Local Energy

One year later, Peter Brecht and Wade Spear are going back to where Local Energy started: Drill Baby Drill.In this anniversary episode, Peter and Wade look back on the first 51 episodes of Local Energy and revisit the same question that kicked off episode one: what does “Drill Baby Drill” actually mean when you’re looking at it from the oilfield?They talk about oil prices, rig contracts, why activity does not always move as fast as the headlines suggest, and how the industry has changed over the last year. The conversation also covers AI in oil and gas, AI-generated music, favorite guests from year one, weird oilfield market indicators like the Raptor Index and audit activity, and what Local Energy should cover in year two.If you work in oil and gas, drilling, production, service, insurance, energy markets, or you just like real shop talk from people who care about the industry, this episode is for you.Topics discussed:Drill Baby Drill one year laterOil prices and drilling activityRig contracts and operator budgetsAI in oil and gasAI-generated musicOilfield market indicatorsThe Raptor IndexAudit activity as an industry signalEnergy stocks and market volatilityFuture Local Energy guests and deep divesOperations, wireline, production, and drill bitsConnect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrechtConnect with Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear-05995b54Website: https://localenergy.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@localenergyioSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0huYDWqFYOjJScHi26l7Q9Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-energy/id1885425019Email Us: [email protected] Energy is an oil and gas podcast hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, covering drilling, production, field operations, energy markets, oilfield careers, insurance, LNG, power, and the people who actually do the work.

Industrial heat causes 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions — and almost nobody's working on the easy part. James Macnaghten is a Cambridge-trained engineer with 20+ patents who shut down his first energy storage company after realizing it's often cheaper to throw renewable energy away than store it. Now as CEO of Caldera, he's converting cheap electricity into industrial steam using recycled aluminum and volcanic rock — and deploying units into hospitals and factories without requiring grid upgrades.James breaks down why the energy world keeps chasing steelmaking and cement while ignoring brewing, food, and pharma. He makes the case for hybridization over going 100% clean, shares why he thinks oil demand is headed for a crash, and questions whether the AI energy boom can survive its own economics.Caldera's first appearance on the show — and our first guest from across the Atlantic.Timestamps:0:00 Intro0:57 Meet James Macnaghten2:52 Have humans landed on the moon?3:22 Tourists or engineers — which gives more grief?3:35 20+ patents and what James learned about filing5:09 From Cambridge to Isentropic to Caldera7:48 The epiphany: cheaper to throw energy away9:31 Never use air as a heat transfer medium15:53 Industrial heat — the overlooked 20%16:17 Why we're solving the wrong problem first18:51 Hybridization over 100% clean20:02 The 1,000-hour rule for surplus renewables21:04 Caldera alongside factory gas boilers23:02 Diesel prices and R&D cycles27:58 GEA's investment in Caldera29:34 Heat pumps and managing peak demand31:36 First deployments going into a hospital33:31 Oil demand crash prediction35:23 Will the AI energy bubble burst?37:15 Where to find JamesGuest links:James Macnaghten — https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-macnaghten-7aaa65a/Caldera — https://www.caldera.co.uk/Connect with us:Website — https://localenergy.comPeter Brecht — https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/Wade Spear — https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadespear/Guest inquiries — [email protected]

The oil and gas industry is full of corporate talking points and "green energy theater"—this podcast is the antidote.Most energy content is produced by people who have never stepped foot on a rig. Local Energy is different. We bring you authentic shop talk from the people who actually move the needle: field hands, well-site supervisors, drilling engineers, CEOs, and geologists.From the logistics of 31,000-foot wells to navigating the WTI markets, we dive deep into the gritty reality of how energy actually works. No scripts, no corporate filters—just the raw experience of those who have spent more hours in a wireline truck than they can count.Real Industry Insights: The truth about drilling and production.Career Moves: How to build a life and a business in the patch.Market Realities: WTI, service company survival, and industry downturns.New episodes drop every week. Hit the [+] Follow button to stay updated and leave us a 5-star rating if you’re tired of the mainstream energy narrative.

Two former Chevron professionals walked away from corporate energy to build something different. Matt Dangel (CEO) and Richard Ball (COO) of Red Stag Resources join Peter Brecht to explain how non-operated partnerships actually work — and why their conventional asset expertise gives operators something most non-op partners never offer.Matt holds degrees in petroleum, chemical, and electrical engineering from Texas A&M. Richard is a geologist who worked the San Juan Basin, deepwater Gulf of Mexico, and conventional assets in Angola before spending six years in investment banking on the sell side. Together, they bring complementary buy-side and sell-side deal experience to a market segment most of the industry has overlooked.Topics covered in this episode:What non-operated working interests actually are and how JOAs workWhy conventional oil and gas assets are underserved by today's workforceHow Red Stag adds technical value beyond just writing checksThe difference between conventional and unconventional assets explainedBuilding a pitch deck and raising capital for a non-op fundCareer advice for students entering the oil and gas industry in 2030What happened when WTI went negative on April 20, 2020The story of how Matt and Richard met at Chevron (and the giant corner office)How complementary skill sets — engineering vs. geology, optimism vs. cynicism — make a partnership workChoosing operators and basins: Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma, and TexasHow data and AI tools are being applied to conventional assetsMultivariate testing on wells and the risk of turning too many knobs at onceGuest: Matt Dangel, CEO — Red Stag ResourcesGuest: Richard Ball, COO — Red Stag ResourcesWebsite: https://www.redstagresources.comHost: Peter Brecht · Local Energy PodcastWebsite: https://localenergy.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0huYDWqFYOjJScHi26l7Q9Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-energy/id1885425019Contact / Guest inquiries: [email protected]

Leigh Haas ran a congressional campaign before she could legally rent a car. Now she runs Mockingbird Land Services and has managed 350 land agents across a 600-mile, 5-state pipeline project. She joins Peter Brecht and Wade Spear to talk about the side of the energy industry most people never see.From lobbying to land work, Leigh breaks down what landmen actually do, how to call a bluff in a negotiation, and what managing hundreds of agents in the field looked like before Zoom existed.Topics covered in this episode:How Leigh went from running a political campaign to working in oil and gas landThe overlap between lobbying skills and land negotiationWhat landmen actually negotiate — and the tactics that workManaging 350 land agents across a 600-mile, 5-state pipeline corridorHow to keep a field team aligned on remote projects before modern communication toolsWhat Mockingbird Land Services does and the problems it solves for operatorsThe invisible infrastructure work that makes pipelines and energy projects possibleGuest: Leigh Haas, Mockingbird Land ServicesHost: Peter Brecht | Local Energy PodcastWebsite: https://localenergy.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0huYDWqFYOjJScHi26l7Q9Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-energy/id1885425019

A 3% loss in body fluid causes the same cognitive slowdown as a 0.08 blood alcohol level. Randall Arms of Epicore Biosystems joins Peter Brecht to explain why waiting until you're thirsty is already too late — and how wearable sweat-sensing technology is changing oilfield safety.Working in the Permian Basin or San Joaquin Valley means operating in extreme heat with real cognitive and physical consequences most workers never track. Randall breaks down the biology of dehydration, the concept of the industrial athlete, and what a Chevron case study revealed about daily performance loss in the field.Topics covered in this episode:Why thirst is a lagging indicator of dehydrationHow a 3% fluid loss equals 0.08 BAC in cognitive impairmentThe industrial athlete concept and what it means for oilfield workersHow the Epicore patch measures sweat rate and sodium loss in real timeChevron's San Joaquin Valley case study resultsThe truth about energy drinks and diuretics in the fieldLong-term hydration risk — chronic kidney disease for field workersWhat heat stress management looks like going forwardWhether you are a safety professional, field hand, or supervisor in oil and gas, this episode gives you the science and the tools to keep your crew operational in the toughest conditions on earth.Guest: Randall Arms, Epicore BiosystemsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/randallarmsWebsite: https://epicorebiosystems.comHost: Peter Brecht | Local Energy PodcastWebsite: https://localenergy.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0huYDWqFYOjJScHi26l7Q9Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-energy/id1885425019

Discover how elite submarine discipline and cognitive psychology are redefining safety and operational excellence offshore. In this episode of Local Energy, host Peter Brecht sits down with Michael Fry of Core Kognition Global to unpack why human error happens—and what it really takes to own your space in the oil patch.From a decade spent aboard U.S. Navy submarines to testifying during the Macondo hearings, Michael shares the hard-earned lessons that shaped his approach to risk management, documentation, and procedural discipline. He introduces the Part-Whole Method and the AGE framework (Autonomy, Guidance, Encouragement)—a blueprint for building resilient crews in high-stakes environments.You’ll also learn how managing Cognitive Load can prevent costly mistakes, and why tools like RAG systems and LLMs are poised to revolutionize offshore operations by predicting risks before they strike. Whether you’re new to the field or leading from the top deck, this conversation is packed with insights that bridge psychology, technology, and human performance.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Michael Fry and Core Kognition Global01:27 – From Navy Submarines to Offshore Rigs04:17 – The Part-Whole Method: Becoming a Subject Matter Expert07:17 – Why You Should Be Able to Draw Your Systems13:39 – Entrepreneurship in Energy: Lessons from Deepwater Subsea15:10 – The Macondo Hearings: Why Documentation Matters20:36 – AI and LLMs in Oilfield Data Analysis29:26 – Eliminating Human Error Through Psychology33:42 – Understanding Cognitive Load35:49 – The Future of Lean Drilling Operations39:46 – Michael’s Top Submarine MoviesLinks & Resources:🌐 Local Energy💼 Connect with Peter Brecht🤝 Connect with Wade SpearLocal Energy uncovers the people, processes, and technologies shaping the modern energy sector. Join us as we explore the frontier of oil, gas, and natural resources—providing actionable insights for the next generation of energy leaders.#oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy #offshoredrilling #safetyfirst #aiinenergy #humanfactors #operationalexcellence

What happens when a third-generation oilman picks up a camera to tell the story Hollywood refuses to touch?Rickey Bird still works the drilling rigs of Taft, California — and he's making a documentary about it. In this episode, Peter and Wade sit down with Rickey to talk about Kern Oil, his upcoming film that puts a human face on the families and communities caught in the crossfire of California's energy politics.Rickey shares the deeply personal loss that sparked the project, his firsthand view of the "curiosity gap" between public perception and the reality of domestic oil production, and why California's cleanest-in-the-world production standards are being replaced by foreign imports with zero oversight.The conversation also covers the science behind Central Valley air quality, the cultural divide between Oklahoma and California oil country, and yes — why the Landman effect is driving up the price of cowboy hats.Whether you're a patch veteran or just curious about where your energy actually comes from, this one's worth your time.⏱ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: Oklahoma vs. Tulsa energy01:20 - The "Landman" effect and rising cowboy hat prices02:40 - Rickey Bird: Third-generation oilman and filmmaker04:00 - The personal tragedy that sparked Kern Oil06:40 - Cultural divide: Oil in Oklahoma vs. California08:20 - Avoiding the "puff piece" — making a realistic documentary10:40 - California's oil imports and the regulation paradox13:10 - Cinematic influences: Nolan, Spielberg, and Star Wars17:40 - How to bring out the best in interview subjects19:30 - The challenge of filming on an active rig22:15 - Setting the record straight on Kern County air quality25:30 - Kern Oil premiere detailsLinks & ResourcesKern Oil Movie: https://kernoilmovie.comHectic Films: https://hecticfilms.comLocal Energy: https://localenergy.comPeter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/Wade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/About Local EnergyLocal Energy explores the people, technologies, and stories driving the most vital industry on earth. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, we bridge the gap between the field and the future. New episodes every week.#OilAndGas #LocalEnergy #KernCounty #CaliforniaOil #EnergyPolicy #Documentary #OilfieldLife #NaturalResources #Landman #KernOilMovie #EnergyIndependence #PatchLife

Peter Brecht Facetimes with Safety Guy to separate fact from fiction on hydrogen sulfide in the oil and gas industry. After watching the dramatic H2S scene in the hit show Landman, Peter wanted to understand the real dangers, safety protocols, and life-threatening risks that oilfield workers face every day.Safety Guy brings firsthand experience to explain why H2S is comparable to cyanide, how it attacks the central nervous system while preventing oxygen absorption, and why it can cause permanent vision loss at high concentrations. The conversation covers everything from H2S contingency planning and training protocols to the shocking reality that 80 percent of confined space fatalities are would-be rescuers. You will learn about the Denver City tragedy, the recent Colorado dairy farm incident that killed six people, and why that familiar rotten egg smell near sewer ponds is actually a warning sign of H2S presence.Whether you work in the energy industry, are curious about oilfield safety, or just want to understand what Taylor Sheridan got right in Landman, this episode delivers critical information about one of the most dangerous chemicals in oil and gas operations. Safety Guy explains how acid treatments can spike H2S levels, why adjacent wells can have completely different concentrations, and what proper emergency response looks like when monitors start alarming on location.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Safety Guy and H2S topic00:15 - How Safety Guy got his name on TikTok01:04 - Discussing the Landman H2S scene and its dramatic portrayal02:03 - What H2S is and why it is comparable to cyanide02:51 - H2S training and why alarms feel like fictional characters03:14 - How H2S turns into sulfurous acid and vision loss risks03:53 - Can you encounter unplugged H2S wells in the wild04:27 - How acid treatments increase H2S concentrations05:14 - Tank venting systems and H2S release points05:58 - H2S contingency plans and dispersion calculations06:44 - Industry gaps in H2S monitoring on older production07:10 - H2S beyond oil and gas: the Colorado dairy farm tragedy07:35 - Why 80 percent of confined space fatalities are rescuers08:02 - The Denver City Texas H2S tragedy08:54 - Final thoughts on H2S as a villain in the industryLinks & ResourcesConnect with Safety Guy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetyguyokLocal Energy:•Website: https://localenergy.com•Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/•Connect with Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/Resources Mentioned:•Landman TV Series (Paramount Plus )•Denver City, Texas H2S incident•Colorado dairy farm H2S fatality (6 victims)About the ShowLocal Energy is a podcast exploring the people, technology, and stories shaping the oil and gas industry. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, each episode brings authentic conversations with industry professionals about the realities of energy work.#oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy #H2S #oilfieldsafety #hydrogensulfide #energyindustry #safetyfirst #landman #industrialsafety

WTI oil prices are near $90/barrel — and this week marked the biggest single-week WTI price gain in the history of oil trading. Peter Brecht and Wade Spear recorded this impromptu Saturday episode to break down what's really happening, what it means for U.S. operators, and whether $150 or even $200/barrel is actually on the table.In this episode, we cover the Strait of Hormuz crisis (tanker traffic has dropped from ~150 ships/day to just 2), the long-term impact of Middle East infrastructure destruction on oil prices, and the very real decisions facing smaller operators right now — from workovers that weren't economic at $50 but are at $90, to opening chokes and hedging forward production.We also break down Diamondback Energy's standout quarterly earnings, Sable Offshore's 34% single-day stock surge after the Trump administration signaled a federal override of California energy regulations, and the bigger picture: how a conflict halfway across the world is directly affecting rural Oklahoma and U.S. energy production today.Not financial advice. Do your own research.Local Energy is hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear — two oil and gas industry insiders giving you real talk on energy markets, operations, and the business of oil and gas.Drop your questions and comments below — we may address them on the next episode.

Why are energy professionals canceling their SaaS subscriptions and building their own tools instead? In this episode of Local Energy, Peter Brecht (oil & gas insurance broker) and Wade Spear (drilling engineer turned AI Architect) show you exactly how they're doing it — and why it's changing everything.Peter walks through building a custom WordPress plugin and an automated PDF processing tool from scratch using Claude Code, replacing $400/month insurance software with a few well-placed prompts. Wade shares how he's written hundreds of thousands of lines of code to analyze frac data and mud reports in near real-time — with zero prior software engineering background.But this episode goes deeper than tech. Peter and Wade tackle the big questions reshaping the energy industry in 2026: Is AI growth approaching a plateau? Is energy the ultimate bottleneck for the next wave of AI adoption? What does the "Heart Surgeon Dilemma" mean for human reps competing against AI precision? And why is "stupidity" actually a superpower when you're building with AI?If you work in oil and gas — whether you're an engineer, landman, broker, or operator — this is your roadmap for staying relevant.IN THIS EPISODEReplacing expensive SaaS with custom AI-built toolsAutomating non-fillable PDF insurance applicationsReal-time frac data analysis at scaleThe psychological shift behind "Vibe Coding"Why A-Players use AI to pull further aheadCybersecurity risks: prompt injection and exposed API keysTIMESTAMPS00:00 – Replacing $400/mo SaaS with custom Claude plugins02:25 – Automating non-fillable PDF applications04:15 – Real-time frac data analysis: 200k+ lines of code07:30 – The dopamine hit of rapid AI deployment09:10 – Is AI growth exponential or approaching a plateau?13:30 – Why energy is the ultimate bottleneck for AI scaling15:10 – The Heart Surgeon Dilemma: Human reps vs. AI precision18:50 – Why AI makes A-Players more efficient (and others obsolete)22:15 – Security risks: Public GitHub repos and API keys24:35 – Cybersecurity: Prompt injections and invisible PDF threats28:20 – Why "stupidity" is a superpower when coding with AI34:00 – The final verdict on the Death of SaaSLINKS & RESOURCESLocal Energy: https://localenergy.comConnect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/Connect with Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/Local Energy explores the intersection of traditional natural resources and the technology defining the future of the energy industry. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear.#OilandGas #EnergyTech #AI #SaaS #Automation #ClaudeAI #VibeCoding #CyberSecurity #NaturalResources #LocalEnergy

Discover how the worlds of oil and gas, data centers, and AI are colliding to reshape the global energy landscape. Julie Thompson of Halper Strategies joins Peter Brecht to explain why the "bridge to grid" strategy is essential for the future of tech infrastructure.Episode Overview In this episode of Local Energy, Julie Thompson shares her journey from Oklahoma's midstream oil and gas sector to the front lines of data center origination. We dive deep into the massive load growth driven by AI and why tier-one markets like Virginia are being rivaled by new hubs in Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Julie explains the complex ecosystem of "hyperscalers" and "neo cloud providers" who are currently racing to secure reliable, 24/7 power.We also explore the critical sustainability goals of tech giants, including 24/7 carbon-free energy matching and the push to become "net water positive." Whether it's discussing the regulatory nuances of ERCOT or the logistics of building on-site natural gas generation, this conversation highlights the indispensable role that traditional energy expertise plays in supporting the digital future.Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Julie Thompson and Halper Strategies02:36 - The scale of data center load growth and AI impact04:49 - Skills transfer: From produced water to power delivery 06:05 - Defining Hyperscalers vs. Neo Cloud Providers 07:33 - The ecosystem of data center development and grid interconnects 09:23 - The "Man in the Arena" and business lessons from the oilfield 12:20 - Why data centers are building on-site gas generation15:54 - Regulated vs. Deregulated markets: Understanding ERCOT 21:58 - Explaining 24/7 carbon-free energy matching 28:55 - Net water positive goals and data center cooling32:05 - Career advice for students entering the energy sectorLinks & Resources sectionConnect with Julie Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-thompson-542b2611/Local Energy website: https://localenergy.comConnect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/Connect with Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/About the Show Local Energy explores the people and technologies driving the natural resources and energy sectors forward. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, we bring you inside conversations with the leaders shaping our energy future.#oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy #datacenters #energygrid #AI #sustainability #cleanenergy #ERCOT #infrastructure

Calyn Taylor joins Local Energy to break down one of oil and gas's best-kept secrets: factoring. If you've ever wondered how small contractors manage cash flow when operators take 90-120 days to pay, this conversation is for you.We dive deep into the world of invoice financing in oil and gas, exploring how factoring works, why it differs from traditional lending, and the unique challenges of collecting payments in this industry compared to transportation. Calyn shares her journey from transportation factoring to the oil and gas space, and why she's now fascinated by one of the industry's biggest challenges: produced water.From bioremediation to lithium extraction, we explore the future of produced water management and why there's no perfect solution yet—but billions of dollars waiting for whoever cracks it. Plus, Calyn shares brutally honest insights from her job search (193 applications and counting) and advice for introverts trying to break into the industry.KEY TOPICS:✓ What factoring is and how it works in oil & gas✓ Cash flow challenges for small contractors✓ Produced water management and recycling✓ Bioremediation and emerging water technologies✓ Lithium extraction from produced water✓ Breaking into oil & gas as a young professional✓ Denver's growing oil & gas scene✓ Career advice and networking strategiesSHOW LINKSConnect with Calyn:   / calyn-taylor-0306b5248  Philip Reed (Alternative Financing Expert):   / philip-reed-a7743096  Women's Oil & Gas Association (WOGA): https://wogacolorado.org/ NAPE (North American Prospects Expo): https://napeexpo.com/summitOur Website: [https://localenergy.com](https://localenergy.com/)TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction & Technical Difficulties00:49 - Meet Calyn Taylor: Background & Career Journey02:13 - How Calyn Got Into Oil & Gas02:32 - What is Factoring? (Invoice Financing Explained)03:17 - Who Does the Collection Work?04:06 - Transportation vs. Oil & Gas Factoring Differences05:27 - The Underwriting Process for Factoring06:25 - How Long Does Factoring Take to Set Up?06:55 - Philip Reed & Other Factoring Options07:15 - How Widespread is Factoring Across Industries?08:03 - Interest Rates and Factoring Fees09:27 - Why Cash Flow Matters for Small Contractors09:30 - Systems Engineering & Calyn's Educational Path10:03 - Switching Gears: The Produced Water Problem12:32 - Bioremediation: Using Bacteria to Clean Water13:27 - Infrastructure & Coordination Challenges13:55 - Could Calyn Transition Away from Finance?14:28 - Dan Doyle & Saltwater Disposal Conversation14:57 - Wade's Take: Why Produced Water is So Challenging15:46 - The Economics of Water Disposal16:33 - Recycling Pits & Bacterial Growth Issues17:20 - Why There's No Perfect Solution (Yet)17:37 - Lithium Extraction from Produced Water18:45 - What's Next for Calyn?19:10 - Life in Denver & The Job Market19:37 - Women's Oil & Gas Association (WOGA)20:15 - The Reality of Job Hunting: 193 Applications20:44 - Advice for Introverts: Put Yourself Out There21:47 - Denver's Oil & Gas Resurgence22:18 - Water Stewardship in Colorado23:22 - Closing Thoughts & Job Search SupportABOUT LOCAL ENERGY:Local Energy is your inside look at the oil and gas industry, hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear. We bring you conversations with industry professionals about the technical details, business challenges, and innovations shaping energy production today.Have a topic suggestion? Leave it in the comments!#OilAndGas #Factoring #ProducedWater #EnergyIndustry #CashFlow #Bioremediation #OilAndGasFinance #Denver #CareerAdvice #InvoiceFactoring #WaterManagement #EnergyPodcast #OilAndGasJobs #Networking #LithiumExtraction #localenergy

This is a re-release of an episode from January 2026. Join hosts Peter Brecht and Wade Spear for a deep dive into oil and gas fundamentals! In this recap episode, we decode industry terms, analyze market indicators, and break down technical concepts from recent guest conversations.From tracking Ford Raptors in Midland to understanding collapsed casing, this episode covers everything you need to know about what's really happening in the oil patch. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, you'll walk away with practical insights into drilling operations, market trends, and the unique language of oil and gas.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro & New Year Resolutions0:42 - The Raptor Index Explained3:27 - Venezuela Oil Deal: Market Impact Analysis5:06 - 2026 Outlook: Optimism vs Pessimism7:56 - Zipper Fracking Technology Breakdown9:24 - Drilling Day Rates: 2013 vs Today11:14 - Wireline Sales & Quality vs Price13:23 - Hot Stack vs Cold Stack Rigs16:10 - Making a Connection Explained16:28 - Landman TV Show Review18:08 - Wait to Wait in Oil Field Operations19:04 - Collapsed Casing, Sand Bridges & Salt Bridges21:01 - Downhole Design Process (Well Planning)24:46 - Anti-Collision & Crossing SticksKEY TOPICS:✅ Raptor Index market indicator✅ Hot stack rig operations✅ Zipper fracking efficiency✅ Downhole design & well planning✅ Casing strings (7", 5", 4.5")✅ Anti-collision planning✅ Drilling contractor insightsMENTIONED RESOURCES:Our website: https://localenergy.comUnderdog Wireline Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...NAPE Conference (February, Houston): https://napeexpo.com/summitCONNECT WITH LOCAL ENERGY:Subscribe for weekly conversations with industry experts, market analysis, and technical deep dives into oil and gas operations.#OilAndGas #Drilling #EnergyMarkets #RaptorIndex #LocalEnergy #Fracking #WellPlanning #OilPatch #EnergyIndustry #PetroleumEngineering #oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy

In this episode of Local Energy, we sit down with Justin Bates from Echometer to explore how a small 18-person company became the global industry standard for acoustic fluid level measurement in oil and gas operations. From its 1962 origins, using 10-gauge blanks fired from .45 Long Colts, to today's sophisticated portable sensor systems, Echometer's story reveals the power of customer-focused innovation and exceptional technical support.Justin shares how Echometer's technology works, practical field applications for well optimization and troubleshooting, and why the company deliberately chooses not to compete with its own customers through service operations. Whether you're new to production operations or a seasoned field engineer, this conversation offers valuable insights into the tools and techniques that keep wells producing efficiently.🎯 KEY TOPICS COVERED:✅ How acoustic fluid level measurement actually works✅ Echometer's evolution from gunshot-generated waves to modern sensors✅ The company's customer service philosophy and field experience requirement✅ Practical troubleshooting techniques and wellhead optimization✅ Software development vs. hardware innovation✅ Why 18 employees is enough to dominate a global market✅ The business strategy of NOT offering competing services⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction & Welcome00:36 - Weather Talk & Location (Wichita Falls, Texas)01:33 - What is Echometer? Company Overview02:17 - The Original Technology: Shotgun Shells & Acoustic Waves03:09 - Echometer's Legendary Customer Service Philosophy05:25 - Software Development vs. Hardware Innovation05:54 - Can You See Downhole Equipment? How Acoustic Imaging Works07:17 - Understanding Wellbore Reflections & Cross-Sectional Changes10:30 - Live Demo: Total Annulus Management (TAM) Software Walkthrough14:45 - Acoustic Velocity & Temperature Compensation18:20 - Multiple Reflection Analysis & Interpretation22:15 - Real-World Field Applications & Troubleshooting25:30 - The Importance of Field Experience in Customer Support28:45 - Plunger Lift Optimization & Advanced Applications32:10 - Data Collection Philosophy: Learning at the Wellhead37:09 - How Long Does a Typical Fluid Level Shot Take?37:49 - Iterative Testing & Understanding Well Behavior38:45 - Flumping Example: When Wells Flow Up the Backside39:11 - Root Cause Analysis: Chemical Treatment Case Study40:27 - Echometer's Business Model: 18 Employees, No Service Division41:43 - Why Echometer Became Like "Kleenex" (Industry Standard)42:12 - Wrap Up & Where to Find Echometer43:08 - Closing Remarks🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Echometer Website: www.echometer.comFree Training Videos: Ask Echometer Sessions (Day One Fluid Levels recommended)Contact Justin: [email protected]📌 ABOUT LOCAL ENERGY:Local Energy explores the technology, innovation, and people driving the energy industry forward. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, we bring you conversations with industry leaders, engineers, and innovators who are shaping the future of oil and gas operations.🏷️ TAGS:#Echometer #OilAndGas #FluidLevel #WellOptimization #ProductionEngineering #ArtificialLift #AcousticMeasurement #OilFieldTechnology #EnergyIndustry #LocalEnergyPodcast #WellTesting #ProductionOptimization #OilFieldEquipment #PetroleumEngineering #EnergyTech #oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy💬 Join the conversation! What's your experience with acoustic fluid level measurement? Drop a comment below and let us know your thoughts on Echometer's customer-first approach.👍 Like this episode? Subscribe for more deep dives into energy industry technology and innovation!Our website: https://localenergy.com

Discover the fascinating transition from marketing to petroleum geology as Dylan Morton of MidCon Energy breaks down the technical science of detrital zircons and the economic reality of modern water flood optimization.In this episode of Local Energy, Peter and Wade sit down with Dylan Morton, a geologist who took an unconventional path into the oil patch. After realizing marketing wasn't his calling, Dylan pivoted to geology, eventually earning a Master’s degree—a credential he argues is now essential for navigating the competitive petroleum landscape.The conversation dives deep into the technical weeds of Mid-Continent geology, exploring Dylan’s thesis work on detrital zircons and how tracing ancient sediment paths from the Appalachians to the Anadarko Basin informs modern exploration. We also discuss the day-to-day operations at MidCon Energy, focusing on the optimization of conventional water flood assets and the rigorous process of asset evaluation in today's market.Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Oklahoma snow days 01:20 - Career transition: From Marketing to Geology 03:08 - Environmental consulting and BIA/BLM regulatory work 04:08 - Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for historical surveys 05:30 - The decision to pursue a Master’s in Petroleum Geology 06:52 - Technical breakdown: Detrital zircons and the Cottage Grove Sandstone 09:37 - Applying marketing skills to a technical career 14:23 - Is a Master's degree the new industry standard for geologists? 16:48 - Water flood optimization and asset evaluation at MidCon Energy 19:47 - EOR, CO2, and the technical side of conventional plays 26:42 - Networking and professional societies in Tulsa 32:17 - The "Big Oil" hoodie and industry perception in CaliforniaLinks & Resources sectionLocal Energy website: https://localenergy.comConnect with Peter:   / peterbrecht  Connect with Wade:   / wade-spear  Connect with Dylan Morton:   / dylan-morton-87a2a5127  MidCon Energy: https://midcon.energy/ About the Show Local Energy explores the people, technologies, and stories driving the oil and gas industry. Hosts Peter Brecht and Wade Spear bring you candid conversations with professionals from the field to the C-suite.#oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy #geology #petroleumengineering #waterflood #energyindustry #midcontinent #anadarkobasin #careerpath

Energy isn't just an industry—it's the backbone of the modern world.Every week on Local Energy, we go beyond the headlines to share the real stories of the people working in the oilfield. From the grit of the rig floor to the frontier of AI, we provide an insider’s look at how the industry actually works—and why there has never been a more exciting (or complex) time to build a career in energy.Whether you’re turning a wrench or writing code, we’re diving into the shifts reshaping our future and why energy independence matters now more than ever.

Dale Poserow shares his journey of building Expro's wireline division from the ground up—completely solo. From applying for a job he "didn't think he'd get" to navigating the challenges of being a team of one handling sales, operations, and field work, Dale offers an honest look at entrepreneurship in the oil and gas industry.In this episode, we discuss the realities of starting a new business division, the changing landscape of oilfield culture, and why the industry needs to embrace new technologies and vendors. Dale also shares insights on wireline operations in the Marcellus, the impact of super laterals on well management, and why bringing donuts to field crews is still the best sales strategy.What You'll Learn:How to start a division as a solo operator in oil & gasDay-to-day realities of wearing multiple hats in oilfield servicesWhy market conditions make vendor relationships crucialHow millennial leadership is changing oilfield cultureThe technical challenges of deeper wells and super lateralsTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro & Welcome0:26 - What Does Expro Do? Company Overview1:49 - Day-to-Day: Sales, Ops & Field Work4:44 - How Dale Got Started with Expro6:16 - Building a Division Solo: The First Year Challenges10:30 - Career Journey: From Wireline to Division Leader18:45 - Market Conditions & Client Relationships23:30 - Oil & Gas Market Dynamics & Pricing24:23 - Energy Drink Talk: White Monster Wins Again26:36 - Industry Changes: Why Oilfield Needs to Adapt28:32 - Final Thoughts & Wrap UpAbout Our Guest:Dale Poserow leads Expro's wireline division in the Northeast, managing everything from business development to field operations. With extensive experience in remedial wireline and oilfield services, Dale is building a new division from scratch in one of the most active gas-producing regions in North America.Connect With Local Energy:New episodes every weekLike & Subscribe for more oil & gas industry insightsComment below with your questions for future guests

“Operating a small business feels like a daily knife fight where you get out of bed, try not to get stabbed, get back in bed, and do it all over again." Brent BeshoreFor Dan Doyle, though, it might have a little more real-life than proverbial. Author of the upcoming book "Of Roughnecks & Riches: A Start-Up in the Great American Fracking Boom," Dan joins the Local Energy Podcast to share his incredible journey starting a hydraulic fracturing company in 2009—right as the global financial crisis hit. From knife-wielding truck builders in Oklahoma to drilling 31,000-foot wells in Wyoming's Powder River Basin, Dan's story is a masterclass in oil and gas entrepreneurship.Book Pre-Order: "Of Roughnecks & Riches: A Start-Up in the Great American Fracking Boom" by Dan Doyle (Available February 2026): https://a.co/d/06XrjMMVisit http://localenergy.com and sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win ONE of TWO copies of the book at launch.TIMESTAMPS0:33 Current Market Conditions & 2026 Outlook2:59 Writing "Roughnecks and Riches"3:25 Getting Into the Frac Business in 20084:20 The Oklahoma Builder Nightmare8:00 Gun Confrontation in the Trailer11:30 Building Reliance from Scratch15:45 Breaking Into the Bakken Market20:15 The Roughneck Culture & Industry Stories24:30 Why Dan Wrote This Book28:10 The Environmental Debate: Oil vs Renewables32:34 Brine Water Management & Industry Practices34:23 Closing ThoughtsWHAT WE COVERCurrent oil market conditions: Why $55/barrel is the "surrender point" for operatorsOPEC's unwinding of voluntary cuts and what it means for supply/demandThe insane story of starting a frac company with questionable builders in OklahomaWhy oil hit $147 in July 2008, then crashed during the financial crisisConfronting a builder who threatened him with a knife over frac truck delaysThe reality of entrepreneurship: 3AM panic attacks and making payrollManaging volatile revenue streams in capital-intensive businessesWhy the smartest people in the oilfield don't always have college degreesA driller with only a high school diploma drilling 31,000-foot wells in 13 daysThe unique strategy of being both an operator AND a service companyHow rig counts dropped from 2,000 to 417—and where they're headed nextWhere everyone was when WTI went negative on April 20, 2020Career paths to $300K+ as a company man without an engineering degreeWyoming's business-friendly regulatory environment vs other statesThe renewable energy debate: "Big Oil vs Big Shovel"Water management innovation: 100% brine water reuse in fracking operationsKEY INSIGHTS Dan shares hard-won lessons about scaling a capital-intensive business, managing remote crews working 20-30 days straight, and navigating the boom-bust cycles that define the oil and gas industry. He discusses the reality of working in extreme conditions—40-50 mph winds in freezing temperatures while maintaining operations—and why he believes the green energy movement doesn't understand the sacrifice required to keep the lights on.ABOUT THE GUESTDan Doyle operates in multiple basins, including Appalachia, Illinois Basin, and Wyoming's Powder River Basin. His company provides third-party fracturing services while also operating its own drilling program—a unique vertical integration model in the oil and gas service sector.SHOW NOTESBook Pre-Order: "Of Roughnecks & Riches: A Start-Up in the Great American Fracking Boom" by Dan Doyle (Available February 2026): https://a.co/d/06XrjMMFollow on X: https://x.com/DanDoyleOil