The Crude Truth

Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Commissioner, Texas General Land Office, stops by the CrudeTruth 

In this episode of "The Crude Truth," host Rey Trevino sits down with Dr. Dawn Buckingham, Texas General Land Commissioner, to explore the ambitious vision driving Texas's economic future. As the state faces critical challenges and opportunities in energy, national security, and sustainable development, Dr. Buckingham unveils the Texas Engine Initiative—a comprehensive strategy designed to secure Texas's independence across energy, minerals, food production, and infrastructure. From breaking China's monopoly on rare earth minerals to transforming oil and gas industry byproducts into agricultural ass...

Texas oil and gas operators are facing a significant regulatory shift with Senate Bill 1150, which fundamentally changes how the state manages its vast inventory of inactive wells. As the energy industry continues to thrive—with Texas now producing nearly 6 million barrels of oil per day and accounting for over 42% of the nation's crude oil—a growing challenge has emerged: the state has accumulated approximately 120,000 inactive wells that are not producing but remain under operator bonds and responsibility. Senate Bill 1150 addresses this issue by requiring operators to either plug or return to service all wells that have been inactive for 15 year...

As global conflicts disrupt shipping lanes and drive up transportation costs, what does the future hold for America’s maritime industry and energy security?

On this episode of The Crude Truth, Rey Trevino welcomes maritime expert Dr. Beatriz Canamary to discuss the growing connection between oil and gas, global shipping, and national security. Together, they explore how geopolitical tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the war in Ukraine are impacting shipping costs, insurance rates, and global supply chains.

Dr. Beatriz Canamary shares her insights on rebuilding America’s commercial shipbuilding indu...

Big data is transforming the way businesses operate—and Texas is quickly becoming a major hub for data centers, AI, and the infrastructure needed to power them.

In this episode of The Crude Truth, we sit down with Jay Lewis, Founder and CEO of Big Data, to break down what “big data” really means and why clean, reliable, and secure data is becoming one of the most valuable resources in the modern economy.

Jay Lewis explains how businesses can turn data from a cost of doing business into an asset, why “garbage...

Why are energy costs continuing to rise, and how much of it comes down to infrastructure?

On this episode of The Crude Truth, Rey sits down with David Holt, President of the Consumer Energy Alliance, to break down the forces affecting energy prices across the United States.

They discuss America’s position as a major global energy producer, the impact of infrastructure on electricity and natural gas prices, and the challenges facing the nation as energy demand grows. David explains why transmission lines, pipelines, refining capacity, natural gas, nuclear power, and ot...

Rural Texas is sitting on the biggest economic opportunity it has seen in a generation, and most people have not connected the dots yet. Data centers are coming to this state whether anyone plans for them or not. The only question left is whether small towns end up with the schools, the jobs, and the tax base, or whether someone else writes the rules first.

Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian joins The Crude Truth to lay out the case. Data center expansion could push billions in private investment into parts of the state that have...

In early 2026, the global oil market experienced a seismic shift. When geopolitical tensions with Iran escalated, crude prices surged—and Texas responded. In this episode, economist Karr Ingham, oil producer Rey Trevino, and energy journalist Stu Turley break down how a single conflict triggered a cascade of market changes: rig counts climbing for the first time in years, jobs returning to the industry, and a historic deal securing 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil. But here's the real story: how these moves reshape energy independence, refinery infrastructure, and consumer prices for the next decade.

Ch...

Texas produces nearly six million barrels of oil every day — but alongside it comes roughly 30 million barrels of produced water.

So what happens to all that water?

On this episode of The Crude Truth, Rey Treviño III welcomes back Texas Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright for an in-depth conversation about one of the biggest challenges facing the state’s oil and gas industry: produced water.

Commissioner Wright explains how the shale revolution dramatically changed the way Texas handles produced water, why deep-well injection has contributed to seismic activ...

Former Miss America and nuclear fuels engineer Grace Vanderhei returns to The Crude Truth to break down why nuclear energy is making a major comeback in the United States. From the restart of Three Mile Island Unit 1 — now the Crane Clean Energy Center — to the growing demand for clean, reliable power, Grace explains how nuclear energy can help fuel America’s future.

Connect with Grace on her LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracevanderhei/

Rey Trevino and Grace discuss her work with Constellation, the energy density of nuclear fuel, the role of uranium, the fu...

The Crude Truth: Navigating Legal Complexity in Modern Energy

In an era where energy demands are skyrocketing and the industry is at a crossroads between traditional oil and gas production and emerging clean technologies, the legal landscape has never been more complex. From royalty disputes and investor protection to the explosive growth of data centers demanding unprecedented power consumption, oil and gas companies face multifaceted challenges that require more than just operational expertise—they demand strategic legal foresight.

In this episode of The Crude Truth, host Ray sits down with Lauren Varnado, a fi...

What makes West Texas networking different from anywhere else?

In this episode of The Crude Truth, Rey Trevino sits down with Derrick Black, a respected oil & gas professional, community leader, and founder of Coffee & Connections. Derrick shares his journey from telecommunications with AT&T to building a successful career in the Permian Basin, while using his passion for networking to connect people, businesses, and nonprofits throughout West Texas.

The conversation explores the culture of the Permian Basin, the importance of authentic relationships, the impact of community involvement, and how...

Human trafficking is one of the world's most hidden and devastating crimes—and it's happening closer to home than many realize.

In this episode of The Crude Truth, host Rey Trevino sits down with David Reid, CTO and CMO of NOV and founder of Red M, to discuss how he's using his platform in the energy industry to bring awareness to human trafficking and protect vulnerable children and families.

We recommend connecting with David Reed on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidred/

David shares th...

This was a fun interview with Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne on my recent trip to Washington, DC. I had some great meetings, and she is doing great things for her constituents.

1. American Energy Independence & Oil Production

The interview emphasizes Texas's historical and ongoing role in American energy. It references the 1901 Spindletop discovery and argues that despite alternative energy sources (wind, solar, electric), America still fundamentally depends on oil. The discussion highlights the importance of supporting American oil producers and maintaining competitive global positioning.

2. The Strait of Hormuz & Middle East...

In this episode of The Crude Truth, Rey Trevino sits down with DrillChem's Prater Vincent and Richard Collins to explore the critical role downhole technology plays in today's oil and gas industry.

From drilling fluids and wellbore stability to lubrication systems and completion solutions, the conversation dives into how operators maximize production, reduce costs, and overcome increasingly complex drilling challenges. Richard also shares insights from nearly 30 years in the industry, including international experience, the future of U.S. energy production, and how global events are reshaping oil markets.

Connect with Richard...

Live from NAPE 2026, The Crude Truth welcomes Kasey Cox of Metal One America for a conversation on OCTG connections, supply chain shifts, deeper wells, and where drilling technology is headed in 2026.

Kasey shares what operators are asking for today, how tariffs and commodity pricing are affecting steel markets, and why service companies are watching geothermal and lithium extraction as emerging opportunities.

1. Metal One America & OCTG Connections

Casey Cox explains his role at Metal One America, a Japanese-owned company specializing in Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) connections:

Live from NAEP Expo 2026, Brent Franklin (CEO of Rise Capital) breaks down how deals, money, and opportunity collide in the oil & gas industry. From investing strategies to building relationships that change everything—this is where business gets done.

Connect with Brent Franklin on his LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-franklin-606294193/

If you're serious about energy, investing, or scaling your network… YOU need to hear this.

Main Topics

1. NAEP Expo 2026 Overview

The episode is recorded live at the NAEP (North American Energy Prof...

Live from NAPE 2026, this episode of The Crude Truth dives into the software and data side of the oil & gas industry with W Energy.

Joined by Joe Fuda, Gary Napotnik, and Michael Tanner, we break down how modern energy companies are using cloud-based software, data analytics, and AI to streamline operations from field to finance.

Check out W Energy https://wenergysoftware.com/

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-fuda-420392127/

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-surge/

Crude Oil Needs to Run Through Texas.

Railroad Commissioner Jim Wright breaks down why Texas remains the backbone of American energy—and where the industry is headed next.

Check out the Texas Railroad Commission Site: https://www.rrc.state.tx.us/about-us/commissioners/jim-wright/

Key Points:

• Texas produces ~43% of U.S. crude oil

• Balancing environmental responsibility with economic growth

• The Railroad Commission’s critical role in regulation

• Why global demand is shifting toward Texas for stability

• The future of produced water...

In this episode of The Crude Truth, recorded live at NAPE 2026, Rey Trevino sits down with Leigh Haas, founder of Mockingbird Land Services, to discuss entrepreneurship, land rights, energy infrastructure, and the growing demand driven by AI and data centers. Working on - -

Leigh shares how her background in politics, pipeline right-of-way, permitting, and safety training came together to launch her own company and why land services are becoming increasingly important across the Gulf South and beyond.

Connect with Leigh on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-haas-5...

Live from NAPE 2026, Cool Edge Drill Bits reveals breakthrough technology that’s extending bit life, improving wellbore quality, and saving operators serious money.

Special Guests Jim McCoy and Trey Poteet, with Cool Edge Bits, and this is how we get more out of each well drilled. With the global energy crisis at hand, we need to save money on every well drilled.

Connect with Trey https://www.linkedin.com/in/trey-poteet/

Check out Cool Edge Bits https://www.cooledgebits.com/

Fewer trips. Better pe...

In this episode of The Crude Truth, we sit down with oil & gas trial attorney Lauren Varnado to uncover the realities of litigation in the energy industry.

From high-stakes courtroom battles to the rise of litigation funding, Lauren shares insider knowledge on how companies protect themselves, when they should take legal action, and the biggest risks facing oil & gas today.

Connect with Lauren Varnado on her LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-varnado-7b5b7761/

1. Oil & Gas Litigation and Legal Practice

Lauren Varnado, a trial...

From podcast to movement—Jamie Elrod and Massiel Diez break down how Flipping the Barrel is reshaping conversations in the energy industry.

Recorded live at NAPE 2026, this episode dives into storytelling, growth, and building a brand that actually matters.

Connect with Jamie Elrod on her LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-elrod-46829136/

Connect with Massiel Diez on her LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/massiel-diez-b0942a60/

We recommend following the Flipping the Barrel Podcast https://flippingthebarrel.com/

 @flippingthebarrel 

1. Women in Energy & Empo...

Live from NAPE 2026, Black Mountain Oil & Gas President George Witman breaks down a massive international project with billions on the line. - Monday the 4th

From Australia to Texas, this is what large-scale energy development really looks like.

Connect with George Witman https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-witman-497b98125/

Black Mountain Oil & Gas https://blackmountainoilandgas.com/

1. Valhalla Project in Australia (Primary Focus)

The centerpiece of the conversation is Black Mountain Oil and Gas's massive international project in Western Australia. Key details...

What happens when academic geology meets real-world energy development?

At NAPE Expo 2026, The Crude Truth sat down with Tiffany Legg, a PhD candidate in geology at University of Oklahoma, to talk about carbonates, the Fort Worth Basin, why “good rocks” still drive the industry, and how the next generation is stepping into oil and gas.

Tiffany shares why geology remains critical to exploration, how academic research translates into industry value, and why energy careers still matter for future generations.

Connect with Dr. Tiffany Legg on her LinkedIn here...

In this episode of The Crude Truth, recorded live at NAPE 2026, Rey Trevino sits down with Karr Ingham, President of the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers, to discuss major developments impacting the oil and gas industry. -

1. EPA Regulatory Changes & Endangerment Finding Repeal

The conversation centers heavily on the recent rescission of the "endangerment finding" established by the Obama administration in 2009. Carl Ingham explains that while this repeal applies to mobile sources (vehicles and transportation), it does not yet affect methane regulation from oil and gas operations. The discussion highlights the tension between...

Live from NAPE 2026, this episode of The Crude Truth features Randy Nicodemus of Complete Solids Control. - getting ready for today- 4-30

Randy shares his journey of building an oilfield service company from the ground up, navigating COVID challenges, and why authenticity and relationships matter more than ever in today’s energy industry.

1. Complete Solids Control Services

Randy Nicodemus discusses his company's core business:

Specialization: Fluid conditioning and solids handling for drilling and completions

Key Service: Full closed-loop systems that contain all waste an...

Relationship-Driven Business: The LFS Chemistry Story

In this episode of The Crude Truth, we’re coming to you LIVE from NAPE 2026 with special guest Jim Holmes, President & CEO of LFS Chemistry.

From the show floor energy to real conversations about oil markets, minerals, and smart investing, this episode dives into what’s actually happening in the industry right now.

1. The Oil & Gas Industry's Continued Importance

The episode opens with a historical perspective on Texas oil production (Spindletop Hill, 1901) and emphasizes that, despite alternative energy sources like...

Shannon Vint, Kight Hawk Safety & Rescue, stops by the Crude Truth Podcast Live at NAPE.

This was a fun interview from the floor at NAPE with Snannon Vint, a 20-year veteran of the oil and gas market, and we had a blast talking about how to stay safe and have a career.

The conversation explores the historical significance of the oil industry, particularly the landmark Spindletop Hill discovery in 1901. It discusses how oil and gas remain central to America's energy landscape despite the rise of alternative e...

Live from NAPE 2026, we’re joined by Jeff Krimmel of Krimmel Strategy Group to dive deep into the "value calculus" of the energy industry. From analyzing P&L statements to forecasting the next big shifts in the Permian, Jeff shares why understanding financial flows is the only way to truly see where the industry is headed.

1. Oil & Gas Industry State

The discussion centers on the current health and trajectory of the US oil and gas sector, particularly in Texas. Key points include the industry's resilience despite geopolitical challenges (like the Venezuela situation) and it...

Live from NAPE 2026, we’re joined by Michael Tanner to discuss the shift in capital allocation within the oil and gas sector. As more family offices and real estate investors enter the space, understanding the "decline curve" has never been more critical.

1. The NAPE (North American Prospect Expo) Conference

The discussion around this major annual oil and gas industry event is a critical venue for deal-making and networking. They note that this year's NAPE is the largest in 3 years, signaling industry recovery. The conference has evolved from being primarily deal-focused to more networking-oriented, th...

What does it really take to build a business from scratch—and scale it fast?

In this episode of The Crude Truth, we sit down with Addison LaBonte, founder of Sweet Addison’s, who turned a personal health journey into a booming nationwide cookie brand. From baking alone in her apartment to shipping over 500 orders a week, Addison shares the real story behind the grind—late nights, hiring a team, and learning to let go of control.

We dive into:

How she scaled from 5 orders a day to tho...

Live from NAPE 2026! This episode of "The Crude Truth" features an insightful discussion on the future of energy security and the impact of the growing tech sector on our power grid. Host Rey Trevino sits down with Dr. Ann Bluntzer Pullin, President of the Hamm Institute for American Energy, and Texas State Representative Helen Kerwin. They dive into the challenges of meeting the massive power demands of new data centers and the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and local communities. Watch the full episode to learn more about how Texas is leading the way in energy innovation.

Are government regulations holding back America’s energy future?

In this episode of The Crude Truth, we sit down with Tyler Lindholm, President of Americans for Prosperity Wyoming, to break down the real impact of federal policies on energy production, land use, and economic growth across Western states.

From coal and oil to permitting reform and federal land control, this conversation dives into:

Why Western states are fighting back against overregulation

How federal policies are slowing energy and infrastructure projects

The truth about co...

What do Iran, California, and electricity have in common? More than you think.

In this episode of The Crude Truth, energy expert Ronald Stein breaks down the complex (and often misunderstood) relationship between global conflict, energy policy, and everyday life. From rising gas prices to refinery shutdowns in California, this conversation uncovers how deeply oil impacts everything—from transportation to the products we rely on daily.

We dive into:

Why crude oil is useless without refineries

How California’s energy decisions could create major risks

The...

The Crude Truth is that we cannot achieve energy dominance with our current maritime structure.

Talk about National Security, this is a huge topic, and Dr. Beatriz Canamary brings the Receipts.

One of her most important points: " After the Second World War, the U S owned 50% of the global fleet, international fleet, and today we own only 0.4%. " The United States could end up like the UK, and not even be able to send anything to defend our national interests if we do not act now.

With the new system...

Just one month into 2026, oil prices have surged nearly $10, Venezuela’s regime has been shaken, Iran is facing internal unrest, and Texas is gearing up for a high-stakes U.S. Senate battle. What does it all mean for energy, politics, and the future of the Lone Star State?

On this episode of The Crude Truth, we sit down with George P. Bush, Managing Partner of Pine Cove Strategies, to break down:

The geopolitical impact of U.S. action in Venezuela

Iran, global LNG demand, and shifting energy al...

As we kick off 2026, financial planning is facing major changes — from new tax laws to retirement strategy shifts and global economic transitions. On this episode of The Crude Truth, Ray sits down with wealth strategist Rebecca Walser to break down what’s happening now and what it means for your financial future.

They dive into retirement tax traps, why 401(k)s may not be enough, Roth and post-tax strategies, the pressure of retiring baby boomers, and how upcoming tax changes could impact everyday Americans. Rebecca also shares insights on emerging technologies, AI, blockchain, energy, and why...

From NASA to the oilfield. A literal rocket scientist, Chad Hanak, explains how precise well placement can boost production by 11%—without changing your AFE. This is the crude truth operators need to hear. Chad Hanak is the President at Superior QC, a Patterson-UTI Company, and is our guest today.

Thank you, Dr. Hanak, for stopping by the Crude Truth Podcast - Rey.

1. The ba...

The Crude Truth Panel discusses Venezuela, Iran, Iraq, and even Greenland.

My opening line is “With so much going on in the world today, is it safe to say that the world is actually healing? But we do have a few more bumpy roads ahead.” may be an understatement.

I am currently writing several articles on new trends in molecule demand, oil demand, pricing, natural gas, and how AI is impacting the oil and energy markets, and this podcast helped kick off the discussion to a great start in 2026.

The...

Texas faces a critical crossroads on energy, taxes, and immigration—and Sanjay Narayan is stepping up with clear solutions. On The Crude Truth, Sanjay shares how cutting property taxes, securing our energy grid with oil, gas, and nuclear power, and enforcing the rule of law can keep Texas thriving. Tune in to hear why this Texas House candidate is ready to fight for conservative values and real economic growth.

Key points discussed in the Crude Truth Podcast are:

1. Sanjay Narayan's candidacy for the Texas House of Representatives District 108, which covers the Hi...