

Energy Bytes
collide.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 12min
EP 68: Cameron Snow from Danomics
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 software, you’ll want to hear this one.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro01:00 - EOG Acquires INNO03:39 - Understanding Danomics07:18 - Importance of Cloud for Danomics10:38 - Cloud First Strategy14:17 - Data Residency Explained15:42 - Founding Danomics17:34 - Coding Journey22:54 - Programming Languages Overview25:14 - Managing Complex Equations29:05 - Handling Customer Requests32:54 - Significance of UI/UX Design36:40 - Meeting User Expectations38:54 - Software Integration with Applications43:25 - Data Management and Organization50:07 - Coding for Geoscientists and Engineers59:48 - AI's Impact on Oil and Gas Industry01:00:02 - AI's Limitations in Oil and Gas01:05:25 - Speed Round01:09:10 - Contacting Cam01:10:00 - Outrohttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 13min
EP 67: Jeff Krimmel from Krimmel Strategy Group
Join Jeff Krimmel, founder of Krimmel Strategy Group, as he shares insights on turning complex data into actionable strategies for energy companies. He discusses the enduring relevance of Fortran and the challenges of legacy code. The conversation dives into effective forecasting techniques, the importance of asking better questions over simply analyzing data, and how human behavior influences decision-making. With a blend of tech-savvy insights and practical advice, Jeff offers a fresh perspective for anyone navigating the data landscape.

Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 3min
EP 66: Cam Sinclair from SmartChain
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 contract nightmares (or just want your ops to run smoother), this one’s worth a listen.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Guest Intro01:15 - Cam’s Background07:28 - Starting SmartChain10:36 - Origin of SmartChain13:18 - Overview of SmartChain17:47 - Challenges in Digitizing Field Tickets23:00 - Impact on Cash Flow24:40 - Understanding DSO and Its Importance26:42 - Average DSO & DIR Analysis28:44 - Case Study 1: Offshore Drilling Insights30:49 - Case Study 2: Performance Contract Overview32:40 - Strategies for Creating Better Contracts39:37 - Addressing Pushback and Objections41:15 - Mutual Benefits for Operators and Service Companies46:15 - Charging Models Explained48:42 - Successful Oil and Gas Startups50:35 - Role of Blockchain in Energy57:17 - Closing Thoughts57:58 - Favorite Rugby Team58:10 - Book Recommendations58:54 - Favorite Speculative Crypto01:00:34 - Favorite Vacation Spot01:01:31 - Connecting with Cameronhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

May 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
EP 65: Brandon Davis from AFE Leaks
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 really happening behind the scenes in the ultra-competitive lower 48 data market and how clear, accessible data might just be the industry's next big revolution.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro01:29 - Enverus Acquisition $6B05:49 - Competing with IHS & Drillinginfo07:05 - Selling Strategies in Energy Sector11:02 - Role of Geologists in Industry13:07 - Understanding Reserves in Energy15:22 - AFs and AFEs Explained23:00 - Data Extraction from PDFs24:34 - Optimizing Lease Operating Expenses (LOE)28:13 - Business Education for Engineers31:40 - Learning to Code for Professionals34:21 - Choosing the Right Model in Energy35:48 - Building Your Tech Stack39:57 - Data Insights and Interesting Findings43:28 - Sourcing Reliable Data45:54 - AFE Leaks’s Unique Business Model47:15 - Accessing AFE Leaks’s Data Resources48:20 - Identifying Target Customers51:30 - Entrepreneurship Journey Insights54:01 - Recommended Books for Entrepreneurs55:01 - Favorite R Packages for Data Analysis56:43 - Top Vacation Destinations57:59 - Best Restaurants Recommendations1:00:06 - Community Engagement1:02:22 - Connecting with Brandon Davishttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Apr 25, 2025 • 58min
EP 64: Joshua Johnston from Capsher Technology
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 PowerPoints), you’ll want to hear this one.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro00:37 - What Does Capsher Technology Do02:39 - Evolution of Software Development05:09 - Strengths of AI Technology06:26 - Overview of Collide Software09:04 - Understanding RAG Models10:09 - Implementing AI Solutions13:43 - Energy-Specific Software Development18:14 - High-Resolution Data Acquisition Techniques22:15 - Benefits of Containerization25:22 - Data Transfer to the Cloud29:20 - Frontend Technologies in Use30:33 - Introduction to GraphQL31:54 - Common Software Projects33:20 - Mobile Development Trends37:12 - AI-Assisted Software Development43:35 - AI Expectations vs. Reality47:34 - Journey into Technology50:45 - Speed Round55:56 - Where to Find Joshua Johnstonhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
EP 63: Vicki Knott from CruxOCM
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 midstream.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro00:50 - Best Places to Build Software Companies03:20 - Evaluating Canadian Tech Talent06:15 - Vicki's Journey to Krux14:14 - IIoT vs SCADA Explained15:27 - Overview of Krux's Services17:50 - The Journey of Krux19:34 - Pipet Technology Insights20:35 - Data Access Solutions23:35 - Historic vs Modern Architecture26:50 - OUTRO27:01 - Krux vs Competitors Analysis28:30 - Understanding the Technology Stack29:30 - Onboarding New Clients Effectively34:00 - Krux and Microsoft Fabric Integration36:10 - Optimizing Maintenance with Krux37:23 - Krux's Connection to SCADA Systems39:14 - Impact of AI and LLMs on Business43:37 - Focus and Task Management Challenges44:29 - ESG Benefits in Energy Sector47:54 - Optimizing Energy Infrastructure Strategies49:25 - Understanding the Energy Sector50:55 - Silicon Valley's View on Energy Industry54:28 - Recommended Books for Entrepreneurs55:09 - Exploring Canadian Snacks56:24 - Dining Recommendations in Calgary57:20 - Favorite Vacation Destinations58:01 - Understanding Canadian Slang58:34 - Connecting with Vicki Knotthttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 14min
EP 62: Nick Fornicola from Beusa Energy
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 systems, this one’s got some seriously cool insights.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro01:24 - Mistral's New API05:02 - Multimodal Models in Data Pipelines07:03 - Generative vs Deterministic Models10:56 - Generative AI Program11:52 - Generative AI in Oil & Gas Industry18:05 - RAG Memory Capabilities19:50 - Training Your Data Team23:34 - Visa's Data Architecture Insights33:10 - Why Choose Databricks35:00 - Text to SQL Transformation35:52 - Generative AI Applications37:55 - AutoML Overview43:19 - Technical Skills Erosion in Data45:30 - N-Gen Projects and Innovations48:40 - Vibration Data as Physical Measurement51:33 - Insights from Vibration Data55:26 - Personal Journey in Data59:23 - Empowering Subject Matter Experts1:00:09 - Formal Education vs Self-Taught Paths1:05:35 - Speed Round1:10:15 - End1:10:48 - Favorite Vacation Destination1:11:38 - Contact Ryan and Social Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
EP 61: Brock Meyer from Wise Rock
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 lessons on modern data stacks, AI-driven decision-making, and why human-centered design is the future of oil and gas.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro00:48 - Catching Up02:04 - Guest Introduction05:48 - Importance of Communication in Data Platforms08:52 - Foundation for AI/ML Models09:58 - Wise Rock’s Value Proposition12:45 - Early Days of Wise Rock21:22 - Data Visualization Techniques26:25 - Technology Stack Overview30:14 - Why Choose Dagsure33:53 - Market Penetration Strategies39:43 - Exploring TimescaleDB40:50 - Tech Deep Dive42:40 - Wise Rock's Industry Impact45:54 - Importance of Quality Data49:25 - Future Plans for Wise Rock52:50 - IronPython Reference Discussion55:44 - Speed Round Q&A59:58 - Where to Find Brock Meyer1:00:04 - Contacting Brock Meyer1:01:08 - Final Thoughts on the Episode1:01:33 - Outrohttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 12min
EP 60: Onega Ulanova from QMS2GO
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 love a smart AI sidekick handling the heavy lifting?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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro00:55 - What is QMS2GO? | Quality Management System03:25 - Auditing Process | Compliance & Standards11:07 - Journey to Louisiana Tech | Educational Background12:01 - Moving to the US from Kazakhstan | Immigration Experience14:15 - Starting Your Own Company | Entrepreneurship Journey18:55 - LA New Product Development | Innovation Strategies21:20 - Transition from Industrial to Consumer Products | Market Shift24:24 - Early Products | Product Development History25:04 - Shark Tank | Pitching to Investors27:19 - QMS2GO Overview | Business Model29:10 - Building for Different Industries | Market Adaptation31:16 - Return to Auditing | Career Path33:35 - Bootstrapping | Funding Strategies34:34 - Responsibility of Taking Other People's Money | Financial Ethics38:44 - Strategic Investor Relationships | Funding Advice41:40 - Investor Skepticism | Business Viability45:08 - QMS2GO’s Users | Customer Base51:13 - How QMS2GO is Being Used | Practical Applications52:56 - Importance of User Feedback | Continuous Improvement55:33 - Raising Funds | Fundraising Strategies56:50 - Pricing Model | Business Strategy01:01:23 - AI in Cold Outreach | Technology in Marketing01:03:34 - Speed Round | Quick Questions01:03:54 - Things to Do in Ruston | Local Attractions01:04:33 - Best Restaurant in Houston | Dining Recommendations01:06:23 - Running a Company in Ruston | Business Environment01:08:04 - Best Place to Eat in Shreveport | Food Recommendations01:09:02 - How to Reach Andiega | Contact Informationhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 25min
EP 59: Jacob Matson from MotherDuck
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 nerds who like their tech cutting-edge and their tools feather-light.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.ioClick here to watch a video of this episode.
Click here to view the episode transcript.
00:00 - Intro02:06 - DuckDB for Google Sheets05:24 - Jacob’s Journey to DuckDB11:05 - OLTP vs OLAP13:08 - DuctDB16:59 - MDSinaBox19:08 - NBA Jam20:05 - MDS in a Box22:19 - Running on the Edge23:56 - Chick-fil-A26:20 - DuckDB31:10 - Querying Data Where It Lives35:30 - ODBC vs Arrow DataFusion42:13 - Mothertuck42:55 - Motherduck46:25 - What is Mother Duck51:10 - Connecting BI Tools to Mother Duck52:55 - PG DuckDB54:33 - Using DuctDB with Postgres56:21 - DuctDB as Cache for Snowflake58:25 - ROI of Data Teams1:01:30 - Future of ELT1:05:20 - Embeddings in Data1:06:20 - Language Models in Analytics1:07:40 - Prompt SQL Techniques1:15:10 - DuckDB Pushing SQL Forward1:18:22 - Speed Round1:19:34 - Favorite Non-DuckDB Database1:20:28 - Favorite Video or Board Game1:21:07 - Best Places to Eat in Seattle1:21:37 - Tyson vs Jake Paul 2https://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters


