Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

Geoffrey Cann
Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas with Geoffrey Cann

A weekly podcast on the impacts of digital on the oil and gas industry.

  1. 3D AGO

    The Future of Offshore Connectivity

    Offshore oil and gas operations are among the most complex and remote in the world. From harsh weather to limited physical access, these environments demand reliable, high-speed communications to enable modern digital workflows and keep operations running safely and efficiently. As offshore operations become more autonomous and data-driven, the traditional telecom models fall short. Legacy systems struggle to meet rising demands for bandwidth, low latency, and mobility—especially when platforms are unmanned or vessels are constantly on the move. Tampnet is addressing this head-on by delivering a mixed-mode communication strategy that combines subsea fiber, private 5G, and satellite (LEO) into one seamless network. Their infrastructure enables everything from robotic inspections and mobile edge compute to AI-driven automation—critical for modernizing offshore energy. In this episode, I speak with Frode Støldal, Chief Digital Officer and President of the Americas at Tampnet. We explore how a hybrid telecom model is revolutionizing offshore connectivity, driving operational efficiencies, and accelerating digital transformation. From supporting 450+ global platforms to enabling real-time decision-making at the edge, Frode shares a glimpse of the offshore future—one powered by high-speed, intelligent infrastructure. 👤 About the Guest Frode Støldal is President Americas and Chief Digital Officer at Tampnet, the world’s largest offshore communications network provider. He brings 18+ years of telecom leadership from Telenor and now leads Tampnet’s digital strategy and operations across the Americas. Frode holds an MSc from the Norwegian School of Economics and a Master in Technology Management from MIT/NTNU. 🔗 Tampnet Website 📧 th@capientco.com 🔧 Additional Tools & Resources ✍ Blog Series 📘 Digital Strategy Course 🎥 Behind the Studio 🤝 Connect with Me 🌐 GeoffreyCann.com 💼 LinkedIn 🐦 X / Twitter 🎤 Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I speak regularly on digital transformation, AI, and innovation in energy. Let’s talk about your next event. ⚠️ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

    33 min
  2. Corrosion Under Insulation: The Process Industry's Unseen Crisis

    APR 9

    Corrosion Under Insulation: The Process Industry's Unseen Crisis

    Pipes are the silent workhorses of the process industries—hidden in plain sight yet essential for daily operations. But what happens when these unassuming assets begin to fail? A recent catastrophic water main rupture in Calgary serves as a stark reminder that even the most robust infrastructure is vulnerable, especially when degradation hides under insulation. The challenge of inspecting and maintaining piping is immense. Facilities house millions of miles of pipe, much of it exposed to harsh climates, inaccessible locations, and made from materials with complex corrosion profiles. Layer on insulation, coatings, and the logistics of maintaining uptime, and it’s clear that conventional inspection methods are no longer sufficient. This episode explores the wide range of failure modes—flaws, fractures, erosion, rust, and more—that threaten pipe integrity. The implications are serious: lost product, compromised safety, and even plant collapse. Fortunately, new technologies—robotics, advanced sensing, and improved diagnostics—are emerging to meet the challenge head-on. Tune in to hear why the process industry must rethink its approach to managing the hidden menace of corrosion under insulation, and how digital innovation offers a path forward. Additional Tools & Resources 💡 Go backstage and check out my studio: 🔗  https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/ 📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185 Connect with Me ✍️ Blog: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎙️ Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/ 🐦 X: https://x.com/geoffreycann Contact for Lectures and Keynotes 🎤 I speak regularly on these and other topics. Book a brief call to discuss your upcoming event needs. Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice. Read the Article Want the actual script that this podcast is based on? Download it here

    9 min

  3. APR 2

    AI That Thinks Like a Scientist: A Conversation with T.C. Zoboroski of Noble.AI

    AI is transforming oil and gas, but not all AI is created equal. Many companies have wasted millions on failed AI projects, chasing optimization without real breakthroughs. But what if AI could think like a scientist—applying physics and chemistry to accelerate decision-making and innovation? In this episode, TC Zoboroski, Head of Sales for Energy at NobleAI, explains how their science-based AI is reshaping everything from production forecasting to molecular design. Unlike traditional generative AI, which relies on pattern recognition, NobleAI operates on scientific principles, enabling faster, more accurate results for R&D, product development, and enhanced oil recovery. TC shares fascinating use cases where AI has cut R&D timelines from decades to months, optimized drilling decisions, and even created new chemical formulations in real-time. We also discuss why AI skepticism is still strong in oil and gas, how to overcome it, and why AI should be seen as a force multiplier, not a job threat. About the Guest TC Zoboroski is the Head of Sales for Energy at NobleAI, a company specializing in science-based artificial intelligence for industries like oil & gas, materials science, and biotech. With a background in technology and experience at Halliburton, Dell, AWS, and Exxon, TC brings deep insight into how AI can bridge the gap between traditional energy challenges and cutting-edge digital solutions. Connect with TC and NobleAI: 🔹 Company Website: NobleAI 🔹 LinkedIn: TC Zoboroski Additional Tools & Resources: 🚀 Go backstage and check out my studio: My Studio 📖 Read my blog on AI in oil and gas: Digital Oil and Gas 🎙 More podcast episodes: Digital Innovations in Oil and Gas Connect with Me: 🌎 Website: GeoffreyCann.com 📧 Newsletter: Subscribe Here 💼 LinkedIn: Geoffrey Cann 🐦 Twitter/X: @GeoffreyCann Contact for Lectures & Keynotes: I speak regularly on digital innovation, AI, and energy transformation. If you’d like me to speak at your next event, book a call here. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are for informational and discussion purposes only. They do not constitute professional advice.

    35 min

  4. MAR 26

    Ending Insanity In Oil and Gas

    The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome. In oil and gas, we do the same thing over and over, knowing the outcome will vary—but believing we’re optimizing it. With billions at stake, the industry needs better ways to react in real time. As capital market pressures rise and companies consolidate, optimization is no longer optional—it’s survival. The days of a “sand disposal” mentality in hydraulic fracturing are fading. Operators need data-driven decision-making to improve well performance, cut waste, and reduce risks. Enter ShearFRAC, a company pioneering real-time pressure diagnostics to transform completions. Andrew McMurray, CEO and co-founder of ShearFRAC, is at the forefront of this change. With a background in mechanical engineering and years in the service sector, he has built a company that challenges industry inertia. ShearFRAC solutions provide immediate insights to operators, allowing them to adapt on the fly—tightening performance curves, cutting costs, and increasing efficiency. Additional Tools & Resources 🌐 ShearFRAC 📧 Contact Andrew 👉 a.mcmurray@shearfrac.com 💡 Go backstage and check out my studio: 🔗 https://geoffreycann.com/mystudio/ 📚 Take my one-day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 🔗 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-oil-and-gas/?referralCode=0161D4D49AB75735A185 Connect with Me ✍️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎙 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/ 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/geoffreycann Contact for Lectures and Keynotes 🎤 I speak regularly on digital innovation topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. 🔗 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/ Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

    32 min

  5. MAR 19

    The World in a Cube: Energy Analytics with Jarand Rystad

    Energy markets are undergoing a profound transformation. With demand shifting, new energy sources emerging, and digital infrastructure consuming more power than ever, the need for accurate, data-driven decision-making has never been greater. Companies must now navigate uncertainty with smarter forecasting tools, leveraging AI and real-time analytics to stay ahead. However, traditional forecasting models often fail to capture the full picture. New energy sources like solar and battery storage are disrupting the grid, while AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand. At the same time, tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are moving beyond buying power to direct energy investments, influencing market dynamics in unexpected ways. So how do we make sense of this fast-changing landscape? Joining me today is Jarand Rystad, CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world’s leading energy research firms. With a background in physics, statistics, and AI-powered analytics, Jarand has spent two decades refining energy forecasting models that are used by executives and policymakers worldwide. In this episode, we explore how AI is transforming energy analysis, the long-term outlook for global power demand, and what the rise of tech-driven energy investments means for traditional players. About the Guest Jarand Rystad is the founder and CEO of Rystad Energy, one of the world’s leading energy research firms. A physicist by training, Jarand spent years at McKinsey & Co. before launching Rystad Energy, building it into a global powerhouse of energy analytics. Additional Tools & Resources 💡 Explore Rystad Energy: rystadenergy.com 📊 Check out their latest reports: Rystad Energy Insights Connect with Me 🔗 LinkedIn: Geoffrey Cann 📩 Blog: Digital Oil and Gas 🎙 Podcast Archive: Listen to Past Episodes Contact for Lectures and Keynotes I regularly speak on digital transformation, AI, and energy trends. Book a call to discuss your event needs: Contact Me Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

    34 min

  6. MAR 10

    Sweat Science: How Wearable Tech is Protecting Oil and Gas Workers from Heat Risk

    Oil and gas workers operate in extreme conditions, such as the Gulf and the Permian Basin, where the intense heat and high humidity create very hazardous conditions. You lose a lot of body moisture just surviving in those settings.    Most of us know to take a drink of water when we’re thirsty, but in those places, by the time you’re thirsty, you’re already at risk. Is there a better way to measure dehydration risk before it becomes a safety hazard?   In this episode, I sit down with Jim Ryan, Chief Revenue Officer of Epicore Biosystems, to discuss a nifty wearable device that tracks sweat loss, sodium levels, and hydration needs in real time—helping prevent heat-related injuries before they happen.   Elite athletes like Lionel Messi and Serena Williams rely on a sweat patch from Epicore to help them complete. This technology caught the attention of Chevron, who saw the potential to protect its industrial athletes (front line workers). It’s been deployed across oil fields, refineries, mining and aviation sectors, changing the way companies monitor worker health and safety.   Stuff that I didn’t know:   ✔️ Why sweat is as valuable as blood for real-time health tracking ✔️ The hidden dangers of dehydration—and why most workers don’t recognize the symptoms ✔️ How Chevron partnered with Epicore to develop a rugged, industrial-grade wearable ✔️ The privacy-first approach to tracking hydration without monitoring individuals ✔️ What’s next for wearables in industrial safety, from muscle fatigue monitoring to ketone tracking   If you’re in HSE, operations, or workforce safety, this episode is a must-listen.   About the Guest   Jim Ryan is the Chief Revenue Officer at Epicore Biosystems, the company behind this clever health monitoring technology. Jim has an extensive background in telecom, cybersecurity, and digital health, which is very useful indeed in bringing this kind of technology to the industry.   Additional Tools & Resources   🔗 Chevron’s research on heat stress monitoring (to be presented at CERAWeek—link coming soon!) 🔗 Epicore Biosystems website – Epicore Biosystems 🔗 Gatorade GX Sweat Patch (Epicore’s original sports-focused innovation) – GX Sweat Patch   Connect with Me   📖 Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎙 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/advocate-digital-innovation-for-energy/ ✖️ X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/geoffreycann   Contact for Lectures and Keynotes   I regularly speak on digital innovation in energy. Interested in having me at your event? Let’s talk! 📩 Contact me here → https://geoffreycann.com/contact/   Disclaimer   The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

    32 min

  7. MAR 5

    From Milling to Data: How STEP-conneCT is Redefining Coiled tubing Operations with Brad Watson

    The oil and gas industry has long relied on surface data and the expertise of seasoned operators to manage the complexities of downhole operations. However, as wells become deeper, laterals longer, and conditions more extreme, the human expert can struggle to address the expanded downhole complexity. Consistency, efficiency, and precision have become increasingly difficult to achieve. This growing complexity presents significant challenges. Operators must interpret inconsistent surface data while contending with extreme pressures, weights, and temperatures. Without real-time visibility into what’s happening at the drill bit, risks like unplanned downtime, tool failures, and inefficiencies sap productivity and inflate costs. To overcome these issues, the industry is turning to advanced technology, automation, and machine learning to build a more repeatable and predictable model of operation. In this episode, I speak with Brad Watson, the technology development manager with STEP Energy Services, on how his team is driving innovation with STEP-conneCT, a downhole sensor system integrated with e-coil technology. By providing real-time data on weight, torque, and motor health, STEP-conneCT is helping operators transform coiled tubing operations into a manufacturing-style process. Brad discusses how this technology is addressing challenges, reducing downtime, and paving the way for automation in oil and gas. About the Guest: Brad Watson is the technology development manager with STEP Energy Services, a leading company in the coiled tubing and pressure pumping sector. With a focus on advancing milling technology, Brad has played a key role in deploying STEP-conneCT, a leading-edge tool for real-time data acquisition in extreme downhole conditions. His work illustrates the integration of technology and engineering to address the challenges of modern oil and gas exploration. You can connect with Brad and learn more about STEP Energy Services via: 🌐 Website:      STEP Energy Services 🔗 LinkedIn: Brad Watson Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin: Advocate for Digital Innovation 🤬 X: geoffreycann   Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/

    27 min

  8. FEB 26

    Pearls of CO2 Wisdom: Capturing CO2 with Graphene and Amine

    Direct air carbon capture will be required to remove excess CO2 from the atmosphere while we wind down fossil fuel combustion, and a new technology based on graphene and amine coated ceramic pearls or spheres may be the missing link. The direct air capture methods deployed to date struggle with their enormous scale, their energy intensity, and operating costs. They can require hundreds of dollars per ton of CO2 removed, large land footprints, and available geology to sequester the carbon underground. Economically, they can't pay their own way without permanent subsidies. Many entrepreneurs are working to solve the problem by working backwards from commercial principles that the technology must be economically sustainable without market support. In this interview, I speak with Samir Adams, an entrepreneur who has for several years been perfecting a commercially viable approach to direct air carbon capture. By leveraging graphene-coated ceramic pearls, he has developed a low-energy, modular solution capable of capturing and recycling carbon dioxide with market leading efficiency. Samir walks through how he and his partner conceptualized a graphene-based solution to overcoming challenges in binding CO2. He explains how his technology enables localized CO2 capture, making it practical for industries like enhanced oil recovery, agriculture, and other CO2 buyers. We also discuss the potential of AI integration, the scalability of this technology, and its ability to create new revenue streams from CO2 capture. About the Guest: Sam is a highly experienced technology executive who has led several start ups from start to finish.  🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1samadams/ Learn More about CC&C 🌐 Visit Carbon Capture and Commercialization: CCandC.AI Additional Tools & Resources From Geoffrey 🎬 Go backstage and check out my studio: 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/resources/ 🎓 Take my one day digital strategy training course for oil and gas: 👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/digital-...   Connect with Me: 🖥️ Blog series: https://digitaloilgas.substack.com/ 🎧 Podcast: https://geoffreycann.com/broadcast/ 📇 Linkedin: Advocate for Digital Innovation 🤬 X: geoffreycann   Contact for Lectures and Keynotes: I speak regularly on these and other topics. Contact me to book a brief call about your upcoming event needs. Click here 👉 https://geoffreycann.com/contact/

    24 min
See All (100)

4.6
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

A weekly podcast on the impacts of digital on the oil and gas industry.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada