Oilfield Strong

With Permian oil prices soaring yet production hurdles mounting, Michael Lozano of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association breaks down the critical challenges—from electricity infrastructure and water management to the rising threat of oilfield theft. Tune in to hear how these complex issues shape the future of Texas energy and what it means for producers navigating this high-stakes landscape.

Texas faces a water challenge unlike anything in its history, and according to Texas State Senator Charles Perry, the solutions must start now. In this special Oilfield Strong presentation, Senator Perry discusses the future of Texas water policy, the role of produced water as a new water supply, desalination, aquifer storage, infrastructure funding, and the planning required to meet the state's g...

How does a company leverage AI and automation to win in the fiercely competitive mineral market? Charlie Shufeldt and Jeff Stewart of Elk Range Royalties reveal how their tech-driven approach—from advanced data integration to machine learning models—accelerates deal evaluation and sharpens underwriting precision. Tune in to discover how innovation is reshaping mineral acquisitions and driving smar...

What does it take to build an oil empire from the ground up? Mel Riggs, longtime Executive and Co-Trustee of the Clayton Williams Companies, shares rare insights into the grit, risk-taking, and resilience behind Clayton Williams Jr.’s legendary rise in oil and entrepreneurship. Tune in to discover how reputation, relentless energy, and learning from failure shaped one of Texas’s most iconic oilmen...

Jim Wright, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, brings more than 35 years of oil and gas industry experience to the conversation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work being done to modernize and strengthen the sector. As he campaigns for re-election, he addresses some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, from oil theft and water disposal to the demands of rapid infrastructur...

Austin McDaniel, President of the McDaniel Companies, breaks down the complexities of plugging and abandoning oil and gas wells, a process crucial for environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Drawing from decades of industry experience, Austin shares insights on the technical steps, cost drivers, and challenges involved in properly sealing wells and restoring the land. This episode reve...

America’s oil industry faces a growing challenge with millions of wells aging into marginal or orphan status, raising complex questions about environmental impact, economic viability, and responsibility for proper closure. In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Adam Peltz, EDF’s Director and Senior Attorney for energy programs, to unpack the broad implications of managing these wells a...

West Texas stands at a critical crossroads as its growing energy demands, driven by electrification and environmental commitments, outpace the current electricity infrastructure. In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Drew Darby, Chairman of the Texas House Energy Resources Committee, who shares insights on the urgent need for expanded transmission capacity and modernized grid infrastr...

Unlock the potential of fusion energy with Dr. Michael Ginsberg, President of Tokamak Energy, as he breaks down the promise and challenges of creating a "sun in a bottle." From the unique technology Tokamak Energy employs to the strategic role Texas is playing in advancing nuclear fusion, this episode sheds light on how fusion could transform the energy landscape and why we might be closer than ev...

Health insurance costs continue to rise steeply, impacting oilfield companies’ bottom lines and employee benefits. In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Michael Knize, First Vice President of McAnally Wilkins Insurance, to unpack the complexities of health insurance pricing, including the roles of carriers, hospitals, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers, while exploring strategi...

Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources, shares his journey from a longtime oil and gas career to pioneering advanced nuclear technology focused on molten salt reactors. With a construction permit for the first liquid fuel reactor ever issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, his company is poised to revolutionize clean, safe, and efficient nuclear power that supports growing energy...

For this episode of Oilfield Strong, Grant Swartzwelder dives into the complex and ever-changing landscape of the oil industry with expert Kirk Edwards. Drawing on Kirk’s extensive background in exploration, service companies, and industry leadership, they unpack the impact of geopolitical events, pricing policies, and environmental challenges shaping oil production today. Kirk’s insights provide...

Melinda Taylor brings over three decades of experience to the complex discussion around the Endangered Species Act (ESA), exploring its history, purpose, and the many misconceptions that surround it—especially within the oil and gas industry. In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder and Melinda unpack how the ESA operates, the challenges it poses, and opportunities for collaboration between environment...

Environmental advocacy faces significant challenges in today’s political and social landscape, especially regarding climate change and energy policy. In this episode, Grant Swartzwelder talks with Colin Leyden, Texas State Director for the Environmental Defense Fund, who shares insights from over 30 years of experience navigating the complexities of environmental advocacy and the evolving balance...

Texas is facing a growing crisis of oilfield theft, with losses reaching up to a billion dollars annually. In this episode, Chairman Jim Wright of the Texas Railroad Commission shares his insights on the sophisticated nature of this crime, the newly created task force under Senate Bill 494, and the collaborative efforts underway to combat theft and protect the industry’s vital resources.

This episode tackles the evolving landscape of shale development in the U.S., exploring whether operators are still drilling in the “fairway” of prime acreage or pushing into more challenging territory. Host Grant Swartzwelder is joined by Rob Quigley, Managing Director at VSO Petroleum Consultants, who shares firsthand insights from his extensive experience evaluating billions of dollars in shale...

Did you know that nearly 10,000 wells are orphaned and in need of plugging in Texas alone? In this episode of Oilfield Strong, host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with fourth-generation West Texas rancher Schuler Wight, who shares his firsthand experiences with the pressing issues of plugging and abandonment in the oil and gas industry. Hear from firsthand experiences of the environmental impact of...

In this episode of Oilfield Strong , host Grant Swartzwelder sits down with Rob Quigley, Managing Director at VSO Petroleum Consultants, to unpack the complexities of buying oil and gas assets. From realistic reserve valuations and “B factors” to the nuances of refracs, water disposal, and buy-side diligence, Rob explains what smart buyers need to know in today’s volatile A&D market.

Is shale gas on the brink of a resurgence? Join host Grant Swartzwelder as he dives into this pressing question with Ryan Duman, Director of Research at Wood Mackenzie. Discover the factors driving renewed interest in natural gas - from rising demand for data centers and LNG exports. This interest is seen with significant international investment in the US and the growth of international shales. T...

In this episode of Oilfield Strong, Grant Swartzwelder talks with Michael Liebreich, Chairman & CEO of Liebreich Associates. They explore Michael’s view of China’s energy policy and how it contrasts to America’s. How is China’s strategy in renewables, electrification, and rare earths reshaping energy geopolitics. This directly ties to China’s and America’s national security, energy transition...

Featuring Austin McDaniel of The McDaniel Company. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode dives into the technical and regulatory details of plugging and abandoning wells. Austin outlines common triggers for P&A—like inactivity, landowner concerns, and failed mechanical integrity tests—while sharing insights from nearly two decades of global project experience. 

Featuring Dwayne Purvis, Petroleum Engineer and Industry Strategist. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode explores plugging and abandonment (P&A) from a liability and economic perspective. Dwayne breaks down the staggering number of wells in the U.S., whether all truly need to be plugged, and how operators might turn these liabilities into valuable assets amid the...

Featuring Dr. Kaylin McDermett, Environmental Engineer at Geosyntec Consultants. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode offers a PFAS 101—explaining what these “forever chemicals” are and why they matter to the oil and gas industry. Dr. McDermett outlines how PFAS are used in drilling, refining, and production, and what new EPA and state regulations could mean for operat...

Featuring Ben Shepperd, President of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode unpacks how the Endangered Species Act is increasingly being used to challenge oil and gas operations. Ben explains the operational and financial implications of species listings and how these regulations impact not only the industry but also the broader c...

Featuring Lee Fuller, Officer of Environment and General Strategy at IPAA. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode unpacks the wide-ranging impacts of OOOOb, the latest update to New Source Performance Standards. Lee discusses critical changes affecting pneumatic controllers, LDAR requirements, and storage vessels, along with the challenges posed by the new Super Emitter...