Beyond The Pump

Muscatello Media Network
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

For most Californians, the gas station is the main touchpoint with the fuel industry. But there's a lot more happening behind the scenes that impacts our daily lives. In this podcast, we dive deeper than the pump, exploring legislative battles, industry stories, and the latest tech shaping fuels. Tune in for expert insights, interviews with leaders, and discussions on how fuel powers our world. *Produced by Muscatello Media LLC | MuscatelloMedia.com

  1. OCT 13

    USC's Michael Mische on California's Impending Energy Crisis | EP 18

    California’s energy crisis isn’t coming — it’s already here. In this episode of Beyond the Pump, host Mikey Muscatello and co-host Beatrice sit down with USC professor and energy economist Michael Mische to break down the numbers behind California’s skyrocketing gas prices, refinery shutdowns, and growing dependence on foreign oil. Mische reveals why two major refineries (Phillips 66 and Valero) are closing, how much of every gallon goes to state taxes and environmental fees, and why new drilling permits won’t fix California’s fuel shortage. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CFCA. 💡 Key topics: refinery shutdowns • gas price forecasts • SB237 drilling permits • cap-and-trade costs • EV mandates • job losses • small business impact • energy independence 🎤 Guest: Michael Mische, Professor, USC Marshall School of Business 📍 Recorded ahead of the CADC Energy Summit (Oct 20–21), presented by the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance. 🎧 Listen now to Beyond the Pump on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major platforms. 📍 Learn more about California’s fuel and convenience industry at CFCA.energy. 📅 Don’t miss the CADC Energy Summit, October 20–21 in San Diego. California gas prices, California energy crisis, refinery shutdowns, Valero Benicia, Phillips 66, SB237, California oil permits, cap-and-trade, EV mandates, CFCA Energy Summit, Michael Mische USC, Beyond the Pump podcast #CaliforniaEnergy #GasPrices #OilAndGas #EnergyPolicy #RefineryShutdown #USC #CaliforniaNews #CleanEnergy #CFCA #BeyondThePump

    48 min

  2. AUG 25

    Inside Relation Insurance: Claims, Coverage & CFCA Partnership | Ep 17

    Insurance isn’t just about policies, it’s about people, claims, and protecting businesses in high-risk industries. In this episode, Relation Insurance’s James, Jeff, and Joe share decades of experience in sales and claims management. They discuss: What makes insurance unique in the fuels, trucking, and convenience industriesCommon claims like slips, falls, and driver fatigue—and how to prevent themWorkers’ compensation explained in plain termsFraud investigations and why safety programs matterThe value of CFCA membership and the upcoming CFCA SummitYou will walk away with practical insights into how insurance and claims management can safeguard employees, reduce costs, and strengthen business resilience. 🎙️ Listen to Beyond The Pump on all major podcast platforms. For more information on the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, visit CFCA.Energy. Relation Insurance, CFCA, Beyond The Pump podcast, workers’ compensation, insurance claims, trucking insurance, fuel industry insurance, convenience store insurance, defensive driving, workplace safety, telematics, risk management, employee safety, insurance fraud investigation, CFCA Summit

    46 min

  3. JUL 28

    Assemblymember Stan Ellis Talks Gas & Policy | Ep 16

    In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Assemblymember Stan Ellis, a former oil and chemical processing expert now fighting for California’s energy future. From the real life impacts California can expect from upcoming refinery shutdowns to the hypocrisy of importing foreign oil while vilifying our own clean production, Ellis shares his raw and technical look into the consequences of overregulation. Hear how permitting delays, party-line politics, and misguided environmental policies are endangering jobs, spiking gas prices, and hurting everyday Californians. Listen now to Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms — and for more on the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, visit CFCA.Energy Listen now to Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms, and for more on the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, visit CFCA.Energy

    30 min

  4. JUN 23

    The Business of Speed with NASCAR’s Spencer Boyd | Ep 15

    NASCAR driver and Freedom Racing Enterprises co-owner Spencer Boyd joins Beyond The Pump to share what fuels his career—literally and figuratively. From navigating complex racing logistics and fuel consumption to dealing with regulatory red tape, Spencer offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the business side of motorsports. As the 2025 CFCA Summit keynote speaker, Spencer brings a unique, high-octane perspective to California’s fuel industry leaders. Hear how racing's challenges mirror the pressures of fuel logistics, regulation, supply chain disruptions, and the looming rise of EVs. 🔥 More on CFCA and membership: https://www.cfca.energy 📍 Details on the 2025 CFCA Summit in San Diego, Sept 2–4: https://www.cfca.energy/summit 🎧 Subscribe to Beyond The Pump on your favorite podcast platform. Episode Highlights: Spencer’s early start in racing and what drives his passion The brutal logistics behind a NASCAR season How race teams budget fuel, time, and resources like a business Why NASCAR vehicles don’t even have fuel gauges The surprising parallels between racing compliance and government regulation Spencer’s take on EVs and NASCAR’s future What he plans to bring to the 2025 CFCA Summit as keynote speaker Lessons in resilience and leadership from the driver’s seat #BeyondThePump #CFCA #FuelIndustry #NASCAR #SpencerBoyd #RacingBusiness #EVfuture #CFCA #FuelLogistics #Motorsports

    39 min

  5. MAY 26

    Retail Roulette: CA Ordinances vs. Small Business | Ep 14

    In this episode of Beyond The Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Ashley Boston, Risk & Compliance Manager at Strauch Companies—owner of 12 gas stations and convenience stores across Northern California. Ashley breaks down what went down at the Brentwood City Council meeting, where a harsh tobacco retail license ordinance blindsided local business owners. From the flawed logic behind license caps and youth-oriented zoning to the serious financial impact on immigrant-owned businesses, Ashley brings a real-world perspective on how these local policies ripple across communities. We also discuss the Santa Cruz filtered tobacco ban (posing as a litter solution), and how statewide trends like this are threatening California’s convenience industry. Ashley shares how Strauch Co. revamped its ID compliance program, built community coalitions, and is leaning on groups like CFCA to stay ahead of regulatory chaos. If you're in the fuels or c-store space, this is a must-listen episode. Subscribe to Beyond The Pump on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your shows—and stay informed on the issues that impact California’s fuels and convenience store industry. Want to protect your business? Learn more about the advocacy, updates, and tools offered by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance at CFCA.Energy. #BeyondThePump #CFCA #CaliforniaConvenienceStores #TobaccoRegulations #SmallBusinessDefense

    46 min

  6. APR 28

    Energy Reality Check with Leo Paulo | Ep 13

    California's energy policies are hitting small businesses, fuel retailers, and working families harder than ever. In this episode of Beyond The Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with retired energy operations expert Leo Paulo to break down what's really happening behind the state's skyrocketing electricity rates, refinery shutdowns, and climate mandates. Leo shares firsthand insights from decades in the oil industry, explains the unintended consequences of California’s rush to renewables, and why policies meant to “save the planet” could be crippling local economies instead. If you're in the fuels, convenience store, or energy business or just live in California, you need to hear this eye-opening conversation. If you care about the future of fuel, small businesses, and affordable energy in California, make sure you’re subscribed to Beyond The Pump on your favorite podcast platform. For more information, advocacy updates, and resources to support California’s fuels and convenience industry, visit CFCA.Energy. #BeyondThePump #EnergyPolicy #CaliforniaEnergy #CFCA #SmallBusinessCalifornia

    49 min

  7. MAR 26

    Women in Energy: Cathy Reheis-Boyd’s Rise To The Top of WSPA | Ep 12

    In this special Women’s History Month episode of Beyond The Pump, we sit down with Cathy Reheis-Boyd, President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA). With over four decades in the oil and gas industry, Cathy shares her unique journey from wildfire-fighting environmentalist to one of the most influential voices in California energy policy. We discuss: Her unexpected path into petroleumWhat it takes to lead in a male-dominated industryThe war between politics and policy in CaliforniaWSPA’s role in shaping the future of energy, innovation, and affordabilityCathy’s message is clear: hope is not a plan, and it’s time we balance ambition with reality. 🎧 Don’t miss future episodes! Follow and subscribe to Beyond The Pump on all major podcast platforms. For more information about the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, visit 👉 CFCA.Energy

    43 min

  8. FEB 18

    Inside Cintas: From Towels to Industry Giant | Ep 11

    In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Elijah Harrison from Cintas to explore the company's growth, innovation, and culture. From Cintas' humble beginnings in 1929 to becoming an industry leader, Elijah shares insights on leadership, safety, and how Cintas partners with Cal/OSHA to stay ahead of compliance standards. If you're curious about corporate culture, safety certifications, and how Cintas impacts multiple industries, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Episode Highlights: Elijah Harrison's 18-Year Journey with Cintas: From the management training program to general manager roles across multiple locations, Elijah’s career evolution offers key insights into Cintas' culture and growth. The History and Evolution of Cintas: Learn how a company that started with shop towels in 1929 became a leader in uniforms, safety, and compliance solutions. Cintas and Safety Compliance: Discover how Cintas became VPP-certified and built strong partnerships with Cal/OSHA, helping reduce injury and collision rates. Lessons from the Pandemic: How Cintas adapted quickly to support essential services like hospitals and food production facilities during the crisis. Looking Ahead: Elijah discusses the exciting future of automation, AI, and talent acquisition at Cintas, ensuring growth and innovation while maintaining strong workplace culture. Like what you heard? Be sure to follow Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms. For more information about the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, visit CFCA.Energy 🎙 Produced by Muscatello Media LLC – Ready to launch your own podcast? Whether you need production, editing, or strategy, we’ve got you covered. Get started today at MuscatelloMedia.com! 🚀 #BeyondThePump #CorporateCulture #Cintas #WorkplaceInnovation #SafetyAndCompliance #LeadershipJourney #CFCA

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

For most Californians, the gas station is the main touchpoint with the fuel industry. But there's a lot more happening behind the scenes that impacts our daily lives. In this podcast, we dive deeper than the pump, exploring legislative battles, industry stories, and the latest tech shaping fuels. Tune in for expert insights, interviews with leaders, and discussions on how fuel powers our world. *Produced by Muscatello Media LLC | MuscatelloMedia.com

Information

  • Channel
    Muscatello Media Network
  • Creator
    California Fuels + Convenience Alliance
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © California Fuels + Convenience Alliance
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Pump

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