Energy Bytes

David Thul, Co-Founder of Geolumina discuss how his company is transforming the energy sector by using AI to tackle big data challenges in the oil and gas industry. David shares his journey from geologist to tech entrepreneur and explains how AI is streamlining subsurface data management, improving decision-making, and shaping the future of energy data workflows. The conversation also explores the challenges of data utilization in the industry and Geolumina's contrarian approach to innovation.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro00:37 - David's Journey in Energy and Tech04:17 - Data Challenges in Oil and Gas Industry09:09 - Data Utilization Issues in Oil and Gas12:06 - Founding Geolumina17:21 - Starting a Programming Career20:33 - Learning Programming Effectively23:55 - ChatGPT in Energy Tech28:16 - AI, Machine Learning, and LLMs31:55 - Understanding AGI35:26 - Geolumina's Capabilities38:03 - Enverus: Structuring Discoverable Data40:57 - Enverus: Automating Data Summarization45:00 - Improving Workplace Satisfaction46:40 - Talent Shortage in Oil and Gas48:20 - Knowledge Transfer Strategies50:00 - Creating a Digital Expert51:40 - Retaining Industry Experts53:20 - Revenue Streams in Oil and Gas56:25 - Speed Round1:02:20 - Advice for Entering Energy Tech1:02:30 - Guidance for Aspiring Entrepreneurs1:03:31 - Connecting with David and Geoluminahttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Nareg Soghomonian joins host John Kalfayan to discuss the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, Armenia, and its significant connection to global energy geopolitics. Nareg shares a personal account of a colleague's brother who has gone missing amidst the chaos, highlighting the dire situation. The conversation expands to the geopolitical conflicts affecting oil and gas prices and the silence of major energy companies like BP and Equinor, despite their stakes in the region. Nareg calls for action, emphasizing that this is not just an Armenian issue but a global human rights crisis.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode. 0:00 - Introduction to Energy Bytes Podcast3:15 - Artsakh Conflict Overview5:29 - Who is John Kalfayan6:04 - Origins of Artsakh-Azerbaijan Conflict15:31 - Armenia's Historical Background19:20 - Energy Politics in Artsakh Invasion21:04 - Azerbaijan's Strategic Objectives28:21 - BTC Pipeline Ownership Debate31:33 - BP's Energy Sustainability Goals34:50 - Oil Industry's Role in Conflict Regions36:30 - US Foreign Aid to Armenia39:30 - Documenting War Crimes in Artsakh41:30 - Reflecting on Artsakh Invasion44:22 - Impacts of Sanctions on Countrieshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

Rodney Giles, CEO and co-founder of BidOut share how his tech journey led to the creation of BidOut, a platform revolutionizing procurement in the oil and gas sector. Rodney discusses the challenges of navigating the tech landscape, the importance of simplicity in SaaS solutions, and how cloud-native solutions and AI are driving innovation in procurement. He also emphasizes the importance of agility in tech development and shares insights on how BidOut is enhancing efficiency in the energy industry.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro00:47 - Getting into Tech03:30 - Evolution as a Technologist08:53 - Successful Architectural Decisions10:55 - CI/CD Practices14:17 - Infrastructure Background17:44 - Backend Programming Languages23:18 - Decision-Making in Tech26:58 - Crossing the Chasm in Tech29:40 - Data Analytics Insights33:20 - Supply Chain Challenges38:09 - Working with Excel in Tech41:34 - VMs vs Containers Explained44:22 - Understanding Data Centers50:08 - Favorite Video Game51:49 - Favorite Managed Services53:29 - Exciting Tech Innovations54:45 - Advice for Energy Tech Newcomers56:17 - Connecting with Rodneyhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Andrew Muñoz, CTO of 4Cast discuss his journey from geophysicist to tech entrepreneur. Andrew shares how he has combined geophysics with AI and data science to revolutionize geophysics interpretation in the oil and gas sector. The conversation delves into his self-taught programming skills, experiences with industry giants, and the development of intuitive software for both technical and non-technical users. Andrew also offers insights into the future of tech startups in industrial markets.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Guest Intro - Andrew Munoz01:05 - Andrew Munoz, Geophysics Expert05:01 - Early Coding Experiences in Tech10:06 - Journey into Oil and Gas Industry17:55 - Programming Journey and Skills19:00 - Importance of Self-Learning in Tech19:37 - Value of Good Mentors in Career21:50 - Building Your Own Framework for Efficiency23:30 - Starting with Free and White Label Solutions25:48 - Motivation from Problem Solving26:50 - How to Build Good Software Effectively31:46 - #HamadDarko Discussion36:00 - Deploying Spotfire on Linux40:55 - Managing and Visualizing Large Datasets44:10 - R vs Python: A Comparison47:51 - Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)52:05 - Debugging Techniques with VS Code55:25 - Speed Round Q&A57:55 - Wrapping It Up: Key Takeaways58:34 - Outro and Closing Remarkshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Derrick Turk, President at Terminus share his journey from mechanical engineering to leading a tech-driven company in the oil and gas sector. Derrick discusses the challenges of integrating data science as a core business function, the evolving role of AI in industrial markets, and the importance of domain expertise in tech startups. He also offers insights into the future of sustainable energy innovation and how technology will drive change in the sector.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro00:21 - Derek's Background in Energy01:59 - How Derek Got Into Programming06:53 - Derek's Experience at Devon Energy10:02 - Tools Used at Devon Energy15:18 - ArpsDCA Overview20:00 - R vs Python for Data Analysis22:05 - Interactive Development Techniques26:35 - JSON Over HTTP in Data Science27:50 - High Modernism and XML Explained32:13 - Terminus Data Science Insights37:32 - De-emphasizing Data Science Practices40:40 - Understanding Data Revenue42:50 - Favorite Projects in Energy Sector44:59 - Highlighting Favorite Project54:50 - Lightning Round Q&A58:02 - Future of Energy Trends01:01:31 - What Are You Bullish On in Energy01:06:55 - Where to Find Derek Onlinehttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Bryan McDowell, founder of Sabata Energy Partners discuss how his company is tackling the challenges of dark data in the energy sector. Bryan shares his journey from his small-town roots to becoming an industry innovator, using AI and cutting-edge data management strategies to bring hidden data to light and optimize operations in oil and gas. He offers insights into the future of energy and how Sabata is positioned to lead the way in transforming the industry.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io0:00 - Podcast Introduction0:48 - Brian McDowell's Background6:19 - Post-Graduation Career Path9:28 - Current Role at Sabata Energy9:37 - Introduction to Well Interference14:15 - Fracture Data Analysis in Oil Wells17:33 - Shale Industry Prospects21:50 - Founding Sabata Energy Partners25:09 - Building the Sabata Energy Data Library27:20 - Matt's Oil & Gas Industry Entry29:28 - Launching a Subsurface Data Company30:48 - Digitization of Oil & Gas Paper Records33:19 - Data Organization Techniques35:30 - Exploring Dark Data in Energy Sector39:00 - Entrepreneurship Realities in Energy42:30 - Overcoming Business Challenges44:25 - Turning Points in December46:05 - Resilience in Business Setbacks50:25 - Data Science in Energy Consulting54:18 - Importance of Commitment in Business56:09 - Understanding Your Market Value58:33 - Assessing Time Investment Worth1:00:55 - Strategies for Price Anchoring1:04:35 - Long-Term Business Development Insights1:08:24 - Quick-Fire Question Round1:08:25 - Preferred Cloud Services1:08:34 - Brian's Book Recommendations1:08:59 - Favorite Open-Source Tools1:09:43 - Personal Interests and Hobbies1:10:24 - Cutting-Edge Technology in Energy1:15:53 - Connecting with Brian McDowell1:16:48 - Podcast Conclusionhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Reishin Toolsi, Senior Solution Architect and Lead Energy SME at Databricks discuss how Databricks is transforming the energy sector through innovative AI and data management solutions. Reishin shares insights into Databricks' Lakehouse architecture, which bridges data silos and accelerates AI deployment. The conversation also explores the benefits of open-source technologies like Delta Lake and how they enhance data governance and operational efficiency in oil, gas, and utilities.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro00:50 - Reishin's Journey to Databricks02:45 - Importance of Energy05:27 - Energy Addition08:56 - Databricks History12:50 - What is Databricks16:56 - Databricks as a Unified Data Platform18:20 - Databricks and the Future of Data20:00 - Databricks on Any Cloud21:40 - Challenges of Edge Computing23:20 - Future of Edge Computing29:02 - DALL-E30:30 - ChatGPT32:49 - Open Source vs Proprietary Models35:23 - How to Use Dolly37:35 - AI to Capture Tribal Knowledge40:00 - How to Use GPT-3 Plugins43:15 - AI's Impact on Society48:31 - Databricks in Action: Use Cases and Case Studies52:35 - Getting All Your Data in One Place53:33 - Interesting Energy Projects by Databricks57:56 - How Databricks Optimizes Your Data1:02:40 - What Are You Excited About1:04:05 - Speed Round1:07:29 - Have You Tried the New PSVR 21:09:31 - Apple TV1:12:05 - Favorite Visualization Tool1:12:41 - Favorite Bookhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Igor Kuvaev, CTO of ROGII Inc. discuss how cutting-edge technology is transforming the oil and gas sector. Igor shares his journey from geologist at ConocoPhillips to leading innovation at ROGII, where the company is using AI to unlock hidden profits and revolutionize drilling operations. The conversation covers the challenges of outdated technology, the essential role of geosteering, and ROGII’s approach to real-time data integration and edge computing, setting new benchmarks for the industry.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro01:15 - Igor's Background02:38 - Role of a Geologist06:54 - Evolution of Geosteering14:01 - StarSteer Technology Stack19:10 - Real-Time Operations at StarSteer24:46 - Cloud Agnostic Solutions29:01 - Data Sharing and Python Integration31:05 - Python SDK Overview34:30 - User Feedback Importance38:55 - Benefits of Python43:18 - Exciting Future Developments43:36 - Edge Computing Innovations48:49 - Future of Self-Driving Cars50:53 - Lightning Round Q&A56:15 - Advice for Energy Tech Startups58:05 - Solving Problems in Tech59:02 - Favorite Game Discussionhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Liz Dennett, Chief Technology Officer at Cemvita Inc., shares her journey from growing up in rural Alaska to leading innovative biosolutions for a carbon-neutral future. Liz discusses how her upbringing shaped her creative approach to problem-solving and innovation, emphasizing the importance of unstructured time and self-taught skills. The conversation delves into her work at Cemvita, where she pioneers the use of microbes for sustainable solutions in the oil and gas sector, and her vision for practical and economically viable energy transitions driven by tech startups.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro00:33 - Growing up in rural Alaska02:07 - Liz’s career journey03:15 - Learning technology: early vs late05:29 - Defining problems in energy solutions07:12 - Talent in the energy industry11:13 - Entering the tech field17:51 - Coding experience in education20:25 - Energy Tech Stack overview22:16 - Best practices in technology24:30 - Understanding microservices28:15 - Open source vs service models33:48 - Real-time data capture techniques35:37 - Career progression in tech leadership39:35 - Empathetic architecture in design43:35 - Microbiome data analysis48:05 - Exploring Gold Hydrogen technology50:30 - Technology stack insights56:05 - Advice for new energy professionals57:27 - Favorite database technologies59:14 - Favorite open source tools01:01:33 - Security in technology01:03:26 - Favorite board games01:03:55 - Cutting-edge technology trendshttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Jeffrey Davies, founder of EnerWrap and Wrapify share his journey from corporate banking to transforming data visualization in the energy sector. Jeffrey discusses how his experience navigating energy markets post-Enron led to the creation of EnerWrap and Wrapify, two tools designed to offer unbiased, AI-powered energy insights. The conversation covers his contrarian approach to energy investing, the challenges of data overload, and the future of EnerWrap as it continues to disrupt the energy tech landscape.Join the conversation shaping the future of energy.Collide is the community where oil & gas professionals connect, share insights, and solve real-world problems together. No noise. No fluff. Just the discussions that move our industry forward.Apply today at collide.io00:00 - Intro00:23 - Jeff Davies Background06:41 - Intersection Energy Insights - Product Overview09:42 - Datawrapper - Visualization Tool12:56 - Wrapify - Data Extraction at Scale16:01 - Google Sheets - Underappreciated Tool19:57 - Google Sheets and Apps Script - Powerful Features21:05 - How Wrapify Was Born - Founder's Story25:20 - How Wrapify Works - Functionality Explained27:05 - Centralized Data Library - Power and Benefits31:00 - Energy Tech - Innovations and Trends32:40 - Datawrapper vs Google Sheets - Comparison36:50 - Why You - Importance of Data42:54 - Data Used by Energy Investors - Key Insights45:34 - Best Spreadsheet Jeff Ever Made - Highlight47:05 - Data Not Used by Energy Investors - Gaps48:53 - Knowledge in Energy Sector - Understanding Limits54:14 - Data Insights - What It Tells Us56:26 - Data Tells the Truth - Importance of Accuracy57:18 - Speed Round - Quick Questions59:10 - Emerging Tech Excitement - Future Innovations01:03:57 - Favorite Board Game - Personal Insight01:04:00 - Interest in Crypto - Discussion01:06:51 - How to Find Alex - Contact Informationhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters