Energy Bytes

Upstream finance teams have been white knuckling giant Excel models for decades, and the husband and wife team behind WellWorth thinks that era is over. CEO Samra Nawaz and co-founder Vinay Acharya talk with John and Bobby about automating capital structure logic, running 50 scenarios at once, why they built an Excel add in after swearing they never would, and how AI lets a two person team ship like a much bigger one, plus a detour into local models and soaring GPU prices.

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Utilities are drowning in paperwork long before a repair crew ever leaves the yard. Aarya Borele, co-founder and CTO of Evardi Energy, walks John and Bobby through outage requests getting rejected a day out, FERC 881 pushing line ratings from seasonal to hourly, and why 95 percent accuracy is a failing grade when the lights are on the line. Also in here: the grid as cloud infrastructure, Griddy's flameout, and a 49ers conspiracy theory involving a substation.

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Everybody in oil and gas has been sitting on mountains of completions data and barely using it. Ben Dickinson and Bryan Frantz of NexTier Completion Solutions built the fix from the inside out, an end to end frac data platform made by the people running the pumps. John and Bobby get into why the closer you are to the equipment the closer you are to the truth, where frac data standards are headed, and whether efficiency has hit its ceiling. Plus AI coding and the hunt for a good Pittsburgh wing.

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Paul Brown, Founder and Principal Engineer at BDE Data, joins John and Bobby all the way from Scotland for a conversation that covers a lot of ground. From his days as an international drilling engineer dodging pirates off the coast of West Africa to building WellSchematic.com and tackling the nightmare of digitizing 50-year-old multilingual well files, Paul is the rare person who speaks both languages fluently.

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When you have 80 patents and a lifetime achievement award in hydraulic fracturing, you have seen some things. John William Ely, Founder of Ely and Associates Corp, and Jon Harper, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, talk frac history, pre-job diagnostics, the slick water revolution, geothermal, and why the industry keeps pumping the same thing and expecting different results.

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Owner relations in oil and gas has been shoved in a corner forever, basically a "here's your check, don't call me" situation, and Deren Boyd, Dagen Boyd, and Josh Wright, co-founders of Firm App, are building the platform to fix that. These three started in oilfield safety software with iScout, got acquired by KPA, and now they're tackling the massive gap between operators and their surface and mineral owners with AI-powered multichannel communication. We're talking voice agents with adjustable accents, auto-responding emails, chat widgets that actually work, and an owner-facing app that puts payment info and well data in...

Bobby Neelon and John Kalfayan sit down with Kayla Ball to break down why the methane compliance space is stuck in the trough of disillusionment, how she ended up cleaning up Petra's flat file nightmare at IHS, and why vibe coding with Claude feels like training your own replacement. They dig into sensor data chaos across ops teams, why public data companies should be worried, the wild difference between building lovable prototypes versus commercial deployments with SOC2 governance, and how AI is forcing everyone to confront the fact that humans shouldn't be entering data into anything anymore.

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Hussein Shel, CTO and head of business development for energy and utilities at Amazon Web Services, joins Bobby and John to talk about his journey from Chevron engineer to cloud technology leader. They explore how AI coding tools are changing the game for energy companies, why the barrier to entry for building apps has never been lower, and what it means when your reservoir engineer can now spin up their own solutions in minutes instead of months. Hussein shares why he thinks we're only scratching the surface of what's possible when you combine domain expertise with modern AI tools...

Collide AI 2025 Wrapped Part 1 turns into a real talk on why forward deployed engineers win where AI pilots stall, with Michael Cortez, John, and Nick Smart swapping war stories from completions, geophysics, and the startup trenches while they map out how Collide Enterprise moves past basic chat tools into search plus workflows that actually hold up in the real world.

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Bruce Holman and Corey Scott showed up ready to blow up the idea that accounts payable has to be slow, messy, and stuck in the past. They walked us through how Energy Payables is flipping the script with a platform that actually makes sense for operators and vendors, think cleaner workflows, real transparency, and smart tech like AI doing the heavy lifting instead of some poor soul buried in spreadsheets. Between the stories from the field, the back-office chaos they’re fixing, and the vision they have for where oil and gas operations should be headed, this conversation feels li...

Justin has a way of making the oilfield and the data world feel like they’ve always belonged together. He walked us through how he’s helped teams untangle messy workflows, clean up data quality issues, and actually make analytics useful instead of overwhelming. From his time at Marathon Oil to experimenting with tools like Snowflake and Alteryx, he’s all about boosting efficiency and giving people the confidence to make smarter decisions. We also ended up talking about where AI actually fits into oil and gas, not the hype, but the stuff that genuinely moves the needle.

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PandoScape is on a mission to make data actually make sense. We sat down with Christy Hopkins and Philip Heggelund, the CEO and CTO duo behind the company, to talk about how they’re untangling the mess of data integration in energy. From subsurface insights to cloud headaches, they’re rethinking how information flows across the industry. We got into the good stuff: cleaning up bad data, breaking down silos, and figuring out how to build real trust in data systems. Christy and Philip aren’t just building tools, they’re building a future where energy companies actually use their da...

Rudy Lacovara is on a mission to untangle the messy data spaghetti that runs through oil and gas. He built PetroBricks to be the “Zapier for energy”, a way to connect clunky systems, automate the repetitive stuff, and make workflows actually make sense. We got into the pain points everyone in the industry knows too well: outdated data standards, SCADA headaches, and the constant struggle to automate without breaking things. Rudy shared how his aerospace background shaped the way he approaches energy tech, why MQTT matters, and how low-code platforms could finally change the game for operators. If you’ve eve...

AI is shaking things up in oil and gas, and Hussam Rahman is right in the middle of it. He’s the founder of AAI Agency and the brains behind tools like Petri, a copilot built for engineers, and the Business Toolkit that helps companies cut through messy workflows. We got into how AI is solving everyday headaches, think bad data management, clunky reporting, and inefficient processes, while opening the door to automation and smarter decision-making. Hussam’s mix of industry experience and forward-thinking tech makes for a conversation that’s equal parts practical advice and big-picture strategy on where...

AI is no longer just a buzzword in oil and gas, it’s reshaping how the entire industry works. Steven Barrow grew up as a fourth-generation oilfield guy, but instead of sticking with tradition, he’s pushing things forward with Patronus Energy. We got into everything from using computer vision to spot safety issues, to drones inspecting sites, to automating the headache of P&IDs. Steven’s story ties it all together: a blend of family legacy, startup grit, and some seriously cool applications of AI that are cutting through inefficiencies and making oilfield operations smarter. It’s equal parts te...

AI isn’t just creeping into oil and gas, it’s blowing the doors open. Scott Casso from Casso Land & Imaging Services walked us through how his team is dragging decades of dusty, “dark” data into the digital age. Think land title work, document digitization, and the kind of workflow cleanup that makes mergers and acquisitions a whole lot smoother. Instead of drowning in paper, companies can now actually use their data, cut inefficiencies, and make faster, smarter decisions. It’s a mix of old-school industry grit and next-gen AI muscle and it shows how tech can unlock value hiding in...

Mathias has a knack for shaking up an industry that doesn’t exactly love change, and he’s doing it from the inside. As CEO of Whitson, he’s bringing petroleum engineering software into the cloud era, building tools that work in real time instead of waiting on clunky desktop updates. We talked about what it takes to get a traditional industry to embrace modern platforms, why seamless data integration is the real game-changer, and how Whitson Plus is helping make it happen. Somewhere along the way, we compared life in Norway to Houston, swapped taco recommendations, and even found...

AI and GIS might not sound like the flashiest combo, until you hear what Bunting Labs is cooking up. Michael Egan breaks it down with John and Bobby: how they’re turning old-school geologic maps into clean, digital datasets, baking large language models into QGIS, and giving non-technical folks the power to ask spatial questions like pros. From landmen to transportation planners, this episode explores how tools like Mundi are cutting down analysis time and opening up the GIS world to way more people. It’s all about smarter maps, faster workflows, and making geospatial data way less intimidating.

AI isn’t just showing up in oil and gas, it’s kicking the door down. We hung out with Bella Kelada-Khalil from Midnight Marketing, who’s diving headfirst into petroleum engineering and AI after starting in sales and events. She’s asking the smart, unfiltered questions you wish you could, and we’re here for it. We swap stories on how AI is automating the boring stuff, making data wrangling less painful, and helping teams actually trust what they’re looking at. From LangChain setups to sketchy data rooms, it’s all on the table. This one’s for anyone wonde...

Tired of clunky geoscience software that feels like it was built in the '90s? Same. That’s why we brought on Cameron Snow from Danomics to talk about how his team is shaking things up. He’s built a platform that actually makes life easier for geologists and engineers, no more wrestling with legacy tools just to run a few thousand wells. We got into how Danomics uses AI (without going full robot overlord), how the cloud isn’t just buzzword fluff, and why data management doesn’t have to suck. If you’ve ever cursed at reservoir modeling s...

If you've ever wrestled with messy datasets, legacy code, or trying to get executives to actually *use* data, you’ll get a kick out of this one. We sat down with Jeff Krimmel from Krimmel Strategy Group to talk shop about how he’s helping energy companies turn their mountain of data into real-world strategy. We hit everything from making peace with Fortran (yep, still kicking) to getting smart about tools like Snowflake and Databricks, and even why asking better questions matters more than the data itself. Jeff’s got a sharp eye for cutting through the noise—and a knack...

SmartChain is on a mission to kill off the chaos of clunky contracts in oil and gas and they might actually be pulling it off. We caught up with their co-founder Cameron Sinclair, who’s turning heads with a platform that automates the mess out of invoicing, closes those dreaded “leakage” gaps, and makes cash flow way less of a guessing game. From aligning incentives between operators and vendors to building smarter, data-driven performance contracts, Cameron breaks down how SmartChain is flipping the script on old-school processes and dragging them into the digital age. If you've ever dealt with contra...

We're lifting the curtain on the mysterious world of energy data transparency with the guy who's shaking things up at AFE Leaks. He's on a mission to break open the hidden details around oil and gas costs and operations, think: cracking open dusty old filings and turning them into something everyone can actually use. He chats about the wild ride of starting a data-driven company in an industry ruled by giants, spills some truth about the headaches of digitizing mountains of paperwork, and gives us a peek at how AI is quietly changing the game. Plus, hear what’s re...

AI isn't just a buzzword in oil and gas, it’s changing the game, and we’re breaking it down with someone who’s been in the trenches making it happen. From smarter fracking and streamlined drilling to navigating the chaos of legacy systems, this convo peels back the curtain on what it *really* takes to build tech that actually works in the field. We’re talking massive data, modular design, edge computing, and the art of blending innovation with boots-on-the-ground practicality. If you’re curious how AI is actually showing up in energy (and not just living in PowerPoint...

What happens when a control room engineer gets fed up with clunky old systems and decides to rebuild them from the ground up? You get CruxOCM, a company shaking up pipeline automation with tools like PipeBot and GatherBot that sound like sci-fi but are very real (and very efficient). Vicki Knott shares how she went from pulp and paper mills to leading a tech company that blends first-principles engineering with machine learning to make pipelines safer, faster, and smarter. We talk outdated SCADA, automation that actually works, and how merging physics with AI is unlocking massive ESG potential in...

AI in oil and gas isn't just a buzzword, it's actually solving real problems out in the field. On this episode, we chat with someone who's knee-deep in the data trenches and building tools that make workflows faster, smarter, and way less painful. From using vibration data to predict when gear’s about to break, to training AI to read and summarize boring old PDFs, it’s all about turning raw info into real decisions. There’s even talk of automating SQL queries (so your data team can finally breathe). If you’ve ever wrestled with messy data or clunky s...

Oil and gas engineers drowning in data, meet your new best friend—Wise Rock. We’re talking lightning-fast analytics, effortless communication, and a platform built to make your life easier. Brock Meyer, the brains behind it, joins us to share how his tech is slashing downtime, streamlining workflows, and bringing exception-based surveillance to the oilfield. Think real-time SCADA data, production forecasts, and well histories all in one sleek, intuitive interface. No more clunky systems or data black holes—just clean, contextualized insights that actually help you get ahead. Brock’s journey from petroleum engineer to tech founder is packed with les...

From Kazakhstan to Louisiana and now shaking up the oil and gas industry, Onega Ulanova’s story is as bold as her startup, QMS2GO. This AI-powered tool is turning the grind of quality management into a smooth operation, automating audits, crafting training materials, and capturing wisdom from seasoned machinists. Inspired by her own experience as a quality auditor, Onega created QMS2GO to save quality managers hours (if not weeks!) of manual work. With plans to grow, fundraise, and launch a beta release, this tech is set to make waves for companies big and small. Plus, who doesn’t lo...

What happens when a lightning-fast database meets a quirky name like MotherDuck? You get DuckDB, an embeddable powerhouse shaking up the data warehouse world. It’s fast, it’s sleek, and it’s turning traditional multi-node setups into yesterday’s news. Jacob Matson from MotherDuck spills the beans on how they’re turbocharging DuckDB for the cloud, making it a dream for anyone juggling local and cloud workflows. Think edge computing, IoT magic, and SQL that's so smart it practically writes itself. Whether you’re crunching numbers in finance or wrangling data in oil and gas, this one’s for the data n...

AI and energy might sound like an odd couple, but data² is making it a match made in industrial heaven. With their GraphRAG tech hitting 99% accuracy, they’re tackling billion-dollar challenges like well abandonment and lease block acquisition while rethinking how the energy sector uses AI. Led by John Brewton, who’s blended big-league experience from Chevron with cutting-edge tech smarts, the team’s unique mix of energy pros, tech experts, and even military minds is driving solutions that are agile, scalable, and downright impressive. This isn’t just about data, it’s about turning AI into a true industry ga...

Get ready for a deep dive into field data capture with Brandon Ambrose, the mastermind behind EZ Ops, and Ruchita Rosario, data science whiz from Detechtion. They’re breaking down how they’re making life easier for the folks on the ground in oil and gas by bringing AI and smarter data to field operations. Instead of drowning in raw data, operators now have tools that actually make sense of it all, highlighting what matters most, cutting the clutter, and boosting efficiency. From the roots of EZ Ops in Western Canada to becoming a game-changer for blue-collar teams, Brandon and...

Atheer Al-Attar and Jose Leviaguirre, AI experts from Spotfire, join hosts Bobby and John on this episode of Energy Bytes to reveal how Spotfire is transforming data analysis in the oil and gas sector. They delve into Spotfire's AI-powered co-pilot that enhances decision-making through advanced data visualization and real-time insights, helping companies overcome the limitations of traditional tools in fast-paced industrial markets. Atheer, a principal data scientist, and Jose, a telecom engineer, bring their expertise to discuss the future of AI in digital transformation and how Spotfire’s innovative solutions lead the way in energy tech.

Hatem Nasr, Global Director of Digital Energy O&G at SoftServe, joins John on the Energy Bytes Podcast to discuss the transformative impact of AI and data science on the oil and gas sector. With over 15 years dedicated to the digital oilfield, Hatem shares his vision for integrating smart systems and generative AI to tackle the industry's knowledge drain and boost production efficiency. He highlights the pressing issue of declining petroleum engineering graduates and advocates for investing in technology today to secure the industry's future. Through a compelling conversation, Hatem explores how Gen AI can raise the sector’s op...

Yogashri Pradhan, Lead Production Engineer at Chevron, explores John's journey from hands-on fieldwork in wind energy and oil to becoming a key figure at Digital Wildcatters. The conversation emphasizes the importance of field experience and adaptability in the fast-changing oil and gas industry. John discusses his transition from mechanical engineering to internships, the evolving nature of the energy sector, and the significance of humility and hard work for career success. He also offers insights into how AI and digital innovations are reshaping industry processes and shares the forward-thinking vision for Digital Wildcatters and the Collide platform.

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Texas A&M engineering graduates Yazan and Eugen are leveraging AI and advanced technology to modernize outdated processes, particularly in land acquisition and title work within the energy industry. Their career paths took unexpected turns, shifting from premed and engineering to founding Ionian Labs, where they tackle the industry's reliance on old software systems. Their AI-powered solutions streamline data entry and document analysis, reducing errors and saving time. They also address the broader challenges of digitizing data in the energy sector and explore the potential for multi-modal AI models to transform operations. With a startup mindset focused on rapid...

With over 40 years of experience in natural gas markets, Dr. Brooks offers valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of integrating hydrogen into the energy mix. He discusses how RBAC’s cutting-edge software enables companies to forecast market trends and navigate the evolving energy landscape. Key topics include hydrogen’s environmental advantages versus its production hurdles, innovations in natural gas market forecasting, and the potential for collaboration between hydrogen and natural gas in shaping the future of energy markets. Dr. Brooks also reflects on his journey from MIT to founding RBAC, revolutionizing energy market analysis along the way.

Robert shares insights into how data analysis is revolutionizing the industry, emphasizing the critical role of efficient data queries and the tools that manage large volumes of information. He discusses the transition from relying on spreadsheets to adopting more organized and structured data systems. Tools like Snowflake and DBT are driving this shift, enhancing data processes and improving data quality within the oil and gas sector.

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Energy Ogre's CTO, Britany Devlin, shares her expert advice on reducing electricity costs and navigating the complexities of the energy market. Drawing from her extensive experience in trading floors and risk management, Britany explains how fluctuations in natural gas and electricity prices affect consumers and how Energy Ogre helps clients optimize their power plan contracts. She also highlights the transformative role of AI and automation in the energy sector, enhancing customer experience and providing innovative solutions in a volatile market. Learn about the future of renewables, energy storage, and strategic ways to lower your power bills.

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AI is revolutionizing traditional practices, streamlining complex processes, and enhancing operational efficiency. The discussion addresses the industry's initial skepticism toward AI and how AI Driller is overcoming these challenges through real-time data analysis and decision-making tools. Listeners will hear the unique story behind AI Driller and its role in advancing automation and data processing, alongside the broader influence of AI on modern workflows. Richard and Marat share their perspectives on how AI is transforming perceptions and driving sustainable growth in the oil and gas sector, with a glimpse into future advancements and deeper AI integration in energy markets.

William Fox, General Manager for Drilling at Corva.ai, shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in the oil and gas industry. He explains how AI is revolutionizing drilling operations by optimizing performance and driving innovation, while also addressing common uncertainties and misconceptions about AI in industrial markets. Key points include Corva’s Predictive Drilling technology, which leverages AI to enhance efficiency and safety, and the importance of balancing automation with human expertise for sustainable growth. William also highlights AI's future potential to mitigate risks and amplify human capabilities in the energy sector, advocating for collaboration over co...