In this episode of The Jay Young Show, Jay Young and Jordan Soto sit down with Nikki Morris, Director of the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute at TCU’s Neeley School of Business, live from NAPE in Houston. Nikki shares her journey from Ohio to Texas, from geology and oil & gas to global leadership roles in Angola, Suriname, and Paris, and now back to TCU where she’s helping shape the next generation of energy leaders.
The conversation dives into the rapid growth of TCU’s energy program, why students are becoming more interested in oil and gas careers, and how hands-on field trips, internships, and industry exposure are changing perceptions of the energy business. Jay, Jordan, and Nikki also discuss global oil demand, $100 oil, Venezuela, energy poverty, natural gas, nuclear energy, produced water, and the future workforce gap in energy.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in energy investing, oil and gas careers, TCU energy education, the future of oil demand, and the real-world importance of hydrocarbons in a changing world.
Estimated Timestamps / Chapter Markers
0:00 – Intro to The Jay Young Show
Jay introduces the show’s focus on entrepreneurship, capital markets, energy, and personal growth.
0:45 – Live from NAPE in Houston
Jay and Jordan set the scene from NAPE and introduce guest Nikki Morris of TCU’s Ralph Lowe Energy Institute.
2:00 – Nikki Morris’ path into oil and gas
From Ohio to TCU, geology, volleyball, and building an 18-year career in energy.
4:30 – What the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute actually does
How TCU’s energy business minor works, why it’s open to all majors, and why energy needs finance, marketing, engineering, and communications talent.
6:30 – Why field trips matter in energy education
Nikki explains how hands-on exposure to rigs, frac sites, and operating centers changes students’ understanding of the industry.
8:30 – How to change the perception of oil and gas
The group discusses why younger generations often see energy as “dirty” and how the industry can better humanize its importance.
11:30 – Energy poverty, global development, and why hydrocarbons still matter
A deeper look at clean water, electricity access, global population growth, and why oil and gas remain essential.
15:00 – Will oil demand peak?
Jay and Nikki discuss oil demand over the next 5, 10, and 20 years, declining wells, supply constraints, and the possibility of $100 oil.
18:30 – From 8 students to 200: TCU’s energy program growth
Nikki shares how the institute has expanded rapidly and what’s driving student interest.
20:30 – The power of internships, networking, and industry connections
Why introductions, relationships, and exposure matter so much for students entering the energy business.
22:30 – Did Landman help drive interest in energy careers?
A fun but revealing conversation about culture, media, and curiosity around land management and oil & gas.
24:00 – Venezuela, corruption, and the realities of doing energy business abroad
Nikki explains why rebuilding energy systems overseas is about more than money. It takes trust, time, local relationships, and human capital.
29:00 – Heavy crude, U.S. reserves, and long-term supply questions
Jay and Nikki talk about Venezuela’s reserves, crude quality, blending, and how the U.S. should think about long-term production.
32:00 – Where the Ralph Lowe Energy Institute goes next
Nikki lays out her vision for 500 students, more community engagement, and earlier energy education in middle and high school.
35:00 – April 15 TCU symposium: ERCOT, Diamondback, nuclear, produced water
A preview of TCU’s upcoming symposium and the major topics shaping Texas energy’s future.
38:00 – Final thoughts and staying connected
Jay wraps up by praising the program’s growth and offering support from King Operating and The Jay Young Show.
