Wind, Waves & Wells with Joe

16 years on from the Deepwater Horizon disaster. On April 20th 2010, 11 men lost their lives in one of the most significant offshore disasters in modern history. This episode of Wind, Waves & Wells is a re-release of a conversation that was never widely heard. John Guide was the BP Drilling Supervisor for Deepwater Horizon, working from the office at the time. In the aftermath of the incident,...

In this episode of Wind, Waves & Wells , Joe is joined once again by Drillers Shack for a wide ranging and unfiltered conversation covering offshore life, industry culture, and the global energy situation. The episode kicks off with some classic offshore discussion as Joe talks about his recent trip offshore and how a busy hitch always makes the time pass quicker. The conversation then moves i...

In this episode of Wind, Waves & Wells, I sit down with Frank and Finn, two pipeline NDT specialists who have spent years working across the offshore energy industry inspecting pipeline welds before they are sent to the seabed. The conversation dives into what life is really like on pipeline vessels around the world. From the intense pace of weld inspections every few minutes to long rotations...

In part two, the conversation shifts to Matthew Hatami’s wider career across the oil and gas industry. We talk about his time working in the Permian Basin and North Africa, the difference between US operations and overseas work, and what it actually takes to build an exploration company from scratch. Matthew explains how mineral rights and acreage deals work in the United States, the challenge of...

Welcome back to The Jim and Joe Show. In this episode we talk honestly about life in the oil and gas industry. From the difference between great leaders and terrible ones, to the kinds of stories that only seem to happen offshore. We also touch on the rise of “oilfluencers” and how social media can paint a very different picture of the industry compared to the reality many people experience out in...

In part one of my conversation with Matthew Hatami, we get into a detailed discussion on Deepwater Horizon, Macondo and well control. Matthew shares the research he has carried out over the years into the disaster, including his views on why the accident happened, why failed negative pressure tests can be so deceptive, and why he believes one of the biggest lessons is still being missed across the...

In this episode of Wind, Waves & Wells, I sit down with Mark Lappin, a veteran of the energy industry with more than 40 years of experience across the North Sea and around the world. Mark has worked across oil and gas, power generation, and renewables, including time at Centrica. He is now Chairman of North Sea exploration company Deltic Energy and remains actively involved in the UK energy de...

In this conversation, Mark Wilkinson shares his journey from being an international DJ to becoming a health and safety professional. He discusses the importance of understanding personality styles in managing risk and creating a positive safety culture. Mark emphasizes the role of emotional intelligence in leadership and the impact of ego on team dynamics. He advocates for proactive leadership and...

In this episode, Joe and James share their personal experiences of working offshore, particularly in the North Sea. They discuss their first trips, the culture of offshore life, the challenges faced, and the transition from oil and gas to wind energy. The conversation is filled with humour, anecdotes, and insights into the unique world of offshore work.  

In this episode, Martin Copeland, CFO of Serica Energy, shares insights into his transition from banking to the energy sector, the challenges faced in the North Sea, and the importance of long-term energy policies. He discusses the current state of the North Sea basin, energy security, and the ambitions of Serica Energy to grow and adapt in a changing market. Martin emphasizes the need for governm...

In this episode, we delve into the real-life challenges and triumphs of a couple navigating the complexities of offshore work and family life. Through conversations, we reveal how we manage the mental load of parenting alone, tackle forgotten passports, and handle the pressure of keeping everything running smoothly. Discover the crucial shifts in communication and understanding that transform rese...

In this episode, Eric Doyle shares his transformative journey from a Glasgow electrician to a digital influence strategist in the energy sector. Eric discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving from traditional trades to becoming a leader in digital marketing and safety management. He highlights the importance of embracing change and leveraging digital platforms like LinkedIn to build influenc...

In this engaging episode, Joe and James delve into the profound influence of the oil industry on global politics and its historical context. They explore the origins of the Driller Shack community, the strategic importance of oil reserves in regions like Venezuela and Greenland, and the complex political power dynamics within the industry. The hosts share personal experiences and reflect on the hi...

Join me as I delve into the intricacies of the UK's electricity grid with expert Chris Bright. With over 20 years in the electricity supply industry and a stint at Rolls Royce, Chris shares his insights on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding the grid, the role of renewable energy, and the future of nuclear power. Discover the complexities of energy transmission and the potential hurdles...

This week we dive into the remarkable journey of Kirstie Langan, who transitioned from working offshore to becoming a leader in the energy sector. In this episode, Kirstie shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on navigating the complexities of the industry. Discover how her passion for innovation and commitment to mental health and diversity have shaped her career and continue to drive...

In this episode, I sit down with Malcolm Webb, the retired ex-head of Oil & Gas UK, to explore the turbulent landscape of the energy sector. Malcolm shares his insights on the historical significance of the North Sea oil industry, the challenges posed by current energy policies, and the potential pitfalls of the net zero agenda. Join us as we delve into the complexities of energy transition, t...

Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Chris Wilson, who transitioned from photography to a successful career in the oil industry. In this episode, Chris shares his unique path, the challenges he faced, and the invaluable lessons learned from managing the Montara oil spill crisis. Discover insights into risk management, leadership in high-pressure environments, and the evolving landsc...

Join us as we delve into the intricate world of geopolitics and energy strategy with Bill Schneider. From his diverse experiences across the globe, Bill shares insights into the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, the impact of geopolitical dynamics, and the strategic decisions shaping our future. Discover how global supply chains, renewable energy, and national security intertw...

Join us as we delve into the fascinating career of Steve Fennell, who spent over 40 years with Shell. From the early days of offshore drilling in the 70s to pioneering the "Walk to Work" concept, Steve shares his journey through the evolving oil and gas industry. Discover the challenges, innovations, and personal stories that shaped his career and the industry at large. Whether you're an industry...

In this insightful conversation, Amy Archibald shares her remarkable journey from an admin role to becoming a manager in the oil and gas industry within just three and a half years. Known for her authenticity and innovative approach, Amy discusses how she leveraged video content to revolutionize recruitment practices, making her a standout figure in the field. She emphasizes the importance of resi...

Join us as we delve into the fascinating journey of Nathan Giles, a former Royal Marine who transitioned to life on the rig floor. In this episode, Nathan shares his experiences from military service to offshore drilling, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way. Discover how his military ethos shapes his approach to leadership and teamwork in the demanding offshore environment. Tune...

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Nigel, a man whose career has spanned from the coal mines of Mansfield to the vast expanses of deepwater drilling. Nigel shares his early days as an apprentice fitter during the coal miners' strike, his transformative years in the army, and his eventual transition to the oil industry. With stories from the rigs and beyond, Nigel offers a uni...

In this episode, I sit down with David Whitehouse, CEO of Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), to explore the future of the UK's energy security. As the UK approaches its budget announcement, David shares insights on the critical role of oil and gas, the challenges of transitioning to renewables, and the importance of a balanced energy strategy. Join us for a discussion on the intersection of energy polic...

This week we delve into the fascinating journey of Peter Hone, who transitioned from the shipyards of Glasgow to the oil rigs of Cairo. In this episode, Peter shares his candid experiences, from the challenges of adapting to new cultures and environments to the personal growth he achieved along the way. Discover the highs and lows of offshore life and the lessons learned from a career that spans c...

In this gripping episode, we dive deep into the harrowing experiences of Ed, a seasoned diver, as he recounts the catastrophic events of the Piper Alpha disaster. From the initial explosion to the desperate escape, Ed shares his first hand account of survival, resilience, and the lessons learned from one of the deadliest offshore oil disasters in history. Join us as we explore the human spirit's c...