Then & Now: The evolution of oil and gas and the voice that’s been there all along

Introducing Then & Now, a new series within the Oil & Gas Journal ReEnterprised podcast lineup. In this episode, Laura Bell-Hammer, Statistics Editor, takes listeners on a journey through the dramatic transformation of the oil and gas industry.

Laura Bell-Hammer

Aug. 5, 2025

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 has been the Statistics Editor for the Oil & Gas Journal since 1994. She was the Survey Editor for two years prior to her current position with OGJ. While working with OGJ, she also was a contributing editor for Oil & Gas Financial Journal. Before joining OGJ, she worked for Vintage Petroleum in Tulsa, gaining her oil and gas industry knowledge.