Then & Now: The evolution of oil and gas and the voice that’s been there all along
Introducing Then & Now, a new series in the Oil & Gas Journal ReEnterprised podcast lineup. In these episodes, Oil & Gas Journal editors and guests will discuss the many ways in which the oil and gas industry has transformed.
In this episode, Laura Bell-Hammer, Statistics Editor, takes listeners on a journey through the dramatic changes undergone by the industry—from early wildcat drilling and gut instincts to today’s data-driven exploration, automated drilling, and predictive production.
Bell-Hammer reflects on the legacy of the Journally Speaking column and Oil & Gas Journal, which has documented the industry’s milestones for over 120 years. Blending history, technology, and industry insight, the episode shows how far we’ve come, where we’re headed, and why trusted resources remain essential for the next generation of energy professionals.
About the Author
Laura Bell-Hammer
Statistics Editor
Laura Bell-Hammer is the Statistics Editor for Oil & Gas Journal, where she has led the publication’s global data coverage and analytical reporting for more than three decades. She previously served as OGJ’s Survey Editor and had contributed to Oil & Gas Financial Journal before publication ceased in 2017. Before joining OGJ, she developed her industry foundation at Vintage Petroleum in Tulsa. Laura is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.