Advertise on podcast: Whitley Penn Talks

Message us! When Collin Smith passed away, his family faced a choice: allow loss to define their future or create something meaningful that could impact others for generations to come.  In this episode of WP Cares, Charles Smith shares the story of his son, Collin, whose passion for welding, community, and finding purpose inspired the creation of the Collin E. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund. Through scholarships, mentorship, and life coaching, the organization helps students pursuing trades education gain not only financial support, but also the encouragement and guidance needed to build successful futures.  Charles discusses the importance of helping young people find purpose, the growing value of skilled trades, and why mentorship can be just as impactful as financial assistance. He also shares how faith, family, fitness, and finance serve as the foundation for the program's approach to developing future leaders and trades professionals.  Whether you're a parent, educator, mentor, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, this conversation offers powerful insights on resilience, legacy, and the life-changing impact of investing in others.  Learn more or apply for a scholarship at https://www.collin-strong.org/  Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! What if your company’s most dangerous cyber threat isn’t phishing emails, but a man with an official-looking badge walking through the front door? What if your entire bank account is emptied, not by a bot, but by a phone call from a real live human?  This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, get ready for one of the most eye-opening episodes we've ever recorded.  Buffie Campbell and Kendall Neukomm sit down with Donovan Farrow, Founder and CEO of Alias Cybersecurity, to explore how attackers exploit human behavior to gain access to organizations.  Donovan shares real stories from his career, including how a simple badge helped him gain access to secure areas, how he got employees to hand over credentials, MFA codes, and passwords, and how social engineering continues to outperform technical attacks. The conversation also explores AI-powered scams, deepfakes, phishing, invoice fraud, critical infrastructure threats, and the growing cybersecurity risks facing businesses of all sizes.   Whether you're in energy, accounting, finance, technology, or business leadership, this episode is a must listen for those looking to keep their information (and companies) safe. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! Isaac Cline, a 19th‑century Galveston meteorologist, is known for saying, “Texas is a land of eternal drought, interrupted occasionally by biblical floods.” In the summer of 2025 and again in 2026, Cline’s proclamation sadly came true as massive, deadly floods struck Kerr County, Kerrville, Uvalde, and many more towns and counties across the Texas Hill Country.   Once the water receded, the long process of rebuilding began.  In this episode of WP Cares, Emily Landry sits down with Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, to discuss the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating 2025 and 2026 floods.  Austin shares how the Community Foundation responded in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the long-term work underway to help families rebuild their homes and lives, and the critical role philanthropy plays in strengthening communities during times of crisis. From housing assistance and mental health support to environmental restoration and community resilience, this conversation highlights the impact of generosity and collaboration across Texas.  Austin also shares his personal journey into nonprofit leadership, offers practical advice for nonprofit organizations seeking to better communicate their impact, and explains why focusing on results rather than activity is essential for creating lasting change.  This episode offers an inspiring look at how people can come together to help their communities heal and move forward.  Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! As young people leave high school behind and move on to the next chapter of their lives, many have a nagging worry in the back of their minds: Nearly 80% of graduating high school seniors report having little or no confidence in their ability to manage money.  One Dallas Nonprofit is on a mission to change this.  In this episode of WP Cares, Emily Landry sits down with Chris LaTurno, CEO of Junior Achievement of Dallas, to discuss the growing need for financial literacy, career readiness, and workforce development among today's students. Together, they explore why financial education matters, how real-life exposures help students envision future careers, and why mentorship plays a critical role in developing the next generation of professionals and leaders.  Whether you're a parent, educator, business leader, or community advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we can help young people build the confidence and skills they need for the future.  Learn more about Junior Achievement of Dallas and how you can get involved: jadallas.org Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many people work. Then, four years later, the TV show Landman changed the way people saw the Oil & Gas industry.   From new leadership challenges to phone calls with the New York Times, two women navigate these very real changes from the front lines.   In this special episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, they share what they learned.   Host Kendall Neukomm sits down with Julie Woodard, President of the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL), and Jean Hinton, President of the National Association of Division Order Analysts (NADOA), alongside Whitley Penn's Buffie Campbell. Together, they discuss:  How leadership has evolved over the course of their careers and since the pandemic How leaders can build strong teams across multiple locations Creating opportunities for the next generation of professionals Do they really encounter as many criminals as Billy Bob Thornton’s character in Landman? Whether you're an established leader or an emerging professional, this episode offers valuable insights on leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and advocacy from two women leading national organizations.  Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! 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. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! When it comes to picking an investment account, it can be easy to fall into analysis paralysis. But oftentimes, picking the perfect account doesn’t always determine how successfully you build wealth - starting early can.  In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, Chad Holmes, Senior Manager at WPWealth, explains the new Trump Accounts, how they compare to other savings vehicles like 529 plans and UTMA accounts, and why starting early may be one of the most powerful advantages an investor can have. The conversation also explores the role of compounding growth, financial literacy, and the behavioral benefits of introducing children to investing at a young age.   Whether you’re focused on wealth preservation, retirement planning, or building financial confidence across generations, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the future of investing. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! Imagine this: Your company's biggest customer is asking to triple their order size tomorrow. Are you happy, or are you terrified? Does your business have the infrastructure in place to scale at a moment’s notice?  In a new episode of Whitley Penn Talks, Whitley Penn Managing Directors Jake Baine (Digital Services) and Brandt Schaars (Deal Advisory) discuss five key indicators of business readiness:   Reliable dataOperational scalabilityDocumented processesStrategic leadership alignmentWillingness to invest in growth before it's requiredFrom digital transformation and ERP (enterprise resource planning) implementation to operational readiness, business strategy, and transaction readiness, this conversation explores how companies can use data, technology, processes, and financial insights to achieve their growth goals.   The discussion is inspired by our recent "What's Your Goal?" insight, which explores how to determine if your company's systems, reporting, people, and processes can support future growth opportunities.  Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! A great idea is often the launch pad for a successful business, but what three things do founders need to help their business really take off? In this new episode of WP Cares, Emily Landry sits down with Bill Chinn, CEO of The DEC Network in Dallas and Fort Worth, to discuss the challenges entrepreneurs face as they launch and grow their businesses. From securing early-stage investment to navigating new technologies like AI, Bill shares why founders often benefit most from strong connections, collaboration, and capital. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, nonprofit professional, or community advocate, this conversation offers insights into what it takes to build sustainable growth and strengthen your local community. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! Owner relations can be one of the most important aspects of royalty ownership, and also one of the most difficult to navigate. In this episode of A Crude Bit of Humor, Buffie Campbell is joined by Emily Glass, Whitley Penn Mineral Management Manager. As a fifth-generation mineral owner, Emily shares her first-hand advice on how royalty owners can effectively communicate with operators, navigate ownership changes and acquisitions, track down the right contacts, and avoid common pitfalls when seeking information. We also explore how technology is transforming owner relations and share real-world insights on building productive relationships that help owners get the answers they need. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, host Emily Landry sits down with Kelsey Dahlke, Director of Education, and Jessica Walsh, VP of Development at Casa Mañana, to explore the powerful combination of theatre, education, and community in Fort Worth. They explore how Casa Mañana’s three pillars - professional productions, youth education programs, and community initiatives - inspire creativity, encourage personal growth, and build the next generation of artists and audiences. Tune in to learn how Casa Mañana continues to evolve as a “house of tomorrow,” and why community support plays a critical role in keeping live theatre thriving. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, host Emily Landry is joined by Dr. Paul Bowman, longtime pediatric oncologist and co-chair of Leukemia Texas, who shares clear and hopeful insights on what leukemia is and how far treatment for the disease has come. Alongside him, Ashley Oviedo opens up about her daughter, Perry's, diagnosis, offering an honest and emotional look at the fear, uncertainty, and strength that define a family’s journey through cancer. Together, they highlight the critical role organizations like Leukemia Texas play in supporting families medically, financially, and emotionally through their most challenging times. From the first signs of illness to the importance of accepting help and holding onto hope, this conversation is a reminder that no one should fight cancer alone. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, host Kendall Neukomm is joined by Jolee Patnaude, Revenue Cycle Management Advisory Director at Whitley Penn, and Casey Gage, Finance Specialist at Eunice Health Clinic. They explore the impact of documentation gaps on patient care and reimbursement, common audit findings, including undercoding, how AI and ambient listening tools are transforming clinical documentation, and more. Whether you're a healthcare provider, administrator, or finance leader, this episode offers actionable strategies to improve documentation gaps, operational performance, and your patients' experience. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, WPCares series host Emily Landry speaks with Helena L. Banks, CEO of Our Friends Place, about empowering young women experiencing homelessness to build stable, independent futures. The conversation highlights how education, employment, and community support create lasting change. Helena shares the organization’s mission, its residential and SOAR programs, and what empowerment looks like in daily practice. A powerful story brings the impact to life, showing how consistent support can help young women move toward true independence. The episode is both inspiring and grounded in real impact. Key Takeaways How Our Friends Place supports young women through education, work, and essential life skillsWhy small, daily decisions play an important role in long‑term stability A real story of resilience that shows what empowerment looks like in practiceHow youth homelessness often looks different than people expectWhy Listen? This episode is for anyone interested in nonprofit impact, community support, or youth empowerment. You will gain insight into how trauma‑informed, accountability‑based programs support lasting growth and why long-term empowerment matters more than quick solutions. Helena’s stories offer a meaningful reminder of how care, consistency, and community investment can shape a young woman’s future. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!

Message us! In this episode of Whitley Penn Talks, host Kendall Neukomm sits down with Buffie Campbell and Jim Bradbury, Partner at James D. Bradbury, PLLC to explore the rapid rise of produced water as a new asset class in Texas. What was once viewed as a waste byproduct of oil and gas operations is now gaining attention from landowners, investors, and policymakers. The conversation breaks down how legal rulings, water scarcity, and advancing technology are reshaping ownership, value, and opportunity around produced water. Together, they explain why this topic now extends far beyond the oil and gas industry. The episode offers an overview of where the market stands today and where it may be headed next. Key Takeaways How produced water has evolved from a disposal cost into a valuable commodityWhat the Texas Supreme Court ruling clarified about ownership and lease languageWhy agriculture, municipalities, and data centers are eyeing produced water as a resourceHow private equity and new technology are accelerating growth in this spaceWhy Listen? This episode is for landowners, mineral owners, investors, and advisors looking to understand a fast-emerging opportunity in Texas. Listeners will gain clarity on recent legal changes, practical implications for leases, and why produced water is attracting significant capital. The discussion makes a complex topic accessible while highlighting real financial and strategic considerations. It is a forward-looking conversation that helps listeners think differently about resources and value. Read the related insight here. Fill out this form to have new episodes sent right to your inbox! Follow Whitley Penn on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X for more industry insights and thought leadership!