What The Funk?

RegretShield isn’t your typical OT consulting shop, it’s a crew built on service, straight talk, and actually fixing the messy stuff that slows operators down. Will Dotson walked us through how he went from the military to building a company that’s obsessed with modernizing well pads, tightening up workflows, and giving clients the kind of communication they wish every vendor had. He opened up about the mentors who shaped him, the reality of working in OT (equal parts chaos and reward), and why RegretShield puts such a big emphasis on doing things the right way instead of the loud way. It’s a conversation full of stories, lessons learned, and the mindset that’s helping his team carve out something genuinely different in the OT 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.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:59 - Who is Will Dotson06:06 - Track & Field Career14:57 - Joining the Navy Experience18:04 - WorldCom Insights22:19 - Career After WorldCom23:31 - Qualities of a Good Project Manager28:30 - Starting Regatta Solutions Journey33:20 - Learning from Mistakes35:44 - Will's Early Projects Overview38:24 - What is RegretShield41:40 - Unique Aspects of RegretShield46:46 - Future Vision for RegretShield48:50 - Where to Find Will Dodson49:50 - Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Jeremy’s story is straight out of the “bet on yourself” playbook. From growing up in tough circumstances to building a $14M powerhouse with Encore Search Partners, he’s turned every obstacle into fuel for growth. We get into how he built his executive search firm from scratch, the marketing smarts that gave him an edge, and the leadership lessons that helped him scale through downturns and even COVID. Beyond business, Jeremy opens up about his engagement, family, and his surprisingly serious pickleball game. It’s a raw, inspiring look at grit, growth, and the kind of mindset it takes to turn zero into $14 million.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.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro00:32 - Who is Jeremy Jensen03:04 - Upbringing and Background07:50 - Building a Large Firm10:48 - Overcoming Challenges in 201614:35 - The Human Element in Business17:28 - Shared Experiences and Stories20:10 - Responsibility for Team Members25:40 - Jeremy's Interests Outside of Work26:44 - Encore Search Partners' Awards28:35 - Letting Go of Top Performers30:51 - Impact of AI on Business33:19 - Future of Encore Search Partners35:35 - Discussion on Houston38:48 - Connecting with Jeremy Jensen41:02 - Outrohttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

Two Martins. Two worlds. One wild conversation. Scotland meets Mexico as Jeremy Funk sits down with Martín Luna Rivera and Martin MacRae from James Fisher AIS for a hilarious, heartfelt chat about life, culture, and tech. From Aberdeen pubs to Mexico City traffic, they swap stories about growing up worlds apart, navigating careers in oil and gas, and finding common ground in family, food, and Formula One. It’s equal parts culture clash and camaraderie, with plenty of laughs and global perspective 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.ioClick here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro02:05 - Martin MacRae Insights07:08 - Martin Luna Perspectives11:42 - Serendipity in Business13:56 - COVID Impact in Scotland17:22 - COVID Challenges in Mexico22:12 - COVID Effects on AIS25:40 - Positive Changes Post-COVID27:49 - Zoom Technologies Discussion28:34 - Hobbies Outside Work30:03 - Formula 1 Enthusiasm34:25 - Driving on the Left Side36:11 - Haggis Culture42:24 - AIS and James Fisher Partnership45:05 - Acquisition by Larger Company47:28 - Finding James Fisher AIS Online48:31 - End of Showhttps://twitter.com/collide_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

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.ioClick 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_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

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.ioClick 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_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

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.ioClick 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_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

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.ioClick 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_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

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.ioClick 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_iohttps://www.tiktok.com/@collide.iohttps://www.facebook.com/collide.iohttps://www.instagram.com/collide.iohttps://www.youtube.com/@collide_iohttps://bsky.app/profile/digitalwildcatters.bsky.socialhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/collide-digital-wildcatters

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.ioClick 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

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.ioClick 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

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.ioClick 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

What happens when two sharp minds from the oilfield and IT world team up to fix the clunky data problems plaguing oil and gas? You get Rivitt, an AI-powered game-changer that’s tackling inefficiencies, boosting safety, and making ops smoother than a fresh cup of frac fluid. Jeremy sits down with the brains behind it, Steven and Clay, to talk about scrappy beginnings, bold ideas, and how a little bit of stubbornness (and a whole lot of late nights) turned into a tech company that’s shaking up 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. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro01:09 - Steve Ko Introduction07:02 - Steve Ko's First Business09:42 - Returning to School and Second Business10:18 - Clay Bonin's Background17:06 - Steve Ko's Background24:50 - Steve Ko's Career Path26:39 - Understanding Worms28:53 - Knowledge of Paper Mills35:40 - Steve's Journey to Rice Energy41:47 - Innovation at Rice Energy47:08 - Early Days of Rivitt Energy47:35 - Meeting Clay Bonin49:12 - Problem Solving at Rivitt 54:28 - Steve's Impact on Rivitt 58:14 - Vision for Rivitt 1:00:56 - Steve as a Visionary1:05:35 - Final Thoughts1:05:45 - More Information about Rivitt 1:06:25 - 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

Turning a sketch on a napkin into a $20 million energy tech company? That’s exactly what happened and the story’s wild. From navigating the chaos of startup life to hitting pause after a major health scare, this convo pulls back the curtain on the real grit behind building Westgen Technologies. We’re talking leadership lessons, coaching that actually worked, and a whole lot of figuring things out the hard way. Oh, and if you’re into solving big problems like powering up remote wellsites without trashing the planet, you’ll want to hear how Ben’s doing just that.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 - Intro00:39 - Who is Ben Klepacki10:36 - Balancing Different Personality Types12:43 - Importance of Executive Coaching18:23 - The Westgen Technologies Story24:35 - Early Entrepreneurial Journey27:25 - Motivations Behind Starting a Company31:30 - Fundraising Challenges and Stress35:30 - Relocating to Houston40:45 - The Reality of 90-Hour Work Weeks46:00 - Mental Health Struggles in Business47:52 - Managing a Company During Personal Crisis50:17 - Future Vision: Life in 3-5 Years51:30 - Future Vision: Westgen in 3-5 Years54:10 - Wrapping Up the Discussion56:15 - Connecting with Ben & Westgenhttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Alzheimer’s is tough, but this episode is all about the people fighting back in the most unexpected ways, like hopping on a bike and riding for something bigger. We sat down with Brian from the Alzheimer’s Association and Steve, a cyclist whose mom’s diagnosis lit a fire in him to make a difference. From emotional stories to groundbreaking updates (think blood tests and FDA-approved meds), we cover the science, the personal, and the power of pedaling with purpose. Whether you're in it for the community, the cause, or the ride itself, this one’s got heart, hope, and a whole lot of impact.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 - Intro01:22 - Who are Steve Mullen and Brian Tatum05:32 - Brian Tatum's Involvement with Alzheimer's Association07:54 - Alzheimer's Research and Funding Updates11:04 - Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease12:38 - Steve's Passion for Alzheimer's Advocacy15:55 - End ALZ Ride Overview20:09 - Experience of Riding in the End ALZ Ride26:06 - Competing for Donation Dollars in Alzheimer's Research29:25 - Progress with FDA Approved Alzheimer's Drugs29:55 - How to Donate to Alzheimer's Causes33:07 - End ALZ Ride Details: Date and Location35:08 - Future of Alzheimer's Research in 10 Years38:14 - Ride Distances in the End ALZ Event39:24 - How to Get Involved in Alzheimer's Advocacy39:50 - Closing Thoughts on Alzheimer's Awarenesshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

Vendor management in oil and gas is usually a mess of outdated systems and constant compliance headaches, but VenLink is flipping the script. We’re talking boots-on-the-ground experience turned into a sleek platform that’s using automation and AI to cut out the inefficiencies, slash risk, and give operators real-time visibility into their vendors. Joshua Owens, who’s been in the trenches with companies like Oxy and Parsley, built VenLink after years of watching vendor oversight go sideways. From rising insurance costs to stalled operations, he’s seen the ripple effects—and built a smarter way to manage it all. This one’s for anyone who’s tired of juggling spreadsheets and wants to see how tech can actually simplify things in the field.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. https://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

What do you get when a lifelong pilot and a fashion industry pro team up? Skycam Aviation, that’s what, an aerial imaging company that’s flipping the script on how we track methane leaks and monitor the world from above. They’re strapping HD video systems onto planes, zipping through the skies at 15,000 feet, and collecting jaw-dropping footage packed with data that actually matters. From detecting methane in oil fields to keeping tabs on agriculture and infrastructure, their gear isn’t just smart, it’s downright cinematic. Plus, their story is wild: think private jets, high fashion, and high-tech all mashed into one seriously cool origin story.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 - Intro00:53 - Meet Sam and Christine03:14 - Sam’s Flying Experience06:19 - Christine’s Flying Experience14:15 - [Duplicate Chapter Removed]14:28 - Christine Corcos’s Fashion Background19:55 - The Slippery Slope of Fashion23:04 - Skycam Aviation Overview29:05 - Methane Detection Technology31:58 - The Fashion Show Story32:05 - Wrapping Up the Discussion35:44 - Advice to Your Younger Self40:40 - Sam’s Fashion Journey41:54 - How to Find Skycam42:54 - Final Thoughts and Wordshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

From radio rigs in Army tents to running IT for a major oil and gas consulting firm, Curtis has had one hell of a ride, and he’s got the stories to prove it. He talks about swapping camo for keyboards, how military comms set the stage for his tech leadership style, and why he’s not sold on jumping on every shiny new AI trend. It’s a refreshingly no-BS look at what it really takes to lead tech teams in high-stakes environments, the power of practical problem-solving, and how staying grounded is just as important as staying cutting-edge.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 - Intro01:49 - Who is Curtis Forsythe02:59 - Curtis' Upbringing and Military Experience07:54 - Transitioning to IT Consulting10:37 - Early Career Days in IT12:47 - Transitioning to Oil and Gas Industry18:54 - Joining EAG: The Journey23:00 - Role of a VP of IT26:00 - Tech Tinkering in IT Management28:50 - Future of Oil and Gas Technology34:20 - Discussion on ChatGPT40:30 - Thoughts on Tesla Innovations46:46 - Favorite Book Recommendations49:20 - Connecting with Curtis Forsythe50:20 - Why Choose E&A for Businesshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters

From growing up in Oklahoma with two teachers for parents to making waves in the oil and gas world, Drew Hopkins has built a career on reputation, relationships, and a whole lot of hustle. He went from Chesapeake Energy to co-founding LIS and now leading business development at Novus, and along the way, he’s picked up some hard-earned wisdom about building a winning culture, driving responsible growth, and keeping your values in check while chasing big goals. This one’s packed with stories, lessons, and a few laughs as Drew shares what it really takes to make an impact in the energy 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. Click here to view the episode transcript. 00:00 - Intro03:00 - Who is Drew Hopkins07:58 - Impact of Teacher Parents11:47 - Lessons from Teaching Background18:01 - Transitioning to Novus18:50 - Land Information System (LIS)20:50 - Origin of What the Frac Podcast23:50 - Importance of Consistency27:55 - What the Frac Booth at NAPE31:36 - Overview of LandVantage36:34 - LIS and Sales Experience38:11 - Novus Consulting Insights45:09 - Responsible Growth Strategies51:35 - Favorite Restaurants in OKC52:58 - Jake's Schedule Update54:28 - True Vacations vs. Trips57:25 - Drew Hopkins in the Doghouse1:02:03 - Connect with Drew Hopkins Online1:04:10 - 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

From climbing the ranks at BP to betting on himself with Adaptive Edge, Danny Falligant has one hell of a story. He walked away from a cushy oil and gas career to shake things up in digital transformation, and now he’s redefining how land departments handle AI, document management, and data. Jeremy gets into the why and how of Danny’s big leap, the real challenges of running a tech startup while juggling family and travel, and why land groups deserve way more credit in the energy world. Plus, a look at where Adaptive Edge is headed, maybe even beyond 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 - Danny Falligant01:22 - Who is Danny Falligant06:38 - Evolution of Lease Analyst Role09:29 - Moving to Denver for BPX10:52 - Relocating to Colorado12:52 - Settling into Colorado13:56 - Departure from BPX17:40 - Founding Adaptive Edge19:36 - Growth of Adaptive Edge22:05 - Innovating Land Group Strategies26:36 - Adaptive Edge Engagement Process30:17 - Exploring the Scanning Space35:45 - Returning to Big Companies?42:30 - Advice for Young Professionals45:16 - Building Confidence46:40 - Future Vision for Adaptive Edge51:08 - Ryan's Hobbies Outside Work52:57 - Ryan's Favorite Restaurants54:31 - Connecting with Danny55:33 - 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

Sales engineering isn’t just about numbers and tech, it’s about people, problem-solving, and, surprisingly, a little bit of soul. This episode of *What the Funk?* brings in Darnell Franco from Detechtion Technologies, a guy who knows his way around compressor fleets *and* the complexities of being human. From breaking down digital twins and edge computing in oil and gas to sharing why mental health and "soul compensation" matter just as much as a paycheck, Darnell keeps it real. If you've ever wondered how to juggle the technical grind with personal growth (without burning out), this one’s for you.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 - Intro01:40 - Who is Darnell Franco07:00 - Balancing Team Dynamics13:16 - Addressing Burnout15:28 - Advice for Your Younger Self20:07 - Overview of Detechtion Technologies23:14 - Understanding Detection Solutions26:38 - Exploring the Edge Technology28:25 - Detection's Approach to AI30:30 - Digital Twin and Dashboard Insights34:31 - Impact of Detection on Oil and Gas38:30 - Choosing the Right Compressor Size48:03 - Qualities of a Great Sales Engineer52:47 - Simplifying Complex Topics54:54 - Connecting with Darnell Franco56:59 - Podcast Wrap-Uphttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcattershttps://www.youtube.com/@digitalwildcatters