Crude Ambition: This is the story of power

This conversation explores the tumultuous history of the oil industry in the early 20th century, focusing on the geopolitical upheavals following World War I. It delves into the Mexican oil boom amidst revolution, the rise of Venezuela as a new oil frontier under a dictatorial regime, and the chaotic aftermath of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The discussion highlights the lessons learned abo...

This episode explores the tumultuous 1920s in the American oil industry, highlighting the transition from a post-WWI oil shortage to a chaotic surplus. It delves into the Teapot Dome scandal, the battle for corporate integrity, and the disastrous consequences of the rule of capture, culminating in the Great Depression's impact on the industry.

Episode 10 explores the geopolitical landscape following World War I, focusing on the scramble for oil in the Middle East. It highlights the reckless negotiations between world leaders, the pivotal role of Calouste Gulbenkian in oil diplomacy, and the implications of the Red Line Agreement that shaped the region's future. The discussion emphasizes the lasting impact of these historical events...

Episode 9 explores the pivotal role of oil in World War I, highlighting Winston Churchill's gamble on oil, the transformation of warfare, the crisis of explosives, the U-boat threat, and the aftermath of the war that established oil as a key element of national security.

Episode 8 explores the pivotal moment in history when oil transitioned from a mere commodity to a crucial element of national security, focusing on the decisions made by William Dox Darcy, Admiral John Fisher, and Winston Churchill leading up to World War I. It highlights the challenges of oil supply, the political maneuvering involved in securing oil resources, and the long-term geopolitical cons...

This episode explores the pivotal moment in the early 20th century when the Middle East transitioned from a neglected region to the heart of the global oil industry. It details the gamble taken by William Knox Dorsey and Antoine Katabgi, the harsh realities faced by George Reynolds in drilling for oil, and the geopolitical implications of the discovery that would change the course of history. The...

This episode of Crude Ambition explores the global oil wars, focusing on the rise of Marcus Samuel and Henri Deterding as they challenge the dominance of Standard Oil. The conversation delves into the innovative strategies employed by Samuel, including the creation of the first modern oil tanker and the branding of Shell oil, as well as the ruthless business tactics of Deterding. The episode highl...

This episode explores the dramatic transformation of the oil industry in the early 20th century, focusing on the fall of Standard Oil and the rise of new competitors. It highlights key figures such as John D. Rockefeller, John D. Archbold, and Ida Tarbell, and discusses the impact of Theodore Roosevelt's antitrust actions. The narrative reveals how the breakup of Standard Oil led to unexpected...

This episode explores the evolution of the oil industry, focusing on John D. Rockefeller's dominance with Standard Oil, the transition from kerosene to gasoline, the discovery of Spindletop, and the emergence of new oil giants. It highlights the impact of technological advancements and geological discoveries on the industry, ultimately leading to the transformation of energy consumption and th...

THE OCTOPUS HAS A LEAK. 🐙🔥Most people think John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil was an invincible god of the 19th century. They’re wrong. In this episode of CRUDE AMBITION, we deconstruct Chapter 3 of Daniel Yergin’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, The Prize, to reveal the moment the American monopoly began to bleed. The "Standard Oil Octopus" had a 90% grip on the world, but it cou...

In Episode 2 of our chapter by chapter saga of Daniel Yergin’s The Prize, we transition from the muddy chaos of the frontier to the cold, quiet precision of a locked boardroom in Cleveland. This is the origin story of the world’s first global monopoly and the rise of the most formidable industrial titan in history, John D. Rockefeller. We deconstruct the legendary seventy two thousand five hundred...

In Episode 1, we are launching our chapter by chapter deep dive into the absolute Bible of the industry, Daniel Yergin’s The Prize, starting with the raw audacity of Chapter 1 that literally built the modern world. We strip away the polished boardrooms to reveal that the petroleum age began in the mud with a bunch of guys hallucinating with greed. This is the origin story of how a broke linguist n...