In this episode of Big Swing Podcast, Jeremy Funk and Corey Scott sit down with Josh Carlisle, an EHS and regulatory leader at BKV, whose career journey took him from rural Wisconsin to the energy industry by way of geology, a climbing trip through the American West, and the coalbed methane boom in Wyoming. A father, grandfather, and advocate for the next generation of energy professionals, Josh has spent more than two decades in environmental, health, safety, and sustainability roles. He also helped establish a scholarship at his alma mater to encourage students to apply their geology degrees in the field rather than retreating into academia, a reflection of his belief that the industry needs fresh talent willing to get their hands dirty.
The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Josh shares the story of his diagnosis with classic Hodgkin's lymphoma earlier this year, the six months of chemotherapy that followed, and the lessons he learned about vulnerability, faith, family, and the power of community. He speaks candidly about the financial toxicity that can accompany a cancer diagnosis, the importance of long-term disability coverage, and how his company's culture and benefits made it possible for him to focus on healing. Josh also discusses his decision to share his journey publicly, first in a company town hall and then through LinkedIn posts that resonated far beyond his network, and explains why he chose to write a book, Who Shows Up, which explores what cancer teaches you about yourself and the people who rally around you in a crisis.
Listen to the full conversation for a powerful and inspiring look at resilience, leadership, and the human side of the energy business from a man who faced an unexpected battle and chose to turn it into a gift for others.
What is Big Swing Podcast?
Big Swing features unfiltered conversations with operators and go-to-market leaders on growth, execution, and the swings that matter.
Hosted by Jeremy Funk and Corey Scott, the show blends real-world business experience, candid takes across marketing, sales, and leadership, and the side conversations that make it all human, from career swings to sports, bets, and everything in between.