In this episode, we discuss geomagnetic storms, extreme electromagnetic events known as coronal mass ejections that would destroy every satellite around the planet, wipe out power grids and most if not all of our electronics. The Carrington event that happened in 1859 destroyed the only electrical system at that point, the telegraph, across all of North America. An event such as that now would have catastrophic, even civilization-ending impacts. Scientists predict an event like the Carrington event happens every 100 to every 500 years. And the Carrington event is small compared to pre-history events. Yet despite the profound impact and the likelihood, public awareness remains low, there is little political action, little has been done to harden our power grid or plan for such an event. Since recording this episode in 2024, we have witnessed numerous X-class flares and geomagnetic storms triggering Northern Lights across the Northern Hemisphere. To talk about geomagnetic storms, their impact, the likelihood, the fragility of our global power grids and some solutions, is Distinguished. Professor of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Edl Schamiloglu. Edl is the Distinguished and specializes in extreme electromagnetic phenomena.  

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

In 1859, illumination throughout the major metropolises of the West was powered by whale oil. Whale oil was at the center of international trade (and trade disputes). Prices were at an all time high and great fortunes had been made. Yet, in that same year, Edwin Drake started the oil rush in Titusville, Pennsylvania…and every thing changed. Quickly. What lessons are there in this first energy transition in the modern era? In this episode we dig into the history of whaling and whale oil. Our guest is historian Eric Jay Dolan, author of Leviathan: A history of whaling in America. Eric takes us through the history of whale oil. A history of the first commodity cartels (they failed too), extraordinary entrepreneurs, boom and bust, environmental exploitation and Benjamin Franklin’s taste for Spermaceti Candles. 

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

Today we discuss gold, silver and the platinum group metals. What drove the huge run-up in prices for all of them in 2025 and into 2026, and was the US-Iran war just a setback to those prices or the end of a bull market? Our guest is Nicky Shiels, Head of Research and Strategy for MKS Pamp, a global trading house and refiner for precious metals serving a diverse and global customer base.

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

Today we return to the subject of data centers. Are we in the midst of a huge AI bubble? And building over capacity in data centers that are destined to end up as dusty sheds in the middle of nowhere with huge power supplies attached, or are data centers the rate limiting factor and the crucial midstream of the future industrial age? Here to discuss bubbles and data centers is Eugene McGrane, Executive Managing Director at Cushman Wakefield, servicing all manner of clients with respect to real estate needs for the power and data center sectors.

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

Today, we return to the subject of oil and the impact of the Iran War. How have flows and demand changed and why are prices so relatively low? Is this a function of great PR work on behalf of the US Administration?  Or is something else happening? Why, contrary to all expectations, oil prices remain relatively subdued? And how long can this go on for? Here to answer those questions is David Wech, Chief Economist at Vortexa, the energy and shipping data and analytics firm. 

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

Today we return to digital assets, quant trading and blockchain infrastructure. Since we last checked in on the space in the wake of FTX's collapse, digital assets, crypto trading, blockchain infrastructure has recovered and gone mainstream. From major institutions and hedge funds having multiple desks to the rise of blockchain infrastructure in settlements and payments - not only in the commodities sector, but across all of industry. What are the latest trends? What is talent demand and for which disciplines? What is the intersection with the commodities sector? Our guest is Joe Miscioscia, Founder and CEO of the Joseph Anthony Group, a recruitment firm dedicated to digital assets, quant trading, and blockchain infrastructure.

Visit https://www.josephanthonygroup.com for more,

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

The world is shifting from asset light and infinitely scalable to asset heavy. Across the globe, trillions of dollars are going into assets. Capital expenditure is on the rise. What is driving this? What sectors are we seeing it in? What are the challenges and bottlenecks companies face in delivering on CapEx programs? And how do new technologies and approaches to talent overcome this? Our guest is Erikans Kok, Senior Partner at McKinsey where he leads their Capital Excellence Practice globally.

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

Today we return to the subject of hedge funds in commodities, and metals and mining in particular. How have hedge funds evolved with respect to commodities? What do investors and allocators think about with respect to commodities exposure and the types of investments they want to make? How do hedge funds go about a lasting edge in the commodities sector? And then why commodities and why, in particular, metals and mining? Our guest is Matt Heap, founder and CIO of Forth Fund Management, a sector specialist hedge fund dedicated to metals and mining, launching in Switzerland. Matt has had a phenomenal career in metals trading, both in hedge funds at Orion Resource Partners, and then prior to that, at Louis Dreyfus, where he was global head of metals

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

The conflict remains in suspended animation with little concrete progress to support the more optimistic assessments of a return to normality. Commodity markets are on a knife-edge and tanks and strategic supplies are emptying. Aldo Spanjer, Head of Commodity Strategy at BNP Paribas’ Markets 360 outlines the pathways from here. Will oil be at $70 or $200? Why does gas face larger risks in a prolonged disruption? And how to cut through the noise and focus on the signals??

For more on BNP Paribas Markets 360 visit https://globalmarkets.cib.bnpparibas/markets-360/

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global

Sulfur is a lynchpin commodity, connecting the oil and gas industry to food production and much more. Already in a structural supply deficit, now, nearly half the world’s internationally traded sulfur is off the market with the shutting down of the Strait of Hormuz. There is no clear line of sight as to how quickly supply could return with potentially catastrophic consequences for the world. What is sulphur (sulfur), how and where is it produced and what is it used for and why is the world not talking about this? Our guest is Meena Chauhan, Senior Manager for Sulphur and Sulphuric Acid, Analytics and Consulting Services at Argus Media.

For related content and to find out more about HC Group, a search firm dedicated to the energy & commodities sector, visit https://www.hcgroup.global