Oilfield Strong

Ep. 98 - Can Produced Water be an Asset for West Texas?

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 is a discussion you won't want to miss.

Ep. 97 - AI & Mineral Buying: The New World

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. #artificialintelligence #royalties #EnergyTech #DataAnalytics #DataAndAI #automation #oilandgas #oilandgasindustry #podcast #oilfieldstrongpodcast #oilfieldstrong

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.