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This podcast is meant to educate non-technical people about the technical fundamentals of the oil and gas industry. It starts all the way back with the formation of fossil fuels and goes through the entire process that generates the fuel that we consume in our vehicles. For anyone who works in oil and gas that doesn’t have a technical background (or just the general public) that wants to learn more about how the oil and gas industry works, this podcast is for you.
Brendan MacDougall, P.Eng
Brendan is an engineer that graduated from the University of Calgary in 2008 with a Bachelor in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. He has worked in the oil and gas industry for more than 15 years and is very passionate about educating the general population about the fundamentals of that industry. He has been teaching a course since 2020 in Calgary, Denver and Houston on the very same material. Any inquiries can be directed to brendanmacdougall@gmail.com
The Most Engaging Oil and Gas 101 Course in the World
I have been teaching an in-person course in both Canada and the US for the past 5 years. From Fossil to Fuel won the Multimedia Award in 2023. The course is split into two half days (usually an afternoon followed by the next morning). The target audience is non-technical professionals (HR, Supply Chain, Legal, Finance, IT, new grads etc.) and the general public. It is an all-inclusive review of the oil and gas industry but simplified with pictures and analogies. It begins with the formation of fossil fuels, goes through drilling/completions/facilities/production and all the way through to refining (hence the name "From Fossil to Fuel"). The course is hands on and designed for ~20-40 people. The podcast (which mirrors the course) is essentially a digital textbook and is free of charge. For in-person booking/inquiries, please email brendanmacdougall@gmail.com
Feedback from past students:
"Excellent! The course was very informative and helped my understanding of topics that I had heard about previously."
"I loved the simplicity of the materials! It was very helpful for someone that is not technical."
"Brendan was a fantastic instructor and very engaging. He explained everything with simplistic analogies for someone like me to understand better with limited oil and gas experience."
"The delivery was excellent! The props he showed to support the presentation were great. Brendan is a fantastic presenter. This presentation should be given to all new hires."
"I really enjoyed this course and it has answered a LOT of questions that I've had over the years."
Episodes
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Hydraulic fracturing and earthquakes. How are they linked and what are we doing about it?
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
We use a lot of water in hydraulic fracturing. Why do we use it and what impacts does this have?
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Fracking is a big deal in the media. Let's dive into some of the major concerns.
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
How the well is actually drilled and the things that we look out for.
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
How drilling rigs work and the different components of a drilling rig
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Join Brendan McDougall, an experienced professional engineer, in a captivating episode of 'From Fossil to Fuel'—a pioneering podcast series dedicated to decoding the oil and gas industry. In this episode, Brendan navigates through the evolution and intricacies of the essential drilling process. From the dawn of oil well drilling in 350 AD China to the adoption of advanced rotary and directional drilling techniques, witness the progression of this vital industry sector.
Dive into valuable discussions which include beginner-friendly explanations of key terminologies like 'wellbore,' 'casing,' 'annulus,' and their crucial roles in maintaining the structural integrity of oil reservoirs. Learn how modern technologies like horizontal and directional drilling have revolutionized the industry by improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impacts.
This episode further elaborates on the vital role of drilling engineers and rig crews in controlling oil and gas wells. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the usage and significance of drilling mud and blowout preventers (BOPs) in operations, crucial instruments in mitigating risks to prevent potentially catastrophic incidents such as the infamous BP Deepwater Horizon disaster.
By the end of the episode, listeners will attain a greater appreciation for the crucial role safety measures play in the success, cost-efficiency, and environmental sustainability of drilling operations. If this episode piques your interest, feel free to reach out via email at fromfossiltofuel@gmail.com or connect with Brendan McDougall on LinkedIn for meaningful engagements and feedback.
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
Thursday Mar 07, 2024
What is the difference between conventional and unconventional oil and gas? Why is it important?