation from within the field. “We need more voices. More stories. More data. If you're a driller, an engineer, a hydrogeologist—we want to hear from you.”
To that end, The Driller is launching its “Driller Ego Awards” later this year, recognizing standout contributors from across the industry. We also recently revised our “Ask Brock” segment and encourage drillers to submit articles, questions, or even pitch themselves for interviews.
So while Episode 150 might be dressed in satire, it lands like a serious uppercut: a challenge to the industry to stay engaged, stay educated, and step up. After all, as Brock says, “Drilling progresses civilization. It’s our job to do it right.”
Thanks for joining us. Tune in each Monday morning for the latest video or podcast. Whether you’re at your desk or on the way to the jobsite listening in the truck, start your week with us. You can also find our show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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John Oldani is an editor, journalist, and reporter with over a decade of experience producing clear, engaging, and well-researched content. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Oakland University, with a focus on financial reporting, editing, and long-form writing. Over the past year, John has specialized in covering the drilling industry, reporting on key developments, policy shifts, and impactful stories shaping the field.
email: johnnyoldaniwords@gmail.com | office: (248) 838-8535
Brock Yordy, Director of Industry Engagement for The Driller, is a third-generation driller and globally recognized subject matter expert who has written for The Driller since 2013. Driven by a passion for industry education and digital media, he anchors The Driller Newscast and hosts weekly podcasts for the trade. His technical authority is backed by decades of extreme fieldwork worldwide for organizations like Halliburton, SUEZ, and the U.S. Government. Dedicated to ensuring clean water for all and advancing equitable geothermal heating and cooling, Brock actively collaborates with states nationwide through The Developed Well Group and the Geothermal Drillers Association to shape policy, safety, and workforce training.
email: brock@thedriller.com | office: (269) 348-5156
