{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Energy 101: We Ask The Dumb Questions So You Don't Have To","title":"Could You Build an Oil Company with Public Data?","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/6a3fe68d\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3166,"description":"Public data in energy is basically the Wild West, a mix of outdated systems, inconsistent reporting standards, and layers of bureaucracy that make it nearly impossible to use efficiently. In this episode of *Energy 101*, Jacob and Julie chat with John Ferrell, the brains behind WellDatabase, to unpack how all this chaos came to be. From dusty microfiche records to confusing state databases that can’t agree on formats, John breaks down why accessing “public” data often feels like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. He also explains how WellDatabase is cleaning up the mess—turning scattered, messy datasets into tools that actually help operators, analysts, and decision-makers get work done. It’s a surprisingly entertaining look at how something as boring-sounding as data can make or break the energy industry.Click here to watch a video of this episode.00:00 - Intro01:50 - Starting WellDatabase03:53 - Public Data Challenges08:27 - Storage of Public Data10:15 - Quality Issues in Oil and Gas Data11:59 - Enverus Data Cleanup Process16:45 - Founding Enverus18:10 - AI in Data Cleaning23:28 - Personal Learning and Growth25:40 - Public Data Reporting Gaps31:44 - Essential Data for E&Ps35:10 - Public Data's Importance for Investors36:05 - Significance of Accurate Data38:20 - Scale of Data Operations40:30 - Keeping Data Current42:58 - Selecting the Right Team44:45 - Creating a Video Game49:33 - Personal Anecdote50:50 - Final Thoughtshttps://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","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/8F_7R-SE-nw_rUP_p1-vdDVWboJt_kcEhdbgrgTEL7E/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jYjY2/Yjk4MWJiZWFlYmVl/ZGIxYjkxYTdiYTdi/ZGUwMy5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}