Oil and Gas Upstream

Hosted by Elena Melchert

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Episodes

300

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Oil and Gas Upstream explores what is happening in the upstream oil and gas industry. Host Elena Melchert brings value, unity, and information to the energy industry one conversation at a time. Guests of this show bring stories from various sectors of the industry.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 14, 202640 min

The New AI Revolution Is Scaling Human Judgment, Not Replacing It with Matt Oberdorfer, EOT | Ep 362

DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Matt Oberdorfer, CEO, EOT shares insights with Host, Elena Melchert, on how AI and time series models are transforming upstream oil and gas operations, emphasizing practical applications, data cleaning, operator training, and the future of AI-driven decision making. LINKS Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the […]

October 7, 202634 min

Reducing Offshore Decommissioning Planning Time by 80% with Martyn Fear, Promethean Energy | Ep 361

In this episode, Martyn Fear, COO of Promethean Energy, talks with Host, Elena Melchert, about the complex world of offshore well decommissioning, the challenges faced, and innovative solutions to optimize costs and safety in the industry. LINKShttps://info.promethean-energy.com/upstreampodcast Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network for the oil and energy industry. Sign […]

September 30, 202626 min

Why Curiosity and Grit Are the Real Edge in Energy Innovation with Claudia Molina, SeguEN | Ep 360

Claudia Molina, Founder and President of SeguEN shares her journey through the energy industry, her insights on innovation, and her new book ‘Energy Mavericks’ that highlights servant leadership and technological breakthroughs across energy sectors. LINKSAbout Energy Mavericks: Energy Mavericks by Claudia MolinaAbout SeguEN: AI Systems for Energy & Subsurface Operations | SeguENAbout Claudia Molina: (2) […]

September 23, 202636 min

How to Tell If a Decision Is Good Before You See the Outcome with Christopher Donaleski | Ep 359

DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Christopher Donaleski, founder of AI Advisory Group, shares insights on how to validate decisions in the age of AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding biases, decision frameworks, and the impact of organizational culture on AI implementation. This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Energy, Drones, and Robotics Conference held at The […]

September 16, 202627 min

From Drilling Engineering to Drones and AI in Oil and Gas | Ep 358

DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Michael Lowder, Senior Strategic Account Manager, Percepto, about the latest advancements in drone automation and AI for oil and gas asset inspection. They explore how these technologies improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making in the energy industry. Recorded live at the 2026 Energy, Drones, and Robotics Conference, The Woodlands, TX […]

September 9, 202627 min

AI in Oil & Gas: From Mainframes to Large Language Models with Patrick Bangert, OXY | Ep 357

DESCRIPTION In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Patrick Bangert, Chief of Artificial Intelligence at Occidental Petroleum, about the evolution and application of AI in the oil and gas industry. They explore how advancements in compute power, data, and scientific innovation are transforming upstream operations and future opportunities. LINKSOxy | Zero In Brought to you on OGGN, […]

September 1, 202628 min

Energy, Drones, and Robotics with Sean Guerre, Innovate Energy Network | Ep 356

DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Sean Guerre, Executive Director, Innovate Energy Network, about emerging technologies in the energy sector, including drones, robotics, AI, and security. They explore how these innovations are transforming upstream oil and gas operations, enhancing safety, efficiency, and decision-making. LINKShttps://innovateenergynow.com/https://innovateenergynow.com/events/edr-summit-2027 Brought to you on OGGN, the largest and most listened-to podcast network […]

August 26, 202621 min

Undersecretary of Energy, Kyle Haustveit on Oil & Gas, Coal, Geothermal, and Critical Minerals | Ep 355

DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Kyle Haustveit, Former Assistant Secretary for Hydrocarbons and Geothermal at the US Department of Energy, now the U.S. Department of Energy’s Under Secretary of Energy as if May 22, 2026.Recorded at OTC 2026, this discussion includes the recent realignment of energy offices, the importance of critical minerals, and innovations […]

August 19, 202634 min

Better, faster, cheaper: the software behind carbon capture decisions with Dr. Richard Middleton, Carbon Solutions | Ep 354

DESCRIPTIONIn this episode, Dr. Richard Middleton shares with Host, Elena Melchert, insights into carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). He focuses on software tools that can screen for good CCS candidates around the world, that excel at pipeline routing, and that can optimize a CCS project location. LINKS Carbon Solutions Services, Software, and Projects: https://www.carbonsolutionsllc.com/carbon-solutions-services-software-and-projectsCarbon […]

August 12, 202629 min

Inside the National Petroleum Council with John Dabbar, NPC Executive Director | Ep 353

DESCRIPTIONIn this episode recorded live at the Offshore Technology Conference 2026, Host, Elena Melchert, interviews John Dabbar, Executive Director of the National Petroleum Council, exploring the council’s role, recent studies, and the future of energy resources including oil, natural gas, and critical minerals. They discuss stakeholder engagement, regulatory challenges, and innovative research at national labs. […]