Oil and Gas Upstream
Business & Finance
About
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.
Episodes
- The Power of Natural Gas: Louisiana’s Role in a Clean Energy Future with Senator Mary Landrieu | EP 340
Former Senator Mary Landrieu discusses the role of natural gas in the energy transition and Louisiana’s energy industry with host Elena Melchert. She also shares insights on energy policy, her career, and attracting talent to the industry.
- Revolutionizing Geothermal Energy: New Patents and Technologies with Dr. Chris Liner | Ep 339
In episode 339 of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert and Dr. Christopher Liner discuss new patents and technologies for geothermal energy extraction, exploring how these advancements can accelerate global adoption of geothermal powe…
- CCUS Tax Incentives and in the Big Beautiful Bill Act with Elizabeth McGinley, Tax Attorney, Bracewell | Ep 338
Host Elena Melchert speaks with tax lawyer Elizabeth McGinley about CCUS tax incentives, including credits like 45Q and 45Z, within the carbon capture industry. The discussion covers technical, legal, and financial elements of CCUS project…
- Permitting reform with Chris Treanor, PAGE recorded in person at CERAWeek by S&P Global | Ep 337
Host Elena Melchert speaks with Chris Treanor, Executive Director of PAGE, about the necessity of permitting reform for expanding American energy infrastructure. They discuss how reform can lower consumer costs, stimulate economic growth,…
- Appalachian Energy Symposium, April 20-21, 2026, at Marietta College | Ep 336
This episode covers the upcoming Appalachian Energy Symposium at Marietta College, featuring discussions on energy diversity, AI integration, and collaboration between academia and industry. The event includes a keynote by Dr. Scott Tinker.
- Asset Management During Volatility with Herman Nieuwoudt, IFS Energy Resources | Ep 335
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI Episode Description In this episode recorded in person at 2026 CERAWeek by S&P Global, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with Herman Nieuwoudt, President, IFS Energy Resources, about what is needed…
- Conversation with Karen Olson, President, Olson Turner Enterprises, Houston, TX in person at the 2026 HFTC | Ep 334
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with Karen Olson, President, Olson Turner Enterprises about the history of the HFTC, and provides a complete summary of the Opening Panel Session o…
- Future of Work Management with Ted Pardee, CRO, Kognitiv Spark | Ep 333
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Ted Pardee, CRO, Kognitiv Spark, about the transformative potential of augmented reality and AI in the oil and gas industry. They explore various use…
- Tyler Rice, SPM Oil and gas, continuous pumping and linear pressure control | Ep 332
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Tyler Rice, Pressure Control Sales Manager at SPM Oil and Gas. Tyler shares his journey into the oil and gas industry, d…
- Navigating Data Management Challenges with Cindy Sullivan, Principal Consulting at ORTECHA | Ep 331
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, discusses the evolution of data management in the oil and gas industry with Cindy Sullivan, a Principal Consultant at ORTECHA. They explore the challenge…
- Reservoir modeling drives revenue growth with Carlos Granado of CMG | Ep 330
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert talks with Carlos Granado, Regional Director USA at Computer Modelling Group Ltd (CMG) who shares insights about how deeper understandings about subsurfac…
- Designing technologies that solve problems found both in outer space and thousands of feet underground with Emerson’s Paine Brand | Ep 329
Sponsored by IFS – Purpose-built industrial AI In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with Tom Hansen, Nick Thelin, and Jason Thompson of Emerson’s Paine Brand. They discuss the evolution of transducers, their applications in oil and…
- Lewis Matthews, CEO, Project Geminae | Ep 328
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Lewis Matthews, CEO of Project Gemini. They discuss Matthews’ journey into the oil and gas industry, the importance of data and AI in modeling and decision-making, and…
- Skip York, Global Energy Fellow, Baker Institute at Rice University | Ep 327
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- David Smith, Vice President, Black Pearl Technologies | Ep 326
In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, talks with David Smith, Vice President, Innovation, Black Pearl, about their innovative technologies such as Beacon and Zephyr. They discuss David’s diverse background, and insights into hydraul…
- Magnetic Bright Spots with Bill Rhea, Pilot Exploration | Ep 325
In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert talks with Bill Rhea, Pilot Exploration, talks about knowing where to drill thus eliminating dry holes through the use of technology based on sedimentary residual magnetics (SRM) magnetic bright spots…
- Navigating the Oil and Gas Landscape with Energy Innovation Capital | Ep 324
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert and Sarah Kern, Director of Strategic Engagement at Energy Innovation Capital discuss Sarah’s career journey from electrical engineering to the drilling industry, her involvement…
- Andy Cordova, President, Lufkin Industries | Ep 323
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Andy Cordova, president of Lufkin Industries, discussing the evolution of rod lift technology and its significance in the oil and gas industry. They explore Lufkin’s h…
- Lisa BlankenburgTechnical Sales Director for TAQA | Ep 322
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream , host Elena Melchert talks with Lisa Blankenburg, North American Technical Sales Director at TAQA, about her career journey from nursing to a leading role in oil and gas. They discuss TAQA’s innovat…
- The Future of Drilling: Mahmoud Nasef | Ep 321
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Mahmoud Nasef, Regional Business Development Manager for NOV in Dubai. They discussed Mahmoud’s journey into the oil and gas industry, the role of a regional business…
- Dena Wiggins, President and CEO, Natural Gas Supply Association | Ep 320
In this episode, Host, Elena Melchert, meets with Dena Wiggins, NGSA. They discuss the role of NGSA in the natural gas industry, the importance of infrastructure and permitting, the critical nature of natural gas storage, and the dynamics…
- Digital Twins in Oil and Gas with Adam McCullough | Ep 319
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream , host Elena Melchert speaks with Adam McCullough, Alaska Program Manager at NV5 Geospatial, about the transformative role of geospatial technologies in modern energy projects. From LIDAR and thermal…
- Claudia Molina, Sequen Technologies, recorded at URTEC 2025 Conference Houston | Ep 318
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Claudia Molina, President, Seguen Technologies, discussing her extensive background in the oil and gas industry, the importance of data science, and the intersection of technology and human expert…
- URTEC 2025, Houston, Tx | Ep 117
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert engages with the Program Co-Chairs of the 2025 URTEC “Unconventional Resources Technology Conference”, discussing the recent evolution of unconventional resources production, the…
- Repurposing Offshore Infrastructure Ram Seetharam | Ep 316
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Ram Seetharam, the ROICE Executive Director, at the University of Houston, discussing new life for old energy assets. The conversation covers the potential for reusing decommissioned oil and gas p…
- Sally Goodson, President, Goodson Energy Advisors | Ep 315
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with Sally Goodson, President of Goodson Energy Associates, about her journey in the oil and gas industry, the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated field, and her…
- Building a Sustainable Energy Future with Dr. Susan Nash, AAPG | Ep 314
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Dr. Susan Nash, Director of Innovation, Science, and Technology at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. They discuss Dr. Nash’s journey in the energy sect…
- Mentorship, Innovation, and Energy Transition with Susan Howes | Ep 313
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Susan Howes, President, SCA Subsurface Consultants Associates. They discuss Susan’s journey in the oil and gas industry, the intricacies of upstream operations, and th…
- Bolting Solutions for Oil & Gas Innovation with Eric Junkers | Ep 312
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Eric Junkers, President, Hytorc, discussing the evolution and importance of bolting systems in the oil and gas industry. They explore the science behind bolting, the tools and technologies used, a…
- Mr. Tak Ishikawa on the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | Ep 311
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Tak Ishikawa, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America (MIH). They discuss the company’s extensive history, its significant role in the energy sector w…
- Adsorption in action: The Science Driving CCUS with Matthew Stevenson | Ep 310
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Matthew Stevenson, Chief Revenue Officer, Svante, about the advancements in carbon capture technology and its significance in addressing climate change. They discuss the different methods of carbo…
- American production of oil and gas with Anne Bradbury | Ep 309
In this conversation, Elena Melchert interviews Anne Bradbury, President and CEO of AXPC, discussing the role of independent oil and gas producers in the U.S. energy landscape. The benefits of U.S. export of oil and gas, sound regulatory a…
- Elodie Morgan and Habib Al Khatib of SpotLight | Ep 308
This conversation with Host, Elena Melchert, Elodie Morgan and Habib Al Khatib, explores innovative approaches in geophysics, particularly focusing on SpotLight technology that revolutionizes seismic imaging and subsurface monitoring. The…
- Where A.I. Meets Permitting | Ep 307
In this conversation, the founders of Clas VI.AI discuss the challenges faced in the oil and gas industry, particularly regarding the administrative burdens associated with permitting processes. They emphasize the need for efficiency and h…
- Navigating the Challenges of CCUS Permitting with Zach Liu | Ep 306
In this episode, Elena Melchert , sat down with Zach Liu , Director of CCUS Subsurface at Harvest Stone Low Carbon Partners , to explore the complex regulatory and technical landscape of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) perm…
- Innovations in CO2 Sequestration and Seismic Data with Malc Kent | Ep 305
In this episode, Elena Melchert, Host, talks with Malc Kent, Viridien, about the evolution of Viridian, its legacy in the oil and gas industry, and the innovations in CO2 sequestration and seismic data. He shares his personal journey in th…
- David Riestenberg at the SPE-AAPG-SEG Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Conference | Ep 304
In this conversation, Host, Elena Melchert interviews David Riesenberg who discusses the significance of carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) in addressing climate change. They explore the technical, regulatory, and operational a…
- Navigate the Challenges of Produced Wate w/ Nick Nicholas & Andrea Bautista | Ep 303
In this episode, Elena Melchert discusses the critical role of water in the oil and gas industry with guests Nick Nicholas and Andrea Bautista. They explore the complexities of produced water, its treatment, and the economic implications o…
- Decarbonizing Oil & Gas with ERM and SLB | Ep 302
In this episode of the Oil and Gas Upstream podcast, host Elena Melchert discusses the importance of sustainability and decarbonization in the oil and gas industry with guests Trey Schaffer, Senior Partner, Environmental Resources Ma…
- Decarbonization in Oil and Gas:Trey Shaffer & Farshid Mostowfi
In this episode of the Oil and Gas Upstream podcast, host Elena Melchert discusses the importance of sustainability and decarbonization in the oil and gas industry with guests Trey Schaffer, Senior Partner, Environmental Resources Manageme…
- The Future of Financial Modeling with Lachlan Hughson | Ep 300
In this conversation, Elena Melchert and Lachlan Hughson discuss the intersection of finance and engineering within the oil and gas industry. They explore the importance of upgrading the finance function to improve decision-making, the rol…
- Blue Energies’ Journey into Liberia Deepwater Oil and Gas | Ep 299
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews James Deckelman, CEO of Blue Energies, discussing the company’s upcoming public listing and its strategic positioning in the oil and gas sector. They explore the dynamic market conditions, the adv…
- Revolutionizing Carbon Management with Matthew Stevenson, Svante | Ep 298
In this episode, Elena Melchert interviews Matthew Stevenson, Chief Revenue Officer of Svante, a carbon management company focused on innovative carbon capture technologies. They discuss the importance of carbon capture in addressing clima…
- Offshore Facilities With David Boggs, Energy Maritime Associates | Ep 297
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert speaks with David Boggs, Managing Director of Energy Maritime Associates. They discuss the floating production industry, the evolution of LNG in the US, and the various types of…
- Transforming Natural Gas into Gasoline: Ernie Miller, CEO, Verde Clean Fuels | Ep 296
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Ernie Miller, CEO of Verde Clean Fuels. They discuss Miller’s extensive background in the oil and gas industry, the deregulation of natural gas and power markets, and…
- Power Needs in the Oil and Gas Sector: Haglund and Bosch Rexroth with Collins Bioseh | 295
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Collins Bioseh, a market segment manager for Haglund’s, a subsidiary of Bosch Rexroth. They discuss the role of Haglund’s in the oil and gas industry, focusing on thei…
- Tachyus: The Future of Reservoir Management with Matt Elbert and Christan Perkins
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert interviews Matt Elbert and Christan Perkins from Tachyus, a company focused on revolutionizing reservoir management through artificial intelligence and data analytics. They discu…
- Innovative Insurance Solutions for the Energy Sector with Warren Spiwak, and Hilde Haviland, USI Insurance Services
In this episode of Oil and Gas Upstream, host Elena Melchert engages with guests Warren Spiwak and Hilde Haviland to discuss the complexities of energy risks and insurance and the intersection of energy, insurance, and financial strategies…
- Dan Naatz, COO and Executive VP of IPAA at NAPE 2025 | Ep 292
In this conversation, Elena Melchert talks with Dan Naatz, Independent Petroleum Association (IPAA) about the partnership of IPAA with the North American Prospects Expo (NAPE) event, highlighting the importance of independent oil and gas p…
- Landmen make the Upstream oil and gas sector possible with Landman Courtney Childress | Ep 291
In this episode, host Elena Melchert talks with Courtney Childress about what happens BEFORE drilling for oil. What is a Landman, and what does he or she do? If you own subsurface minerals such as oil and gas, what do you do to monetize yo…