Power of the Permian

Kirk Edwards, President of Latigo Petroleum, joins Power of the Permian for a conversation about the forces shaping West Texas energy and the value of positive industry representation and public education.

We explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding data centers, Permian land, and produced water, along with how financial discipline is changing the industry’s traditional boom-and-bust cycles. From AI in oil and gas operations to Middle East conflict and electricity prices, we discuss how developments close to home and around the world connect to the value of Texas energy.

Kirk also shares his perspective on philanthropy, community investment, and giving back to West Texas, with reflections on his Top Hand Award recognition and the industry’s future.

Trey Bates, a midstream construction consultant with 20 years in the industry, joins Power of the Permian for a candid conversation about career growth, the realities of construction work, and advocating for your future.

We explore mentorship, wages and benefits, financial planning, and the importance of transparency around per diem and contractor pay.

Trey also shares his perspective on union and nonunion opportunities and the considerations workers face when choosing a career path.

The conversation goes beyond the jobsite to discuss learning new skills, navigating adversity, and entrepreneurship, along with the personal growth that comes from starting over.

Ed Curtis, founder and CEO of Y Texas, joins Power of the Permian for a conversation about business growth, technology, and the connections that help move Texas forward.

We explore why companies and people are moving to Texas, what makes Austin a hub for innovation, and how breaking down regional silos can create opportunities across the state. From AI and the changing workplace to self-driving cars and the evolution of podcasting as a media platform, we discuss how new technology is reshaping the way we work, travel, and connect.

Ed also shares his perspective on resilience, adapting to change, and staying open to new ideas as Texas continues to grow.

Michael Maltsev, CEO of RigER, joins Power of the Permian to share the story behind the company and discuss the changing needs of oilfield service and equipment rental businesses.

We explore why going global requires understanding local markets, how specialized rental businesses find their competitive edge, and why face-to-face networking still matters in a technology-driven world. Michael also shares his perspective on building software with AI and bringing new technology into an industry where paper tickets remain part of everyday operations.

Hal Wallace, President of Ryan & Jacobs, returns to Power of the Permian for a conversation about debt collection, financial pressure, and protecting business relationships in the oil and gas industry.

Hal shares what companies should know about rising bankruptcies, predatory lending, monitoring accounts receivable and payable, and when to begin the collection process. We also discuss why communication is critical, the value of pausing before making major decisions, and how businesses can pursue successful recovery without immediately turning to litigation.

Later in the episode, Hal opens up about sobriety, managing stress, building a strong company culture, and what’s ahead for Ryan & Jacobs as the company continues to grow.

Nathan Montes, founder of Wage Wobble, joins the show to introduce a new grassroots movement focused on skilled trades workers, with much of the early conversation centered around rig welders in the oil and gas industry.

Nate shares what inspired him to start Wage Wobble and how conversations around wages, declining buying power, benefits, and working conditions began gaining traction among welders. What started as an idea is now beginning to develop into a broader movement around worker solidarity, representation, and raising standards within the trades.

We discuss the realities behind hourly wages versus total compensation, the gaps that can exist in benefits and long-term career opportunities, and why Nate believes workers need stronger pathways to build sustainable careers.

With Wage Wobble still new and taking shape, Nate also shares his vision for where it could go, the response he’s received from workers so far, and the next steps for turning a grassroots conversation into something that can create meaningful change.

Stephanie Pena of Renegade Group joins the show for a conversation about hiring, workforce trends, and what today’s job market looks like across the oil and gas industry.

Stephanie shares what she’s seeing firsthand through hiring events and live interviews, including the experience levels of candidates entering the market, the difference between temporary opportunities and permanent roles, and how wage expectations compare with total compensation packages.

We also discuss the realities of relocation, the availability of local talent, and the growing conversation around career stability versus frequent job changes. Stephanie offers perspective on what employers are looking for and some of the challenges companies face when trying to attract and retain experienced workers.

Brandon Wamsley, Managing Member of Flatirons Chemicals, joins the show for a conversation about leadership, company culture, and the realities of building a career in the oil and gas industry.

Brandon shares his journey, experiences in the industry, and perspective on what it takes to build strong teams and organizations. We talked about the realities of working in extreme oilfield conditions, understanding and respecting the different cultures that exist across the industry, and the divide that can develop between field operations and the corporate side of a company.

We also discuss breaking down silos, building a culture where people can work together effectively, and the role leadership plays in setting expectations and creating accountability. From navigating professional relationships and nepotism to recognizing merit and earning opportunities, the conversation takes a candid look at some of the dynamics that shape careers and companies.

Brandon also shares his perspective on overcoming doubt, recognizing where your strengths are, and finding the lane where you can contribute, grow, and build something meaningful.

Suzie Boyd, CEO of Caballo Loco Midstream, joins the Power of the Permian podcast to share lessons learned from a career that has spanned decades across the oil and gas industry.

From her early years in the business and a long tenure with Mobil to building her own successful midstream company, Suzie has experienced firsthand the booms, busts, mergers, technological advancements, and industry evolution that have shaped the Permian Basin.

In this episode, we discuss navigating uncertainty, developing expertise, embracing challenging opportunities, and adapting to constant change throughout a career. Suzie also shares insights into the emergence of the midstream sector, building Caballo Loco Midstream, balancing family and career, and her advice for the next generation entering the energy industry.

Whether you’re an industry veteran, young professional, entrepreneur, or simply interested in the people who have helped shape American energy, this conversation offers valuable perspective from one of the most experienced voices in the field.

Paul O’Connor, co-owner of Tame Rabbit Media Partners, joins the podcast to discuss his journey from the oil field to the film industry and the growing opportunities within Texas independent film.

In this episode, we explore building production companies, breaking into the business, current film projects, and how emerging technologies like AI are changing the creative landscape. Paul also shares insights on production quality, storytelling, marketing, film distribution, and why authenticity remains one of the most important elements of great filmmaking.

Whether you’re interested in media production, entrepreneurship, or the future of creative industries, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring stories to life.