Wind, Waves & Wells with Joe

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...

The conversation begins with Joe Leather asking Lewis Senior about his career beginnings in the 1970s, leading to a discussion about Lewis's experiences in the North Sea oil industry. Lewis shares anecdotes about his early days, the challenges faced, and the evolution of safety and culture in the industry. He highlights the importance of community and leadership in creating a positive working envi...

In the second part of my conversation with John, he continues to unravel the complexities surrounding the Deepwater Horizon incident. He discusses the intense scrutiny and legal challenges faced during the investigations, sharing personal reflections on the toll it took on him and his colleagues. John also addresses misconceptions perpetuated by the media and highlights the collaborative spirit am...

In the first part of this episode, Joe Leather and John Guide delve into the untold stories behind the Deepwater Horizon incident. John shares his journey from starting in the oil industry in 1980 to his experiences in deep water drilling. The conversation touches on the challenges faced during the Deepwater Horizon operations, the media portrayal, and the subsequent investigations. John provides...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of energy with Tom Kirkman, a seasoned expert in the oil and gas industry. From his early days on a farm to managing complex projects across the globe, Tom shares his unique insights on the challenges and realities of energy production. We explore the intricacies of offshore platforms, the role of government subsidies in renewable energy, and the future...

Join me as I sits down with Chris Black, a former professional rugby player turned recruitment expert in the oil and gas industry. Discover Chris's journey from the rugby field to founding Jab Recruitment, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to business and life. They delve into the challenges and opportunities within the energy sector, the importance of resilience, and the power of n...

In this episode, Mandeep Singh Khalsa shares his remarkable journey from finance to offshore, revealing the pivotal moments and mentors that shaped his career. Mandeep discusses the challenges and rewards of working offshore, emphasizing the importance of building trust and fostering open communication within diverse teams. He reflects on the unique camaraderie of offshore life and the cultural ad...

In this solo episode of Wind, Waves & Wells I talk about what happens when offshore work runs over and the podcast schedule takes a hit. I share my reflections on the energy debate, from oil to wind, the UK’s reliance on imports, and why some of the job creation numbers in renewables don’t tell the full story. This is a grounded look at the realities of offshore life and the bigger picture of...

In this episode of Wind, Waves and Wells, I sit down with David Duguid to trace his journey from working offshore to representing people in Westminster. With his offshore background, David brings a rare perspective to the political debate on energy. We talk about the extremes, from the drill baby drill mindset to Just Stop Oil protests, and why neither holds the full answer. Instead, David shares...

In this episode, I am joined by Kathryn Porter, energy consultant, Telegraph writer, and widely respected voice on energy markets and policy. With years of experience advising on power, gas, and the wider energy sector, Kathryn brings a wealth of insight into the complex world of UK and global energy. We speak the realities behind the headlines from the political and economic pressures shaping ene...

Dive into the world of offshore and now onshore life with Matty as he share's captivating stories from his travels. From unexpected conditions in Nigeria to the camaraderie on the rigs, this episode offers a glimpse into the highs and lows of working offshore. Matty tried his best the whole episode to not say who he worked for but slipped up, hence the high pitch edit. It's a episode filled with l...

Join Me and James as we dive into the highs and lows of offshore work, sharing candid stories from our time in the industry. From the challenges of working in remote locations to the camaraderie and unique experiences that come with the job, this episode offers a raw and insightful look into the life of offshore and contracting. Whether you're in the industry or just curious about life offshore, t...

This week we delve into the extraordinary journey of Nayrim Buchan, a pioneering engineer who navigated the male-dominated oil and gas industry. From her early days in Venezuela to working on international projects, Nayrim shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing diversity, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Discover her insights on the ene...