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

Digital Wildcatters
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Welcome to Energy 101 with Julie McLelland and Jacob Stiller. Join us on our mission to help raise the world's energy IQ.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Real Reason Our Power Grid Keeps Failing

    AI and Bitcoin mining’s gotten a bad rap when it comes to power use, but what if it’s actually helping reshape the grid? We sat down with Haley Juarez from Pioneer Miner to unpack how mining, AI, and high-performance computing are shaking up energy demand and what that means for grids like ERCOT and MISO. From nuclear to hydrogen, vertical farming to smart thermostats, this conversation connects all the dots between tech, energy, and the way we power our lives. It’s a laid-back, surprisingly fun chat that makes sense of one of the most misunderstood corners of the energy world. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:32 - What is the grid02:42 - How the grid operates06:51 - Bitcoin mining vs AI11:32 - Winter Storm Uri impact on ERCOT15:12 - Bitcoin mining energy consumption18:35 - High performance computing energy use19:44 - Quantum computing energy impact23:13 - Electricity and weather forecasting25:43 - Griddy energy pricing27:11 - Motion sensors in energy efficiency28:39 - Turning devices off and on29:11 - Japan's nuclear reactor shutdown30:24 - Need for more nuclear energy33:20 - Next generation nuclear technology37:40 - Data centers energy controversy43:50 - Future energy consumption trends46:09 - Fixing the grid issues47:15 - We’re all screwedhttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    49 min

  2. 6 OCT

    WTF is Coring?

    Coring is one of those parts of energy that doesn’t get much spotlight but makes everything else possible. Courtney Rubin from Baker Hughes breaks it down in a way that’s easy to follow, showing how pulling rock samples tells us what’s really happening underground and why that matters for oil, gas, and even the future of energy. From wildcat wells to offshore rigs, she shares stories from the field, what actually happens to those cores once they’re out, and how new tech like AI is starting to change the process. It’s a mix of science, real-world experience, and plenty of “oh wow” moments you don’t usually hear about. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:35 - What is Coring? 02:16 - Courtney's Experience in the Field09:55 - Extracting Core Samples11:05 - Core Retrieval Process14:32 - Sponge Coring Techniques17:38 - Wireline Coring Explained20:01 - Offshore Coring Methods22:31 - Accuracy of Depth Tracking23:50 - Handling Core Jamming Issues27:40 - Sideways Coring Techniques30:49 - Utilizing Core Samples32:43 - Future Trends in Coring35:46 - Oilfield Culture Comparison by State42:45 - Industry Excitements44:00 - West Virginia's Hidden Gems49:56 - Understanding Core Samples51:01 - Salt Core Insights53:20 - Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    55 min

  3. 29 SEPT

    Why Oil Companies Are Always Short on Cash

    Philip Reed, better known as the "OFS Finance Guy," isn’t afraid to tell it like it is when it comes to money in the oilfield. Between explaining invoice factoring in plain English, sharing war stories about sketchy collections, and breaking down why AR headaches can make or break a company, he had us laughing and learning the whole way through. His path from Michigan to Texas is full of detours, lessons, and mustache-worthy moments that give a raw look at how OFS companies actually stay alive. We got into startups, Midland love-hate stories, and why finance in this industry is equal parts strategy and survival. It’s real talk with plenty of humor, just the way Energy 101 likes it. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:51 - Phil's Role in OFS Financing02:35 - Phil's Journey into OFS Financing05:26 - Experience in Midland Oil Industry07:26 - Understanding Phil's Work Simplified08:40 - Invoice Factoring Explained10:10 - Operators' Dislike for Factoring12:18 - Working with Small vs. Large Companies15:30 - Industry Nightmares and Challenges18:32 - Entering the Oil and Gas Sector21:54 - Networking Strategies in the Industry23:55 - Tips for Newcomers in Oil and Gas29:14 - Success Through Failure in Business29:40 - Importance of Trade Shows31:53 - A Day in Phil's Life33:30 - Discussing Michigan Weather34:40 - Comparing Michigan and Texas37:44 - Collecting Cash in the Industry39:40 - Anticipations for Houston Events41:23 - Best Sushi Spots in Houston41:59 - Episode Wrap-Uphttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    43 min

  4. 22 SEPT

    Inside the Life-Saving World of Well Control

    Well control is one of those topics that sounds super technical, but it’s basically about keeping a well safe and under control when you’re drilling. Dana Varisco and Ryan Hays from Well Control School explain it in a way that makes sense, even if you’re not living on a rig every day. We cover why blowout preventers are such a big deal, how teamwork makes all the difference when pressure spikes, and how today’s training and tech are shaping safer, smarter operations. Think of it as the ultimate mix of safety, science, and staying calm under pressure, with plenty of real-world stories to bring it to life. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:13 - What is Well Control? 01:48 - Crew Responsibilities in Well Control06:38 - Understanding Blowout Preventers (BOP)10:54 - Definition of a Kick in Drilling12:35 - Overview of Well Control School14:59 - IADC and IWCF Certifications Explained17:27 - Importance of Proper Training for Workers23:10 - What Does Well Control Training Involve?27:00 - Future Trends in Well Control Training29:44 - Lessons Learned from Failures in Well Control31:58 - Impact of Shale Revolution on Well Control37:37 - Offshore Drilling's Influence on Well Control41:10 - Is There a Villain in the Well Control Industry?43:42 - Current On-Site Equipment and Procedures48:10 - On-Site Operations with TDhttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    52 min

  5. 15 SEPT

    Why Digitizing Energy Infrastructure Is So Hard

    Sean Kelley knows that digital tools aren’t just shiny add-ons, they’re the backbone of how energy companies can work smarter and faster. In this conversation, Jacob and Julie dig into the real ways technology is cutting inefficiencies, like replacing clunky paper forms with sleek digital systems or using AI to help leaders make decisions with confidence. Sean doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges either, touching on change management, centralizing data, and the sometimes-messy process of getting everyone on board with new tools. Along the way, there are plenty of laughs, practical examples, and insights that’ll make you think differently about where energy and tech intersect and maybe even how you could clean up inefficiencies in your own world. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:36 - Understanding Efficiency in Business02:39 - Change Management Strategies06:11 - Efficiency in Oil and Gas Industry09:00 - Importance of Data in Business11:15 - Balancing Efficiency and Risk13:22 - Conducting Pre-Project Research16:49 - Evolving Workflows for Success18:14 - Integrating AI into Business Operations21:53 - AI Implementation Best Practices27:40 - Addressing Change Fatigue Post-Delivery29:44 - Measuring Productivity Effectively31:25 - Evaluating Overhyped Business Tools33:10 - Gamification in the Workplace36:10 - Engaging Employees in Processes41:05 - Essential Tools for Business Success44:47 - On Screen Segment47:58 - Emojis in Communication48:35 - The Role of Fax Machines49:34 - AirPods and Productivity52:40 - The Impact of Podcasts55:00 - Food Delivery Apps in Business57:31 - Court Zoom and Virtual Meetings59:59 - MapQuest and Navigation Tools01:01:42 - Exploring Generative AI01:03:32 - Peepers and Visual Tools01:05:12 - The Use of QR Codes01:07:14 - Understanding LLMs01:09:56 - Utilizing Large White Padshttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    1h 12m

  6. 8 SEPT

    Can Technology Make Drinking Water From Thin Air?

    Turning air into water sounds like science fiction, but that’s exactly what SkyH2O is doing. We sat down with Terell Jones to unpack how atmospheric water generation works and why it’s a big deal for solving global water scarcity. From disaster relief efforts to keeping farms, factories, and even tech companies supplied with clean water, this breakthrough could change the game. Terell also shares why the momentum around AWG is picking up fast and what it means for the future of sustainable water solutions. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:29 - Atmospheric Water Generation Explained11:04 - Company Overview and Services13:08 - Applications of Atmospheric Water Technology19:55 - Desalination Process and Benefits22:14 - Water Recycling Techniques28:56 - Impact of Atmospheric Water on Agriculture31:56 - Role of Federal Water Agencies32:45 - Identifying Major Water Offenders35:43 - Importance of Addressing Water Issues Now39:57 - Consumer Tips for Water Conservation42:30 - Home Gadgets and Technology for Water43:18 - Understanding EMF and Its Effects44:34 - Final Thoughts and Takeawayshttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    47 min

  7. 2 SEPT

    Data is Energy's Most Untapped Resource

    Spreadsheets, SCADA systems, terabytes of old data, and a surprising amount of laughter, this one has it all. Jacob and Julie sat down with Bobby Neelon from Drill Down Analytics to finally ask the “dumb” questions most people are too shy to bring up about energy, oil and gas, and the mysterious world of data. Bobby breaks down how companies actually deal with messy files (yes, even those dusty paper records), why AI and machine learning are shaking up the industry, and what makes tools like Power BI, Spotfire, Snowflake, and Databricks different without getting lost in jargon. Along the way, we swap stories about the ridiculous challenges of working in spreadsheets, the quirks of SCADA, and what it means to move everything into the cloud. Whether you’re brand new to energy or secretly love a good data puzzle, this episode makes the complicated stuff easy, and pretty fun too. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:54 - What is data03:36 - Does old data matter05:54 - Biggest problems with data in oil and gas11:54 - Pre-AI era in data analytics15:38 - Importance of knowing end goals18:24 - Jargon and terminology in data19:20 - Overview of Spotfire24:10 - Snowflake vs Databricks comparison30:05 - High-tech advancements in oil and gas32:10 - Understanding SCADA data35:09 - Cloud storage solutions37:20 - On-premises data management41:38 - Future trends in data analytics44:43 - Last minute file suffix game50:30 - Introduction to YAML52:28 - Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    54 min

  8. 25 AUG

    WTF is Wireline?

    Wireline isn’t your average day job, it’s long shifts, high stakes, and a whole lot of grit. Massiel Diez pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like running wireline operations, from handling heavy-duty equipment to surviving brutal weather and the pressure of big jobs like fishing and perforating. She shares stories from the field that are equal parts intense and hilarious, while also opening up about carving out space as the only female wireline influencer in the industry. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps crews running when the hours stretch long and the challenges pile up, Massiel’s got the stories, lessons, and laughs to show you. Click here to watch a video of this episode. 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.io Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:40 - What is a wireline job03:13 - Learning about wireline jobs05:37 - First experience running wireline09:46 - Understanding wireline technology14:00 - Overview of wireline tools20:24 - Wireline's role in E&P process22:04 - Wireline in fracking operations24:39 - Structure of a wireline crew25:46 - Fishing techniques in wireline30:50 - TLC and ThroughBit technologies39:40 - General inquiries about wireline40:40 - Career experiences in the oilfield44:10 - Life in the oilfield environment47:21 - Benefits of working in oilfield in 20s49:45 - Transitioning from fieldwork to office50:17 - Moving from office back to field51:08 - Female representation as a roughneckhttps://twitter.com/collide_io https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.io https://www.facebook.com/collide.io https://www.instagram.com/collide.io https://www.youtube.com/@collide_io https://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.social https://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

    53 min
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Welcome to Energy 101 with Julie McLelland and Jacob Stiller. Join us on our mission to help raise the world's energy IQ.

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