Oilfield Strong

How can AI agents help businesses work smarter and leverage their workforce?

Scott Marmoll, founder of Second Mind Systems, joins Oilfield Strong to break down how AI agents move beyond basic chat tools to actually perform tasks, connect systems, and automate repetitive workflows. From managing email and processing data to supporting highly technical business processes, Scott explains how companies of any size can use AI to increase capacity while keeping human judgment in the loop.

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 why addressing aging wells now could help prevent a much larger problem later.

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 the Texas House, Rosenthal shares his perspective on supporting responsible operators, addressing orphan and inactive wells, modernizing the Railroad Commission, and finding common ground between industry and government.

The conversation also tackles some of t...

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 the businesses and communities that support oil and gas production.

The conversation also covers changes to New Mexico’s Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund under House Bill 80, the Environment Department’s proposed methane-abatement rule, and continuing debate over the treatment and reuse of produced water.

Thi...

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 geosteering.

From four-mile laterals to AI-driven and increasingly autonomous drilling, where is the industry headed next?

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 the future of energy reliability and meeting the explosive growth in data center power needs.

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 safeguard your operations in today’s dynamic oilfield landscape.

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 dispatchable, clean energy that’s scalable, efficient, and closer than you think.

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 growing demand. He explains why produced water represents both an environmental solution and a potential long-term water resource for communities across Texas. Whether you're involved in oil and gas, water management, agriculture, economic development, or public policy, this...

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 smarter investment decisions.

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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 infrastructure growth. Wright shares how his team is working to tackle these issues head-on while supporting responsible energy development across Texas.

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 reveals the important role plugging plays in safeguarding groundwater and managing wellsite liabilities.

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 and explore innovative policy solutions that balance industry, community, and environmental interests.

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 infrastructure to support the Permian Basin's vital energy production. Darby also explores the complex politics and challenges involved in building a sustainable energy future for Texas.

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 ever to realizing its full potential.

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 strategies to better manage these expenses as a business owner.

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 demands and innovative applications such as water desalination and medical isotopes.

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 clarity on U.S. energy policy, market dynamics, and critical industry hurdles like water management and “zombie wells.”

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 environmental advocates and the energy sector.

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 between fossil fuels and clean energy.

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 assets nationwide. Together, they dig into the economics, technical challenges, and emerging trends across major shale basins.

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 orphaned wells on the land, the air, and downhole. Together, they dive into the costs, regulatory hurdles, and the urgent need for innovation in well plugging. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the challenges and solutions...

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. Tune in to gain insights that could reshape your understanding of the energy landscape!

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 and government actions. From efficiency gaps in fossil fuels to the role of policy and innovation, this is a powerful conversation on the realities of today’s energy landscape.

Featuring Anne Idsal Austin, Founder of Austin Legal & Public Affairs. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode dives into the complexities of NAAQS non-attainment designations, including whether rural oil-producing areas like the Permian Basin are at risk. Anne breaks down the history of air quality standards, what non-attainment truly means, and if re-designation is ever possible—backed by her deep experience in both federal and state environmental policy. 

Featuring Sarah Stogner, Oil & Gas District Attorney. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode explores the real-world challenges surrounding well plugging and abandonment (P&A) in the oilfield. Sarah shares insights on regulatory roles, industry responsibilities, and the pressing need for accountability—highlighting what’s working, what’s not, and how we can improve moving forward. 

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 community. 

Featuring Lee Fuller, Officer of Environment and General Strategy at IPAA. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode breaks down the critical role of Subpart W in shaping EPA actions like GHG regulations and the Methane Tax. Lee discusses upcoming changes to facility definitions and emissions factors, their potential impact on reported values, and what operators can do now to prepare and mitigate risks. 

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 operators moving forward. 

Featuring Dr. Michael Dourson, Director of Science at TERA. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode takes a global view of PFAS research, revealing how differing scientific methodologies across countries lead to conflicting conclusions. Dr. Dourson explains why these differences matter—especially when it comes to shaping regulations and the potential economic impact on the oil and gas industry. 

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 energy transition. 

Featuring Elizabeth Lieberknecht and Daniel Zavala-Araiza of the Environmental Defense Fund. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode examines how EDF uses aircraft and satellite technology to collect methane emissions data across the oilfield. The discussion focuses on the accuracy, usability, and regulatory implications of this data, and its potential to drive more effective methane mitigation strategies. 

Featuring Sean Donegan, President and CEO of Satelytics. Previously an Environmental Video Library Exclusive, this episode explores the growing role of satellite technology in detecting oilfield emissions with high precision. Sean discusses how operators can leverage this data to protect themselves from Super-Emitter claims, respond to EPA flyovers, and even forecast future issues before they escalate. 

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 program and its implications for EPA authority and industry compliance. 

Featuring Mallori Miller, VP of Government Relations for the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA). In this episode, Mallori and Grant break down key policy challenges facing the industry. From the endangerment finding and federal land regulations to reconciliation efforts and the impact of government announcements on operators, Mallori provides expert insights into what’s ahead for oil and gas professionals.