Energy 101: We Ask The Dumb Questions So You Don't Have To

In this episode of Energy 101, we welcome Lee Payne, Director of Sales and Marketing at Cold Bore Technology, for his inaugural podcast appearance. We delve into the evolution of data in oil and gas completions and discuss the transformative impact of modern data management solutions on the industry.Understanding Completions: Lee breaks down the term "completions" in the oil and gas context, emphasizing its importance in preparing a well for production, with a particular focus on fracking fleets.Career Journey: Lee shares his diverse career trajectory, which spans banking, commercial real estate appraisal, and medical sales, before finding his niche in the oil and gas industry. His journey reflects the dynamic paths that can lead to industry involvement.Transition to Oil and Gas: Detailing his start as a frac field engineer trainee, Lee narrates his progression through various roles, culminating in his leadership position at Cold Bore. He highlights the challenges and changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in networking and professional interactions.Data Evolution in Operations: This discussion explores the historical challenges of data management in oil and gas, such as reliance on physical media like CDs and thumb drives, and the advancements that have led to more efficient, real-time data solutions provided by companies like Cold Bore.Industry Collaboration and Community: Lee emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community within the oil and gas sector. He discusses Cold Bore's approach to integrating with other companies and technologies to enhance service offerings and the cultural shift towards openness and cooperation within the industry.Find us here

In this episode of Energy 101, we delve into the intricacies of energy law and trials with energy lawyers Lauren and Ashley, exploring how to navigate legal challenges in the energy sector and protect yourself and your company.This episode dives into:Introduction to Energy Law: Lauren and Ashley provide an overview of what energy law and trials entail, differentiating them from the high-profile trials often seen on TV.Misconceptions About Trials: Addressing common misconceptions about trials and the reality of preparing for and participating in energy-related legal proceedings.Email and Communication Best Practices: Discussing the importance of cautious communication, especially regarding emails and digital messages, in the context of legal matters.Protecting Yourself and Your Company: Offering advice on how to safeguard personal and company interests when faced with legal challenges.Privilege Concerns in Communication: Explaining the concept of privilege in legal communications and the importance of maintaining confidentiality, especially when consulting with lawyers.Managerial Responsibilities and Legal Issues: Insights into the specific challenges and responsibilities managers face in legal situations and how to handle them effectively.Voicemail and Phone Call Considerations: Guidance on using phone calls instead of written communication during legal disputes, and tips on handling voicemails.Navigating Lawsuits as an Employee or Company Leader: Practical advice for employees and company leaders on how to respond and act when involved in a lawsuit.This episode provides valuable knowledge and best practices for anyone in the energy sector to understand the legal landscape and prepare for potential legal challenges.

In this episode of Energy 101, we dive deep into the world of microseismic technology with Dr. Peter Duncan, a geophysicist and the founder of MicroSeismic. From his early days in geology to the cutting-edge applications of microseismic in today's energy landscape, Peter shares a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes.Key Takeaways:Peter's Journey: Discover how a summer job in Newfoundland set Peter on a path to becoming a renowned geophysicist and the challenges and transitions he faced along the way.MicroSeismic's Birth: Learn about the inception of MicroSeismic, its growth during the Shale era, and how it's revolutionizing the energy sector.MicroSeismic vs. Conventional Seismic: Understand the fundamental differences between these two methods and how they complement each other in the field.Applications and Innovations: From detecting potential sinkholes to monitoring CO2 sequestration and exploring enhanced geothermal systems, delve into the myriad applications of microseismic technology.A Love for Earth and Nature: Peter emphasizes that the energy industry is driven by more than just profit. Many, like him, are motivated by a deep appreciation for the earth and a desire to understand it better.

In this episode of Energy 101, Sydney and Julie are joined by special guest Marshall Long to discuss the recent developments with ERCOT and the Texas grid. Marshall Long is an industry expert and provides valuable insights into the workings of the Texas grid and the role of ancillary services. The conversation covers topics such as the challenges faced by the grid, the importance of large flexible loads like Bitcoin miners, and the revenue streams for miners through ancillary services and selling power back to the market. The discussion sheds light on common misconceptions regarding ERCOT and emphasizes the complexity of the grid.Key Takeaways:Texas has a unique deregulated grid, with a real-time market for supply and demand.The Texas grid faces challenges with limited tie flows and load zones.Ancillary services play a critical role in maintaining grid stability, with large flexible loads like Bitcoin miners participating in programs to regulate frequency.Revenue streams for miners come from ancillary service payments and selling excess power back to the real-time market.It is essential to understand that ancillary service payments do not come from taxpayers but are necessary fees to ensure grid stability.Misconceptions persist about the grid, and it is important to have informed discussions about its functioning and complexities.Connect with Marshall on Twitter: @OGBTC

This week we sat down with Deborah Sacrey, a geologist with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry to delve into various aspects of the energy industry with a particular focus on seismic data, machine learning, and the role of technology in the field. This episode provides an in-depth look at seismic data's critical importance, the integration of machine learning, and what the future holds for the energy sector.Main Talking Points:-Sacrey's 30+ years in geology inform her consulting work.-Seismic data is crucial for effective drilling.-The shift to 3D seismic data has improved mapping.-Machine learning refines seismic analysis.-4D seismic data is the industry's next step.-Sacrey moved her office before Hurricane Harvey and advocates for public education in the energy sector.

In this episode, we chat with John Chaplin from Last Energy to discuss the intricacies of nuclear energy. This episode explores the basics of nuclear energy, the myths surrounding it, and how Last Energy is revolutionizing the nuclear sector.Key talking points:The basics of how nuclear power plants workFission vs FusionDifferent elements used in nuclear reactorsThe financial challenges of nuclear energyPublic perception of nuclear energyOpposition from climate activist organizationsThe "Nuclear Renaissance"Last Energy's innovative approachPotential use cases, with a focus on data centersThe future of nuclear energyRapid-fire

In this episode, we welcome guest expert Kye Yocham from Fluid Energy. We delve deep into the intriguing world of frac chemicals, shedding light on their significance within the oil and gas sector.Main talking points:Drilling and Its Chemical Essence:The discussion elucidates the fundamental role of drilling mud in lifting debris from drill holes, and the importance of barium sulfate in preventing drill hole collapses.Chemical Evolution in the Industry:Tracing the sector's transition from crosslinked fluid to slick water applications, the talk emphasizes the increasing significance of surfactants in oil and gas extraction.Safety and Environmental Priorities:The emphasis on safety was evident. Highlights included discussions on safer alternatives to raw hydrochloric acid and the pivotal role of post-fracking water treatment.Public Insight via FracFocus:As a nod to those concerned about the chemicals involved in the process, the FracFocus website is highlighted as a trusted resource for public transparency into the chemicals used in fracking.

This week we sat down with Andrew Munoz from 4Cast, who shares his journey from studying geophysics to spearheading advancements in the oil and gas sector. He draws insightful parallels between geology and medical sonograms, stressing the importance of understanding geological structures.This episode dives into:Munoz's academic background in geophysicsDevelopment of revolutionary software for oil and gas project valuationsThe significance of geologists in drilling operationsThe role of seismic data in mapping the Earth's subsurfaceAddressing challenges and misconceptions in the energy industryThe importance of mentorship for industry newcomersJoin the largest gathering of earth scientists and energy professionals in the world at the International Meeting for Applied Geoscience and Energy (IMAGE) 28th August – 1 September at the George R. Brown Convention Center.Grab your tickets at https://bit.ly/45w0dzY

This week on Energy 101, we had the privilege of speaking with Hema Prapoo, Microsoft's Worldwide Oil and Gas Leader. She shares her perspective on the energy industry, emerging technologies, and skills needed for the future based on her extensive experience spanning field engineering, entrepreneurship, and now tech.Key Points:Discusses her career journey and the importance of having goals, mentors, and being open to new directionsTechnology enables real-time data vs months before, but the challenge is making sense of vast dataSolving the energy trilemma requires collaboration between energy and techPolicy incentives drive decarbonization but competitiveness shouldn't prevent collaborationThe workforce needs both digital skills and human strengths like empathyExciting technologies: AI, quantum computing, industrial metaverse applicationsMicrosoft partners to help energy companies meet sustainability goalsMaintaining work-life balance and vacation time is key

In this episode of Energy 101, we discuss the complex world of energy regulations and grid infrastructure with Reilly from Arbo, a data scientist specializing in the Energy Regulatory space. Arbo's work involves transforming data related to energy permits, key milestones, and cost mechanisms into actionable commercial intelligence.This episode dives into:The link between Arbo's expertise in midstream infrastructure and their focus on electric transmission.Evolution of roles at Arbo and how data has become a focal point.An overview of the current state of the power grid.The process of electricity generation and distribution to residential, commercial, and other spaces.The key issues facing the grid, particularly in light of the energy transition.The necessity for increased transmission between urban and rural areas.Potential challenges such as increasing NIMBYism and political polarization.Legislative measures aimed at addressing these issues, including recent talks about permitting reform.The impact of resolving siting issues on project timelines, considering the lengthy waits in interconnection queues.

Investment veteran Sean Maher provides valuable insights into the energy market and its role in investment strategies. As co-founder of Third Gear Investments, Maher brings his deep expertise and unique perspectives from his experiences in energy investment banking and navigating the evolving energy landscape.This episode dives into:-Sean Maher's Background [01:45]-Understanding the Energy Market [05:30]-Evolution of the Energy Sector [13:45]-Pros and Cons of Investing in Established Companies vs Startups [30:00]-Deciding When to Go Public [41:00] -Advice for First-Time Investors [47:30]-Misconceptions about Energy [56:00]What is an ETF? https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/etf.asp

Lisa Hough, the Queen of Bitcoin joins as a special guest to discuss the connection between Bitcoin and energy consumption. Lisa shares her background in the energy business and explains that while Bitcoin uses energy, it accounts for less than 0.1 percent of worldwide energy production. This episode highlights the innovative aspects of the Bitcoin ecosystem and its potential for adoption by energy companies, the importance of onshore energy production for national security, and challenges the narrative of using less energy, arguing that it is essential for success and development.

Brett Chell, the artistic CEO of Cold Bore Technology, shares his wild journey into the oil and gas industry, overcoming challenges, and unleashing the power of cutting-edge tech to transform operations.Brett Chell, the unconventional CEO of Cold Bore Technology, shares his transition from being an artist to taking the oil and gas world by storm (doing the hardest job in the oilfield).Get ready to explore the demanding, yet thrilling life on drilling rigs, where isolation and toughness reign supreme.Discover the work ethic instilled in families of oilfield workers and the importance of bridging the gap between energy and politics.Cold Bore Technology emerges as the hero, armed with innovative solutions that streamline operations and conquer the sluggish technology adoption in the industry.Delve into the fascinating potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a game-changer, bringing cleaner energy alternatives and pushing towards global emissions targets.Brett Chell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-chell-81199424/Cold Bore Technology: https://www.coldboretechnology.com/

Join the conversation as Tara and Will from ProLytX delve into the fascinating world of downstream operations in the oil and gas industry.Explore the crucial role of safety measures in downstream facilities, ensuring a secure working environment in the petrochemical industry.Understand the profound connection between the oil and gas sector and everyday consumer products, as Tara and Will discuss how these resources impact our daily lives.Uncover sustainability efforts within the industry, including challenges related to recycling complex packaging materials.Recognize the significant role the energy industry plays in job creation, particularly in the Gulf Coast Area, and gain a deeper appreciation for its economic impact.Enjoy lighthearted personal anecdotes shared by Tara and Will, providing a glimpse into their experiences in the field.

Energy 101 class is back in session. In this episode, geothermal expert Joe Batir takes us on a journey to understand geothermal energy and why it is a reliable and dispatchable baseload renewable energy.We dive into:What is geothermal energy, and how is it generated? Is geothermal new? Why is it getting resurgence?How do geothermal power plants work?What are the main challenges in harnessing geothermal energy?How cost-effective is geothermal energy compared to other renewable energy sources?What is the current global capacity for geothermal energy production, and which countries lead in this technology?Can geothermal energy be used for both electricity generation and direct heating applications?What is the future outlook for geothermal energy? How can it contribute to global energy demands?Are there any synergies between the oil and gas industry and the geothermal sector, such as technology or infrastructure?How can existing oil and gas wells be repurposed for geothermal energy production?

In this episode of Energy 101, we sit down with Jennifer Stewart, who takes us through her unique path to the oil and gas industry - starting from non-profit work, moving on to data analytics, and eventually mastering OpenWells as a product champion. We also discuss the significance of educating the public on the industry.

Our fellow Wildcatter, Jeremy Funk joins us on this episode of Energy 101 to give us the low down on sales in the Oil and Gas Industry. Jeremy dives into:2:18 His background & how he got into O&G sales9:15 Tech in Oil and Gas12:30 The difference between being a trusted partner and a pushy salesperson16:23 Oil and gas advancements in Denver26:21 Thinking about sales as a bank - maintaining lifelong connections with customers36:00 Rapid Fire

Our DW resident roughneck (Fracslap) walks us through what it takes to work the most dangerous job in the world.Here's what to expect:-What is a roughneck-What are the different jobs on a drilling rig-What is tripping pipe-The mental capacity you need to work on a drilling rig-Rapid Fire

This week Justin Ballard, (the Bitcoin Lawyer) gives us a 101 in all things bitcoin.Here are three things we learned:Bitcoin mining brings prosperity to third-world countries: Monetizes grid infrastructure in areas that wouldn't normally have access to power. A great example of this is Gridless Compute, which enables cheap and reliable energy in Kenya. Bitcoin mining lowers emissions in oil and gas: Flaring is a major cause of waste and emissions. Bitcoin mining uses that flared gas as power instead of polluting the air. Bitcoin mining eliminates wasted renewable energy: As renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can be inconsistent and unpredictable, it can be difficult to store the excess energy they generate. By using this energy to power bitcoin mining operations, it can be put to good use instead of being wasted.

We are warning you now... this episode is out of control. Just kidding (sorta)Go behind the scenes with us as we talk about our new year's resolutions, what we are looking forward to at DW in 2023, office icks, and much more. You have to listen to find out. P.S. there may or may not be a video clip of one of us attempting to do the splits.

This week on Energy 101, Sydney and Jules sit down with John (DW resident Raddad) and guest Bobby Neelon to discuss the importance of data in the energy industry.This episode dives into:-Bobby's journey going from high school math teacher and coach to working as a data analytics engineer in the oil and gas industry. 1:27-The importance of mineral rights 17:30-Advancements in data technology over the past 8 years 28:35-Why data is a critical part of any business 32:00-Rapid Fire 47:43

Anup, the brains behind Pangaea Charging, has made it his mission to bring EV charging stations to every corner of the commercial world. From apartment buildings to grocery stores, Anup's got you covered. And even if you're just looking for a charger for your single-family home, he's happy to help out there too. His chargers work with any type of electric vehicle and have those fancy universal plugs. Before starting Pangaea Charging, Anup dabbled in the world of marketing and even did a stint in sales at an oil exploration company and Google. But it was his love for the environment and the future of transportation that ultimately led him to his true passion - bringing convenient EV charging to the masses.

Sydney and Jules sit down with Vicki Knott, CEO & co-founder of CruxOCM to get schooled up on midstream. In this episode we discuss:-Vicki's background working on the Keystone Pipeline 1:10-Automating control room operations for safety purposes 4:45-The importance of pipelines 12:15 -Rapid fire questions 21:00

We decided to sit down turn on the cameras and give you a raw look inside our everyday lives at DW. In this episode we:-Wrap up Fuze-Read mean reviews-Talk on what the team is excited about in the future-Perception vs. Reality at DW-The Spicy Gummy Bear Challenge

Julie and Sydney chat with Magy Avedissian of QRI about energy consumption. Magy is a Petroleum Engineer from Cali who moved to Europe a few years ago, where she realized Americans waste a lot of energy. In this episode we:-Recap Fuze-Discuss Magy's Background-Why aren't Americans talking about decreasing energy consumption-Talk about Energy supply vs. demand-Share Tips for decreasing consumption

Welcome to the first-ever crossover episode between Chuck Yates Needs a Job and Energy 101. We chat with Chuck about the basics of the Inflation Reduction Act, being starstruck by Bret Michaels, and Chuck's most embarrassing story (it's a good one).

In this week's episode, Flipping the Barrel co-founder Massiel Diez schools us up on wtf is wireline and what her experience has been as a woman working in the oil and gas industry.-How Massiel got into the O&G industry 1:50-Working as a field engineer 5:23-Wtf is wireline? 9:30-Her overall experience of being a woman working in the field/industry 27:29-Transitioning to working in sales 31:09

In this episode, Diana Grauer walks us through "technology readiness levels" - a process that is implemented and used to determine which technologies are ready for widespread use, and which need more testing before they can be deployed on a large scale within the energy industry.

Justin Gauthier explains how we can't technically dig all the way to China.He also explains why oil and gas is important, and how energy is a privilege. 

Kay McCall of Renewable Energy Alliance schools us up on renewables this week!

Wondering how you ended up here? So are we.Just kidding. This is the first episode on our journey to raise the world's energy IQ -- where we introduce ourselves. Bare with us while we work out the kinks. (We are first-time podcasters).