Oilfield Strong

Ep. 96 - Clayton Williams…How It Started

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.

Ep. 95 - RRC Republican Run-Off: Chairman Jim Wright

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.

Ep. 94 - Do You Really Know How to Plug a Well?

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.

Ep. 93 - Marginal to Orphan Wells: An Expensive Evolution

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.

Ep. 92 - Electrical Transmission Faces State Challenges

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.