Tiffany Legg, a graduate student at the University of Oklahoma, joins the show to talk about how she found her way into geology and what it really takes to understand the subsurface.

We get into why good projects start with good rocks, how geologists think in 3D and across deep time, and what she's doing now to build real experience through internships and fieldwork. Tiffany also shares her perspective on orphaned wells, and how the next generation is starting to look at challenges as opportunities.

JP Warren, Founder of Crue Club, joins the show to talk about building real connections in business.

From the origin of Crue Club to how he’s grown a strong, in-person network, JP shares what it takes to create meaningful relationships and stay consistent over time. We also expand on networking across the industry, from staying in the same circles to broadening your perspective, and how different paths into oil and gas shape the way people connect and do business.

We get into podcasting and avoiding burnout, authenticity versus chasing content trends, and the shift happening around wellness and alcohol at industry events. JP also shares his perspective on personal responsibility in networking, what goes into running intentional events, and how entrepreneurship, feedback, and staying open to change all play a role in long-term growth.

This conversation focuses on community, opportunity, and the role relationships still play in business.

Mary Carmen Luna, Permian Basin Site Director for Skillpoint Alliance, joins the show to share how workforce development is evolving across West Texas and the real impact of hands-on training programs in the energy industry.

From closing the skills gap to creating direct pathways into high-demand careers, Skillpoint Alliance is helping individuals build sustainable futures while supporting the needs of operators and service companies across the Permian Basin.

Their tuition-free programs focus on essential trades including electrical, HVAC, and plumbing, equipping students with the skills, certifications, and connections needed to step directly into the workforce.

Mary Carmen breaks down how the program works, who it’s for, and why this model is creating real opportunities for both students and employers.

Juan Hernandez, VP of Energy Services for the Permian Basin at TETRA Technologies, shares his journey across global oilfield operations and the perspective he’s gained working in diverse environments.

From Venezuela to Africa to the Permian Basin, he discusses adaptability, relocating his family during COVID, and the leadership principles he’s developed through years of working across different teams, cultures, and challenges.

The conversation also explores the growth of the Permian, produced water challenges, and how innovation in water recycling is helping drive the future of the industry.

Stephanie Hajducek, founder of This One’s for the Gals, shares her journey and mission to create more opportunities for women in industry.

We talk about early exposure to careers in energy, construction, and manufacturing, the importance of support systems, and building confidence in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Stephanie also touches on leadership, networking, and turning challenges into growth.

At its core, this conversation is about access, community, and showing the next generation what’s possible.

Tom Poteet, VP of Corporate Development at Mesa Power Solutions, joins the show to break down power across oil & gas, data centers, and emerging infrastructure.

We cover Mesa’s service-driven culture, delivering reliable power in demanding environments, and how those same principles are scaling into new markets. Tom also shares insights on grid strain, the reality behind “the cloud,” and how AI is shaping strategy and decision-making.

A strong, real-world conversation on where power and technology are headed.

Chuck Smith, CEO of Guardian Infrastructure Solutions, joins the Power of the Permian podcast to discuss cybersecurity, digital supply chains, and the growing risks businesses face in an increasingly connected world.

Guardian Infrastructure Solutions helps organizations secure and manage cloud, infrastructure, and data environments while improving visibility and resilience across their systems. In this conversation, Chuck explains the different types of threat actors, shares real-world cyber attack examples, and discusses why security awareness is becoming critical for modern businesses.

As industries like oil and gas rely more on connected systems and digital infrastructure, protecting operations and data is becoming an essential part of doing business.

Rey Treviño III, Director of Operations at Pecos Country Operating, joins the show to discuss the global forces shaping today’s oil and gas markets.

Drawing on both field experience and industry insight, Rey breaks down how geopolitical tensions, shifting energy policy, and international negotiations influence oil prices and the broader energy economy.

The conversation explores risks to global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the impact of sanctions and conflicts involving countries like Iran and Venezuela, and the role of “dark fleets” moving sanctioned crude.

We also discuss what these global dynamics mean for U.S. operators and service companies navigating market volatility while continuing to improve efficiency through technology.

Patrick Polomsky joins the podcast to share his path from training at Apple to founding Prod Logic and building software for the oil & gas industry. We discuss how user experience influences effective technology, what drove his transition into energy, and the gaps between production, accounting, and revenue that software can solve.

Patrick also reflects on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and building something you’re genuinely passionate about, before diving into the opportunities and responsibilities surrounding AI in business and the importance of maintaining human connection.

Chad Simmons, former Director of Organizing and 38-year member of Local 798 shares his experience in the pipeline industry. He reflects on his decades-long involvement with the organization, including how family legacy and early exposure to pipeline work shaped his career.

The conversation explores skilled trades as an alternative to traditional educational paths, common misconceptions about the industry, and where real opportunity exists today.

We also discuss union networks, job markets, and benefits, along with the realities of pipeline life — career uncertainty, travel, lifestyle trade-offs, and long-term planning.

Chad breaks down the differences between union and non-union work, the importance of apprenticeships and training, and what the future may hold for the pipeline industry.