Local Energy

Peter Brecht and Wade Spear
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Oil and gas podcast with real field experience. WTI markets, drilling, production, oilfield careers, LNG, and energy news — no fluff, just shop talk. Local Energy is hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear. We cover field operations, energy markets, oilfield careers, drilling, production, midstream, LNG, and offshore — with guests from field hands to CEOs, grid operators, and 30-year Chevron veterans. Oil and gas news, career stories, and market analysis from people who did the job — this is your channel. Topics: WTI forecasts, H2S safety, company man roles, oilfield finance, SCADA, Bitcoin o

  1. 23H AGO

    From Political Campaigns to Pipelines: How Leigh Haas Built Mockingbird Land Services

    Leigh Haas ran a congressional campaign before she could legally rent a car. Now she runs Mockingbird Land Services and has managed 350 land agents across a 600-mile, 5-state pipeline project. She joins Peter Brecht and Wade Spear to talk about the side of the energy industry most people never see. From lobbying to land work, Leigh breaks down what landmen actually do, how to call a bluff in a negotiation, and what managing hundreds of agents in the field looked like before Zoom existed. Topics covered in this episode:How Leigh went from running a political campaign to working in oil and gas landThe overlap between lobbying skills and land negotiationWhat landmen actually negotiate — and the tactics that workManaging 350 land agents across a 600-mile, 5-state pipeline corridorHow to keep a field team aligned on remote projects before modern communication toolsWhat Mockingbird Land Services does and the problems it solves for operatorsThe invisible infrastructure work that makes pipelines and energy projects possible Guest: Leigh Haas, Mockingbird Land Services Host: Peter Brecht | Local Energy PodcastWebsite: https://localenergy.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0huYDWqFYOjJScHi26l7Q9Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-energy/id1885425019

    28 min

  2. APR 3

    Oilfield Heat Safety: Dehydration, Wearable Tech, and the Science of Sweat with Randall Arms

    A 3% loss in body fluid causes the same cognitive slowdown as a 0.08 blood alcohol level. Randall Arms of Epicore Biosystems joins Peter Brecht to explain why waiting until you're thirsty is already too late — and how wearable sweat-sensing technology is changing oilfield safety. Working in the Permian Basin or San Joaquin Valley means operating in extreme heat with real cognitive and physical consequences most workers never track. Randall breaks down the biology of dehydration, the concept of the industrial athlete, and what a Chevron case study revealed about daily performance loss in the field. Topics covered in this episode:Why thirst is a lagging indicator of dehydrationHow a 3% fluid loss equals 0.08 BAC in cognitive impairmentThe industrial athlete concept and what it means for oilfield workersHow the Epicore patch measures sweat rate and sodium loss in real timeChevron's San Joaquin Valley case study resultsThe truth about energy drinks and diuretics in the fieldLong-term hydration risk — chronic kidney disease for field workersWhat heat stress management looks like going forward Whether you are a safety professional, field hand, or supervisor in oil and gas, this episode gives you the science and the tools to keep your crew operational in the toughest conditions on earth. Guest: Randall Arms, Epicore BiosystemsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/randallarmsWebsite: https://epicorebiosystems.com Host: Peter Brecht | Local Energy PodcastWebsite: https://localenergy.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0huYDWqFYOjJScHi26l7Q9Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/local-energy/id1885425019

    23 min

  3. MAR 27

    Submarines to Subsea: Michael Fry on Eliminating Human Error

    Discover how elite submarine discipline and cognitive psychology are redefining safety and operational excellence offshore. In this episode of Local Energy, host Peter Brecht sits down with Michael Fry of Core Kognition Global to unpack why human error happens—and what it really takes to own your space in the oil patch. From a decade spent aboard U.S. Navy submarines to testifying during the Macondo hearings, Michael shares the hard-earned lessons that shaped his approach to risk management, documentation, and procedural discipline. He introduces the Part-Whole Method and the AGE framework (Autonomy, Guidance, Encouragement)—a blueprint for building resilient crews in high-stakes environments. You’ll also learn how managing Cognitive Load can prevent costly mistakes, and why tools like RAG systems and LLMs are poised to revolutionize offshore operations by predicting risks before they strike. Whether you’re new to the field or leading from the top deck, this conversation is packed with insights that bridge psychology, technology, and human performance. Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Michael Fry and Core Kognition Global01:27 – From Navy Submarines to Offshore Rigs04:17 – The Part-Whole Method: Becoming a Subject Matter Expert07:17 – Why You Should Be Able to Draw Your Systems13:39 – Entrepreneurship in Energy: Lessons from Deepwater Subsea15:10 – The Macondo Hearings: Why Documentation Matters20:36 – AI and LLMs in Oilfield Data Analysis29:26 – Eliminating Human Error Through Psychology33:42 – Understanding Cognitive Load35:49 – The Future of Lean Drilling Operations39:46 – Michael’s Top Submarine Movies Links & Resources:🌐 Local Energy💼 Connect with Peter Brecht🤝 Connect with Wade Spear Local Energy uncovers the people, processes, and technologies shaping the modern energy sector. Join us as we explore the frontier of oil, gas, and natural resources—providing actionable insights for the next generation of energy leaders. #oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy #offshoredrilling #safetyfirst #aiinenergy #humanfactors #operationalexcellence

    35 min

  4. MAR 20

    From Oil Rigs to Film Sets: A Third Generation Oilman's Mission

    What happens when a third-generation oilman picks up a camera to tell the story Hollywood refuses to touch?Rickey Bird still works the drilling rigs of Taft, California — and he's making a documentary about it. In this episode, Peter and Wade sit down with Rickey to talk about Kern Oil, his upcoming film that puts a human face on the families and communities caught in the crossfire of California's energy politics.Rickey shares the deeply personal loss that sparked the project, his firsthand view of the "curiosity gap" between public perception and the reality of domestic oil production, and why California's cleanest-in-the-world production standards are being replaced by foreign imports with zero oversight.The conversation also covers the science behind Central Valley air quality, the cultural divide between Oklahoma and California oil country, and yes — why the Landman effect is driving up the price of cowboy hats.Whether you're a patch veteran or just curious about where your energy actually comes from, this one's worth your time.⏱ Timestamps00:00 - Introduction: Oklahoma vs. Tulsa energy01:20 - The "Landman" effect and rising cowboy hat prices02:40 - Rickey Bird: Third-generation oilman and filmmaker04:00 - The personal tragedy that sparked Kern Oil06:40 - Cultural divide: Oil in Oklahoma vs. California08:20 - Avoiding the "puff piece" — making a realistic documentary10:40 - California's oil imports and the regulation paradox13:10 - Cinematic influences: Nolan, Spielberg, and Star Wars17:40 - How to bring out the best in interview subjects19:30 - The challenge of filming on an active rig22:15 - Setting the record straight on Kern County air quality25:30 - Kern Oil premiere detailsLinks & ResourcesKern Oil Movie: https://kernoilmovie.comHectic Films: https://hecticfilms.comLocal Energy: https://localenergy.comPeter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/Wade on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/About Local EnergyLocal Energy explores the people, technologies, and stories driving the most vital industry on earth. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, we bridge the gap between the field and the future. New episodes every week.#OilAndGas #LocalEnergy #KernCounty #CaliforniaOil #EnergyPolicy #Documentary #OilfieldLife #NaturalResources #Landman #KernOilMovie #EnergyIndependence #PatchLife

    28 min

  5. MAR 13

    H2S Wells: The Invisible Killer in Oil & Gas

    Peter Brecht Facetimes with Safety Guy to separate fact from fiction on hydrogen sulfide in the oil and gas industry. After watching the dramatic H2S scene in the hit show Landman, Peter wanted to understand the real dangers, safety protocols, and life-threatening risks that oilfield workers face every day.Safety Guy brings firsthand experience to explain why H2S is comparable to cyanide, how it attacks the central nervous system while preventing oxygen absorption, and why it can cause permanent vision loss at high concentrations. The conversation covers everything from H2S contingency planning and training protocols to the shocking reality that 80 percent of confined space fatalities are would-be rescuers. You will learn about the Denver City tragedy, the recent Colorado dairy farm incident that killed six people, and why that familiar rotten egg smell near sewer ponds is actually a warning sign of H2S presence.Whether you work in the energy industry, are curious about oilfield safety, or just want to understand what Taylor Sheridan got right in Landman, this episode delivers critical information about one of the most dangerous chemicals in oil and gas operations. Safety Guy explains how acid treatments can spike H2S levels, why adjacent wells can have completely different concentrations, and what proper emergency response looks like when monitors start alarming on location.Timestamps00:00 - Introduction to Safety Guy and H2S topic00:15 - How Safety Guy got his name on TikTok01:04 - Discussing the Landman H2S scene and its dramatic portrayal02:03 - What H2S is and why it is comparable to cyanide02:51 - H2S training and why alarms feel like fictional characters03:14 - How H2S turns into sulfurous acid and vision loss risks03:53 - Can you encounter unplugged H2S wells in the wild04:27 - How acid treatments increase H2S concentrations05:14 - Tank venting systems and H2S release points05:58 - H2S contingency plans and dispersion calculations06:44 - Industry gaps in H2S monitoring on older production07:10 - H2S beyond oil and gas: the Colorado dairy farm tragedy07:35 - Why 80 percent of confined space fatalities are rescuers08:02 - The Denver City Texas H2S tragedy08:54 - Final thoughts on H2S as a villain in the industryLinks & ResourcesConnect with Safety Guy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@safetyguyokLocal Energy:•Website: https://localenergy.com•Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/•Connect with Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/Resources Mentioned:•Landman TV Series (Paramount Plus )•Denver City, Texas H2S incident•Colorado dairy farm H2S fatality (6 victims)About the ShowLocal Energy is a podcast exploring the people, technology, and stories shaping the oil and gas industry. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, each episode brings authentic conversations with industry professionals about the realities of energy work.#oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy #H2S #oilfieldsafety #hydrogensulfide #energyindustry #safetyfirst #landman #industrialsafety

    10 min

  6. MAR 8 ·  BONUS

    WTI Near $90: How Middle East Conflict Shakes US Oil Markets

    WTI oil prices are near $90/barrel — and this week marked the biggest single-week WTI price gain in the history of oil trading. Peter Brecht and Wade Spear recorded this impromptu Saturday episode to break down what's really happening, what it means for U.S. operators, and whether $150 or even $200/barrel is actually on the table. In this episode, we cover the Strait of Hormuz crisis (tanker traffic has dropped from ~150 ships/day to just 2), the long-term impact of Middle East infrastructure destruction on oil prices, and the very real decisions facing smaller operators right now — from workovers that weren't economic at $50 but are at $90, to opening chokes and hedging forward production. We also break down Diamondback Energy's standout quarterly earnings, Sable Offshore's 34% single-day stock surge after the Trump administration signaled a federal override of California energy regulations, and the bigger picture: how a conflict halfway across the world is directly affecting rural Oklahoma and U.S. energy production today. Not financial advice. Do your own research. Local Energy is hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear — two oil and gas industry insiders giving you real talk on energy markets, operations, and the business of oil and gas. Drop your questions and comments below — we may address them on the next episode.

    8 min

  7. MAR 6

    The Death of Oil & Gas SaaS

    Why are energy professionals canceling their SaaS subscriptions and building their own tools instead? In this episode of Local Energy, Peter Brecht (oil & gas insurance broker) and Wade Spear (drilling engineer turned AI Architect) show you exactly how they're doing it — and why it's changing everything. Peter walks through building a custom WordPress plugin and an automated PDF processing tool from scratch using Claude Code, replacing $400/month insurance software with a few well-placed prompts. Wade shares how he's written hundreds of thousands of lines of code to analyze frac data and mud reports in near real-time — with zero prior software engineering background. But this episode goes deeper than tech. Peter and Wade tackle the big questions reshaping the energy industry in 2026: Is AI growth approaching a plateau? Is energy the ultimate bottleneck for the next wave of AI adoption? What does the "Heart Surgeon Dilemma" mean for human reps competing against AI precision? And why is "stupidity" actually a superpower when you're building with AI? If you work in oil and gas — whether you're an engineer, landman, broker, or operator — this is your roadmap for staying relevant. IN THIS EPISODE Replacing expensive SaaS with custom AI-built toolsAutomating non-fillable PDF insurance applicationsReal-time frac data analysis at scaleThe psychological shift behind "Vibe Coding"Why A-Players use AI to pull further aheadCybersecurity risks: prompt injection and exposed API keysTIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Replacing $400/mo SaaS with custom Claude plugins02:25 – Automating non-fillable PDF applications04:15 – Real-time frac data analysis: 200k+ lines of code07:30 – The dopamine hit of rapid AI deployment09:10 – Is AI growth exponential or approaching a plateau?13:30 – Why energy is the ultimate bottleneck for AI scaling15:10 – The Heart Surgeon Dilemma: Human reps vs. AI precision18:50 – Why AI makes A-Players more efficient (and others obsolete)22:15 – Security risks: Public GitHub repos and API keys24:35 – Cybersecurity: Prompt injections and invisible PDF threats28:20 – Why "stupidity" is a superpower when coding with AI34:00 – The final verdict on the Death of SaaS LINKS & RESOURCES Local Energy: https://localenergy.comConnect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/Connect with Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/ Local Energy explores the intersection of traditional natural resources and the technology defining the future of the energy industry. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear. #OilandGas #EnergyTech #AI #SaaS #Automation #ClaudeAI #VibeCoding #CyberSecurity #NaturalResources #LocalEnergy

    37 min

  8. FEB 27

    Why Big Tech is Building On-Site Gas Power Plants in Texas

    Discover how the worlds of oil and gas, data centers, and AI are colliding to reshape the global energy landscape. Julie Thompson of Halper Strategies joins Peter Brecht to explain why the "bridge to grid" strategy is essential for the future of tech infrastructure. Episode Overview In this episode of Local Energy, Julie Thompson shares her journey from Oklahoma's midstream oil and gas sector to the front lines of data center origination. We dive deep into the massive load growth driven by AI and why tier-one markets like Virginia are being rivaled by new hubs in Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Julie explains the complex ecosystem of "hyperscalers" and "neo cloud providers" who are currently racing to secure reliable, 24/7 power. We also explore the critical sustainability goals of tech giants, including 24/7 carbon-free energy matching and the push to become "net water positive." Whether it's discussing the regulatory nuances of ERCOT or the logistics of building on-site natural gas generation, this conversation highlights the indispensable role that traditional energy expertise plays in supporting the digital future. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Julie Thompson and Halper Strategies 02:36 - The scale of data center load growth and AI impact 04:49 - Skills transfer: From produced water to power delivery 06:05 - Defining Hyperscalers vs. Neo Cloud Providers 07:33 - The ecosystem of data center development and grid interconnects 09:23 - The "Man in the Arena" and business lessons from the oilfield 12:20 - Why data centers are building on-site gas generation 15:54 - Regulated vs. Deregulated markets: Understanding ERCOT 21:58 - Explaining 24/7 carbon-free energy matching 28:55 - Net water positive goals and data center cooling 32:05 - Career advice for students entering the energy sector Links & Resources sectionConnect with Julie Thompson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-thompson-542b2611/ Local Energy website: https://localenergy.comConnect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterbrecht/Connect with Wade: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-spear/ About the Show Local Energy explores the people and technologies driving the natural resources and energy sectors forward. Hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear, we bring you inside conversations with the leaders shaping our energy future. #oilandgas #naturalresources #localenergy #datacenters #energygrid #AI #sustainability #cleanenergy #ERCOT #infrastructure

    35 min
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Oil and gas podcast with real field experience. WTI markets, drilling, production, oilfield careers, LNG, and energy news — no fluff, just shop talk. Local Energy is hosted by Peter Brecht and Wade Spear. We cover field operations, energy markets, oilfield careers, drilling, production, midstream, LNG, and offshore — with guests from field hands to CEOs, grid operators, and 30-year Chevron veterans. Oil and gas news, career stories, and market analysis from people who did the job — this is your channel. Topics: WTI forecasts, H2S safety, company man roles, oilfield finance, SCADA, Bitcoin o

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  • Creator
    Peter Brecht and Wade Spear
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Peter Brecht and Wade Spear
  • Show Website
    Local Energy