

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

Aug 1, 2024 • 1h 20min
EP 44: How Shipping Intel is Redefining Maritime with AI
Cameron Amigo, Maritime Data Guru at Orbit MI, and Jordan Taylor, Technical Advisor at Shipping Intel, join hosts Bobby and John in this episode of Energy Bytes to explore the revolutionary impact of AI in the maritime industry. From open-source AI models like Llama 3.1 to the use of React methodology for creating efficient, domain-specific tasks, Cameron and Jordan dive into how AI is transforming operations. They discuss how these technologies are improving safety, boosting operational efficiency, and reducing commercial risks in an industry that has long struggled with data silos and inefficiencies. With their extensive experience in maritime operations and AI innovation, Cameron and Jordan offer unique insights into how AI is solving complex problems and shaping the future of maritime technology.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.
00:00 - Intro00:41 - OpenAI's LLM Overview02:02 - OpenAI's API Features08:16 - Insights on Shipping Intel17:34 - REACT and RAG Explained19:56 - REACT Methodology Breakdown22:45 - Importance of Context in Data25:48 - Tagging and Annotating Data26:37 - Document Structure Essentials27:40 - Chunking Techniques29:08 - Low-Code Tools for Data Science29:53 - Future Trends in Data Science32:36 - Pathways to Enter Data Science33:44 - Data Maturity Significance37:52 - Understanding Multimodal Models38:52 - Querying Clean Datasets with OpenAI42:50 - Reducing Bias in AI Models45:23 - Trust Issues in Maritime Industry48:35 - Gaining Stakeholder Buy-In54:07 - Addressing Real World Problems58:07 - Analyzing Sensor Data1:00:24 - Future Improvements in AI Models1:04:20 - Starlink and Connectivity1:09:21 - Concerns about AI Language Development1:11:14 - Rapid Fire Questions1:15:00 - Camunda Overview1:15:30 - Recommended Bookshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 12min
EP 43: Stephen Pace from Snowflake
Stephen Pace, Principal Sales Engineer at Snowflake, joins hosts John and Bobby in this episode of the Energy Bytes Podcast to explore how Snowflake's cutting-edge AI tools are transforming data management in the energy sector. With his extensive background, including a journey from Shell to Snowflake, Stephen shares insights into the evolution of Snowflake’s multicloud capabilities and AI tools like Snowpark and Snowpipe Streaming. These innovations are solving scalability and real-time processing challenges in large-scale industrial applications, offering energy companies new ways to enhance data strategies and streamline operations. Stephen also provides a look into Snowflake’s future developments and its continued integration of AI and machine learning. Based in Houston, Stephen’s expertise in data management makes him a key player in helping organizations maximize the potential of Snowflake’s platform.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.
00:00 - Intro4:09 - What is Snowflake6:32 - Snowflake's Architecture9:52 - Snowflake’s Growth10:32 - Snowflake’s Pricing12:48 - Snowflake’s Performance Index15:36 - Snowflake’s Snowpark Optimized Servers17:26 - Snowflake’s Data Sharing18:58 - Autosuspend20:03 - Snowflake’s Managed Service21:54 - Success Stories23:58 - Will Snowflake Get into the Vector Database Space29:43 - How Snowflake is Enabling AI33:59 - Using Language Models to Extract Data36:58 - Breaking Down Data Silos39:18 - Storing Structured and Semi-Structured Data41:45 - From Easy to Use to Production Worthy47:04 - Snowpark and Pandas50:04 - Multi-Compute and Parallel Processing51:26 - Observability52:45 - Snowpipe58:10 - Favorite Use Case1:01:50 - Customer Feedback1:03:49 - Native Connectors1:06:38 - Google1:07:23 - Lightning Roundhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 13min
EP 42: Josh Politte from ACT Solutions & Consulting
Josh Politte, President & CEO of ACT Solutions & Consulting, discusses how technology is transforming the energy sector. He shares insights on advancements in cybersecurity, AI, and data management, highlighting solutions like multi-factor authentication (MFA), passwordless approaches, and AI-driven security enhancements. Josh simplifies complex topics such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain, using real-world examples to make them more relatable. He also touches on trends like Snowflake for data management and the potential of quantum computing to revolutionize security. With his extensive experience, Josh provides a clear vision for how technology will continue to shape the future of energy and cybersecurity.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.
00:00 - Intro00:30 - Snowflake News02:27 - How RedBit Uses Snowflake07:58 - Distributed Computing09:14 - Silicon Valley Insights11:32 - Industrial Revolutions13:39 - Intro Josh Politte14:07 - Communicating Solution Value16:40 - Selling Solutions to Management20:32 - Time is Not a Value Proposition24:22 - Company AI Utilization26:52 - Azure AI30:50 - Power Automate32:00 - Power Automate Desktop36:07 - Desktop Flows38:36 - Citizen Development Program42:21 - Understanding Data Lakes44:33 - Power Apps and SharePoint Lists47:44 - Exploring Dataverse48:33 - Dynamics 365 Overview51:45 - Hidden Gems in Power Platform53:08 - Power BI vs Spotfire57:02 - Power Fabric Capabilities57:55 - Low Code vs Full Stack Development59:45 - Power Query Pagination1:01:02 - Power Query API Calls1:04:53 - Favorite Cloud Provider1:06:00 - Favorite Non-Microsoft Tech1:09:48 - Favorite Board or Video Gamehttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

Jun 6, 2024 • 1h 8min
EP 41: Dominik Pilat from Link Labs
Dominik Pilat, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Link Labs, joins hosts John and Bobby in this episode of the Energy Bytes Podcast to dive into the future of asset tracking. Dominik shares how Link Labs is transforming the IoT landscape with their innovative asset tracking technology, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor tracking while focusing on low energy consumption, low data throughput, and cost efficiency. He discusses his journey from a background in physics to finding his passion in IoT and highlights the limitations of traditional asset tracking systems, particularly when transitioning between environments. With a unique approach that leverages edge computing, Link Labs offers scalable, smarter solutions tailored to industries like oil and gas. Dominik also provides insights into the future of IoT and asset tracking, exploring the potential advancements and their impact across various sectors.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.
0:00 - Intro1:05 - What is Link Labs5:19 - Edge Computing in Asset Tracking11:02 - How Link Labs Does It17:44 - Removing the Human Element21:07 - Wrapping Up23:38 - Your time at Kelvin Inc24:34 - Turning Models into Actors25:10 - Optimizing PCP Pumps29:33 - Pushing AI Models to the Edge35:54 - What Can Energy Learn from Manufacturing39:40 - Why is Germany So Good at Manufacturing45:38 - Dom’s Journey to Becoming an Inventor54:26 - Always Wanting More58:46 - Who Do You Follow on Social Media1:04:38 - Favorite Board or Video Gamehttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

May 30, 2024 • 1h 8min
EP 40: Brian Weaver from Liberty Energy
Brian Weaver, Head of Software Development and Data Architecture at Liberty Energy, joins hosts John and Bobby to discuss how Liberty Energy is using advanced technology and data analytics to revolutionize fracking operations. Brian explains how the company leverages streaming data, real-time analytics, IoT, and machine learning to optimize processes, particularly in remote locations like Australia and Central Europe. He also shares insights into the challenges of integrating new technologies, the importance of data-driven decisions, and the impact of Liberty’s merger with Schlumberger. Looking ahead, Brian envisions a future where big data and AI continue to drive innovation in the oil and gas industry, helping Liberty Energy stay ahead of the curve.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.
0:00 - Intro1:36 - Liberty Frac4:56 - Expanding Internationally9:28 - Frac Data Capture & Analysis9:53 - How does Liberty capture and use data12:52 - What is InfluxDB and why is it useful for time series data23:54 - Intro24:00 - Your Journey to Data27:51 - Your 2nd Stint at Liberty28:20 - Slumber Acquisition31:55 - Snowflake Data Sharing36:43 - Replication and 5Tran38:58 - Iceberg41:04 - Snowflake43:33 - Telemetry Data Processing52:40 - How to break into data54:28 - Learning data skills1:01:10 - Lightning Round1:01:30 - Favorite Video or Board Game1:02:10 - Favorite Open Source Library1:03:20 - Interesting People to Follow1:04:50 - Favorite place to vacationhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

May 23, 2024 • 1h 34min
EP 39: James David Long on Energy Bytes
In this episode of the Energy Bytes Podcast, JD Long, Vice President of Portfolio Solutions at RenaissanceRe, shares his expertise in using cross-functional knowledge and new technologies like AI to drive impactful solutions in the energy sector. He discusses how data is transforming industries, offering practical tips and fascinating stories about the power of AI tools such as GPT-3 and 11 Labs. JD delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, the importance of iterative problem-solving, and how organizations can effectively use data to tackle industry-specific challenges. He also provides real-world examples of AI's potential, both for positive outcomes and potential risks. With insights into the evolving landscape of data science, JD offers a unique perspective on how companies in the energy sector are adapting to stay ahead. Looking to the future, he explores emerging trends and developments that could reshape the industry.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.
0:00 - Intro1:25 - AI is Getting Scary7:05 - Stack Overflow and OpenAI10:46 - Iterative Coding13:01 - Foot Pedal for Voice to Text18:55 - GUI vs. CLI vs. Code19:40 - No Code vs Code24:33 - No Code for Prototyping27:26 - Best Platforms: Dual Function33:44 - What is "Production"35:35 - Business Logic: ETL vs Reporting Tools42:50 - How Did You Get into the Space44:28 - Advice from Your Dad49:08 - The Value of Being Useful Quickly50:55 - The Internet Routes Around Obstructions51:51 - Shadow IT59:30 - Moving from Analyst Excel to Controlled Systems1:00:50 - Scaling from One-Man Shop to Medium Company1:04:46 - Different Levels of Reliability1:07:03 - Producto-Type1:08:30 - Second Set of Eyes1:09:30 - Low Code Platforms1:12:11 - The Value of a Second Set of Eyes1:15:58 - Learning from Your Experiences1:16:30 - The Problem with Agile Development1:18:40 - Importance of High-Fidelity Communication1:22:44 - Favorite Video Game or Board Game1:24:06 - Favorite Whiskey or Bourbon1:29:34 - Favorite Open Source Projecthttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

May 16, 2024 • 1h 22min
EP 38: Wes Hamer from Tasq
Wes shares his exhilarating journey of building Tasq from the ground up, navigating the chaotic and ever-changing world of startups. He talks about the challenges of maintaining capital discipline, balancing the development of a technology stack, and finding ways to survive and thrive during industry upheavals. Wes's candid insights and practical advice provide a unique look into the life of a startup co-founder, offering valuable lessons on turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.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.
0:00 - Introductions1:00 - Startup Journey Insights5:40 - User Experience Challenges9:18 - Technology Strategy Importance17:06 - Balancing Speed and Scaling in Startups18:55 - Cloud vs On-Prem Impact21:06 - Building and Scaling Strategies24:05 - Prioritizing Startup Tasks25:56 - Internal Operations in Startups29:13 - Task Management Insights33:40 - Industry Opportunities35:08 - Daily Operations Best Practices37:10 - Technology Stack Overview41:20 - Data-Driven Decision Making49:40 - AI Innovations50:03 - AI in the Energy Sector51:40 - Chatbot Technology52:58 - Minimizing Human Errors56:39 - Ensuring Data Quality59:17 - Local LLM Implementation1:01:13 - Model Swapping Techniques1:07:20 - Favorite TU Alum1:07:48 - Social Media Recommendations1:09:32 - Recommended Books1:12:51 - Favorite Games1:14:30 - Startup Founding Advice1:20:10 - Connecting with Wes Hamerhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

May 9, 2024 • 1h 3min
EP 37: Sara Booth from SM Energy Company
Sara Booth, Senior Business Intelligence Developer at SM Energy Company, reveals the surprising ways data is transforming the oil and gas sector. She discusses how AI and computing power are quietly reshaping user experiences and business operations, giving companies a competitive edge. Key topics include the importance of strong data management, the role of AI in enhancing user interfaces, and the balance between data privacy and utility. Sara’s journey from field engineering to data analytics underscores the value of understanding both operational and data-driven perspectives in the industry. She also shares insights into how SM Energy is leveraging advanced data analytics to improve decision-making, and offers a look into the future of predictive analytics and technology's evolving role in 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.
00:00 - Intro04:38 - Sarah’s Experience with Marketing Data08:07 - Integrating Data into Salesforce12:21 - Working for a Funeral Company During a Pandemic15:11 - Overview of JMP Software21:51 - Outro23:45 - Journey into Oil and Gas Industry29:43 - Starting in Data within the Industry36:35 - Networking Strategies in the Oilfield39:35 - Pandemic's Impact on Career Trajectory41:40 - Trusting in God Over Data44:03 - Pursuing a Master's in Analytics45:43 - Texas A&M MS Analytics Program Overview48:52 - Transitioning Outside of Oil and Gas51:22 - Surprises Returning to the Industry51:44 - Essential Skills for Aspiring Data Professionals55:14 - Lightning Round59:40 - Where to Find Jeffhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

May 2, 2024 • 59min
EP 36: Naveen Krishnaraj from Sabanto
Naveen Krishnaraj, PhD, Senior Data Scientist at Sabanto, shares how he's using data science to revolutionize both the oil and gas and agricultural sectors. Naveen discusses his transition from oil and gas to agriculture, applying his expertise to enhance farming efficiency with autonomous technology. He explains how Sabanto’s autonomy kits are transforming ordinary tractors into self-operating machines, improving precision and reducing labor costs. Naveen also highlights the crossover of sensor technologies from oil fields to farmlands, showing how advancements in one industry can benefit another. With key insights into the future of technology blending with traditional industries, this episode explores how data science is driving sustainable growth in agriculture.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.
CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro0:23 - Autonomous Tractor Company Overview4:24 - Skills Transition: Oil and Gas to ATC6:20 - AI/ML Applications in Agriculture10:18 - Deploying AI Models at ATC12:57 - Utilizing SageMaker for Model Deployment18:07 - Edge Computing in Agriculture Tech20:53 - Introduction to Santo24:30 - Retrofit Kits in Agricultural Machinery25:50 - Best Practices for Productionizing AI Models30:15 - CI/CD Tools for AI Development32:53 - Data Engineering Insights36:20 - Career Path: Entering Oil and Gas Industry40:00 - Cross-Industry Tech Solutions44:33 - Building Computer Vision Models49:29 - Licensing for Commercial Model Use54:10 - Speed Round Q&A54:29 - Influential Figures in Tech to Follow56:20 - Favorite Cloud Platforms Discussion56:57 - Discussing Favorite Video Games57:16 - Top Open Source Libraries57:48 - Where to Find Naveen Krishnarajhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters

Apr 25, 2024 • 1h 45min
EP 35: Diana Grauer from NOV
Diana Grauer, PhD, Director of R&D at NOV, joins us to explore the intricacies of innovation in the energy sector. Diana discusses how NOV is leveraging cutting-edge technology stacks to reshape the industry and the challenges involved in integrating new technologies into traditional energy systems. She shares valuable insights on the evolution of energy tech, its impact on operational efficiencies and cost reduction, and the crucial balance between people management and technology implementation. Looking ahead, Diana offers predictions on future trends and the trajectory of energy tech advancements. With her extensive experience in research and development, Diana provides a unique perspective on how engineering, technology, and business strategy converge to drive innovation in the energy sector.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.
CHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro1:17 - People Management Challenges6:34 - Oil Pricing Trends in Energy Sector11:28 - Basics of Commodities Trading18:50 - Evolution of the Energy Industry23:18 - Technology Debt in Energy Sector26:46 - Consumer Influence on Energy Tech33:13 - Role of Graphing Calculators in Energy36:07 - Project Prioritization Strategies38:58 - Organizational Culture in Energy Companies42:05 - R&D Risk Management46:54 - Evaluating Compounding Tech Effects48:35 - NOV AI Excellence Center50:13 - Staying Ahead in Energy Tech54:14 - Agility of Energy Startups1:01:10 - Understanding Oilfield Operations1:03:45 - Oilfield Benefits to Local Communities1:12:30 - Funding Gaps in Energy Innovation1:14:34 - Convergence of Tech and Energy1:17:38 - Future Trends in Energy Sector1:23:10 - Impact of Modern Technology1:28:40 - Field Innovation in Energy1:32:17 - Job Optimization in Energy Work1:35:18 - Building Culture in Energy Fields1:39:22 - Safety Protocols in Energy Industry1:39:40 - Speed Round1:42:34 - Where to Find Diana Grauerhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters