Oilfield Strong

Could California’s oil industry be a warning for Texas? Reservoir engineer Dwayne Purvis, Founder of Purvis Energy Advisors, joins Grant to examine what is driving California’s production decline and why regulation is only part of the story. From geology and economics to idle wells and billions in plugging liabilities, the conversation explores what Texas can learn from California’s experience and...

What should the Texas Railroad Commission’s role be in strengthening the oil and gas industry while holding operators accountable? Grant sits down with Texas State Representative and Railroad Commission candidate Jon Rosenthal to discuss his vision for one of the state’s most important regulatory agencies. Drawing on his engineering background, decades of oil and gas experience, and four terms in...

In this episode of Oilfield Strong , Grant Swartzwelder speaks with Jim Winchester, Executive Director of the Independent Petroleum Association of New Mexico, about the association’s concerns regarding the state’s new financial-assurance and well-bonding requirements. They discuss how the requirements could affect marginal wells, independent operators, asset transfers, plugging obligations, and th...

How far can horizontal drilling technology push the limits and what happens when today’s “extreme” well becomes tomorrow’s standard? Horizontal drilling has evolved from simple directional techniques into complex U-turn and J-hook wells. This talk explores the technologies making longer laterals possible, including mud motors, PDC bits, rotary steerable systems, MWD/LWD technology, and real-time g...

Power reliability isn’t just critical—it’s mission-critical, especially as AI data centers demand near-perfect uptime. Josh Evans, CEO of High Volt Energy, shares how his company’s innovative midstream power solutions are transforming electrification in oilfields and beyond, delivering clean, dependable power where the grid can’t. Tune in to discover how behind-the-meter infrastructure is shaping...

Federal regulation may be waning, but state-level oversight in Texas and New Mexico is tightening—especially around inactive and orphan wells. Join the PBERS 2026 Panel Discussion as industry veterans unpack evolving bonding requirements, permitting complexities, and the critical need for collaboration between land, drilling, and regulatory teams. Tune in to navigate these regulatory shifts and sa...

What if Texas’s abundant oilfield expertise could unlock a new, reliable energy source right beneath our feet? Barry Smitherman, chairman of the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance and former Railroad Commissioner, dives into how geothermal power—using deep wells and hot rock—could transform the Lone Star State’s energy future while tackling orphan well challenges. Tune in to explore the potential of...

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.