In this episode, we dive into what is driving the recent downward pressure on oil prices. The Energy Information Administration released their October short-term energy outlook with a projection that caught our attention. They're forecasting that oil prices could fall to $47.77 per barrel in 2026—a 26% decrease from recent levels. That price sits below the $50 per barrel mark that industry analysts often cite as a critical breakeven point for shale profitability.

For those of us who own mineral rights or receive royalty payments, this forecast has real implications worth understanding. Be sure to listen to the full episode to learn our take on what oil prices are likely to do in 2026 and how this could impact future drilling and your oil royalties.

As always, links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we discuss the latest developments in the mineral rights and energy world. From an interesting battle over royalties under the Midland, Texas airport, OPEC plans to potentially increase oil output despite demand forecasts weakening, and the latest developments in the Uinta Basin Railway project in Utah. As always, we wrap up with an analysis of the latest rig count numbers.

Links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into what's driving natural gas prices higher and what mineral and royalty owners can expect in 2026 and beyond. We explore how two major forces are reshaping the market: the explosive growth of AI data centers that require massive amounts of electricity, and the continued expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to meet global demand. We break this all down into real numbers and what it could mean for natural gas prices in 2026 and beyond. As always for links to the resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this live episode recorded at the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) National Convention in Oklahoma City in October 2025, we answered several live & unscripted questions from other NARO Members. The recording quality isn't perfect but I think you will get a lot of value out of this episode as we deal with some real questions related to working with operators to learn about shut-in wells, multiple examples of tips and tricks for working with stubborn operators who will not respond to emails or phone calls, as well as several questions related to the ever present issue of orphan wells.

As always, links to the resources and other tools can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we dive into one of the most unique and complex aspects of Texas oil and gas development: allocation wells and the state's unique approach to pooling mineral interests. Unlike most oil-producing states that have robust forced pooling statutes, Texas takes a different approach that gives mineral owners more control but creates significant complexity in how royalties are calculated and paid.

As always, more information and links to the resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this month's news episode, we explore "out of this world" developments in energy and mining that could reshape the future of mineral rights. The conversation ranges from asteroid mining to the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence data centers in West Texas, offering mineral and royalty owners fresh perspectives on emerging opportunities in the energy sector.

As always, links to the articles and resources mentioned in this episode can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

In this episode, we celebrate reaching the milestone of over 300 episodes of the Mineral Rights Podcast! In this special retrospective episode, we reveal your top 10 favorite episodes on website analytics and download numbers over the past 8 years. Join us as we count down the top ten most popular episodes that have helped YOU, the listener, navigate this complex world of minerals and royalties. Stay tuned until the end because we also share our personal favorite guest interviews so far.

As always, links to the resources and episodes mentioned can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.

We're back to answer your questions in our 301st episode. We tackle diverse listener questions ranging from lithium royalty rates, how to obtain marketable title, to complex Texas pooling regulations, to a success story that led a listener to discover new permitted wells on their minerals. The episode emphasizes the importance of thorough research using state commission websites, understanding the difference between receiving payments and having marketable title, and recognizing that sudden increases in purchase offers often signal upcoming drilling activity worth investigating before selling. As always, links to the resources mentioned can be found in the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com.