Whitley Penn Talks: Will AI Change Oil & Gas Faster Than We Expect?
Whitley Penn Talks: Will AI Change Oil & Gas Faster Than We Expect?
09/03/2026
What do recent episodes of Friends, lifting 500 pounds in the gym, and barbecue have in common? Artificial Intelligence in the energy industry, believe it or not!
In this special episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, Kendall Neukomm and Buffie Campbell are joined by Deren and Dagen Boyd, co-founders of FirmApp, and Lewis Box of Riverbend Energy Group and the National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA). They explore where AI is already creating value and where companies are still navigating adoption challenges. Plus: Common misconceptions, the importance of prompting, and practical advice for professionals who want to start using AI effectively today.
As part of our NADOA 2026 Institute series, you’ll also hear insights into this year’s conference (where Dagen will be speaking more on AI), emerging technology trends, and how industry leaders are preparing for the next wave of innovation.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
Deren Boyd
Co-Founder, Firm App
Dagen Boyd
Co-founder, Firm App
Lewis Box
DO Supervisor CDOA
09/03/2026
What do recent episodes of Friends, lifting 500 pounds in the gym, and barbecue have in common? Artificial Intelligence in the energy industry, believe it or not!
In this special episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, Kendall Neukomm and Buffie Campbell are joined by Deren and Dagen Boyd, co-founders of FirmApp, and Lewis Box of Riverbend Energy Group and the National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA). They explore where AI is already creating value and where companies are still navigating adoption challenges. Plus: Common misconceptions, the importance of prompting, and practical advice for professionals who want to start using AI effectively today.
As part of our NADOA 2026 Institute series, you’ll also hear insights into this year’s conference (where Dagen will be speaking more on AI), emerging technology trends, and how industry leaders are preparing for the next wave of innovation.
Listen to this episode on YouTube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Featuring:
Takes from the Talk
How is AI changing the oil and gas industry?
AI is helping oil and gas companies consolidate data, reduce administrative work, and improve access to information. By connecting previously separate systems, AI can support faster decision making and better communication across owner relations, land, engineering, and accounting teams.
How can division order analysts use AI?
Division order analysts can use AI to compare purchase and sale agreements, division orders, and check stubs for inconsistencies. However, human oversight remains essential because AI may not understand complex industry concepts, historical adjustments, or other details requiring professional judgment.
What should oil and gas professionals know before using AI?
Professionals should understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI. Employees should follow company security policies, avoid uploading confidential documents into unauthorized tools, and carefully review AI generated responses for inaccurate or incomplete information.
How can companies begin adopting AI?
Companies can start by identifying one specific problem and using reliable data already available to address it. AI adoption does not require perfect data or a large implementation. Starting small allows teams to test workflows, learn from the results, and gradually expand into additional use cases.
Why is effective AI prompting important?
AI responses depend on the context and instructions provided by the user. Clearly defining the desired perspective, task, limitations, and output can produce more useful responses. Developing strong prompting skills also helps users recognize where AI performs well and where additional guidance is needed.
How could AI improve owner relations?
AI could provide royalty owners with faster access to frequently requested information, including payment and account details. Automating routine inquiries may allow owner relations professionals to focus on complex matters requiring human assistance while creating a faster, more personalized experience for owners.