Beyond The Pump

California Fuels & Convenience Alliance

5.0 (5)
EDUCATION
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.

JAN 31

What's In Store for 2026? A Fireside Chat with CFCA's CEO | Ep 20

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice Lam interviews Elizabeth Graham, CEO of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA). They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the fuels and convenience industry, focusing on the importance of education, advocacy, and innovation. Elizabeth shares insights on the unique aspects of gas station ownership, the impact of regulations, and the resilience of small business owners in California. The conversation highlights the community involvement of CFCA members and the need for continued support and understanding from consumers and legislators alike. Episode Highlights: The fuels and convenience industry is complex, involving various stakeholders.Education is crucial for both consumers and legislators to understand the industry.Insurance costs and regulations are significant challenges for small business owners.CFCA is focusing on local chapters to strengthen community engagement.Members are actively involved in their communities beyond just fuel and convenience store sales. The cost of doing business in California is rising, impacting small businesses. 🎙 Produced by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA). – To learn more about the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, visit www.cfca.energy #BeyondThePump #CaliforniaFuels #CFCA #FuelRegulation #Podcast #SmallBusiness #GasStations #California

37 min
11/24/2025

AI Theft Prevention for Retailers | Ep 19

Discover how AI is transforming theft prevention, store operations, and profitability in gas stations and convenience stores. In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice speaks with JinnLabs co-founder Harjeev Anand about JinnOS, an AI-powered store management platform designed to reduce shrinkage, detect theft in real time, improve inventory accuracy, and unlock data-driven insights for retailers. Learn how multi-camera AI agents monitor transactions, recognize suspicious behavior, support store staff, and give owners the visibility they’ve never had before. Harjeev also shares how JinnLabs is helping c-stores adapt to California's evolving compliance requirements, improve customer experience, and prepare for the next wave of digital transformation in retail. Listen to Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms.For more industry resources, visit CFCA.Energy.Learn more about AI theft prevention and store-management tools at JinnLabs.ai. Takeaways AI-driven shrink reduction is becoming essential for c-store and gas station operators.Multi-agent AI can track customer behavior, identify concealment, and detect employee theft.Data from cameras, POS, and inventory can now feed a unified AI store manager.Inventory automation tools will drastically reduce costs and waste.AI improves employee productivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.California privacy laws require anonymized facial mapping, not facial recognition.

48 min
10/13/2025

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
08/25/2025

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
07/28/2025

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
06/23/2025

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
05/26/2025

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
04/28/2025

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

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

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.

Creator

California Fuels & Convenience Alliance
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

20
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2025 California Fuels & Convenience Alliance
Show Website

Beyond The Pump