J.D. Leach joins the show for a candid conversation about resilience, accountability, and rewriting your life’s trajectory. From surviving the Texas juvenile justice system to building a 27-year career in oil and gas, JD’s path has been anything but conventional. He began his career in the field and today works as an account manager at Enercorp, where he’s been for the past five years.

In this honest conversation, J.D. talks about the experiences that shaped him, the turning point that changed his life, and what led him to write his first book, Behind Closed Eyes. He opens up about finding purpose through work, adapting as the industry evolved, and how taking ownership of his past allowed him to grow personally and professionally.

J.D. also shares how saying yes to unexpected opportunities led him into acting, with appearances in Lioness and Stan the Man.

This episode is about resilience, accountability, and proving that where you start doesn’t have to define where you finish.

Paloma Prieto, CEO of Znergen Operating, leads a family-owned energy services company in Big Spring, Texas, that has grown from its roots in water transportation into a full-spectrum provider in the Permian Basin.

From water hauling to well-service support, Znergen combines specialized equipment, local expertise, and a commitment to safety and quality to meet the demands of a dynamic industry.

Paloma shares her journey through different roles in the company, the lessons she’s learned in leadership and team building, and how she’s helped guide Znergen through challenges, competition, and unexpected setbacks. She also reflects on pivotal moments that shaped the company’s growth and her vision for its future.

Whitney Robinson, President of Texas FR Supply, sat down with me to talk through what it’s really like figuring out a new industry from the ground up.

We got into her experience entering oil and gas as a woman, the learning curve that comes with a young business, and the moments that helped her find her footing along the way. Whitney also shared how she balances building a business with family life, showing what it takes to manage both without losing focus.

She talked about building her network, making the right connections, and gradually carving out her own path in the FR and safety space. We also discussed what drew her into this line of work in the first place and what she’s discovering as she grows through the process.

Maxim Kabanov, CEO of Alteriver, joins the podcast to share insights on well-integrity solutions, tackling corrosion, paraffin, and other downhole production challenges.

We cover Alteriver’s background, the science behind well-integrity issues, regional differences in corrosion and paraffin, the company’s global operations, and the environmental and operational benefits their technologies bring to the industry. Maxim also shares success stories that highlight Alteriver’s impact in the field.

Derek Cook, managing member of DDC Law PLLC, joins the show to share his path into oil & gas law and how he established his practice in Midland.

He tells the remarkable story of a drilling rig that went missing — a dispute that resulted in a $1.9 million verdict covered by local media — and walks through the courtroom strategy, challenges, and lessons learned from this significant case.

From carving out a niche in the Permian Basin to navigating the aftermath of major trials, Derek reflects on how these experiences have influenced the next chapter of his work, including a growing focus on family law and serving clients in new ways.

Ryan Sampey of BH Energy Services joins the show to talk about the company’s growth, technical expertise, and continued leadership in gas dehydration across North America.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, BH Energy Services has evolved from a small, specialized operation into a trusted name known for its precision, reliability, and results-driven service. Ryan shares how the company’s steady growth has been built on a foundation of technical excellence, strong client relationships, and a commitment to solving real challenges in the field.

He also discusses the importance of preventative maintenance, training, and system optimization, and how BH’s team continues to expand their reach through innovative solutions and a customer-first approach.

Rich Rendon shares his story of hard work, perseverance, and the power of relationships in the oil and gas industry. From his early years and first steps into sales to leading R3OG, a company focused on innovative solutions for oilfield operations, Rich opens up about the lessons that shaped his approach to trust, innovation, and long-term growth.

R3OG specializes in advanced oil remediation products that encapsulate and neutralize hydrocarbons, offering a safer and more effective alternative to traditional cleaning methods. Their solutions are designed to address environmental challenges in oilfield operations while enhancing safety and efficiency.

This conversation dives into the realities of building a business, serving customers with integrity, and staying ahead in a competitive and evolving market.

Trey Lawson, VP of Sales & Marketing at Mesa Natural Gas Solutions, joins the show to discuss how Mesa is transforming stranded natural gas into reliable distributed power. Trey shares insights on innovation in energy, industry trends, and how education and adaptability are shaping the sector’s future. He also talks about Mesa’s commitment to American manufacturing, its strong company culture, and the role veterans play in the organization.

A thoughtful look at leadership, learning, and the evolution of clean, efficient power generation.

Corey Thompson joins the podcast to share his journey from early career growth to finding success in real estate. He talks about his first deals, navigating money and investing, and how he approaches repurposing properties and building community-focused concepts.

Corey also dives into mindset, taking calculated risks, and spotting opportunities, while offering insights on the evolving housing market, real estate supply, and practical advice for anyone looking to grow in the industry.

Jasen Gast, President & CEO of Oilfield Service Professionals, joins the show to share how he and his team built OSP from its West Texas beginnings into a respected oilfield services company.

We cover the early challenges of starting up in a tough market, the grit it took to push forward, and how company culture has been central to their growth. Jasen explains OSP’s pillars of quality, technology, and value, and how the team has scaled through leadership, communication, and resilience.

From navigating market volatility and industry consolidation to embracing digital innovation and international expansion, this episode highlights both the business strategy and the human side of building a strong team in the oilfield.