The Crude Life

Jason Spiess sat down with Joe Sinnott, former oil & gas engineering leader, current executive coach at Witting Partners, and host of the Energy Detox podcast. The discussion, recorded shortly before March 17, 2026, centered on World Shale Energy Day — an annual grassroots celebration held every March 17 to recognize the benefits of shale energy development and the people who make it possible.

World Shale Energy Day commemorates the date of the first two commercial hydraulic fracturing (”fracking”) treatments performed by Halliburton on March 17, 1949 — one in Oklahoma and one in Texas.

The initiative, organized through worldshaleenergyday.org and led by figures like Jim Scherrer, promotes education, awareness, and positive messaging about shale’s role in energy abundance, economic growth, cleaner air (via natural gas displacing coal), and modern life — all through a decentralized, volunteer-driven effort rather than a single large conference.

Sinnott moved from offshore work in the Gulf of Mexico (with Schlumberger in southern Louisiana) to the Appalachian Basin in 2008, just as the Marcellus Shale boom was beginning. He spent 11 years at EQT, witnessing the region’s transformation into one of the world’s most prolific natural gas producers. He emphasized the Appalachian Basin’s scale: if independent, it would rank among the top global natural gas producers, with vast reserves lying beneath areas like Pittsburgh — a unique situation for a major U.S. city.

Both Sinnott and Spiess reflected on shale’s transformative effects. Spiess shared his experiences embedded in North Dakota’s Bakken during its boom, highlighting how fossil fuels support essential services, agriculture, and daily life — even in extreme cold.

Sinnott pointed to Pennsylvania’s shift from coal to natural gas for electricity generation (now ~60% gas-fired), resulting in cleaner air and lower emissions. He noted that public favorability for fracking in Pennsylvania has trended net positive, especially when people see direct benefits in jobs, lower energy bills, and environmental improvements.

The conversation touched on several challenges within the industry revolving around communication and industry headwinds: pipeline constraints limiting Appalachian growth, political polarization, and historical negative portrayals in media and entertainment.

Spiess described how terms like “energy” replaced “oil and gas” amid rising criticism, only for some companies to later pivot to “carbon management.” Sinnott advocated for authentic, non-defensive communication: acknowledge trade-offs upfront, avoid scripted talking points, and use humility and humor to engage skeptics — especially in casual settings like St. Patrick’s Day gatherings. He stressed that acknowledging elephants in the room builds credibility and opens real dialogue.

Both praised the TV series Landman (starring Billy Bob Thornton) for sparking mainstream conversations about the industry. Spiess argued it has done more for public awareness than many corporate PR efforts, even if imperfect. Sinnott agreed it’s a net positive: the show prompts questions, and honest answers can reveal facts about responsible operations and safety.

Sinnott has promoted the day for years through his podcast (including past giveaways blending St. Patrick’s and shale themes) and encouraged simple actions: one social media post, a toast, or sharing facts. Spiess urged supply-chain businesses — even cafes serving oilfield workers — to participate with a single acknowledgment. The day offers a cohesive, nonpartisan opportunity to highlight shale’s role in energy security, prosperity, and environmental gains (e.g., natural gas enabling lower emissions).

Spiess shared how his work in oil and gas reinforced personal ethics and authenticity, refusing to “hide” support for the industry even when it carried social costs.

Sinnott reinforced conscious leadership: be aware, intentional, and willing to challenge unconscious “rules” that limit honest engagement. He closed by tying green (St. Patrick’s color) to shale’s environmental benefits — cleaner air and reduced coal reliance — making March 17 a natural dual celebration.

The interview blended personal stories, industry history, and practical advice for advocacy. With World Shale Energy Day approaching, March 17, 2026, Spiess and Sinnott encouraged straightforward actions: post online, share facts, raise a glass, and educate one conversation at a time. Resources are available at worldshaleenergyday.org, including books, logos, and event ideas.

A grassroots reminder amid a noisy world: sometimes one day — and one honest conversation — can highlight the energy that powers everything else.

For more information on World Shale Energy Day, click here

For more information on Witting Partners, click here or follow Witting Partners on LinkedIn

To connect with Joe Sinnott on LinkedIn, click here

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Every March since 1987, Congress and U.S. Presidents have designated March as Women’s History Month. This year, The Crude Life celebrates and honors their accomplishments and contributions in history with interviews and stories that center around women’s experiences in industry.

The Crude Life believes woman are vital in energy.  Today more than ever. From a female’s point of view to intuition to specific skill sets, woman are vital in energy.

Today’s women in industry are not only modern-day leaders, but truly are defining history as well.

Everyone at The Crude Life is grateful for all your contributions to industry, to your communities and to our planet.

Commissioner Christi Craddick is one of three commissioners at the Texas Railroad Commission, and she is also the longest serving of the three to this elected position. We were lucky enough to get some time with Commissioner Craddick to recap the last year and catch a glimpse of what she anticipates to come.

–We begin with Chairman Craddick breaking down a little bit of history and information about the Texas Railroad Commission. They are the oldest oil and gas regulators in the world, and they’re based in Texas. They focus on pipelines and pipeline safety, and there are roughly 470,000 miles of interstate and intrastate lines in Texas and roughly another 500,000 miles of gas utilities lines in Texas to maintain. They also do coal, coal mines, lignite mines, and uranium mines; so, needless to say, it’s a big job to maintain safety. They also regulate carbon capturing in Texas oil fields. Production wise, about a 3rd of the country’s oil and a 4th of the country’s gas is coming out of Texas.

“I think we’ve got one of the best agencies in the entire state, and frankly probably [one of] the best agencies is the entire country when you talk about oil and gas regulations.” – Commissioner Christi Craddick 

– To prevent waste and to protect the environment are the top two priorities of the agency. Commissioner Craddick talks about the idea that having rules and regulations is one of the best ways to make sure that the practices in the field maintain the safety practices. There are about 150 inspectors for the oil and gas division, approximately 30 people inspecting the coal and coal mines, and around 70 inspectors in the pipeline division and they’re out in the field everyday to help make sure everyone is in compliance with the rules and regulations. The idea isn’t to over-regulate, though; once something is found not in compliance, there is an opportunity to fix the issue before fines and penalties are given. There’s also a great many resources found on the website so that everyone has an opportunity to be in compliance. Everyone does get opportunities to operate within the rules and regulations; but if there’s a refusal to play by the rules, the Texas Railroad Commission will shut the operation down.

– Next we discuss the impacts of climate activism on the Texas oil and gas industry and how it has put a spotlight on flaring in Texas. This has been an on-going challenge that will hopefully continue to see progression. A goal is to build the infrastructure so that flaring won’t be necessary.There is also a desire to update the systems and upgrade the data that is gathered in the field. “There is no magic answer” as Commissioner Craddick says, but the industry is changing and progressing  and there will most likely continue to be an on-going conversation on how to work with companies to implement the best practices.

“Flaring is a priority to find out how we do it better and how we do a lot less of it in this state. We’ve talked about it a lot in the last 18 months in Texas.” – Commissioner Craddick 

– After going from all-time highs in 2019, then there was the trade dispute in the Middle East and Covid. So, mid-March 2020, there was talk about the possibility of prorationing for the first time since the 1970s. What this would do is nix the free market and make it mandatory for businesses to only produce what was “rationed” to them by the Commission. But the demand had dropped by nearly 100 million barrels per day on top of the closures due to Covid. The conversation went on for roughly two months, and there was an 11 hour hearing last April while people around the world waited to find out what the decision was. Ultimately, the decision was not to proration and to trust in the free market to even itself out.

“We are glad we’re past that conversation today and instead have tried to use other rules and waivers that we’ve been allowed to look at as an agency to try to keep this industry alive during this short period…” – Commission Craddick 

– Although we most likely will not see the conversation about prorationing come back, there are other obstacles Commissioner Craddick is looking at having to overcome in the next few months. The Paris Climate Accord, the possibility of shutting down the Keystone XL Pipeline, the journey to getting carbon neutral and the rest of the government regulations that come with the Biden/Harris administration may be the greatest hurdles in the near future. The hope is to use Texas as a model for utilizing each industry in a balance to bring about the best economy rather than choosing to model the strategy off of California.

“We have common sense approaches.. and that’s why our economy continues to grow and people are moving to Texas…” – Commissioner Craddick 

– Commissioner Craddick continues to talk about positive hopes for the future based on the current trajectory. She discusses countries like Taiwan that are beginning to make the change to cleaner energy and how the developments made in the United States are helping the world with progressing to cleaner energy. The belief is that more will get done when industry is behind it.

“People who argue that we don’t have clean energy, they haven’t looked at the fact that our methane emissions have gone way down in the last ten years not because of over regulation but because industry’s seen the value and put the technology in place that they need to without being told to… “ – Commissioner Craddick (24:49)

– Some words in closing, Commissioner Craddick talks about some things to keep in mind over the next year. She says to be watching the budget, and understand that the oil and gas industry isn’t going anywhere.There are simply too many things in our lives because of oil and gas whether a person drives or not. Rather than choosing an energy source, continue to have conversations to help everyone move forward positively and in balance.

If you’d like to find out more, be sure to check out these links:

Texas Railroad Commission

Commissioner Craddick’s Website

Interview and recap of Commissioner Christi Craddick is by The Crude Life Content Correspondent Genneca Houser.

If anyone would like to schedule an interview, meeting or news tip email [email protected]

Industrial Integrity and Energy Ethics are the new entry level expectations in oil and gas, and The Crude Life continues to create original Local, Boots-On-The-Ground Journalism while showcasing other environmentally conscious companies.

Communication is vital in today’s energy extraction and empowerment.

About The Crude Life

The Crude Life produces original content that focuses on industry, the people, energy innovations, community building and it’s proactive culture. Our custom content is non-polarizing, trusted and often news making.

The Crude Life 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.

Part of our mission is to enable people, companies and communities to affect change, demonstrate their transformative actions and drive energy awareness through storytelling and access to resources.

Sponsors, Music and Other Show Notes 

Studio Sponsor: The Industrial Forest

The Industrial Forest is a network of environmentally minded and socially conscious businesses that are using industrial innovations to build a network of sustainable forests across the United States.

Click here for the website

Weekly Sponsor:  Black Creek K-9 Pipeline Leak Detection

Disabled Veteran Owned Business in Decatur, TX. Servicing the K-9 industry with pipeline leak detection, detection services, dog training & K-9 consulting.  Dwayne Farris served in the United States Marine Corps as a Military Police Officer, assigned to be a Military Working Dog Handler. Upon the honorable completion of active duty, he continued as a reservist for the U.S. Marine Corps Military Police Detachment located in Wahpeton, North Dakota as a squad leader. He was later promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

As a civilian contractor, Dwayne operated for various high-profile U.S.-based security companies deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as a Combat Canine Tracking Handler, Trainer, Kennel Master, and Program Manager. His most recent experience was as the field-based Supervisory Subject Matter Expert working for TSA as the Regional Canine Coordinator for Region 5 based in Seattle, WA. In that position, he regionally oversaw all National Explosive Detection Canine Training Program assigned canine teams. For the Pacific Northwest area of operations, he served as a Regional Canine Training Instructor for the NEDCTP. Prior to joining the TSA, Dwayne was a Multi-Purpose Canine Trainer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, for a special operations unit training and deploying K-9 teams in support of world-wide missions.

Click here for website

Featured Music:  Alma Cook

For guest, band or show topic requests, email [email protected]

Spread the word. Support the industry. Share the energy.

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Every March since 1987, Congress and U.S. Presidents have designated March as Women’s History Month. This year, The Crude Life celebrates and honors their accomplishments and contributions in history with interviews and stories that center around women’s experiences in industry.

In the interview, she dives into the interview right away about how the industry still has silos and what they look like from an outside perspective.

The Play Hard Work Hard Morning Show also talks about how Alma, a female environmentally minded professional gravitated to industry. She explains how her brother in Thailand was the catalyst for her journey in oil and gas.

Midland Mayor Patrick Payton’s work on the industry’s image is discussed in detail. Alma, who is also a member of the Permian Basin Pipeliners Association, shares some stories about her interaction with the Mayor and work in the Permian. Ashley Smith from Trucker’s Against Trafficking is also mentioned for her work with the creating awareness in regards to Sex Trafficking.

Alma also opines about how the industry needs to do more than sponsor events. They need to engage with people outside the industry.

Climate Tax, oil’s image, ESG, safety and compliance are also topics discussed in the  interview.

Alma Lynn Cook is an American singer-songwriter and spoken word artist professionally known as Alma Cook. Her debut album Pass It On was released in 2012, and her single “For a Poet” and full-length project Tactics followed in 2014.

Cook grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, and attended Columbia College in Chicago. After college, she began playing at various clubs and festivals across the United States, opening for acts including contemporary gospel musician Jonathan McReynolds and Christian rapper George Moss.

Cook released an EP titled Pass It On in September 2012, followed by the single “For a Poet,” which charted at No. 2 on Rádio Nova Portugal in December 2014. She later released the full-length album Tactics, produced by bassist Chris Thigpen, whose father Cornell Thigpen (Mary J. Blige, Chaka Kahn, Stevie Nicks, and Patti LaBelle) played organ on the song “Hotshot.”

An album review by The Phantom Tollbooth magazine said of Cook’s performance on Tactics, “Alma has the vocal innocence of Amber Rubarth combined with vocal qualities rivaling Denise Donatelli.”

As of 2021, Cook was a podcast host and co-director of cultural engagement for Braver Angels, an American nonprofit focused on political depolarization. She was noted by Forbes as a conservative.

In addition to her work as a musician, Cook owns an oil and gas compliance company, Cook Compliance Solutions, based in Williston, North Dakota with a satellite office in Houston, TX.

The business works with oilfield service providers looking to obtain the right safety certifications, insurance and other measures needed to contract under larger oil companies.

If anyone would like to schedule an interview, meeting or news tip email [email protected]

Industrial Integrity and Energy Ethics are the new entry level expectations in oil and gas, and The Crude Life continues to create original Local, Boots-On-The-Ground Journalism while showcasing other environmentally conscious companies.

Communication is vital in today’s energy extraction and empowerment.

About The Crude Life

The Crude Life produces original content that focuses on industry, the people, energy innovations, community building and it’s proactive culture. Our custom content is non-polarizing, trusted and often news making.

The Crude Life 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.

Part of our mission is to enable people, companies and communities to affect change, demonstrate their transformative actions and drive energy awareness through storytelling and access to resources.

Sponsors, Music and Other Show Notes 

Studio Sponsor: The Industrial Forest

The Industrial Forest is a network of environmentally minded and socially conscious businesses that are using industrial innovations to build a network of sustainable forests across the United States.

Click here for the website

Weekly Sponsor:  KBL Complete Services

Strikingly dynamic, incomparably strong and absolutely reliable, KBL Complete Services excels at all of your pipeline needs. From AGM Surveys, ILI tool tracking, Digsite Locating, and Equipment Decontamination, to Project Management, KBL Complete Services are ready to make your project a success.

Click here for website

Weekly Sponsor:  Great American Mining Co

Great American Mining monetizes wasted, stranded and undervalued gas throughout the oil and gas industry by using it as a power generation source for bitcoin mining. We bring the market and our expertise to the molecule. Our solutions make producers more efficient and profitable while helping to reduce flaring and venting throughout the oil and gas value chain.

Click here for website

Join Podcasters from across the world and all walks of life as they unite to bring civil solutions to life and liberty.

Studio Email and Inbox Sponsor: To Be Announced

Featured Music:  Alma Cook

For guest, band or show topic requests, email [email protected]

Spread the word. Support the industry. Share the energy.

Follow on YouTube

Follow on Facebook

Follow on LinkedIn

Follow on Twitter

Here is a fantastic interview with Marlette Dumas, PMP, Sr. Project Risk Management Engineer, BP

Marlette Dumas is a beautiful mind within the oil and gas industry and we had the opportunity to have a great conversation about how she got started, the journey, and her views on the direction for the industry among many other things.

We began at the beginning, where every good story begins and Marlette talked about how she was positively pushed toward math and science learning from a very young age. She continued in her desire to learn more in the STEM fields into college and passed when Marlette may possibly have been ahead of her time. She initially had wanted to venture into renewable energy, but that wasn’t a popular idea then. Plus, when Marlette was starting out, there were even less females in the industry than there are now. Even so, Marlette pushed forward and eventually began her career as a Facilities Engineer BP in Houston, TX.

“And I thought that renewables was the way to go at the time, but that was like 25-30 years ago and it hadn’t quite caught on yet. So I thought, I still wanna be in energy’ and that’s when I began to meet companies like BP and Shell and I just naturally graviated toward mechanical engineering on the projects side.” – Marlette Dumas

After finding a home working for BP, Marlette still had some struggles as a female in such a male dominated world. There were naturally some bumps along the way, but throughout the journey Marlette was able to grow her network and gain positive traction by working hard and doing her best. She did however talk a little about bringing a more “male” energy in the way she chose to dress and present herself in order to allow her voice to be heard – even though Marlette is a highly education woman in the field of Mechanical engineering.

“So I really had to just bring a mentality that ‘hey, just be present’ and try to put my ideas forward and put myself forward even though it was not in the environment that was welcome at the time. It was not very welcome but you still have to figure out how to dig deep and do it anyway.” – Marlette Dumas

It has gotten easier since the beginning of the journey and now Marlette is able to focus on what she likes best about her work within the oil and gas industry. Claiming the best part of what she’s learned so far has been leadership and critical thinking/problem solving abilities, Marlette also loves to analyze all the different facets of a project using the gathered information to solve the problems and create positive change. Lucky for us, Marlette gives us a look into her process and how she goes through gathering and processing the data.

Next we took a look at the industry as it sits right now and Marlette mentioned that it’s all going through a change right. More and more companies are looking to expand toward other forms of energy aside from oil and gas. As more technology becomes available and the conversation about renewable energy becomes more popular, we may see many more changes coming.

“People think that maybe oil and gas is not as attractive as it has been in the past, so we’re looking at other things now like renewables and things like that. So that’s coming on board, even though it may seem slow right now I think that it’ gonna be very, very important as we move forward.” – Marlette Dumas 

In moving forward, there are many who may be worried that there may be a push to phase oil and gas out of our energy grid. Marlette, however, believes that we will be looking at more of a balance moving forward as companies make technological advances and other changes. Not just because the social trend is pushing in that direction, either; but also because it possibly may help heal the climate issues. However, because of social trends, there’s nearly demands a better balance.

On another topic, Marlette shared a little bit about a couple of organizations she is involved with. One of them, The Society of Petroleum Engineers, is a non-profit organization that stands as a wonderful resource for the Energy Industry. But all of the organizations that Marlette is involved in focus on helping others to learn skills, build connection, and become educated within the oil and gas industry. So, for any ladies who are interested in getting involved in the Energy Industry, Marlette has some advice.

“Learn as much as you can, while you can…. I’d say, the most important thing is to learn the industry. Learn it inside and out.” – Marlette Dumas

And for our energy workers:

“The work you are doing, it’s very, very important and it’s affecting people’s lives… just understand that we’re doing a very important job and it’s our responsibility to learn our job really well and do the best that we can even though we’re in a world that is changing everyday.” – Marlette Dumas

Interview and summary by The Crude Life Content News Correspondent Genneca Houser

Narrator

… Yeah, I think. … Mhm … Every March since 1987 Congress and the United States presidents have designated March as Women’s History Month. This year, the Crude Life celebrates and honors their accomplishments once again, along with their contributions in history, with interviews stories that center around women’s experiences in oil and gas and industry. The crude life supports women in industry since day one and will continue to months after this as well.

The crude life believes women are vital in energy today. More than ever from a female’s point of view to intuition to specific skill sets. Women are vital in energy. Today’s women and industry are not only modern day leaders but are truly defining history as well. Everyone here at the Crude Life is grateful for all your contributions to industry, to your communities and to our planet. Here is a fantastic interview with Marlette Dumas of BP. …

Genneca Houser

Good day to you. My friends and listeners today, we have a great opportunity to speak with Mar Let Dumas and she is down in Texas in the greater Houston area, I believe. Am I correct, Maar let, yes,

Marlette Dumas

Houston,

Genneca Houser

Texas. Very nice. Very nice. Well, thank you. For joining with me today. How are you doing?

Marlette Dumas

I’m good, thank you. Bright and sunny down here. Oh,

Genneca Houser

wonderful. I wish it was like that up in South Dakota where I’m at. But you’re, you’re down there working in the oil and gas industry and, uh, this seems to be something that you’ve been doing for quite some time and I’m feeling very excited. Why don’t we start at the beginning? Start with you. How, how did you get into the oil and gas sector?

Marlette Dumas

So at first, um just my parents always pushed us for math and science. We grew up in an area that was very mixed um racially. So they just thought, you know, what’s the best chance for our kids? And so they always just pushed math and science. So I can remember from very, very early on that, that’s the education somehow was just incredibly important.

And I belong to a group that now is similar to stem um T S T M but it’s now called STEM. And so just even when I was in high school, that has always been the thing for us. And my mom had introduced me to a physics laboratory run by the government and I was started out as a physicist and I didn’t want to be stuck in a room by myself all day. So eventually I, I changed my major to mechanical engineering and I thought that renewables was the way to go at the time, but that was like 25 30 years ago and it

hadn’t quite caught on yet. So I thought, okay, I still want to be an energy and that’s when I began to meet companies like BP and Shell. And I just naturally gravitated toward, um, mechanical engineering on the project side. So I’ve been doing it for quite some time and there were not very many women and definitely not many people of color, but I, I just, I started there and I just hung in there and, um, it’s probably gotten somewhat better, of course, over

the years, but that’s how I got started. Um, as a project engineer, a facilities engineer actually with DP here in Houston, Texas. And I’ve been doing that ever since I was,

Genneca Houser

it was, it, was it difficult getting taken seriously in such a male dominated industry in this?

Marlette Dumas

Yeah. So at first I think they were doing it because they were really trying hard to diversify their workforce. And some people might have said things like, you know, they hired you because you’re an African American woman or whatever. But my father always told me, hey, it doesn’t matter right back then anyway, they said it doesn’t matter how you get in, just make sure you do a great job once you get there. And so that’s how I started.

Um I started there when I think they hired us at the time, three black women and it was good um lots of bumps along the way but um also form some networks with other people on just how to do well and get through each day and meet the challenges today. So at the time I was doing some deep water projects um just um bringing them on and with design and um just through the like a stage gate process to bring projects online.

Genneca Houser

Wow. Has it, has it gotten better than since then?

Marlette Dumas

I like to think so because now I see more people that look like me. Um I am a petite woman so that two played into it quite a bit. Um It’s, of course, it was very much a male dominated world still is, but it’s, it’s getting better. But I think that back then I was just trying to figure out how to and now I don’t encourage anyone to do this, of course, but back then I was trying to figure out how to fit in.

So I would wear pantsuits to work or um things like that to try to make myself feel and look more like what they were looking like or yes, I took on more of a masculine persona at times. Um Sometimes I would speak up in meetings sometimes I wouldn’t just depending on if they were gonna maybe cut me off mid sentence or something.

So I really had to just bring a mentality that hey, just be present and tried to put my ideas forward and put myself forward even though it was not in the environment that, that was welcome at the time. It wasn’t not, not very welcome, but still have to somehow figure out how to dig deep and, and do it anyway. Right.

Genneca Houser

I can only imagine how difficult that might have been for you. Absolutely. Uh, especially with as much education as you’ve gotten. It appears that you are very well educated.

Marlette Dumas

So, so my parents message really, really um sank deep with me. I, I really just grabbed onto that. Um I have both my bachelors and masters in mechanical engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where my heart is and uh University of Colorado in Denver for my masters.

Genneca Houser

Wow, that is awesome. So, what is your favorite part of being involved in the oil and gas industry? What’s, what’s the favorite part of your education

Marlette Dumas

that you get to use every day? So I wouldn’t say that I get to use a lot of the technical things every day. I think that that’s part of it if someone chooses to go that route. Um I went more into the project management and risk management side. But if you ask me, what would I say is the best part of it. I think that when we’re in engineering school and we’re working with students who are also some of the best in the world or they’ve been brought up to, to understand that they need to be the best

in the world. It really teaches us how to think, so how to solve problems, how to process, how to make decisions, how to guide people that are, how to be an influencer, how to guide people who are making decisions into making the right decision or the best decisions. So the technical things aside, it’s more so how to lead and how to influence and how to direct.

And that’s something that I mean, probably you can get that in a lot of different ways. But I felt like engineering school really does teach how to solve problems, critical

Genneca Houser

thinking and problem

Marlette Dumas

solving. Very much so. Yes, very much so, I

Genneca Houser

love it. Actually, I can’t even because I, I would like to think that I’m fairly good at critical thinking and problem solving, but I, I don’t, oh that, that seems like a very tough job to me. Seems like there that there might be so much involved. How exactly do you analyze the different aspects?

Marlette Dumas

Gosh. So I think it’s a multi step type approach for me. One is, is very, very early on, I would say, learn who’s who the players are, who, who, who are you solving the problem for? Where are the resources, who can I go to for information if it’s something that I’m not already really familiar with? So just know who the players are and then how to gather information pertinent information.

Like is this important, is that important where to go to get that information, who I need to talk to and then sorting through, through it all. I mean, sometimes you’ve got some information that may not be important at all. And then some, some of it is, is the definite needle in the haystack kind of thing. How do you find that? So that I would say is part of it and then how to present once I’ve made a decision or, or I think I’ve found the answer are I’m looking at the software or whatever.

Um How do you, how do I present that to the people that are going to make the decision? So that too is important. Like what, what will they be most receptive to? And if it’s nothing that I don’t think they’re gonna be receptive to, how do I couch it in a way that they will say? Uh huh. Yes, I understand how we, how this might be a better direction. So for me, it’s, it’s more of a process. It’s probably four or five steps, but that’s how I do it. Wow.

Genneca Houser

I was gonna say that’s, that’s really interesting. That’s, that’s not even just crunching numbers as much as it’s also incorporating and it sounds like human behavior and uh and, and other and other outside information, I couldn’t help but thinking how nice it would be if more, more journalists would do that amount of research to.

Marlette Dumas

Yeah, they probably do. But, yeah, that that’s true.

Genneca Houser

Oh, some of them absolutely do. I

Marlette Dumas

can’t, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like. I,

Genneca Houser

right now it’d be a high pressure job, that’s for sure. Although, right has, has the pressure grown in Texas since, uh, well, since mid January and, and then of course, that cold snap, have, have things been changing for you down there?

Marlette Dumas

So, so, yes and no, I, I think what really caught us was the storm, right? But, um, as far as folks working from home and things like that, yes, that’s still ongoing. But, but like I said, some of them are, are starting to come back and some of them were working from home already on some type of limited basis anyway. But yes, I think the, the pressure is, um, the industry is going through a change right now.

Right. So we’ve got, um, people think that maybe oil and gas are, are, uh, is not as attractive as, as it has been in the past. So we’re looking at other things now like renewables and, and things like that. So that’s coming on board, even though it may seem slow right now, I think that it’s gonna be very, very important as we move forward. So a lot, the larger I’ve only, I’ve only worked for, I should have said this earlier.

I’ve only worked for large operators, right. So they’re starting to change some of their, their ways of thinking on what might be a way to go in the future. So maybe not so much petrochemicals, maybe more renewables or what they could get into. Um like for example, electric cars is becoming a thing, right? So what can they do to try to take part in that new direction that our society is that we’re going as a society?

So even things like, I don’t want to bring up political things with things such as like global warming and things like that. So we’re trying to figure out what, what we want to look like as a leader still in the industry, even though things are starting to change.

Genneca Houser

Yeah. Well, that makes sense because like you said, there, there are quite a lot of changes and I’m sure that there’s going to be quite a lot more throughout the rest of the year. I mean, we, we only just made it out of February, right? So I guess kind of a big question. Excuse me, a big question that a lot of people are wondering is where, where are things going to be going from here?

Do you think that this is going to constitute kind of a cut down on, on oil and gas itself or do you think it’s going to bring about more of an integration and a balance between renewable energy in the oil and gas industry? I know that Texas kind of prides itself on that balance.

Marlette Dumas

Yes. So I’ve been in Texas now about 25 years and I’ve seen it go from where it was heavily oil and gas, where it really was the number one industry here. And we are a world leader, um not just leader in the U S but world leader as far as almost like a headquarter type situation. Now, Houston itself has taken on many other industries as kind of a headquarters.

Right. So you’ve got health care and things like that down here now and then oil and gas, the industry itself, energy, energy, the energy industry itself has started to change. So I am going to say yes, it’s a funny thing when I think sometimes it’s just really ironic, I used to pull into the office and I would see some of my colleagues driving electric cars and things like that.

And I’m like, how do you work for a large oil and gas company and role in an electric car? So, I mean, even us, I mean, even in our, in our circles, we can see that things are changing. So would you say it’s going to be somewhat of a blended type situation? I say very much. So, yes, even though the profits with the numbers that they’re looking for right now may not be there. I think that society is going to push us or at least make us strongly consider how to make that type of energy more

profitable or more attractive. Um We sure we’re going to have enough to last for many, many years. But I think now that they’re trying more okay, what else can we do? What can we do differently and still stay in the good graces of, of society? So I think that they’re almost being forced to be more of a blended type um, industry in the, in the energy industry. When I say I’m not talking just oil and gas and energy in general. Yes.

Genneca Houser

Right. I mean, do you, do you see this being kind of a pause? I mean, is it actually helping, I guess, is the real question is do you think that, um, moving to a more blended industry will actually help the issues that are being brought up by the climate? I mean, or do you think that this is just kind of just where society seems to be shifting to?

Marlette Dumas

I think both, I think both there are a lot of people who are paying attention to what they’re doing. Like you may notice people are recycling more whatever. So those people are learning what it means to care more for the environment. So they’re almost wanting to see that. But at the same time as a company they have there, Their shareholders, their stakeholders, there, there are other affiliations or

relationships and they need to please those people too. So there that blend is going to come regardless. And I mean, it may not be 5050 anytime soon, but it is coming. Certainly. Yeah.

Genneca Houser

Well, I guess that actually kind of brings me to another thought, you know, in speaking with, for example, Governor Doug Burgum, he had mentioned a whole bunch about uh carbon sequestration. Um and, and using coal, actually, Governor Mark Gordon had mentioned that too in Wyoming, do you think that Texas is going to take a focus on coal to begin in with?

Or do you think that it’s gonna be more of a focus specifically on like the solar and, and wind turbine energy for right now or, or I mean, I guess back to that balance, there’s

Marlette Dumas

options. So something clean for sure. I mean, something clean for sure because they want to try to stay, they want to try to be as um respectful to the environment as possible. But yes, I I don’t really know much about coal. Um So I can’t really speak on that, but I do know that companies at the end of the day, at the end of the day, they’re go, they’re responsible for answering to not only our government and things like that entities like that, but they also have their shareholders,

their stakeholders and people that they their, their bottom line. And so they sometimes they really do have to follow, they have to follow in that direction. Um but but do it as cleanly and neatly as possible. So I see, I see you mentioned solar. So I see things like solar and wind creeping up but at the end of the day, they still have to stay afloat as, as a business. Right. So that’s, that’s kind of where I see it

Genneca Houser

well, and I know that there’s, I mean, obviously there’s multiple options when it comes to, to energy and where we get our energy from. Um, I keep forgetting that nuclear is even a thing. And nuclear, we were

Marlette Dumas

just, we were just, I was just having, I was just chatting with a long chat actually with a colleague yesterday about that. And yes, I do see now the U S right now. Okay. Maybe not, not as much as a big player, but I do think it’s coming.

Genneca Houser

Mm, I have reservations about, about nuclear energy. It’s a lot of power which could be very, very good, but it could be very, very bad

Marlette Dumas

too and it could be very bad, you know. Exactly

Genneca Houser

scary but really

Marlette Dumas

cool. I mean, I don’t know if you’ve explored much into like geo geo thermal. Um There’s this other, other sources. You’re right. It’s a big, there’s a big playing field.

Genneca Houser

So do the businesses that you work with, do they work in the geothermal energy realm?

Marlette Dumas

So, no, not right now, the work I’m doing, I’m doing volunteer work right now for the Society of Petroleum Engineers here in Houston. And um so they too have even started to change their um their, the way that they run their organization. So it’s now professional professionals and energy. Um, so I would say yes, there is a change across the board. Absolutely.

Genneca Houser

So, well, yeah, I mean, I guess we’ve, yeah, we’ve been talking for a little bit about all the changes, we know, we know more changes are going to be coming. But, and it’s so hard to predict with, well, with so many variables.

Marlette Dumas

So, the thing I also see is a lot of the folks that have been in the industry a while, some people might call them seasoned oil and gas, folks, they, that’s all they’ve known. They’ve been in it for 2030 years. They just happen to, were able to stay in the industry. And I think they’ll, they’re gonna hope that things stay, that they can stay in oil and gas until their retirement, which should be, you know, relatively soon.

But some of the people that are new, like, say those who have less than 5, 10, 15 years experience, they’ve grown up in the industry knowing that there are other options for energy sources. And so I think they’re going to be more comfortable, we’ll use, work comfortable with changes of where we source our energy from. So I think for them it will be okay that it will be fine.

Genneca Houser

It’s, it’s just kind of an interesting, I guess, uh, to watch the shift, the mindset shift. But that actually, that makes a lot of sense.

Marlette Dumas

Yeah. So that’s what I, what I’m saying, that playing into the mind shift or even the mindset. Right. Um, some of them are like some of the students that I work with now. They’re okay. They’re, their minds are more flexible. They’re more, oh, yes, I see how that’s better for us. I see how it’s better for the environment. We can still get close to our numbers and they’re more, they’re more agreeable to understanding that. Yes, this is the direction we’re going.

But when I talked to some of the folks that have been in the industry, like me for, you know, fairly awhile anyway, they don’t want to see oil and gas go. They think that that’s there. It’s been, I don’t wanna say cash cow, but it’s been bread and butter for so long that, that’s, that’s what they’re there as well and, you know, I’m retiring in five years so hopefully I can write it out, you know. So it’s that kind of thing. Well,

Genneca Houser

it’s interesting too because I’ve actually been hearing quite a lot more about how our oil and gas industry is actually much more clean and environmentally friendly than the population would like to actually give credit for that. They, that they know about, I guess to, you know,

Marlette Dumas

so lots of things have come into place from the government. Like, can you remember things like sometimes folks talk about, used to talk about flaring or maybe they still, like for now they still talk about fracking. So those things are things that we hear and see on different media. Right. Um, what they may not, what, what society may not be so aware of is the steps that we’re taking to make things better.

Um, so you don’t see a lot of that anymore where there, where people were oil and gas companies, maybe, maybe not respecting the environment as much as, um, they had in the past. So now they’re being more, um, a lot of our practices are now more um, stringent or we’re not allowed to do that or we’re only for certain periods of time or something like that.

And those, those steps. So even though those stuff seems small, those and some of them are big, actually, they don’t get, um, they don’t make time, they don’t get airtime. So people don’t get to see that we’re making those changes.

Genneca Houser

Right. Well, that’s something that I had noticed as well. Um, do you, does, is now, is this a factor, is this something that gets taken into account as you are assessing the different projects as well as how, you know, what, what steps have been taken to be more environmentally friendly when it comes to the project?

Marlette Dumas

Yes. Yes, very much so. So as a risk manager, which I’m no longer a risk manager, but back when I was, um, we would, we have different, different components of the project that we assess and one, one of them and it always is. So, is safety and environment. We always seek out what could be the risk and how do we weigh them? Like how do we mitigate them? How do we assess them? And then what do we do to, to actually just lower or completely remove that risk entirely?

What can we do differently to remove that risk entirely? So, yes, absolutely. And I’m talking about environmental risks and I’m talking about safety. So when I say environmental things that have to do with the environment or the air we breathe or whatever, uh and is it, is it a risk? And how do we, how do we mitigate how to remove it? And, and what do we do if it does happen? What, what, what’s our response? So, yes, absolutely. So. Right.

Genneca Houser

Well, and then I guess I was kind of wondering too how much, how much accountability is there for the companies when it comes to these projects to be environmentally friendly or to try and take those steps to be as environmentally friendly as possible or?

Marlette Dumas

Well, there is, yes, I agree with you. There is accountability sometimes even at a government level, like maybe there’s a fine that might be a set and then even like I mentioned earlier for a shareholder, stakeholders type people, um they need to know that we’re behaving in a certain way and they don’t, if we’re not, then they’ll move on to, to invest in someone else.

So, absolutely. There’s accountability in that regard and then even at the, at the project team level, um, they, we don’t like to do finger pointing, of course, but we work as a team to try to do what’s best and were held accountable even within our own small groups to try to do, make the best decision.

Genneca Houser

Nice. Yeah, see, it just, it just kind of seems like these are the types of, this is the type of information, I guess I should say that doesn’t generally get put out there because the oil and gas industry is, is made to look so, so awful. And so I, I hadn’t even brought it up to talk about before, but I guess I have been wondering about the different levels of accountability and consideration when it came to that. Um, so that’s, that’s the

Marlette Dumas

spectrum. I would say it’s a spectrum. So there’s always going to be some type of a governmental, um, policy or we need to follow this, uh, rule. And so there’s fines and then of course, we don’t want to want to have to get stuck with fine. So there’s always that all the way down to the smaller things, you know, like maybe there’s a person who doesn’t want to sit on a particular team because they’ve decided to take this direction so that personally choose to work on a different project

team. And like I said, it’s all, it all boils down to relationships that they want to be affiliated with a team and a set, a set of people who have this type of thinking, um, that we wanna do, do things right and respect the environment even though we’re in oil and gas. So, yes. Yeah, I’ve seen some people make decisions. Like I have a girlfriend. Um, she decided to go with a company that does that wind turbines.

She’s been oil and gas ever since day one, just like me. But, um, she may decide to, you know, she still wants to be an energy, but she’s decided to take a different route mostly because, and mostly because of accountability, she doesn’t want to be the person who’s on the team that that’s um not respecting our environment and things like that.

Genneca Houser

Well, that’s not, that’s not a bad mindset to keep either, especially when the consideration that you’re taking is specifically for other people. I’ve, I’ve heard different, different things about the wind turbine technology. Um It’d be, I don’t know, it’s so it’s, it’s, it’s kind interesting seeing the differences between all of them. I, I obviously am not a professional within the industry.

And so I get to, I’m lucky in the way that I get to hear firsthand, a lot of information only because I have this awesome opportunity to speak with really cool people like you. So I’m very, very much appreciated actually talk Texas Oil had recommended that we get into touch with you because of all of your extensive background within the industry. So very excited about it. Yeah,

Marlette Dumas

thank you. Yeah, I like working with her. She’s an awesome person.

Genneca Houser

Yeah, I guess I’m still kind of new to doing this with the crude life. So, I don’t know too much about talk Texas Oil or the petroleum association that you are involved in either. Oh,

Marlette Dumas

yes. Society of Petroleum Engineers or? Well, that’s its former name anyway. Um, yeah, so that group, even though it’s called Society Petroleum Engineers, at least up until just recently. Um It’s, it really is more um it’s not just petroleum engineers, there’s almost everyone from every area of oil and gas. So we have G and G and um gosh, we have facilities engineers, pipeline.

We have a lot of different folks but it’s a good um resource. We have of course classes and seminars and all those types of things. Um So people can study other parts of the industry within our organization. Um And then we do things like hiring events, which we have one coming up uh in early April. Um So it’s a, it’s just an outstanding resource for people, everyone in the oil and gas and, and now we’d like to say the energy industry because we’ve opened it up to renewables. So, yes, it’s

a really good resource. And um the other organizations that I’m in, they too, even though some of them are for women, like women’s energy network and things like that. They too are, um, very inclusive as far as, I mean, yes, it began with a group of women that were in the oil and gas industry were trying to figure out how do we manage our way through? Um, being very minority. Um, but that too is another excellent resource for women. Um, and oil and gas definitely

Genneca Houser

sounds like. What, what kind of advice do you think you’d have for any ladies who might be listening and are considering getting into the oil and gas industry or into the energy industry in general, I guess.

Marlette Dumas

Okay. Uh So first of all, I say, just learn as much as you can while you can. That’s, there’s a learning curve that is there and it’s, it’s steep, right? They don’t, if you’re not a petroleum engineer, they don’t teach this in school, right. So it’s pretty steep align yourself with the right people, a mentor or someone who’s been in the industry a while that maybe there’s a person who, you know, that’s in the industry that definitely align yourself with them and build a great

relationship, learn how to build relationships. That’s another key thing. Um But I would say it’s, it’s, I wouldn’t say it’s competitive, it is competitive, but that’s probably not the most important thing. I’d say. The most important thing is to learn the industry, learn it inside and out, learn, learn their job, inside and out because almost every moment counts.

It’s almost like a pressure cooker. Um When I go in, in the beginning of the day, there’s already problems still left over from yesterday. So you’re really working hard to cram as much into one day as possible. Just learn how to do that. So time management, how to solve problems and, and learn what you learned the job really, really well, the industry is so complex.

Um You asked me earlier about why would I have even chosen oil and gas? I chose it because the risk for, I’m upstream. Right. I’ve done a little bit of everything, but I’d say upstream, especially the risk that and when I say risk, I mean, being able to push like technology and things like that, deep water or length of a pipeline or something like that where it’s never been done before, align themselves with someone like that, who knows who has a history or some experience with how

challenging the industry can really be and how to solve those tough problems and that it’s okay to learn how to take calculated risks, things like that, that’s what’s gonna set the difference. Um Just understand that that is the tone that’s always going to be the tone. Um Just be willing to work hard to be able to work in that type of an environment where it’s just high pressure almost every day.

Genneca Houser

Nice, be prepared to, to work on your motivation and perseverance. In other

Marlette Dumas

words. Yes. Yes. And the other difference, I’d say, in other parts of the energy industry, some of um some companies work in, in, let’s just say hundreds of thousands of dollars or maybe a few million dollars. But if they’re going to work with like an operator, someone that’s a world leader has the largest project X project in the world. They’re going to be working on projects that are billions of dollars, right?

So sometimes 678 $10 billion. So I understand that, that it’s sometimes it’s not even the size of the project that matters, but just understand that we’re talking real money here, more money than some people will ever see in their lifetime. But these projects are, some of them are really, really big dollar and there’s always safety involved, there’s timing involved, schedules cost all those things and if it’s, it’s there, we’re losing a few $1000 in some parts of industry.

That’s no big deal. But when you’re talking about millions of dollars, that’s a big deal. And we’re responsible for that, right. The project team members that might have a piece of the project that they’re responsible for, that’s X millions of dollars. So be able to understand that, hey, the, the work that you’re doing is very, very important and it’s affecting people’s lives. When we flip that switch, we expect power to come out.

When we go to the gas station, we expect. So just understand that we’re doing a very important job and it’s our responsibility to learn our job really well and do the best that we can, even though we’re in a world that’s changing every day. Yeah. Just, just keep learning and, and stay on top of, stay on top of what they need to know for the, for their role and the project and the company in general.

Genneca Houser

I love it. That’s brilliant advice. Probably for any industry, but I love it. That’s brilliant. Thank you. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me today. Marlette. I very much appreciate it. Sure.

Marlette Dumas

Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.

Genneca Houser

Absolutely. And I hope so. I hope at some point I might be able to talk to you again. You never know. Of

Marlette Dumas

course. Absolutely. I’ll be right here. Well,

Genneca Houser

um, is there anything else that you would like to add? Any, any? Well,

Marlette Dumas

happy, I know I’m a day late but happy International Women’s History Day, uh, to the women that are there and all the great work that they’re doing. Thank you for the work that you’re doing. Um, we’re getting there, we’re, we’re really getting there. I

Genneca Houser

think so. I think good things are coming. I do. I truly believe that good things are going to be around the corner and, and it’s gonna look up, it’s gonna be great.

Marlette Dumas

Absolutely. So, thank you.

Genneca Houser

Well, thank you. Have a wonderful rest of your day and I look forward to in the future when we do get to speak again.

Marlette Dumas

Likewise. Thank you so much. Have a great

Genneca Houser

day. Alright, my friends that was Marlette Dumas and she is a brilliant mind in the oil and gas industry has been for quite some time. And if you enjoyed listening to what she had to say, make sure that you go check out the rest of what the crude live dot com has to offer.

…

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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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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.

Human trafficking, a modern form of slavery, devastates countless lives worldwide, including in rural areas like North Dakota. The 31:8 Project is at the forefront of combating this issue by raising awareness, educating communities, and supporting survivors.

Founded by Stacy Schaffer, the 31:8 Project aims to illuminate the realities of human trafficking through education and advocacy. The name derives from Proverbs 31:8, which calls for speaking out for those who cannot.

Schaffer’s passion for the cause began during her studies at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, and evolved into a robust initiative that has reached thousands across the state and beyond.

The 31:8 Project has profoundly influenced public understanding of human trafficking, equipping communities with tools to recognize and combat this crime. As awareness grows, so does the collective ability to protect vulnerable populations and support survivors.

By fostering awareness and mobilizing action, the 31:8 Project stands as a vital force in the fight against human trafficking. Their dedication reminds us that awareness is the first step toward change—and that every voice matters in this fight for freedom.

The 5th Annual Bakken Human Trafficking Summit will focus on a variety of topics related to sex and labor trafficking, sexual exploitation, and more. This event, organized by North Dakota-based nonprofit 31:8 Project, features several keynotes, breakout sessions, and panel discussions to better inform the community about sex and labor trafficking in Western North Dakota. Our event speakers will include: law enforcement, healthcare professionals, human service representatives, and survivors of human trafficking.

The event takes place on May 20-21 in Bismarck, ND with the location TBD. Breakfast and snacks will be provided. Attendees will have a mid-day break for lunch.

Continuing Education credit and hours available for professionals attending the Bakken Human Trafficking Summit. This event is open to the public. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic, discretion is advised. Scholarships are available.

E-mail [email protected] to learn more about scholarship ticket availability.

Medical professionals, faith groups, law enforcement, human service providers, hospitality workers, business owners, parents/guardians, educators, service clubs, government officials, and other community groups are invited to attend as we work together to learn about the issues facing the region and the action steps we can take moving forward.

​Attending the Bakken Human Trafficking Conference offers significant benefits for enhancing the communities of North Dakota by equipping participants with critical knowledge and actionable strategies to combat this pervasive issue. Such a conference provides a platform for community leaders, policymakers, law enforcement, educators, and concerned citizens to learn about the latest trends, prevention measures, and survivor support systems.

“By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, attendees can build stronger networks and develop community-specific solutions,” Schaffer said. “This enhances public safety, raises awareness, and strengthens resilience against exploitation, ultimately leading to healthier, more informed, and united communities throughout North Dakota.”

About Stacy: She is the Founder and Executive Director of 31:8 Project. She has based her work in advocacy on the ideal that no one person can do everything, but everyone can do something. Stacy is the coordinator for the Demand Reduction Program and an adjunct professor at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND.

She currently serves as a board member of the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations, committee member of the North Dakota Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force and member of the Farwest Rotary Club. With a passion towards serving others, Stacy has dedicated much of her time advocating for human rights. This pursuit has influenced her education, career, and community work.

Stacy graduated with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Prior, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Behavioral Sciences from the University of Mary.

In 2011, she was crowned Miss ND International and represented a platform on combating human trafficking. She launched 31:8 Project in 2015 to rally the general public to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

Stacy was awarded the ND Emerging Leader Award for her work in the non-profit sector and was selected as one of the Bismarck Tribune’s “20 Under 40”. Stacy was the 2018 University of Mary Bell Banner Alumni of the Year, and has been recognized as one of Bismarck’s Hidden Hometown Heroes.

Stacy often credits her motivation, work ethic, and determination from growing up on a farm near the town of Wishek, ND. Stacy hopes to inspire individuals across the state to join 31:8 Project on the journey to help end modern day slavery, starting right here in North Dakota.

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Jesse H. Ausubel joins Jason Spiess to discuss “Peak Human” and “Peak Humans” and how it will impact our future.  Ausubel, who is given credit for coining the term “decarbonization”, explains why new research is showing how humans’ mind and body have reached their limits and we are starting the downward curve.

“For 200-250 years humanity has had an incredible run,” Ausubel said. “When you think of you great grandparents, grandparents, parents and you, generally speaking you are going to be better in these four dimensions than they were.”

Those four dimensions are: the physical (how far and fast can we go?), lifetime (how long can we live and how well?), cognitive (measures of intelligence and learning), and immunity (is our resistance to disease waning?).

Ausubel also uses the Olympics as an example to explain Peak Humans.

“If you think of the Olympics, every four years the Olympics have happened since about 1900, lots of records were broken each time,” Ausubel said. “Maybe because the pool of people grew each time or they had better training or maybe they were taking drugs or even that maybe they had a better pole vaulting pole.”

He continued using golf and other sports as a way to explain how humans have physically evolved due to better tools, training and education, however it seems to have now peaked.

“We sort of had this big run up of improvements, let’s say from 1750 to 1800 into the 2000’s, and we found the same with lifetime performance, like longevity,” Ausubel said. “How long they lived, how tall were they, we looked at soldier’s uniforms from the time of Napoleon and the civil war.  Those uniforms were small and the shoes were small.  People were smaller.”

Ausubel explained how after so long of evolving with an upward trend, diabetes, declining academics, unhealthy body mass indexes and diminishing human intelligence is now showing a plateau with perhaps even a slight downward trend for humans.

“In the big picture we think it’s plausible that we are pretty near peak human,” Ausubel said.

Jesse H. Ausubel is Director of the Program for the Human Environment and Senior Research Associate at The Rockefeller University in New York City. The program aims to elaborate the vision of a large, prosperous society that emits little or nothing harmful and spares large amounts of land and sea for nature. The work spans forests and farms, marine life, human population, energy and materials, and climate as well as life, earth, and engineering sciences. Underlying the work are studies of the mathematics of growth and diffusion.

From 1977-1988 Mr. Ausubel worked for the National Academies complex in Washington DC as a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, staff officer of the National Research Council Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, and from 1983-1988 Director of Programs for the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Mr. Ausubel was a main organizer of the first UN World Climate Conference (Geneva, 1979), which substantially elevated the global warming issue on scientific and political agendas.

During 1979-1981 he led the Climate Task of the Resources and Environment Program of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, near Vienna, Austria, an East-West think-tank created by the U.S. and Soviet academies of sciences. Mr. Ausubel helped formulate the US and world climate research programs.

During 1989-1993 Mr. Ausubel served both at The Rockefeller and as Director of Studies for the Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology, and Government. The Commission, sponsored by Carnegie Corporation of New York, sought ways for the US government at all levels, as well as international organizations, to make better use of scientific and technical expertise.

Mr. Ausubel has authored and edited over 160 articles, reports, and books. He co-authored the 1989 paper “Dematerialization” that opened the study of this subject and in 1991 published the first paper explicitly on the “decarbonization” of the energy system. Mr. Ausubel was guest editor and lead author of the 1996 issue of Daedalus, “The Liberation of the Environment.” Reports for which he was main author include Changing Climate (National Academy, 1983), the first comprehensive review of the greenhouse effect, and Toward an International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP), the 1983 Research Council report originating the Global Change Program. For the NAE, he developed and oversaw studies on the performance of technology-intensive sectors of U.S. industry and on the diffusion and globalization of technology and helped conceive the field of field of industrial ecology.

Between 1994-2019 Mr. Ausubel served concurrently as a program manager and advisor for the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Under Sloan auspices, Mr. Ausubel helped create and complete the decade-long Census of Marine Life, an international program to assess and explain the diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the oceans.

He also co-founded the movement to develop short genetic identifiers, DNA barcodes, for animals, plants, and fungi, and served as founding chair of the Encyclopedia of Life, to develop a webpage for every species.

In 2009, he helped established the international Deep Carbon Observatory and later the International Quiet Ocean Experiment, which earned endorsements from key ocean science organizations in 2015 . His group’s laboratory work at The Rockefeller University has concentrated since 2014 on surveying marine biodiversity through the loose DNA (eDNA) in sea water.

Mr. Ausubel’s interest in DNA also spans the traces found in works of art, and more generally ways that genomics, molecular biology, and microbiology can help understand and conserve cultural heritage.  He helped form and now leads the Leonardo Da Vinci DNA Project to obtain and sequence the genome of Leonardo in order to understand better Leonardo’s extraordinary visual acuity and other attributes.

In the late 1990s, Mr. Ausubel managed the creation and production of the first interactive simulation model of the US university, Virtual U. , and spurred development of the Serious Games movement.

Educated at Harvard and Columbia, Mr. Ausubel serves on several editorial boards, including The Journal of Industrial Ecology, and is a University Fellow of Resources for the Future and an adjunct faculty member of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he has conducted studies since 1991.

About The Crude Life 

The Crude Life has been broadcasting on radio stations since 2012 and posts all updates and interviews on The Crude Life Social Media Network.

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

#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.

Sponsors, Music and Other Show Notes 

Studio Sponsor: The Industrial Forest

The Industrial Forest is a network of environmentally minded and socially conscious businesses that are using industrial innovations to build a network of sustainable forests across the United States.

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Weekly Sponsor:  Stephen Heins, The Practical Environmentalist

Historically, Heins has been a writer on subjects ranging from broadband and the US electricity grid, to environmental, energy and regulatory topics.

Heins is also a vocal advocate of the Internet of Everything, free trade, and global issues affecting the third of our planet that still lives in abject poverty.

Heins is troubled by the Carbon Tax, Cap & Trade, Carbon Offsets and Carbon Credits, because he questions their efficacy in solving the climate problem, are too gamable by rent seekers, and are fraught with unreliable accounting.

Heins worries that climate and other environmental reporting in the US and Europe has become too politicized, ignores the essential role carbon-based energy continues to play in the lives of billions, demonizes the promise and practicality of Nuclear Energy and cheerleads for renewable energy sources that cannot solve the real world problems of scarcity and poverty.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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.