Energy Bytes

Digital Wildcatters

Welcome to Energy Bytes with John Kalfayan and Bobby Neelon. Your essential guide to the intersection of data and energy. This podcast dives deep into the world of energy, shedding light on how data, AI, and technology are revolutionizing this sector. Each episode equips listeners with insights into the most efficient tools and resources, paving the way for a data-driven future in energy. From technical nuances to broader industry trends, Energy Bytes offers an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of the energy industry. Join us as we decode the algorithms of energy, one byte at a time.

  1. 12/23/2025

    Collide AI 2025 Wrapped Part 1: Why Forward Deployed Engineers Ship When AI Pilots Fail

    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. 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 Setup and intros 00:45 Michael’s path and joining Collide 01:59 Nick’s background and role shift 03:08 Collide Enterprise vs community 04:16 Search, RAG, and workflow evolution 06:31 Why out of the box AI falls short 08:41 Time savings and real work focus 11:39 Single source of truth vision 13:16 Small teams scaling bigger assets 17:18 AI adoption vs past tech hype 19:26 Digital transformation missing link 20:20 Why FDEs make pilots work 23:36 Biggest learnings this year 31:52 What’s next in 2026 38:57 Bold predictions for 3 to 5 years 47:37 Fine tuned models teaser and wrap https://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 https://app.collide.io/content/RprbJAD

    49 min
  2. EP 78: Bruce Holman & Corey Scott from Energy Payables

    12/05/2025

    EP 78: Bruce Holman & Corey Scott from Energy Payables

    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 like a peek at how the industry finally gets out of its own way and into something a whole lot more efficient. 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 - Intro01:42 - EnergyLink Platform08:37 - JIBLink Overview14:15 - Understanding JIBs18:10 - Vision for the Platform20:57 - Evolution of Tech Stack26:08 - Introduction to Energy Payables28:18 - What is Energy Payables?30:14 - Network Effects in Energy Sector32:50 - Vendor Pain Points38:15 - Energy Payables Pricing Model40:25 - AI Impact on Energy Ogre44:05 - AI for Normalizing Frac Data47:43 - Data Extraction from PDFs50:35 - Azure Cloud Solutions52:07 - Introduction to DataFoundry55:54 - Token Models Explained58:12 - Overview of DuckDB59:04 - Energy Payables API Insights1:02:30 - Speed Round Discussion1:06:44 - Contact Information1:08:35 - Conclusion and 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

    1h 10m
  3. EP 77: Justin McBroom, Operations Data Specialist

    11/28/2025

    EP 77: Justin McBroom, Operations Data Specialist

    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. 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 - Intro01:12 - Justin McBroom Introduction05:29 - Data as a Strategic Asset09:08 - Accessing Data Effectively11:04 - Optimizing Spotfire Performance14:30 - Common Pitfalls to Avoid17:44 - Empowering Your Workforce19:50 - Alteryx Virtual Query Builder Insights27:38 - Justin’s 100+ Day Streak Achievement29:37 - Analyzing Most Popular Posts31:12 - Strategies for Successful Posts33:55 - The Dynamics of Social Media Posting37:18 - The Return of Vine40:06 - Passionate Posts Discussion46:02 - AI Designed for Success50:29 - Recommendations for Companies55:20 - Encouraging Tool Exploration57:28 - Accountability in Work1:06:06 - Speed Round Q&A1:09:04 - Favorite Houston Restaurant Picks1:09:31 - Tools Everyone Should Use1:10:27 - How to Connect with Justinhttps://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 13m
  4. EP 76: Christy Hopkins & Philip Heggelund from PandoScape

    11/07/2025

    EP 76: Christy Hopkins & Philip Heggelund from PandoScape

    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 data instead of drowning in 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 - Intro01:23 - Christy’s International Experience03:22 - Recent Cloud Outages06:05 - On-Prem AI Servers10:59 - PandoScape Overview18:05 - PandoScape's Services20:50 - Unique Features of PandoScape23:20 - PandoScape’s Technology Stack25:00 - PandoScape’s Business Model26:40 - Target Market for PandoScape28:20 - Future Plans for PandoScape30:00 - PandoScape’s Funding History31:40 - Hiring Plans at PandoScape33:20 - PandoScape’s Culture and Values34:15 - Data Engineering vs Data Science36:10 - Google vs Bing Comparison40:10 - Impact of COVID-1945:58 - The AI Hype Cycle49:15 - Choosing the Right Tools51:00 - Importance of Quality Data52:32 - MCP Server Overview56:25 - gRPC Technology57:49 - MCP Server Functionality1:00:32 - The Magic Layer Concept1:06:08 - Memory of Things1:12:30 - Speed Round1:15:57 - Contacting the PandoScape Team1:16:40 - Making a Good Mimosa1:17:22 - Making a Good Margarita1:17:33 - How to Drink Tequilahttps://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 19m
  5. EP 75: Rudy Lacovara from PetroBricks

    09/26/2025

    EP 75: Rudy Lacovara from PetroBricks

    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 ever wished your data systems would just talk to each other, this one’s for 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 - Intro00:44 - Houston Energy and Climate Week02:56 - PetroBricks Overview06:36 - What is PetroBricks?09:58 - PetroBricks Location12:45 - Sparkplug B Overview14:07 - Common Integrations17:02 - Data Acquisition from Service Companies19:12 - Journey into Tech24:34 - Inspiration for PetroBricks28:05 - Entry into Oil and Gas31:15 - Issues with Frac Data34:55 - PetroBricks Insights38:58 - Tools Used by Matt41:18 - Akka Framework43:58 - AI Coding Tools Overview46:04 - PetroBricks Technology Stack48:49 - Understanding Containers51:01 - Benefits of Containers54:33 - Speed Round59:30 - Favorite Vacation Destination59:35 - Preferred LLM for Problem Solving01:01:09 - Houston Insights01:01:29 - Book Recommendation01:03:54 - How to Connect with Rudyhttps://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 6m
  6. EP 74: Husam Rahman from aai agency

    09/19/2025

    EP 74: Husam Rahman from aai agency

    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 taking the energy world next.  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 - Intro04:56 - What does AAI stand for05:05 - Do You Really Need AI?11:00 - AI in the Oil & Gas Industry12:22 - Importance of Quality Data13:38 - Data Engineering in Machine Learning15:04 - AI as a Tool in Industry16:25 - Use Cases for Large Language Models19:29 - Explainability in AI23:18 - LLMs: Answers vs. Correct Answers24:30 - Petrie Overview25:30 - Context in Data Analysis30:59 - Data Storage Solutions34:59 - Career Path Insights39:34 - Petri Excel Add-In Features43:24 - Career Progression from Hess48:30 - Prototyping Importance50:15 - Rapid Prototyping with AI52:53 - Solopreneurship Opportunities53:00 - Tools in Your Tech Stack58:35 - Arc Overview01:01:06 - Speed Round01:02:54 - Things to Do in Qatar01:02:30 - Best Coffee Shops in Houston01:02:55 - Language Model Preferences01:04:45 - Current Reading List01:06:24 - Contacting Hussam01:06:40 - 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

    1h 8m
  7. EP 73: Steven Barrow from Patronus Energy

    09/12/2025

    EP 73: Steven Barrow from Patronus Energy

    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 tech talk and real-world problem solving, with a few glimpses into where energy might be headed next. 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 - Intros01:58 - Patronus Energy Overview04:02 - Founding Patronus Energy11:04 - Field Experience Insights14:07 - Effective Learning Methods15:46 - Software Development Background18:14 - Coding Journey19:06 - Smart Pigging Technology20:00 - Software Development for E&Ps22:53 - MLOps in Energy Sector25:57 - Product Development Inflection Point27:54 - Project Preferences30:36 - Computer Vision Innovations36:00 - Impact of Ukraine War on Process Safety39:30 - AI Applications in Process Safety41:40 - Drone Survey Usage44:53 - Drone Lighting Solutions46:43 - Technology Stack Overview49:50 - Underrated Tools and Frameworks51:44 - Future of Work in Energy55:12 - Prototyping Techniques56:06 - Scripting to Production1:00:34 - Dining Recommendations in Bentonvillehttps://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 3m
  8. EP 72: Scott Casso from Casso Land

    09/05/2025

    EP 72: Scott Casso from Casso Land

    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 plain sight. 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 - Introductions01:18 - Casso Land and Imaging Services05:45 - Importance of Digitizing Data09:19 - QR Codes in Data Management12:27 - Meaning of Digitizing15:12 - Digitization in Mergers & Acquisitions17:49 - Pre-Sale Data Digitization21:56 - Key Documents for Data Extraction27:50 - Value of Searchable Data Today30:30 - Relationships in Data Analysis35:09 - Data Engineering and LLMs38:04 - External Support in Oil & Gas43:38 - Scott's Journey into the Industry50:25 - Speed Round Questions53:02 - Influential Books57:30 - Favorite Outdoor Activities in Oklahoma01:01:03 - Where to Find Scott01:01:53 - Wrapping 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

    1h 4m
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Energy Bytes with John Kalfayan and Bobby Neelon. Your essential guide to the intersection of data and energy. This podcast dives deep into the world of energy, shedding light on how data, AI, and technology are revolutionizing this sector. Each episode equips listeners with insights into the most efficient tools and resources, paving the way for a data-driven future in energy. From technical nuances to broader industry trends, Energy Bytes offers an unparalleled perspective on the evolution of the energy industry. Join us as we decode the algorithms of energy, one byte at a time.

Information

  • Channel
    Digital Wildcatters
  • Creator
    collide.
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Digital Wildcatters, Inc
  • Show Website
    Energy Bytes

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