Lease Road Commute

Leadership Lessons from the Oilfield with Gareth Young

Join hosts Ray Belcher and Rick Berman for a powerful conversation with Gareth Young, a man who has lived the full spectrum of the oilfield — from painting parking bollards in Louisiana to serving as Senior Vice President of US Operations at Intercorp.Gareth’s story blends leadership, faith, family, discipline, calling, and integrity in a way few people can articulate. In this episode, he shares:What “power under control” really meansWhy meekness is misunderstoodHow to lead through influence instead of authorityHow to make the tough calls even when the cost is highWhy integrity must outrank profitWhat men can do to avoid isolationHow fathers and husbands can remain present despite long hitchesThe role of the church in helping men find identityThe children’s books he and his family are writingWhat God has put on their hearts to build nextThis episode is loaded with wisdom for leaders, husbands, fathers, young men searching for identity, and oilfield workers navigating pressure and uncertainty.Purchase Gareth's BooksThe ABC's of Creation: https://amzn.to/47USv6JNoah and The Ark: https://amzn.to/4ad6x50Chapters00:00 – Opening00:53 – Gareth’s background and family03:09 – From New Jersey farms to the oilfield06:24 – Balancing faith, ministry, and leadership09:25 – Leading through influence, not authority10:41 – Knowing what to say no to13:31 – How family shapes leadership decisions16:20 – Navigating conflict with confidence18:38 – What meekness really means19:51 – Gareth’s top leadership books22:39 – Systems, structure, and staying centered26:07 – Handling pressure in a shaky oil market28:23 – Encouragement for dads working long hitches32:16 – How God shows up through people34:37 – The importance of community and avoiding isolation38:46 – Leaders who shaped Gareth40:44 – Advice for single men seeking a wife41:33 – Integrity and making tough decisions45:04 – How to escape isolation and burnout48:39 – What Gareth is building now49:56 – Writing children’s books and upcoming projects55:11 – Finding identity and purpose in Christ57:51 – Gareth’s encouragement for men struggling with identity

Kacy Clemens on Baseball, Family, & Business

On this episode of the Open Lease Road Podcast, Rick and Ray sit down with Kacy Clemens, former Texas Longhorn baseball standout and son of MLB legend Roger Clemens.Kacy opens up about growing up in a baseball household, the pressures of carrying a famous last name, and the lessons he’s learned transitioning from professional sports into business and family life.He shares insights on investing, entrepreneurship, playing golf with the President, and how becoming a new dad has reshaped his perspective on balance, presence, and purpose.If you’re navigating family expectations, chasing success, or learning how to stay grounded, this conversation is packed with takeaways.Chapters0:00 – Intro & Welcome1:30 – Growing up a Clemens5:00 – Lessons from Roger Clemens’ journey7:00 – Pressure of carrying a famous last name11:30 – Learning to stay present & grateful15:00 – Transition from baseball to business18:30 – Early investing lessons & Apple stock story20:00 – Building discipline & values for the next generation22:00 – Finding new competition through golf24:00 – Playing golf with President Trump28:30 – Balancing family, faith, and business32:00 – Running the Clemens family office38:00 – Deal flow, integrity, and reputation in business43:00 – Thoughts on oil, gas, and investments49:00 – Encouragement for dads and those away from family52:30 – Closing thoughts

Leadership Lessons from the Oilfield with Jared Blong

In this powerful episode of The Lease Road Commute, hosts Rick Bergman and Ray Belcher sit down with Jared Blong — founder of Octane Energy, entrepreneur, husband to the mayor of Midland, and a man deeply committed to servant leadership.Jared shares his incredible journey from El Paso to Midland, from industrial plumbing to high-tech drilling, and from burnt-out to purpose-driven. With wisdom forged from both success and hardship, he breaks down why leaders need to "smell like their sheep," the importance of stewarding people well, and how faith shapes every part of his life—from marriage to business to civic service.This one is packed with value for anyone working in oil & gas, raising a family, or trying to lead with integrity in a fast-paced world.Chapters00:00 – Smell Like Your Sheep00:59 – Meet Jared Blong01:27 – Married to the Mayor of Midland03:42 – The Heart for Midland & the Permian04:50 – Daughter at the Naval Academy07:37 – Jared’s Path to Oil & Gas13:23 – Building Octane Energy18:07 – Leadership in the Oilfield22:45 – Key Lessons for Future Leaders24:11 – Book Recs: Wisdom of the Bullfrog, Proverbs, Philippians26:29 – The Wildcatter Spirit in Midland28:59 – What to Do During a Layoff30:36 – Leading at Home & in the Field34:34 – Striving vs. Surrender43:07 – Final Thoughts on Leadership & Service51:15 – Outro & SubscribeSubscribe to catch more impactful conversations like this one.Available on all major podcast platforms.

From Pro Rugby to Pastor with Ernie Kruger

In this powerful episode of The Lease Road Commute, hosts Ray Belcher and Rick Bergman sit down with Ernie Kruger—a former professional rugby player turned missionary and pastor. From growing up in South Africa to navigating fame, faith, and fatherhood, Ernie shares his raw story of transformation and what it means to be a man of purpose in a chaotic world.You’ll hear honest reflections on identity, spiritual crisis, and the power of brotherhood. Ernie also unpacks the danger of isolation, the myth of retirement, and why men must be providers, protectors, and lovers.Whether you're in the oil fields of West Texas or balancing fatherhood and career, this episode offers timely encouragement and truth. Don’t miss this one.Recorded at Forty Wolves Podcast Studio in Midland, Texas.Subscribe for more episodes of The Lease Road Commute.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & Introductions02:45 – Ernie’s West Texas Return & Cowboy Hat Story05:30 – Growing Up in South Africa & Rugby Dreams10:15 – Fame Without Fulfillment: Hitting Rock Bottom14:40 – A Friend’s Faithful Influence18:00 – Discovering Real Faith21:35 – Why Men Replace God with Work26:00 – The Power of Brotherhood & “Me + 3”30:45 – Finding Help in Crisis Moments36:10 – How to Cultivate Deep Male Friendships40:30 – Redefining Success Through Faith & Family46:20 – Embracing Crisis as Part of Calling52:10 – Purpose in the Chaos56:00 – What It Means to Be a Man: Provide, Protect, Love1:02:00 – Final Encouragement to Men in Hard Places1:04:15 – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

What Makes a Godly Husband? - with Pastor Laud Allotey

In this powerful episode of The Lease Road Commute, hosts Ray Belcher and Rick Bergman sit down with Pastor Laud Allotey, who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring entrepreneur in Ghana to full-time ministry and family leadership.Pastor Laud opens up about the tug-of-war between worldly success and spiritual calling, how he met his wife, and the unexpected path that led him to pastorship. From navigating cultural dynamics in Ghana to building a Christ-centered marriage, this episode is packed with wisdom, vulnerability, and practical advice for men pursuing purpose.🎙 Whether you’re wrestling with your calling, seeking godly relationship advice, or needing encouragement during seasons of failure, Pastor Laud’s testimony will resonate deeply.Like, subscribe, and share to help others hear more real conversations about faith, leadership, and authentic living.Chapters00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:18 – Where Is Ghana? Geography & Culture04:23 – Jollof Rice Rivalry & Ghanaian Cuisine08:52 – Life in Ghana vs. Midland10:37 – How Laud’s Ministry Journey Began14:20 – The Hustle Culture in Africa18:10 – Feeling the Call: From Business to Ministry21:45 – Struggles with Guilt & Returning to Church25:32 – The Hospital Analogy for Faith27:05 – God’s First Call: “Get Married”30:14 – How He Met His Wife33:47 – Setting Relationship Intentions Early37:21 – Red Flags & Dealbreakers in Dating42:10 – The Role of Respect in Marriage45:45 – Equal Yoking and Shared Pace48:55 – Navigating Failure While Honoring God52:03 – What to Do When You Don’t See Results55:30 – Encouragement for Isolated Men58:48 – Final Thoughts & Closing Prayer