In this month's news episode, we examine the latest developments affecting mineral rights owners as 2025 draws to a close. The discussion centers on how major geopolitical events and infrastructure developments are shaping energy markets heading into 2026. Natural gas continues its strong performance driven by surging demand from data centers and LNG exports, while oil prices face downward pressure from increased global supply and potential peace agreements that could bring Russian crude back to international markets. The episode provides you with context for understanding how these macro trends translate into production decisions and royalty payments in the months ahead. 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 review probate requirements for inherited mineral rights: when they're needed, multi-state complications, and how proven strategies like trusts or LLCs can help you avoid them entirely.

As always, this information is being shared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. Be sure to contact a qualified attorney to help you make the most of an inheritance situation.

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

Many mineral owners face a common challenge: they have substantial wealth tied up in mineral rights, but their monthly royalty income has declined significantly as wells age and production drops.

In this episode, we explore when it makes strategic sense to sell portions of your mineral portfolio to create more stable cash flow, reduce concentration risk, and diversify into other asset classes like a rental property. We discuss how to identify which properties are at peak value and therefore ideal candidates for sale, the mechanics of 1031 exchanges that allow you to defer capital gains taxes, and practical strategies for finding reputable buyers. And while we generally recommend that you should hold on to your mineral rights, we challenge the conventional wisdom that you should "never sell" mineral rights. Instead, sophisticated asset management requires understanding your overall portfolio while acting proactively to maximize value to meet your changing financial needs.

As always, be sure to check out the show notes at mineralrightspodcast.com for links to the resources mentioned!

Disclaimer: This episode and accompanying show notes are provided for general information purposes and should not be construed as financial, legal, or investment advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult with qualified legal and financial professionals.

In this episode, we answer questions submitted by Roy, Nancy, Donna, @MadamPickles (via YouTube), Tom, Mark, and Brenda. From the long-term outlook for Permian Basin production, the complexities of overriding royalty interests, strategies for dealing with offers to purchase mineral rights, understanding when to expect the first royalty check, and navigating the title research process to trace inherited minerals back to specific family members, and more.

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

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.