East Coast PE and family offices are pouring money into Texas data center sites, getting properties under contract, and then hitting a wall they didn't see coming: the mineral estate. Most of these developers come from commercial real estate backgrounds where mineral rights, MORs, and surface waivers aren't part of the conversation. In Texas, they are.

Texas has world-class lithium. 800 milligrams per liter in some East Texas wells, nearly twice what's commercially producing in Arkansas. The resource is proven. The problem is that no one has successfully permitted a brine production well in Texas, and the regulatory framework creates a chicken-and-egg standoff between the Railroad Commission and the EPA.

Lithium dropped from $80,000 to $10,000 a metric ton, and lease bonuses went up. Landowners got more sophisticated, attorneys figured out the game, and the companies still signing deals were underwriting on a 20-to-30-year horizon, not the spot price.

Ben Holliday and Brent Broussard break down how New Mexico’s federal and state-led land system drives the pooling and unitization process, radically different from Texas’s contract-driven model.

Ben Holliday and Brent Broussard dive into how lease language, especially retained acreage clauses, directly impacts well clearance and deal structure.

Ben Holliday and Brent Broussard walk through the real evolution from traditional vertical pooling to today's multi-section allocation wells.

Brent Broussard and Jerris Johnson explain why most organizations stumble on AI adoption, and map out repeatable, actionable steps for land teams.

Brent Broussard and Jerris Johnson go deep on how field teams and operators can harness AI for runsheet generation, lease processing, and document analysis, without being locked into costly subscriptions.

Brent Broussard and industry leader Jerris Johnson share ground-level strategies on integrating AI for land professionals facing ever-mounting administrative loads. They discuss AI’s current status, a tool for enhancement rather than replacement, and drill into practical metrics: think keystroke counts and targeted document analysis. If you’re doing title work, lease review, or runsheet prep, they break down how generalists and specialists alike can use AI now, not in some distant future, to cut time on manual entry, gain decision-making leverage, and refocus on high-value tasks.

Brent Broussard and Kyle Reynolds provide experienced, practitioner-focused guidance on how land professionals can justify day rates, communicate the value of skilled work, and negotiate transparent billing practices that align with project ROI, across oil, gas, and renewables.

This conversation gets specific about how field experience creates lasting value, what landman skills are best passed down through real-world exposure, and why informal, hands-on mentorship remains essential, whether you’re troubleshooting title or navigating lease negotiations.

Kyle and Brent walk through practical differences between starting as a field vs. in-house landman, the strategic value of on-the-ground experience, and how recent media visibility has given the profession a surprising boost.

Dudley Land’s executive team details their real-world initiative framework (DODLE/DOSE/KIDD/3 HAG) aimed at creating sustainable company growth, workforce consistency across basins, and stronger operational systems.

This episode covers oil and gas leadership development, landman career progression, and field-to-executive transitions, all explored by Dudley Land’s leadership team.

Landman staffing, right of way projects, and land system software: here’s what’s next for oil and gas land management in 2026.

Get a field-tested walkthrough from Kyle Dubiel and Bryce Winters on building and applying allocated value (AOV) schedules, why they drive both buyer and seller negotiations, how they tie directly back to bid calculations, and what happens when banks and credit facilities require separate allocations for debt financing.

Kyle Dubiel and Bryce Winters break down what experienced landmen are really looking for when opening a VDR pre-PSA.

Kyle Dubiel from Eagle Mountain Eagle Mountain Energy Partners walks through the full asset evaluation process, starting from deal sourcing (marketed vs. unsolicited opportunities), moving through cross-functional review teams (land, BD, engineering, finance, legal), and into the workflows that enable fast, smart bids. 

Lee, Brian, and Brent break down exactly what landmen must produce when served with subpoenas—explaining the reach of discovery, from emails and run sheets to every piece of project correspondence. They clarify key jurisdictional rules (like Rule 45 in federal court), and how subpoenas often target third parties, catching even careful practitioners off guard.

Lee, Brian, and Brent lay out the best practices they use every day to protect themselves and their clients. Drawing on real cases from both the field and the company side, they clarify where landmen most often stumble, especially when representing principals without clear disclosure, or flipping leases without understanding the resulting liabilities.

Lee, Brian, and Brent draw on decades of oil and gas experience across basins like Louisiana and Texas to confront the legal realities facing today’s practitioners. They break down the most common ways landmen get named in lawsuits, from title disputes and work product getting roped into court filings to being caught in federal diversity cases targeting every link in the contractor chain.‍

Landman success isn't about being the smartest - it's about treating landowners right. David Dachner shares his career-defining story about a Tyler County, Texas landowner named Roy and how one act of honesty led to massive Austin Chalk oil discoveries. In this powerful clip from The Land Department, Dachner reveals how he chose integrity over a quick profit when dealing with an elderly landowner who didn't understand his mineral rights' true value. Instead of taking advantage, Dachner explained the situation honestly, helped Roy get fair compensation, and built a relationship based on trust. That decision transformed Dachner's career when Roy later introduced him to neighboring landowners, leading to significant oil discoveries in the Austin Chalk play. This story demonstrates why the most successful landmen prioritize relationships over transactions. Dachner's experience proves that extending generosity and maintaining integrity with landowners creates opportunities that pure business tactics never could. For land professionals navigating today's competitive environment, this clip offers a masterclass in how authentic relationships, honest dealings, and putting people first can generate returns far exceeding any single deal. The lesson is clear: in land work, your reputation and relationships are your most valuable assets.

Landman David Dachner recounts the nail-biting story of almost losing critical unrecorded oil leases that blew off a car. This legendary tale from The Land Department podcast captures the high-risk, high-reward reality of independent land work when you're operating with "40 cents in your pocket" and everything on the line. Dachner walks through the terrifying moment when valuable lease documents went flying, the frantic recovery effort, and the race to San Antonio to save the deal. This story perfectly illustrates the entrepreneurial hustle required in the land business - where one mistake can mean bankruptcy but quick thinking and determination can turn disaster into success. The conversation between Dachner and host Brent Broussard reveals the real stakes landmen face when working independently, investing their own money in lease plays, and operating without safety nets. Beyond the drama, this clip offers insights into the importance of securing documents immediately, the stress of managing unrecorded instruments, and how seasoned landmen learn to thrive under extreme pressure. For anyone romanticizing the "good old days" of land work, this story provides an authentic look at both the incredible opportunities and genuine risks that defined the pre-corporate era of oil and gas land acquisition.

Veteran landman David Dachner shares how a Wall Street Journal article changed his life and launched his 45-year oil and gas career. In this clip from The Land Department podcast, Dachner reveals the unlikely path from Northern California to becoming a successful Texas landman in 1974, offering insights into what the land business looked like before the shale revolution. Dachner discusses the freedom and entrepreneurial spirit that defined landman work in the 1970s - when professionals were out prospecting, putting deals together, and taking calculated risks for potentially massive rewards. Host Brent Broussard contrasts this with the modern specialization of land work post-2000s, highlighting how the fundamental skills of relationship building, courthouse research, and deal-making remain timeless. Key takeaways include understanding the evolution from generalist landmen who controlled their destiny to today's specialized roles, the importance of mentorship from seasoned professionals, and how family connections and a single newspaper article can open doors in the energy industry. This conversation provides valuable perspective for both new landmen entering the field and veterans reflecting on how dramatically the profession has transformed while core principles endure.

Energy commerce programs face the challenge of incorporating renewable energy and utility market knowledge while maintaining rigorous standards for traditional oil and gas training. Faculty discuss how Texas Tech navigates curriculum evolution, growing enrollment pressures, and the need for specialized expertise in emerging sectors.The conversation reveals a critical gap many land professionals experience when transitioning from upstream oil and gas to renewable projects - understanding utility markets and infrastructure requirements. While the program is "getting there" on utility integration, faculty acknowledge the complexity of adding new content without diluting core competencies. They emphasize that maintaining high standards matters more than rapid expansion, even as enrollment interest surges.This honest assessment provides valuable insights for both educators and industry professionals. Companies hiring for renewable projects learn what knowledge gaps to expect and plan training accordingly. The discussion highlights how quality programs resist the temptation to lower standards despite enrollment pressure, maintaining the "different animal" culture that produces exceptional graduates. For professionals considering renewable sector transitions, this peek behind the academic curtain shows why self-directed learning on utility markets remains essential, even as programs evolve to meet industry needs.

Texas Tech's Energy Commerce capstone seminar transforms students into industry-ready professionals through intensive team projects that simulate actual energy deals. Faculty and industry partners describe how students form companies, tackle complex assignments, and present to panels of industry judges - creating authentic pressure that prepares them for land careers.The capstone experience goes beyond traditional academics. Students navigate real negotiations, manage conflicting priorities, and learn to collaborate under deadline pressure. Industry professionals serve as judges, providing direct feedback and often identifying future hires through these presentations. This exposure to industry expectations while still in school gives students invaluable perspective on professional standards and networking opportunities that extend beyond graduation.For land managers building teams, understanding this preparation helps explain why certain new hires adapt quickly to project work. The program deliberately creates scenarios requiring negotiation skills, deadline management, and cross-functional collaboration - core competencies for successful landmen. Veterans mentoring young professionals will recognize the value of this structured approach to building teamwork skills. The discussion reveals how academic programs can effectively bridge the gap between classroom theory and field reality, producing graduates who understand that success in land work depends as much on collaboration and communication as technical knowledge.

Texas Tech's Energy Commerce program maintains rigorous standards that forge exceptional land professionals through competitive admissions, demanding coursework, and real-world preparation. Faculty members Kellie Estes and Jeremy Martin join Brent Broussard to detail the program's unique structure as a standalone major within the Rawls College of Business.The program's intensity becomes clear as they discuss the challenging junior year that bonds student cohorts through shared adversity. With strict GPA requirements and a curriculum that doesn't allow cherry-picking easy courses, students develop the work ethic and resilience essential for energy careers. Early engagement through freshman seminars helps students understand industry expectations before committing to this demanding path.What sets this program apart is its deliberate design to mirror industry pressures. Students learn to balance multiple complex projects, work under tight deadlines, and maintain high performance standards - exactly what they'll face as working landmen. The speakers emphasize how this academic rigor creates graduates who hit the ground running, understanding both the technical aspects of land work and the professional stamina required. For companies evaluating entry-level talent or professionals considering where to recruit, this inside look at program structure reveals why certain graduates excel from day one in challenging field assignments.

Energy commerce programs are transforming to meet modern industry demands, moving beyond traditional landman-focused curriculum to include finance, midstream, and downstream sectors. Brent Broussard, with Kellie Estes and Jeremy Martin share critical insights on how major university programs have adapted over the past 5-7 years to prepare students for diverse energy careers.This evolution reflects real changes happening across the energy industry. As companies integrate renewable projects, expand into midstream operations, and require more sophisticated financial modeling, academic programs must keep pace. They explain how exposing students to multiple career paths - from traditional land work to commercial trading and project finance - creates more versatile professionals who understand the full energy value chain.For hiring managers and land professionals mentoring young talent, understanding these program changes is essential. The shift means new graduates bring broader perspectives but may need different onboarding approaches. Industry veterans will gain insights into how academic programs are responding to the cyclical nature of energy markets and why multi-disciplinary training produces professionals better equipped for today's complex projects. Whether you're recruiting, mentoring, or considering continuing education, this discussion reveals how energy education is adapting to industry realities.

Brent speaks with Jerry Walrath and KC McAdam about the challenges of building CO2 pipelines for carbon capture: rising costs, right-of-way issues, eminent domain, and how project strategies vary by location and scale.

Brent sits down with Jerry Walrath and KC McAdam to break down the legal and practical challenges in carbon capture projects, like aligning surface and mineral rights, securing agreements, and dealing with unclear regulations.

Brent, Jerry Walrath, and KC McAdam talk about Texas gaining primacy over Class VI wells, how it compares to other states, and what’s next in the process.

Brent, Brandon and Steve discuss the challenges of finding new landmen, regional staffing differences, and why long-term projects are key to training the next generation.

Brent, Brandon and Steve break down the challenges of recruiting quality landmen, keeping top talent working, and why strong systems and fair pay matter when demand is high

Brent, Brandon and Steve talk about rising activity in land work, shifts in renewables, and why data centers might be the bridge between oil, gas, and green energy.

Is AI actually making title work faster and more accurate? Brent shares real-world insights from the Enverus panel and how Kudu's solving the "one-time data entry" challenge.

Ever feel like your company has great ideas but struggles to execute? Brent shares how quarterly "rocks" helped Dudley actually finish projects like file organization and system upgrades.

Why are qualified division order and land admin people so hard to find? Brent breaks down industry staffing gaps and how Dudley's tackling the challenge with dedicated in-house services.

Brent, Patrick, and Nancy McCaskell break down how AAPL responded to proposed licensing changes in Texas and why protecting the role of landmen across all energy sectors matters.

Brent, Patrick and Nancy McCaskell go over her decision to lead AAPL, the value it brings to land professionals, and why giving back matters.

Brent & Patrick talk with Nancy McCaskell about how she got her start in land work and became VP of Land by 26—thanks to a job ad, a title lawyer, and yellow wind pants.

Zack Oliva joins Brent Broussard to discuss qualities that make great team members and winning teams, as well as the importance of setting company culture from the top down.

Brent Broussard and Zack Oliva reveal how family, faith, and hobbies like jujitsu recharge their energy, driving a strong work ethic. They also share tips for building a positive company culture top-down.

Zack Oliva and Brent Broussard talk about how their leadership has evolved over time. They share challenges they faced, mistakes they made, and what they’ve learned to become stronger leaders.

Brandon Dodds talks about how clients access and use Kudu for land projects.

Brandon Dodds walks through how Kudu works as a land management database.

Brandon Dodds talks about how land work has evolved from paper files and Excel to Dropbox and now structured databases.

Abigail Hopper joins Natalie Johns to discuss her initiative, Solar Sisters, a group she created to connect women in the solar industry.

Abigail Hopper talks with Natalie Johns about the challenges and rewards of being vulnerable on LinkedIn, sharing personal experiences and connecting with others on a deeper level.

Natalie Johns and Abigail Hopper discuss the current legislative challenges facing the solar and storage industries, particularly in Texas.

Brent goes over with Jason Peart about how geothermal projects are evaluated and developed, including data sources, site selection, and the challenges of repurposing oil and gas wells.

Brent talks with Jason Peart about how geothermal projects navigate unclear regulations and permitting processes

Brent sits down with Jason Peart to talk about how next-gen geothermal is expanding beyond traditional hotspots.

Brent and Colin Westmoreland discuss how generative AI is changing land data management.

Brent and Colin Westmoreland break down how Enverus set itself apart in a competitive market.

Brent talks with Colin Westmoreland about the evolution of land data and mapping in oil and gas.

Brent and Dr. Michelle Foss explore the challenges of mining and mineral extraction in the U.S., including regulatory hurdles, land access, and the impact of tariffs.

Brent and Dr. Michelle Foss discuss the challenges of mining and mineral processing in the U.S., from regulatory hurdles to supply chain dependence on China.

Brent and Dr. Michelle Foss examine the impact of global supply chains on energy and materials, focusing on China’s dominance in metals production and manufacturing.

Brent and Dr. Michelle Foss discuss the challenges of energy transition, the role of hydrocarbons, and the realities of alternative energy adoption.

Brent and Dr. Michelle Foss discuss the realities of energy transition projects, the challenges of material supply, and the economic trade-offs involved.