The Crude Life

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Foss, President of the Warrior Bonfire Program, discuss how the organization supports Purple Heart recipients with therapeutic outdoor activities to foster healing and build supportive relationships among veterans.

As described by Mike, the Warrior Bonfire Program is primarily designed to provide continuous support and relief to combat-wounded veterans, Purple Heart recipients. In a vivid account, Mike detailed the program’s activities which include hosting bonfire retreats, recreational therapies, and outdoor activities designed to foster healing and transform lives.

Mike’s insights into the importance and impact of shared experiences among veterans were strikingly profound. He emphasized the immense therapeutic power in shared experiences as veterans find it easier and more comforting to open up to others who have been through similar ordeal. This understanding is vital to the Warrior Bonfire Program, equipping them with the knowledge to foster and encourage such connections.

Warrior Bonfire retreats are structured around three “formal” activities, the power of which Mike sheds light on:

Warrior Bonfire Program continues to strive for expansion and growth across America. Its operations restricted not by regions or states, but with one mission to serve – enabling the healing and support community for combat-wounded veterans.

Mike also drew attention to the exceptional contributions made by board members, partners, donors, and volunteers. Citing that their belief in the purpose of Warrior Bonfire drove their passion and efforts.

The episode featuring Mike Foss, undoubtedly, shed ample light on the vision, mission, and life-changing work of the Warrior Bonfire Program. It is a vivid reminder of the power of shared experiences and how the communal bonds of military service can foster healing. As Mike rightly suggests, the underlying fuel that drives both leadership and service stems from love.

For more information about the Warrior Bonfire Program, please visit www.warriorbonfireprogram.org.

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New mission. New Lioness. From the executive producer of Yellowstone and the writer of Sicario, the new season of the heart-pounding spy thriller Lioness brings the CIA’s fight closer to home.

In order to protect the safety of the country, the team enlists a new Lioness operative to infiltrate a previously unknown threat. While the battle rages on the field, they also confront their personal sacrifices and the impact of their family lives.

Don’t miss the critically-acclaimed original series, starring Zoe Saldaña, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Kelly. The new season of Lioness is now streaming exclusively on Paramount+. Try it FREE!

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Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?

Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.

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Kansas Strong

The Kansas Oil & Gas Resources Fund (KOGRF) is a nonprofit organization voluntarily funded by oil and natural gas producers in Kansas. The KOGRF is branded as KANSAS STRONG and works to educate and inform people about the important role our industry plays in their lives. The Kansas oil and natural gas industry provides the energy and security our nation needs. At the same time our industry fuels the economy, we help fund Kansas schools, build bridges and roads, and provide tens of thousands of jobs across the state. As the second-largest industry in Kansas, we are proud to provide the energy so vital to our way of life, while we reduce dependence on foreign resources.

KANSAS STRONG is proud to represent the oil and natural gas producers of Kansas, and the energy solutions they provide for our country.

Click here for Kansas Strong website

 Kara Glenn, Trades Powered by Her, is helping women change tires, get back into industry after having a baby and assisting with FR Clothing costs too.  Glenn also celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Trades Powered By Her is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Watford City, North Dakota, with a mission to empower and support women in trades. Founded by Kara, this organization aims to break barriers and open opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields such as construction, welding, electrical work, and more.

Kara is a creative professional and educator, known for her work in welding and helping women understand trades, specifically oil and gas.

She has applied her background and leadership skills to this initiative, striving to provide women with the necessary tools, training, and resources to thrive in the skilled trades industry.

Through workshops, mentorship programs, and community outreach, Trades Powered By Her promotes gender equity in the workforce by enabling women to gain technical skills, confidence, and job placements in the industry.

In addition to educational support, the organization fosters a sense of community among women in trades, offering networking events and collaborative projects. This helps create strong bonds, ensuring that participants not only succeed individually but also lift each other up within their professional journeys.

Joe Sinnott, CEO, Witting Partners and the host of the Energy Detox Podcast talks about the Chesapeake Energy Corporation and Southwestern Energy Company, who officially completed a high-profile merger, creating a new entity named Expand Energy Corporation.

This strategic move has positioned the combined company as the largest natural gas producer in the United States. Sinnott, who lives in Pennsylvania is immersed in natural gas discussions right now in the heart of the Marcellus Shale Play.

Announced earlier in 2024, the merger was part of a broader trend of consolidation within the energy sector. Chesapeake Energy and Southwestern Energy had both been facing significant shifts in the industry due to fluctuating energy prices, regulatory challenges, and the ongoing transition toward more sustainable energy practices. By merging, the two companies sought to leverage their strengths and pool resources to navigate the evolving energy landscape.

The newly formed Expand Energy Corporation now holds a vast portfolio of natural gas assets and production capabilities, effectively tripling Chesapeake’s reserve base and more than doubling its production capacity. Approximately 60% of Expand Energy’s production comes from natural gas, a critical resource as the U.S. continues to focus on energy security and reducing carbon emissions. The merger has not only bolstered the companies’ individual positions but also solidified their role in the future of energy production in North America.

Joey Meyers, Bay-Block, explains how his Blouetooth enabled safety feature is instantly communicating to others, helping to lower insurance rates and saving lives.

“The main purpose is to save lives period,“ owner Joseph Meyers said.

When it comes to safety, Bay Block strives to be at the forefront of Fall Protection equipment, Meyers believes.

“We maintain a rigorous standard to ensure the utmost safety and success,” Meyers said. “Our primary goal is to protect individuals, enabling them to return home safely after completing their tasks. Additionally, we aim to assist your business by providing a comprehensive compliance tool.”

Suspension Trauma also known as Harness Hang Syndrome can occur within 10 minutes of a fall, while symptoms can appear in as little as five minutes.

When you fall from a structure while harnessed, the pressure placed on your body can reach more than 1,800 pounds. This amount of force can potentially cause injury to your spine, neck, ribs, and internal organs.

Within minutes of falling and being suspended from your safety harness, blood begins to pool in your legs. Simultaneously, your heart will begin to beat faster, increasing the blood flow to your heart, while continuing to pump blood to your legs.

This can lead to excess stress on your heart, resulting in a heart attack or loss of consciousness due to the lack of oxygenated blood in your brain. This later can cause brain damage or worse, death.

Warren Martin, Kansas Strong, explains how their Touchdown for Teachers donation and grant giveaway works.

Touchdown for Teachers is a program sponsored by Kansas Strong that donates $100 for each touchdown scored by the University of Kansas football team.

“So every time that the University of Kansas scores a touchdown we put $100 into a kitty, and last year, I believe it was $5,900 that we gave to a teacher,” Martin said. “So all the teachers that sign up we draw one of them out of the hat, and we gave it to a teacher last year who was a shop teacher that taught taught shop and mechanics, and they used the money to build a Hovercraft as a as a school project.”

Lori Hinz of BEK News joined Talk of the Town to discuss the taxpayer costs associated with Enhanced Oil Recovery, the state-sponsored special treatment given to Summit Carbon Solutions. Hinz joins Talk of the Town every Monday with an update on the carbon pipeline being proposed by Summit Carbon Solutions where North Dakota is the terminus for a 2,500 mile pipeline carrying carbon waste from 57 ethanol plants across five states.

Summit Carbon Solutions is proposing to build a CO2 pipeline across 5-states with the terminus storage for carbon in North Dakota. The project basically consists of a proposed high-pressure CO2 pipeline that would be built close to residential Bismarck, ND. This has become the topic of controversy among residents and rural landowners along the pipeline’s route.

The pipeline would transport carbon dioxide captured from ethanol plants in five Midwest states to an end point north and west of the Bismarck-Mandan area, in Oliver and Mercer counties.

The three storage facilities Summit is applying for will serve as the end point for the company’s Midwest Carbon Express project, a 2,500-mile pipeline expected to collect carbon dioxide from 57 ethanol plants and one sustainable aviation fuel facility across five states and transport the CO2 to North Dakota for permanent storage underground.

“Not everybody knows really what’s going on with the carbon capture,” Hinz said. “(It’s almost as if) Not really anybody cares unless they have been paying close attention or they have neighbors or friends who are being affected by a pipeline route.”

This Week In Energy is a newsmagazine radio podcast which does qualify for FCC mandated Public Affairs time.   This Week In Energy addresses issues of public interest, such as safety, education, poverty, environment, mental health, and/or employment. Published files and recordings of interviews available as public files to increase accessibility to the public and to ensure the security of information.

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Prepare to be scared… the Peak Screaming collection is now streaming on Paramount+.

Whether you’re looking for a twisted thriller, a stunning shocker or something absolutely bone-chilling, Paramount+ is the place to be during spooky season. Stream hits like A Quiet Place: Day One, Smile or Scream VI and check out the new movie Apartment 7A.

Ready to be haunted all month long? Try Paramount+ FREE!

Half the price, all the fun. Get 50% OFF any Paramount+ annual plan for a limited time! Take advantage of the fall offer and start streaming…

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Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?

Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.

MORE FROM THE CRUDE LIFE

If you have a news tip, press release, guest suggestion or other content concepts, please email thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com

This post was brought to you in part by one of The Crude Life’s fantastic sponsors, please consider supporting their services or learning more about their organization by clicking on the banner below.

Witting Partners

Witting Partners helps energy industry leaders achieve and sustain peak performance by combining an unmatched blend of oil & gas experience, insight, and results with the power of leadership coaching, workshops, and keynotes so that you and your stakeholders don’t un-wittingly damage your odds of achieving long-term success.

If you want to produce 𝑺𝑼𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬 results, then turn to a resource with 15+ years of proven success stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Appalachia, from service company to operator, and from drilling rig to downtown boardroom.

To learn more, visit Witting Partners’ website or follow on LinkedIn.

Trades Powered By Her is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Watford City, North Dakota, with a mission to empower and support women in trades. Founded by Kara Glenn, this organization aims to break barriers and open opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields such as construction, welding, electrical work, and more.

Kara Glenn is a creative professional and educator, known for her work in welding and helping women understand trades, specifically oil and gas.

She has applied her background and leadership skills to this initiative, striving to provide women with the necessary tools, training, and resources to thrive in the skilled trades industry.

Through workshops, mentorship programs, and community outreach, Trades Powered By Her promotes gender equity in the workforce by enabling women to gain technical skills, confidence, and job placements in the industry.

In addition to educational support, the organization fosters a sense of community among women in trades, offering networking events and collaborative projects. This helps create strong bonds, ensuring that participants not only succeed individually but also lift each other up within their professional journeys.

By empowering women through education and advocacy, Trades Powered By Her plays a crucial role in advancing gender inclusivity in the trades sector across North Dakota and Texas.

Women have been entering trades like welding, construction, plumbing, and electrical work for decades, yet their numbers remain relatively low compared to men. These fields have long been perceived as male-dominated, partly due to historical exclusion, societal norms, and workplace cultures that have often been unwelcoming to women. However, women in these trades have made remarkable strides, breaking barriers and reshaping the industries they work in.

Women’s participation in trades can be traced back to the early 20th century, especially during times of war. During World War II, women famously took on industrial jobs to replace men who were off fighting, a movement symbolized by “Rosie the Riveter.” Welding, in particular, became a prominent trade for women during this time as they contributed to shipbuilding and munitions production. Over six million women joined the workforce in roles previously reserved for men, leaving a lasting impact on gender roles in labor.

Yet, after the war, women were largely pushed out of these jobs as men returned, and it would take decades for women to re-enter trades in significant numbers. During the 1970s and 1980s, as women’s rights movements grew, trades like welding and construction became more accessible to women, albeit slowly and with persistent cultural resistance.

Despite increased opportunities, women still make up only a small percentage of workers in industrial trades. For instance, as of 2020, women comprised only about 5% of welders in the United States. Similarly, women represent 9.1% of the construction workforce and hold less than 10% of roles in many other trades, like plumbing and electrical work. These numbers illustrate the challenges women still face when entering these professions, even as the need for skilled labor continues to grow.

The underrepresentation of women in trades stems from a variety of cultural and systemic issues. Below are key challenges they face:

Despite these obstacles, women welders and tradeswomen are breaking new ground, bringing fresh perspectives and skills to their industries. In fact, women are often praised for their attention to detail, precision, and problem-solving skills—traits that make them particularly successful in trades like welding and electrical work.

Several organizations and initiatives are working to close the gender gap and improve conditions for women in trades. Some notable efforts include:

Several trailblazing women have helped reshape their industries and become role models for future generations.

These women have not only overcome the barriers of working in male-dominated industries but have also paved the way for future generations to do the same.

Attitudes toward women in welding and other trades are gradually changing. As the workforce ages and the demand for skilled labor rises, industries are increasingly recognizing the value that women bring. The advent of technology and automation in trades, like advanced welding machines and digital tools in construction, has also made physical strength less of a factor, allowing women to thrive in these environments.

Moreover, companies are becoming more aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion. Some firms are actively recruiting women, offering training programs, scholarships, and support networks to ensure their success in traditionally male-dominated roles.

Women welders and tradeswomen are rewriting the narrative of what it means to work in industries like welding, construction, and plumbing. Despite significant cultural and systemic challenges, women are increasingly making their mark, breaking down stereotypes, and reshaping the future of these trades. With the help of advocacy groups, mentorship programs, and changing industry attitudes, the future looks promising for women in the trades. The work continues, but each new generation of women welders and tradeswomen brings the industry closer to a more inclusive and equitable future.

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Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?

Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.

MORE FROM THE CRUDE LIFE

If you have a news tip, press release, guest suggestion or other content concepts, please email thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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Blockchain For Energy (B4E)

The Blockchain for Energy (B4E) consortium provides its members with forward thinking learnings and solutions. It collaboratively drives digital transformation by providing members with opportunities to accelerate their digitalization journey.

Through collective synergies, B4E seeks to resolve, reinvent, and transform the industry’s standard ways of working with external parties.

Blockchain for Energy is a safe venue to create transformational change – for the energy industry – by the energy industry. Current B4E members and collaborators include Chesapeake Energy, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, ExxonMobil, Repsol, Saudi Aramco, Schlumberger, Enovate AI, Emerson ZEDI, Hedera, GBBC/IWA and Tolam Earth.

The Kansas State Fair has long been a showcase of the state’s rich cultural heritage, agricultural prowess, and local industries. In 2024, Kansas Strong, The Kansas Oil & Gas Resources Fund (KOGRF), is taking center stage at the fair to educate visitors about the vital role that oil and gas play in the state’s economy and daily life. Through interactive exhibits, informative sessions, and hands-on activities, KOGRF is set to engage the public with facts, history, and the benefits of Kansas’s oil and gas industry.

“For the next 10 days they’ll be coming by our booth and I’ll be spending my nights here in the RV,” Executive Director Warren Martin said. “Our goal is to help people understand what we do, how we do it, why we do it, why, it’s important to them, and why oil and gas development matters to the world.”

Kansas has a long and storied history with oil and gas, dating back to the late 1800s when the first commercial oil well was drilled.

“Education is really a key to people having a better understanding of the oil and gas industry, and also having a better understanding about our energy future,” Martin said.

Today, the state ranks among the top oil-producing states in the nation, with thousands of active wells and a robust network of local operators contributing significantly to the economy. The Kansas oil and gas industry provides thousands of jobs, generates millions in tax revenue, and plays a crucial role in supporting schools, infrastructure, and community services across the state.

“I’ll go into schools, and sometimes the principal say, is it really necessary for you to come in and talk to our kids about oil and natural gas,” Martin said. “So I’ll sit in that principal’s office, and I’ll ask the principal if you can find one thing in this office that is not made utilizing oil and natural gas, then I’ll agree with you that I do not need to come into your classroom.”

Martin said no one has been able to find anything that isn’t touched by oil and gas development.

The interview segwayed into the unique business and companies involved in Kansas’ oil and gas industry.

“Here in Kansas the vast majority of us are independent oil and gas producers,” Martin said. “The average oil company here in Kansas only has 3 employees.”

The Kansas oil and gas industry is characterized by a diverse mix of operators, ranging from small, family-owned businesses to larger, well-established companies.

“We have almost 2,000 independent producers that are in the state,” Martin said. “We only have one company that could even really be considered a major that’s doing actual production. We have lots of pipelines, refineries, those types of things.”

These local operators are not just economic contributors but are also deeply embedded in the community, often leading local philanthropic efforts and supporting local events, including the Kansas State Fair.

“You can go into any area of Kansas even places where we don’t produce oil and gas and you will see oil and gas’ donations,” Martin said. ‘Look at any of the nonprofits are out there, look at the art centers, look at the exploration centers, look at the discovery centers, look at the theaters and go look at the roles of the donors that have made the donations to keep those things going, to keep those things moving forward.”

Martin added most of those donations are made anonymously or are from the family’s name rather than the oil and gas company.

They also employ many Kansans, contributing to a robust job market that extends beyond the energy sector into manufacturing, transportation, and service industries.

Benefits of Oil and Gas in Kansas

Touchdown for Teachers is a program sponsored by Kansas Strong that donates $100 for each touchdown scored by the University of Kansas football team.

“So every time that the University of Kansas scores a touchdown we put $100 into a kitty, and last year, I believe it was $5,900 that we gave to a teacher,” Martin said. “So all the teachers that sign up we draw one of them out of the hat, and we gave it to a teacher last year who was a shop teacher that taught taught shop and mechanics, and they used the money to build a Hovercraft as a as a school project.”

“So any Kansas teachers right now you can sign up and it might be drawn out and get a chance to win some money to use in your classroom any way that you want,” Martin said. “You’re able to use it the way you want to use it in the classroom, but it’s just a way to kind of give back to education.”

Kansas Strong’s presence at the 2024 Kansas State Fair is a testament to its commitment to educating the public about the importance of the oil and gas industry. Their booth features interactive displays that showcase the history, technology, and future of oil and gas in Kansas. Visitors can explore a drilling simulator, see real-time data from active wells, and learn about the cutting-edge technologies that make modern energy production possible.

One of the key attractions is a series of educational sessions led by industry professionals. These sessions cover topics like the environmental measures taken by local operators, the economic benefits of the industry, and career opportunities within the sector. Kansas Strong also emphasizes the industry’s commitment to responsible stewardship of natural resources, highlighting initiatives for reducing emissions, recycling water, and rehabilitating land post-drilling.

The Kansas State Fair, held annually in Hutchinson, is the largest celebration of all things Kansas. Established in 1913, the fair has grown from a small agricultural showcase to a sprawling event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It serves as a platform for local farmers, businesses, and industries to present their products and services to the public.

Over the years, the fair has become synonymous with family fun, featuring livestock shows, concerts, food stalls, and educational exhibits. It is a reflection of Kansas’s rural heritage and the spirit of community that defines the state. For many families, the fair is a cherished tradition that spans generations.

The Kansas State Fair 2024 provides the perfect stage for Kansas Strong to connect with the public and share the vital story of the oil and gas industry’s role in the state. Through engaging displays, educational outreach, and community interaction, Kansas Strong is helping to ensure that Kansans understand the benefits of this essential industry. As the fair celebrates the best of Kansas, the KOGRF booth stands as a testament to the state’s rich history, innovative spirit, and commitment to a prosperous future fueled by its own resources.

For more information on Kansas Strong, click here.

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Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?

Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.

MORE FROM THE CRUDE LIFE

If you have a news tip, press release, guest suggestion or other content concepts, please email thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com

This post was brought to you in part by one of The Crude Life’s fantastic sponsors, please consider supporting their services or learning more about their organization by clicking on the banner below.

Witting Partners

Witting Partners helps energy industry leaders achieve and sustain peak performance by combining an unmatched blend of oil & gas experience, insight, and results with the power of leadership coaching, workshops, and keynotes so that you and your stakeholders don’t un-wittingly damage your odds of achieving long-term success.

If you want to produce 𝑺𝑼𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬 results, then turn to a resource with 15+ years of proven success stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Appalachia, from service company to operator, and from drilling rig to downtown boardroom.

To learn more, visit Witting Partners’ website or follow on LinkedIn.

Executive Coach Joe Sinnott, Witting Partners, and the host of The Energy Detox Podcast joins Jason Spiess on This Week In Energy for a movie review on Friday Night Lights.

“Friday Night Lights,” directed by Peter Berg, is more than just a football movie—it’s a poignant reflection of the socio-economic realities of West Texas, where the oil and gas industry holds both the lifeblood and the vice grip on communities. Based on the true story of the 1988 Permian High School Panthers, the film captures not only the fierce and deeply ingrained culture of high school football in Odessa, Texas, but also how the town’s identity and power structures are intertwined with the oil and gas sector.

The film’s backdrop is unmistakably tied to the rise and fall of oil prices, which mirror the fortunes of the townspeople and, by extension, the football team. Odessa’s economy, heavily dependent on oil and gas, creates a landscape where success on the football field seems as essential as a new well producing black gold. The stadium lights don’t just illuminate a game; they cast shadows over an entire community whose prosperity and morale are often dictated by the volatile energy market.

Oil money in Odessa isn’t just wealth; it’s influence, a near-omnipotent presence that drives community decisions, funds local politics, and dictates social status. The boosters—local businessmen and oil executives—are portrayed as powerful puppeteers, their donations and pressures serving as constant reminders that winning isn’t just about school pride; it’s about sustaining an economy and lifestyle. The job security of Coach Gary Gaines, played by Billy Bob Thornton, often feels as precarious as the next well’s production figures, with every loss reflecting not just on the team but on the economic anxieties simmering beneath the surface.

Power and Money: The High Stakes of Texas Football

The film’s portrayal of power dynamics fueled by oil and gas money is strikingly accurate. In many oil towns, those who control the rigs often control the narrative. The pressure on high school athletes to perform isn’t just about scholarships or dreams; it’s a reflection of a town’s collective need for a win, a respite from the economic cycles that dominate their lives. These young players are unwittingly thrust into roles as local heroes, their performances on the field scrutinized as intensely as any market report on oil futures.

The boosters’ influence over Coach Gaines and the team speaks volumes about how money and power often go hand-in-hand in these communities. They’re not just funding the team; they’re trying to buy a sense of pride and distraction from the economic uncertainties of the oil market. The high-stakes environment parallels the oil field’s boom-and-bust cycles, where fortunes can change overnight, and so too can the social standing of the town’s leaders.

Positive Elements: Self-Respect and Honor Through Coaching

Amidst the pressures and the oil-soaked reality of Odessa, “Friday Night Lights” shines brightest in its portrayal of Coach Gaines. Despite the immense pressures from oil-fueled power brokers, Gaines manages to instill a sense of self-respect, honor, and resilience in his players. He challenges the town’s narrative that winning is everything and instead focuses on building character, teamwork, and a sense of personal dignity—qualities that transcend the scoreboard.

Gaines’s approach to coaching is a powerful metaphor for leadership within an oil and gas-driven community. Just as a good oil executive knows the importance of investing in human capital, Gaines invests in his players’ minds and spirits. His speeches remind us that even in the high-stakes world of Texas football, there are values more enduring than economic success. He teaches his players—and by extension, the town—to define themselves not just by their wins and losses but by the effort and heart they put into every moment.

The transformation of the team under Gaines’s leadership mirrors what any oil and gas professional knows about the industry: resilience, adaptability, and grit are essential for success. Just as the industry faces setbacks and challenges, Gaines’s team learns to handle their own adversities with grace. The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life in an oil town, but it also showcases how leadership and personal growth can provide a path to self-respect and honor, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Final Thoughts

“Friday Night Lights” is a raw and unflinching look at the impact of oil and gas money on small-town life and high school football. It captures the duality of the industry’s influence—both the pressures it creates and the sense of community it fosters. For oil and gas professionals, the movie serves as a reminder of the far-reaching influence of the industry, not just in economic terms but in shaping the very fabric of towns like Odessa.

Ultimately, the film’s greatest triumph lies in its depiction of Coach Gaines, whose ability to inspire and uplift his team transcends the challenges imposed by the oil-driven power dynamics of the town. “Friday Night Lights” isn’t just about football; it’s about the spirit of a community and the enduring value of leadership that prioritizes character over cash.

Actor and Author Drew Allen has penned a book detailing his concerns about the path the United States of America is currently on.

“From one of America’s rising conservative stars comes a brutally honest account of the historic failures of the Biden administration and the most critical and urgent arguments for reclaiming American independence from our tyrannical captors in 2024…before it’s too late,” Allen warns.

In America’s Last Stand, Drew Thomas Allen lays out the real and severe stakes of the 2024 presidential election. America is in peril, and the Biden administration has plunged America into a Dark Age, characterized by our nation’s objective moral, cultural, intellectual, and economic decay.

Allen continues stating that Americans have experienced for themselves life under both the Biden presidency and the Trump presidency. Americans should ask themselves a simple question: Were you better off under the Trump presidency or the Biden presidency?

America’s Last Stand chronicles the failures and lies of the Biden administration, unleashes a devastating account of the Democratic Party’s unforgivable history, and warns Americans of their plans to eradicate our freedoms and destroy American prosperity and security in the future. Allen also sets the record straight on the countless lies that have been spread about former President Trump.

Only confronting the truth can save America, and this book is America’s red pill. Allen makes the irrefutable case to reelect former President Trump, reject authoritarianism, and put America back on the path to prosperity and preserve this nation for our own posterity.

America’s Last Stand is the definitive voting guide for the 2024 presidential election—the most important book in America. Every American should listen to it before casting their vote.

In your sunset years, will you tell your children and grandchildren how you fought to preserve their freedom—or how you were responsible for squandering it?

Click here for more information on Drew Allen and America’s Last Stand

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Witting Partners

Witting Partners helps energy industry leaders achieve and sustain peak performance by combining an unmatched blend of oil & gas experience, insight, and results with the power of leadership coaching, workshops, and keynotes so that you and your stakeholders don’t un-wittingly damage your odds of achieving long-term success.

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To learn more, visit Witting Partners’ website or follow on LinkedIn.

Andrew Dittmar, Enverus joined The Crude Life to discuss some of the recent M&A activity in the energy sector.

“So power, hydrogen, carbon capture and sequestration really run the gamut. And then my team within the broader Inveris universe is the research team,” Dittmar said. “We’re comprised of Over 100 analysts, we write research reports that are sent out to industry participants as well as financial institutions and cover a broad array of topics. But my particular focus is on the mergers and acquisitions side and mostly within the upstream or oil and gas production portion of the business.”

Enverus Intelligence® Research (EIR), a subsidiary of Enverus, an energy-dedicated SaaS company that leverages generative AI across its solutions, is releasing a summary of power and energy transition M&A for the first half of 2024.

EIR has tracked $79 billion in power asset and energy transition M&A through the first half of 2024 across 234 deals with a reported value putting M&A slightly ahead of 2023’s pace of $74 billion in the first six months, although the count for deals with a disclosed value declined by 35%. Including those where no value was disclosed, there were 540 announced deals in 1H24 compared to 877 deals in the first half of 2023.

Recording nearly $80 billion through the first six months of 2024, plus an additional $26 billion so far in 3Q24, is a showing of strength for power and energy transition deal markets despite multiple challenges including macro-economic factors like sustained higher interest rates that have raised financing costs.

“Industry specific challenges have included weakening pricing for renewable fuel credits (LCFS and D4/5/6 RIN prices) as well as lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) pricing. A volatile environmental credits market has sparked uncertainty in investors’ minds leading to a compression in deal flow in alternative fuels in the U.S.,” said Ian Nieboer, managing director and head of Energy Transition at EIR.

Source: Enverus Intelligence® Research, Enverus Energy Transition M&A

In other power markets, particularly generation and storage assets in North America and Europe, have been a primary driver of energy transition deal value with $32.5 billion transacted through the first half of 2024. Europe led all regions with $17.1 billion in generation deals followed by North America with $7.4 billion transacted. The heightened activity in Europe is driven by the continent’s aggressive carbon reduction goals and efforts to pivot away from Russian natural gas. Within the U.S., ERCOT, MISO and PJM independent system operators have been a primary driver of deal activity in 2024. U.S. total load is forecast to grow 42% by 2050 from today driven by population growth, increased data center demand and electric vehicle adoption.

“Overall growth in the load, combined with greater integration of renewable generation assets, is creating unique opportunities in both generation and storage for nimble buyers,” Nieboer said.

Within generation deals, solar deals led through the first half of 2024 with $8.2 billion in announced deal value closely followed by offshore wind at $8 billion and onshore wind with $5.3 billion in announced deal value. Despite offshore wind leading in recently announced deals, markets have historically been cool to the idea of companies adding more offshore wind exposure with buyers declining on average 1.9% after announcing offshore wind acquisition while acquirers of onshore wind saw an average 1.3% gain. That is likely related to apprehension about high capital costs, long project timelines and regulatory risk for offshore wind.

While renewable penetration into power markets is increasing, some buyers see the value in owning existing gas assets that will provide reliability to the grid. In one of the more notable recent transactions in the power market, private equity firm Quantum Capital Group purchased Cogentrix Energy for $3 billion from Carlyle Group. The deal adds more than 5 gigawatts of natural gas-fired generation primarily in PJM, where gas generation is vital due to grid stability issues caused by coal retirements, intermittent renewables and increasing data center demand.

The largest decline in deals associated with energy transition has been in raw materials, with mining sector deals falling from $11 billion in the first half of 2023 to just $1.7 billion in 1H24. That tracks a precipitous decline in pricing with LCE declining in 2Q24 to sub-$12,000/tonne after hitting a peak of $81,000/tonne in December 2022. Alternative fuel deals were similarly challenged due to the decline in credit pricing in the U.S., which had been a primary focus of transactions in this space. However, a large investment by KKR in European biorefining and biomethane assets kept alternative fuel deal value relatively flat at $2.2 billion in 1H24 compared to $2.7 billion through the first six months of 2023.

“International investment by firms like KKR highlight the global nature of energy transition combined with differing policy priorities and incentives between regions that allow firms to reduce risk by diversifying geographic exposure,” Nieboer said.

Other energy transition technologies like CCUS and hydrogen remain at a less commercial stage of development and investment there is still largely focused on asset development and partnership rather than M&A. According to EIR data, 96% of tracked U.S. clean hydrogen capacity skewed to early development stages. However, deal activity should accelerate as more companies look to speed up exposure to these technologies by buying in to existing projects. Hydrogen M&A has increased sevenfold in deal value so far in 2024 compared to 2023.

“Looking forward toward 2025, we see continued strength for power market deals on the back of U.S. load growth and potential tailwinds from the macro-economic environment as the Federal Reserve pivots to rate cuts,” added Nieboer.

Enverus also released a list of top drillers and customer rankings in the U.S., as well as detailed drilling rig analytics.

Included in the release is a compilation of exclusive tables showing the most active drillers by footage, ranking both the contractors and their customers. Powered by Enverus Core® data, these leaderboards also include average drilling speeds, measured depth (MD), laterals and rig counts, average fluid and proppant loads per foot, and comparison to their rankings the previous quarter. The list was featured in Oilfield Pulse, a bi-monthly report that covers the oilfield services sector, including contracts, the deal market, finance and new technology offerings.

“Enverus’ top drilling and customer rankings reveal who’s leading among some of the most important drilling matrix in the industry,” said Mark Chapman, principal analyst – OFS at Enverus Intelligence Research. “Rankings like these provide a comprehensive overview of market dynamics, identify who’s who and help operators make informed decisions to optimize efficiency and reduce costs. These rankings are a testament to Enverus’ commitment to delivering actionable insights that drive the energy sector forward.”

Enverus is also making its Drilldown Report, which provides a weekly summary of North American rig activity, broken down by target hydrocarbon, well orientation, operator, contractor, region and play, available to the media. Other activity metrics presented in this report are permits, detected pads, frac crews and DUCs, with regional breakdowns. Regional leaderboards track the top 10 operators by rig count and permits.

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CLICK HERE FOR LIMITED TIME OFFER

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Take advantage of this limited time offer and stream the NFL on CBS live on Paramount+. Redeem now!

Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?

Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.

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Executive coach Joe Sinnott and The Crude Life founder Jason Spiess discuss the Brian Flores and Tua Tagovailoa situation that has many in the sports world buzzing.

According to many reports, the two have had a strained relationship since their time together with the Miami Dolphins. Tagovailoa recently stated that he hasn’t spoken with Flores since their public exchanges about their relationship dynamics during Flores’ tenure as head coach.

Flores, who coached Tagovailoa for two seasons before being fired in January 2022, expressed support despite criticisms from Tagovailoa. Their communication breakdown highlights ongoing tensions despite their shared history in Miami.

Sinnott and Spiess discuss how their communication and issues are common in the workplace and life.

The two discuss how management friction is a real issue very few discuss.

“The keyword there that you mentioned is friction,” Sinnott said. “If there’s a lot of friction in place that’s preventing you from moving forward and progressing, from being on the same page or team, then you’re doomed to fail.”

Sinnott continued discussing how workplaces can become places of friction, using the media reports of the Tua/Flores situation.

“How does it feel when you show up and your superior is basically saying, hey, look, you know, you don’t belong here,” Sinnott said. “You know, essentially you’re not going to succeed here. And at that point, things grind to a halt, right That’s friction.”

Spiess shared a story from his publishing days and working with newspapers across the country, explaining how they would love to guess which department the publisher came from based on the meeting, rhetoric and management style.

“Did they come from sales? Did they come from editorial? Did they come from circulation?” Spiess asked. “Because their management style generally came from their pedigree and I wonder how much of that played into this whole Tua Flores issue.”

Spiess added additional context in that Flores came from the Bill Belichick learning tree, whereas Tua was coming in from a decorated high school and college football career.

The two next discussed how easily two people under the same company umbrella can be on different pages due to interpretation of the message and presentation.

“Often times when someone reads an email, whatever mood they are in, that’s how they will interpret it,” Spiess said. “If someone is in a bad mood and they read an email, they may interpret it as negative when the sender had no intention of negativity at all.”

Sinnott agreed with Spiess and added some additional coaching context.

When I look at the Flores to a situation, Flores is a defensive coach and he’s talking to an offensive person,” Spiess said. “He also came from the Bill Belichick school of, hey, listen, I’m going to just beat you down with some very hard words, toughen up like Tom Brady did.”

Sinnott related this to the corporate and company world.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to your audience, right?” Sinnott said. “As cliche as it is, the better you understand your audience. Where they’ve come from, the lens that they’re looking at things through, where they want to head, well, the better off you’re going to be when it comes to motivating them.”

The two also discussed the difference between “taking the high road and low road”. The world of social media has changed communication and many former employees have been known to vent or air their one-sided issues on social media, a podcast or in the media. On the flip side, some will use the same mediums and speak gracefully and with gratitude about their experience and how life is always an opportunity to learn and grow.

Whether it’s true or not, there’s clearly a narrative out there. Clearly I failed in communication,” Sinnott said. “Flores, in this examples is asking himself ‘how I can grow from this opportunity. What are all the ways I can grow from this’?

Sinnott continued coaching on how the coach handled the situation.

“What are all the ways to grow?” Sinnott asked. “And that is, I mean, that is the universal conclusion that adds value in any circumstance.”

Sinnott can be reached on LinkedIn or by visiting www.wittingpartners.com. Be sure to check out The Energy Detox podcast season premiere coming in September.

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ACT NOW! For a limited time, Paramount+ annual plans start at $2.50/mo. for 12 months using promo code FALL50.

Take advantage of this limited time offer and stream the NFL on CBS live on Paramount+. Redeem now!

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Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

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Kunal Patel, Dallas Federal Reserve, joins Jason Spiess, founder, The Crude Life to review the latest energy survey and discuss their upcoming Energy and the Economy: Meeting Rising Energy Demand in November.

The Dallas Fed conducts a quarterly survey of about 200 oil and gas firms located or headquartered in the Eleventh District—Texas, southern New Mexico and northern Louisiana—which operate regionally, nationally or internationally.

The information collected is a valuable component of economic analysis and serves as input for Federal Open Market Committee monetary policy deliberations. Survey respondents are asked whether various measures of their firms’ business activities have increased, decreased or remained unchanged relative to the prior quarter and the year-ago quarter. Responses are aggregated into diffusion indexes; positive values indicate expansion while negative values indicate contraction.

Activity in the oil and gas sector grew in the second quarter of 2024, according to oil and gas executives responding to the Dallas Fed Energy Survey. The business activity index, the survey’s broadest measure of the conditions energy firms in the Eleventh District face, increased from 2.0 in the first quarter to 12.5 in the second quarter.

Oil and gas production was little changed in the second quarter, according to executives at exploration and production (E&P) firms. The oil production index advanced from -4.1in the first quarter to 1.1 in the second quarter. The near-zero reading suggests production was essentially unchanged. Meanwhile, the natural gas production index also turned positive, but barely so, increasing from -17.0 to 2.3.

Costs rose at a slightly faster pace for oilfield services, but at a slower pace for E&P firms. Among oilfield services firms, the input cost index increased from 31.2 to 42.2. Among E&P firms, the finding and development costs index declined from 24.2 to 15.7. Meanwhile, the lease operating expenses index declined from 33.7 to 23.6.

The equipment utilization index of oilfield services firms turned positive, increasing from -4.2 in the first quarter to 10.9 in the second. The operating margin index remained negative but increased from -35.4 to -13.0, suggesting margins declined at a much slower pace. The index of prices received for services was relatively unchanged at -4.4.

The aggregate employment index was little changed at 2.9 in the first quarter. While this is the 14th consecutive positive reading for the index, the low-single-digit result suggests slow net hiring. The aggregate employee hours index was largely unchanged at 8.1. Additionally, the aggregate wages and benefits index decreased from 32.8 to 24.0.

The company outlook index was essentially unchanged at 10.0. The outlook index was 16.8 for E&P firms compared with -2.1 for services firms, suggesting modest optimism among E&P firms and a neutral outlook among services firms. The overall outlook uncertainty index was unchanged at 24.1, suggesting uncertainty continued to increase on net.

On average, respondents expect a West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price of $79 per barrel at year-end 2024; responses ranged from $62.5 to $100 per barrel. When asked about longer-term expectations, respondents on average expect a WTI oil price of $83 per barrel two years from now and $88 per barrel five years from now. Survey participants expect a Henry Hub natural gas price of $3.01 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) at year-end. When asked about longer-term expectations, respondents on average anticipate a Henry Hub gas price of $3.58 per MMBtu two years from now and $4.28 per MMBtu five years from now. For reference, WTI spot prices averaged $79.94 per barrel during the survey collection period, and Henry Hub spot prices averaged $2.61 per MMBtu.

Questions regarding the Dallas Fed Energy Survey can be addressed to Michael Plante at [email protected] or Kunal Patel at [email protected]

Energy and the Economy: Meeting Rising Energy Demand

The ninth joint energy conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City will focus on the outlook for global energy markets as well as developing domestic energy infrastructure at scale and meeting rising power demand. Participants include business leaders, central bankers, government officials, academics and financial market representatives.

When

Where

Registration

The conference will be hybrid. Attend in person for $149, or live stream at no cost.

For more information contact Kunal Patel at [email protected].

STREAMING DEAL FROM PARAMOUNT +

For a limited time, Paramount+ annual plans start at $2.50/mo. for 12 months using promo code FALL50. Stream the NFL on CBS live and more! Don’t drop the ball—this special offer ends September 23. Billed annually. Terms and conditions apply.

Stream the NFL on CBS and watch your local game live every week! Plus, catch featured national games including the Thanksgiving matchup and the postseason.

Don’t miss another snap. Take advantage of this limited time offer and stream the NFL on CBS live on Paramount+. Redeem now!

CLICK HERE FOR LIMITED TIME OFFER

ACT NOW! For a limited time, Paramount+ annual plans start at $2.50/mo. for 12 months using promo code FALL50.

Take advantage of this limited time offer and stream the NFL on CBS live on Paramount+. Redeem now!

Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?

Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.

MORE FROM THE CRUDE LIFE

If you have a news tip, press release, guest suggestion or other content concepts, please email thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com

This post was brought to you in part by one of The Crude Life’s fantastic sponsors, please consider supporting their services or learning more about their organization by clicking on the banner below.

Witting Partners

Witting Partners helps energy industry leaders achieve and sustain peak performance by combining an unmatched blend of oil & gas experience, insight, and results with the power of leadership coaching, workshops, and keynotes so that you and your stakeholders don’t un-wittingly damage your odds of achieving long-term success.

If you want to produce 𝑺𝑼𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑰𝑵𝑨𝑩𝑳𝑬 results, then turn to a resource with 15+ years of proven success stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Appalachia, from service company to operator, and from drilling rig to downtown boardroom.

To learn more, visit Witting Partners’ website or follow on LinkedIn.

Warren Martin, Kansas Strong, joins Jason Spiess on This Week In Energy to give a movie review on how the movie series Mad Max reinforces the need for oil and gas in a modern civilization.

The Mad Max series, starting with George Miller’s original 1979 film, is a stark portrayal of a dystopian future where the scarcity of oil and gas leads to societal collapse. From the perspective of an oil and gas advocate, this series serves as a powerful narrative that underscores the critical role these resources play in maintaining civilization as we know it.

In the original Mad Max, the world teeters on the brink of anarchy, with gasoline becoming the most precious commodity.

“We have fought wars over oil and wars have been dependent upon oil,” Martin said. “I mean, that is one thing that makes Kansas the most historic state when it comes to World War I, between 1915 and 1919, one county in Kansas, Butler County, Kansas, produced 9% of the world’s oil. Not 9% of Kansas, not 9% of America, 9% of the world’s oil.”

The film illustrates how the lack of a stable energy supply can destabilize societies, reduce mobility, and drive desperate conflicts.

“And that 9% of oil that was found in Butler County put the Allies over the top and led us to outlasting the Germans,” Martin said. “When it came to oil production and being able to fight that battle, so oil has been a part of our life for a long time and it’s been a historic part, especially when it comes to wars.”

The sequels, particularly The Road Warrior and Fury Road, further amplify this message, depicting a world where entire communities are built around oil refineries and the pursuit of fuel dominates every aspect of life.

“You can’t live without it, because the entire movie revolves around people trying to find oil that’s left over,” Martin said. “And you look at what they’re wearing, they’re wearing shoulder pads that come from football, helmets that come from hockey. They’re wearing all this stuff that was made out of oil that they’re having to recycle and keep on.”

These films, though fictional, highlight the dangers of underestimating the importance of oil and gas in our modern world. They portray a future where energy scarcity leads to a breakdown of order, illustrating that access to these resources is not merely a convenience but a fundamental pillar of civilization.

The Mad Max series serves as a cautionary tale, reinforcing the necessity of sustaining and responsibly managing our oil and gas supplies to prevent the kind of societal decay depicted on screen.

STREAMING DEAL FROM PARAMOUNT +

For a limited time, Paramount+ annual plans start at $2.50/mo. for 12 months using promo code FALL50. Stream the NFL on CBS live and more! Don’t drop the ball—this special offer ends September 23. Billed annually. Terms and conditions apply.

Stream the NFL on CBS and watch your local game live every week! Plus, catch featured national games including the Thanksgiving matchup and the postseason.

Don’t miss another snap. Take advantage of this limited time offer and stream the NFL on CBS live on Paramount+. Redeem now!

CLICK HERE FOR LIMITED TIME OFFER

ACT NOW! For a limited time, Paramount+ annual plans start at $2.50/mo. for 12 months using promo code FALL50.

Take advantage of this limited time offer and stream the NFL on CBS live on Paramount+. Redeem now!

Everyday your story is being told by someone. Who is telling your story? Who are you telling your story to?

Email your sustainable story ideas, professional press releases or petro-powered podcast submissions to thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com.

#thecrudelife promotes a culture of inclusion and respect through interviews, content creation, live events and partnerships that educate, enrich, and empower people to create a positive social environment for all, regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, or physical or intellectual ability.

MORE FROM THE CRUDE LIFE

If you have a news tip, press release, guest suggestion or other content concepts, please email thecontentcreationstudios(AT)gmail(DOT)com

This post was brought to you in part by one of The Crude Life’s fantastic sponsors, please consider supporting their services or learning more about their organization by clicking on the banner below.

Blockchain For Energy (B4E)

The Blockchain for Energy (B4E) consortium provides its members with forward thinking learnings and solutions. It collaboratively drives digital transformation by providing members with opportunities to accelerate their digitalization journey.

Through collective synergies, B4E seeks to resolve, reinvent, and transform the industry’s standard ways of working with external parties.

Blockchain for Energy is a safe venue to create transformational change – for the energy industry – by the energy industry. Current B4E members and collaborators include Chesapeake Energy, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Devon Energy, ExxonMobil, Repsol, Saudi Aramco, Schlumberger, Enovate AI, Emerson ZEDI, Hedera, GBBC/IWA and Tolam Earth.