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 capacity to turn tragedy into a force for good, and the enduring impact of Piper Alpha on safety standards in the industry. This is a story of courage, reflection, and the relentless pursuit of a meaningful life.

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 environment. The discussion also touches on the development of Equilibria, a company focused on improving communication and safety through understanding personality styles. Lewis emphasizes the impact of culture on productivity and safety, sharing examples from various industries. The session concludes with reflections on personal growth, the significance of family, and the potential for positive change in future generations.

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 among the crew despite external pressures. The episode concludes with a candid discussion on the lessons learned and the enduring impact of the incident on those involved.

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 insights into the complexities of drilling operations and the human side of the story, offering a perspective rarely seen in mainstream narratives.

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 of AI data centres. Tom's candid views on the energy transition and the importance of standardisation in the industry offer a thought-provoking perspective on the global energy landscape. Tune in for an engaging conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and sheds light on the complexities of powering our world.

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 networking. Whether you're interested in career transitions, the energy industry, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how persistence and positivity can lead to success.

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 adjustments he made along the way. Mandeep also explores the role of technology and innovation in the energy sector, advocating for a balanced approach to energy security. Join us as we delve into Mandeep's experiences and the lessons he's learned about leadership, diversity, and resilience in the ever-evolving world of engineering.

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 where our energy really comes from.

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 what balance could look like, how oil and gas still fit alongside renewables, and why affordable and secure energy should stay at the centre of policy. This conversation is about bridging the gap between the realities offshore and the decisions made in Parliament, and why the two cannot be separated.

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 energy policy to the difficult balance between renewables, hydrocarbons, and the push for energy independence. Kathryn unpacks the real world implications of wind and solar power, the often overlooked role of hydrocarbons in modern life, and why evidence based decision making is crucial for a credible energy transition. This is a thought provoking conversation that challenges conventional narratives and explores what the future of energy might really look like.

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 laughter, stories, and unforgettable memories.

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, this conversation is sure to entertain and inform.

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 energy transition, and the future of sustainable energy solutions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights resilience, innovation, and the power of embracing change.

For the 20th episode, I brought back the man who helped kick all this off. Chris Akehurst was the first guest on the podcast, the original guinea pig when none of this was really figured out. We look back on how far things have come since that first recording and dig into everything from how the wind industry has changed to what life offshore really takes out of you. Chris also shares stories from his time working in Asia, lessons he learned the hard way, and what balance actually looks like when your job is thousands of miles from home. It is honest, funny, and a reminder of why these conversations matter.

In this final part of the trilogy, Joe Leather sits down with George Highmoor to reflect on the highs and lows of a life spent in the oil industry. From close calls and hard lessons to the unlikely road to writing a memoir, George shares what really stuck with him after decades offshore. It is a conversation about instinct, survival, and the kind of insight that only comes with time. The stories behind the stories come out here. Raw, honest, and with a bit of that dry humour George does so well.

In this second part of my conversation with Leo Lindner, we go deeper into the night that changed offshore forever. Leo was there on the Deepwater Horizon when the unthinkable happened. In this episode, he shares more of what it was really like in the hours after the blowout the chaos, the impossible decisions, and the moments that still stay with him. We also spoke about: • What recovery looked like in the days and months that followed • How surviving an event like this changes your perspective on work, life, and everything in between • The impact on families and communities connected to the rig • Why Leo chooses to speak about these events when so many prefer silence It is rare to hear this level of honesty and detail about a disaster that has shaped modern offshore culture. If you have ever wondered what it feels like to be inside history as it unfolds, Leo’s account is as close as you will get.

In this episode, I sit down with Dik Barton a man whose career has taken him to the very edge of human exploration and the heart of offshore safety. Dik has made an astonishing 22 dives down to the wreck of the Titanic, seen first-hand what most of us only glimpse in documentaries, and led safety operations in some of the most unforgiving environments on Earth. We spoke about: • What it feels like to be over two miles under the Atlantic staring at history • How the discipline and mindset needed in those depths translates to leadership offshore • His candid thoughts on the Titan sub disaster and why these stories resonate far beyond the industry • The evolution of safety culture and what still needs to change It is not often you meet someone who has balanced adventure, risk, and responsibility on such a scale. Dik’s insights are a reminder of how far we have come in safety and how far there is still to go.

Part 2 of the Joe Meanen re-release, marking 37 years since Piper Alpha. Joe talks us through the more of the night of the disaster.What happened.How he got out.And what stayed with him after. This episode is for the 167 men who never made it home.

This episode is being re-released to mark 37 years since the Piper Alpha disaster. Joe Meanen was one of the 61 men who survived. In Part 1, he talks about life before Piper.The workThe cultureAnd the things that were already going wrong. 

Leo Lindner was on Deepwater HorizonThat alone should tell you enough about what this episode is about In Part 1 of this conversation, Leo walks us through his life offshoreA man who escaped the rig on that fateful night We talk about the jobThe pressure the rig was underAnd some of the things that were not right Including the cracks that were there long before anything exploded This is Part 1 of a two part series