The Landcast

In this episode of The LandCast, Brandon and Jeremy sit down with Neil McCrary, owner of Scout Check Report, one of the Illinois Basin’s longest-running oil and gas publications.Neil shares his unique journey from horse racing at Churchill Downs to managing oil production operations and ultimately purchasing Scout Check in 2024. The conversation explores the rich history of oil production in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky, including the story of a 110-year-old Indiana oil well that is still producing today.They discuss how Scout Check tracks drilling activity across the Illinois Basin, the evolution of oil scouting from binoculars and courthouse records to modern technology, and the challenges of reporting accurate industry information in a rapidly changing energy landscape.Neil also offers his perspective on the current state of the Illinois Basin, industry consolidation, oil prices, and why he remains optimistic about the region’s future.

What does it take to build an oil and gas company from the ground up?In this episode of the LandCast, Brandon and Jeremy Chasteen sit down with Bert Ferrara, President and CEO of Revitalize Resources, to discuss his remarkable journey from Yale football player to investment banker, attorney, and ultimately oil and gas entrepreneur. Bert shares how he launched Revitalize Resources in the Illinois Basin, the lessons he learned through industry downturns, and why adaptability, strong teams, and financial discipline are critical to long-term success.The conversation covers entrepreneurship, oil and gas operations, leadership, technology, the future of the Illinois Basin, and practical advice for young professionals looking to build a career or business of their own. Bert also discusses how Revitalize Resources has grown through strategic acquisitions, operational excellence, and a commitment to creating value for investors and communities alike.

Brandon and Jeremy sit down with Seth Whitehead, Executive Director of the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board, to talk about the history, future, and public perception of oil and gas in Illinois. Seth shares how IPRB educates students, supports environmental restoration, and helps tell the story of an industry made up largely of local, family-run producers. They also discuss fracking misconceptions, the impact of shows like Landman, abandoned tank battery cleanup, workforce development, and why energy demand means oil and gas will remain essential for years to come. Check out the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board here and at their YouTube channel! Or on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X.

In the very first episode of The Landcast, Brandon and Jeremy dive into the realities of becoming landmen and what it actually takes to succeed in the industry. Jeremy shares stories from his early days working title in the Barnett Shale and isolated West Texas courthouses during the Eagle Ford boom, where complex mineral ownership, sandstorms, and century-old records became his training ground. Along the way, they explore the difference between surface and mineral title, why courthouse research is more art than science, the importance of asking questions, and why some highly academic personalities struggle in the industry. Brandon and Jeremy also discuss the evolution of modern land work, the relationship between landmen, title companies, surveyors, and attorneys, and why adaptability matters more than perfection (which also matters, of course).