What The Funk?

4.6 (84)
CAREERS
UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to What the Funk? with Jeremy Funk. A series that highlights the unique personalities within the Oil and Gas Industry and the stories they have to share.

5D AGO

Kevin Watt & Graham Steele

Kinetics Controls & Innovation Limited isn’t your average oil and gas maintenance company, they’re the guys quietly rewriting the playbook. Kevin Watt and Graham Steele stopped by to talk about how their Scotland-based team is bringing some seriously smart well integrity solutions to the U.S. oilfields. With over 20 years in the game, they’ve seen it all, wellhead problems, aging assets, safety risks, and they’ve built tech and processes to tackle them head-on. We got into KCI’s journey, their plans to shake up American operations, and how they’re blending innovation with sustainability. Oh, and Graham’s U.S. road trip? It’s going to be one to watch. 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 - Intro01:50 - Who are Graham Steele and Kevin Watt06:55 - Growing Up in Scotland12:45 - KCI’s Vision for the US Market15:14 - Aberdeen's Business Focus: Oil & Gas17:07 - Energy Evolution vs. Transition21:11 - KCI Solutions Overview23:18 - KCI’s Evolution Journey27:38 - Importance of Customer Feedback29:58 - KCI's Involvement Timeline34:30 - KCI's Strategic Growth Plan37:43 - How KCI Acquires Business40:18 - Onboarding New Clients45:50 - The Perfect Scottish Meal47:46 - Exploring Scottish Cuisine50:54 - Where to Find Kevin and Graham53:38 - Endhttps://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
SEP 18

Reed Goodman

Reed’s story is one of those classic oil patch tales with a modern twist, starting out fixing wells on a tight budget and somehow turning that grind into building his own company. He grew up around oil, gas, and cattle, and instead of running from it, he leaned all the way in, carving out his own path with Jaybird Resources. What makes him stand out isn’t just his business chops, but the way he refuses to play by anyone else’s rulebook, owning who he is while chasing bold ideas like modular refineries. This conversation is full of grit, humor, and the kind of honesty you only get from someone balancing business, family, and life in South Texas, all while redefining what it means to be an oilman today. 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 - Intro00:55 - Reid Goodman Biography05:31 - Childhood in the Oilfield11:02 - Reid's WiFi Challenges12:02 - Jeremy's Upbringing16:01 - Overview of Jaybird Resources19:28 - Understanding Reid's ADD20:38 - Launching Jaybird Resources23:37 - Family Business Dynamics26:55 - Potential for Public Company29:30 - Relatable Industry Stories31:37 - Closing Remarkshttps://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

33 min
SEP 4

Justin Pines

Justin’s story is all about turning struggle into strength. After racking up over 1,400 days of sobriety, he’s faced the heavy loss of both parents and some huge life shifts, yet somehow, he’s managed to carve out a sense of peace and purpose in the middle of it all. Growing up as an athlete and later working in management consulting, Justin learned discipline, resilience, and how to channel energy in ways that lift both himself and others. We talked about what it really means to live with intention, find joy in the present, and create momentum even when life feels uncertain. It’s a raw, uplifting conversation that reminds you how powerful acceptance can be when you’re trying to find your flow. 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 - Intro02:00 - Justin Pines Interview05:20 - Access to Information in Today's World10:38 - Embracing Change and Growth10:59 - Parental Influence on Personal Development17:48 - Emotional Impact of Losing a Parent20:27 - Greg's Childhood and Upbringing27:50 - Navigating the College Experience29:05 - Balancing Multiple Sports in College34:57 - Connection Between College Sports and Sales35:10 - Exploring Career Paths and Choices39:10 - Starting Your Own Business Journey45:20 - Finding Zen in a Busy Life51:10 - Closing Thoughts and Reflections51:55 - 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

53 min
AUG 14

Tyler Thomason

From Spring, Texas to the helm of his own startup, Tyler’s journey is all about turning big ideas into real change for oil and gas. He cut his teeth at LSU, sharpened his skills leading innovative projects at EOG Resources, and now with CT Evolution, he’s tackling downhole logistics in a way that’s shaking up how operators and service companies work together. We got into the grit of launching a business, the headaches and breakthroughs of bringing patented tools to market, and how those innovations are unlocking better reservoir and production diagnostics. It’s part startup grind, part industry insight, and part “how the hell did you even think of that?”, all with a good dose of humor along the way. 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 - Intro00:58 - Who is Tyler Thomason04:08 - Why Choose LSU for Petroleum Engineering11:05 - Decision to Pursue Petroleum Engineering13:03 - Securing Internships in Energy Sector15:47 - Experience Working in the Field20:22 - First Job in Petroleum Industry23:03 - What Makes EOG Resources Special27:17 - Transitioning from EOG to Entrepreneurship30:00 - Overview of CT Evolution32:18 - Operator vs. Vendor in Energy Sector33:41 - A Day in the Life of Tyler Thomason35:13 - Finding Business Opportunities in Energy37:40 - Importance of CT Evolution for Stakeholders39:59 - How to Connect with Tyler Thomason40:50 - 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

42 min
JUL 31

Sebastien Tamarelle

What happens when a Chico kid with a dream and a serious work ethic decides to shake up the local bar scene? You get Sebastian Tamarelle, owner of The Banshee and B Street Public House and the kind of guy who didn’t set out to lead but ended up becoming a community pillar anyway. Jeremy sits down with his childhood buddy to swap stories, talk shop, and dig into everything from ditching the corporate grind to surviving post-COVID curveballs. You’ll hear what it’s really like to run two of the town’s most iconic spots, how a surprise visit from Guy Fieri changed everything, and why staying grounded might just be the secret sauce to Sebastian’s success. 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 - Intro01:03 - Who is Sebastien Tamarelle03:56 - Growing Up in California08:55 - College Experience in Massachusetts11:00 - College Life and Lessons15:41 - Opening Your First Bar/Restaurant20:58 - Banshee's Triple D Experience25:45 - Business Owner Challenges29:16 - Work Ethic of Younger Generations32:40 - Tipping Practices in Service Industry35:36 - Making Cash in College36:13 - What's Next for Seb38:35 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs42:40 - Favorite Menu Item45:30 - Travel Recommendations47:25 - Favorite Dog Breed48:09 - Fantasy Football Insights50:10 - Recommended Websites51:45 - Closing Timehttps://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
JUL 10

Mary Young on What the Funk?

Relationships are at the heart of everything Mary does, from building out tech solutions in oil and gas to swapping baking tips and golf stories. We got into how she went from Baltimore to becoming the face of Welland, the consulting firm making data reporting way less painful with tools like Unidata and SQL (but don't worry, she keeps it human). Mary’s one of those people who makes remote work look effortless, balancing serious technical chops with genuine connection. Also, her dog’s name is Drago, which basically makes her cooler than all of us. 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 - Intro 01:13 - Meeting Mike Mapes 03:42 - Who is Mary Young 05:44 - Mary’s Early Life in Dallas 12:46 - New York City Experience 17:40 - Exploring Houston 19:07 - June 2025 Insights 21:04 - The Day Your Dad Almost Died 23:20 - The Surgeon’s Role 27:38 - Writing Your Dad’s Eulogy 32:25 - Mary’s Story Beyond New York 36:55 - Tony’s Pizza Journey 41:04 - What is Welland? 46:25 - How to Reach Mary 47:30 - Mary Welland - Outro https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/collide.io/https://www.instagram.com/collide.io/https://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_io

50 min
JUN 12

Josh Politte on What the Funk?

Running a company that’s shaking up oil and gas with AI is wild enough, but try doing that on zero sleep with a newborn in the house. That’s life for Josh Politte, who somehow manages to lead ACT Solutions & Consulting while changing diapers and dodging spit-up. He shares stories from a globe-spanning career (50+ countries!), the year Egypt cracked open his worldview, and how he went from petroleum engineer to Microsoft-powered problem solver. We get into why tech in this industry actually matters, how AI isn't just a buzzword, and why being a new dad might just be the ultimate crash course in leadership. 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 watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro01:40 - Who is Josh Pape11:02 - Josh’s Career Journey: College to Business16:23 - Technical Skills Development18:55 - Leading Digital Transformation at BHP23:35 - Experience as Interim CTO at Digital Wildcatters25:06 - Passion for the Microsoft Stack30:51 - Insights on AI Technology37:24 - Loving Your Work: A Personal Reflection38:00 - Future Vision: Company Goals in 3-5 Years41:39 - Hot Seat Questions: Rapid Fire Round45:10 - How to Connect with Joshhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

47 min
JUN 5

Steve Cooper on What the Funk?

Steve Cooper went from mining rocks in the UK to mining insights in the oil and gas world, building and eventually selling EnergyIQ, a company that tackled the chaos of industry data before COVID flipped the world upside down. He breaks down how a background in computer science and a bit of stubborn problem-solving turned into a business that stood out by actually giving a damn about data quality. Jeremy digs into the story behind the scenes, what it took to lead through downturns, why timing is everything, and what Steve’s up to now as he backs the next wave of clean energy and 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.io Click here to watch a video of this episode. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro03:08 - Who is Steve Cooper08:26 - Dual Citizenship Benefits10:55 - Relocating to Colorado12:35 - EnergyIQ Overview17:00 - Seven Lakes Insights21:15 - Competing in Data Management22:08 - Surviving the 2015 Downturn28:13 - Survivor Classification34:56 - Post-Acquisition Journey37:16 - Current Projects39:32 - Entrepreneurial Advice45:13 - Travel Favorites47:12 - Restaurant Recommendations48:56 - Connecting with Steve Cooper49:30 - Closing Thoughtshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

51 min

See All (193)

4.6

out of 5

84 Ratings

Funk

04/09/2022

Club1304

Jeremy Funk carries the podcast
Good listen

10/21/2020

meg wm

Informative and interesting!
They troll women

12/12/2020

CryptoFromMidland

So this show “Tripping Over The Barrel” is trolling the original show on Digital Wildcatter’s called “Flipping The Barrel”, which is hosted and ran by two women in the oil and gas industry. Not sure why Jeromy Funk and Tim Loser think it is okay to be this sexist. After listening to their show for the 4 minutes I could stand, I suspect that they just were not smart enough to come up with an original name on top of being bigots. As an industry we have worked hard to overcome male chauvinist like these two. If these guys have mothers, sisters, wives or daughters, its disgraceful. Shame, shame!
More Fake Reviews!

10/21/2020

CA Dreaming 4U

Just like Oil and Gas Startups, this show has fake reviews! Between May 29 and Oct. 6th you had zero reviews. Then exactly like Oil and Gas Startups on Oct. 7 you had 12 reviews, which are obviously fake. And the pattern repeats itself over and over. Where is your integrity? What else in your show is fake, the guest stories? Your stories? What? What happened to just putting out quality content and letting your audience leave real and honest reviews? And by the way NOBODY leaves reviews on a review. So if you see a review about this one, its fake too!

Welcome to What the Funk? with Jeremy Funk. A series that highlights the unique personalities within the Oil and Gas Industry and the stories they have to share.