MRP 292: Listener Questions July 2025 – The Mineral Rights Podcast

In this month’s episode, we tackle listener questions submitted by Jean, Cole, Stuart, Melissa, Greg, Janet, C.J., and Lowell ranging from from finding updated unit descriptions in Texas to organizing digital records and planning for the next generation. The episode provides practical guidance on navigating state regulatory websites, understanding the differences between production and sales volumes, establishing tax basis for mineral sales, and preventing mineral rights fragmentation through proper estate planning.

As before, many of the questions in this episode are covered in more depth in my Mineral Management Basics online course, including how to read a legal description, perform a title search, identify nearby oil and gas activity, and determine whether you should be getting paid on a well.

Thanks again to everyone who left a review or who submitted a listener question! If you have a question about your minerals or royalties, you can send it to feedback@mineralrightspodcast.com!

If this has been helpful, please take a moment and leave us an honest rating & review on Apple Podcasts. This feedback really helps keep us going and helps make sure that we are putting out content that is tailored to your needs.

Listener Question #1

How can I find the descriptions of producing oil or gas units in Texas–location covered by the unit, total acres etc.? Division orders that were issued many years ago describe units that no longer exist even though the wells are still producing or newer wells have taken their place. Just discovered your excellent podcast.

Jean

Listener Question #2

Hi Matt,

I recently watched your video on how to forecast your monthly royalty check on YouTube and I have a question if you have the time.

The database that you are using, Well Database, has different volume values than are shown on my statements for previous months. I realize that this isn’t a huge issue given we are looking for the future values and those are primarily based off of the decline curve, but why might they be different? I am waiting on a response from Well Database.

Let me know what you think. Thanks for the videos!

Cole

Listener Question #3

Hi Matt,

I inherited minerals out of west Texas in 2016. Since that time, the journey of royalty management has required perseverance and determination in an industry where communication with royalty owners is a challenge.

Thank you for your lifesaving MR Podcast! It’s an outstanding resource for all who desire excellence in mineral management.

My biggest challenge as a manager is pretty elementary: digital organization and maintenance of assets. NOT my superpower.

Happy New Year!

Janet

Listener Question #4

I am a mineral and royalty owner. I have small mineral interests in 13 states. I am considering selling an interest in Texas and have no idea how to establish a basis for taxes. In addition I need to value the non-producing minerals for estate planning.

C. Stewart

Listener Question #5

Hi Matt, I am on the mineral owner’s side. My grandparents purchased a lot of minerals back in the day. I have found the journal they kept, and my dad has continued it for some time. However, I think he moved to digitally keeping track of everything and there is my conundrum. He passed away in 2018 and I am taking care of my aunt and trying to get everything figured out. Her sons have both passed away and she knows nothing about what has transpired. I do know that I need to get the Quit(claim) deeds in place before she passes or I will have a real headache.

She is receiving very little in royalties and I tried to contact the companies that wrote the checks and got zero help. I appreciate any guidance.

Thank you

Regards,

Melissa

Listener Question #6

Hi Matt,

I always appreciate listening to your podcasts. They are a breath of fresh air. Although sometimes I get lost in the weeds.

I’m one of the many who inherited mineral rights in Texas. That said, recent comments from our new president has my head spinning to try to make a guess at the future of LNG.

Some podcasts (political and tech ) have been adding extra posts during this ‘Golden age’ that is upon us.

Any chance in doubling up on your comments and observations? It would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

Greg

Listener Question #7

Hi Matt,

Thanks for the below email (she is referring to my weekly email newsletter – signup here). Looking forward to a work break this week to view and listen to the podcast, Excellent topic!

Meanwhile, at an online forum (Yahoo finance, Black Stone Minerals board), a man in WV recommended NARO. Yesterday I viewed the website. Glad to see you are the current President .

I also noted: There was a podcast regarding how to find (our) mineral Deeds, etc. My royalties are from the early 80s. I am clueless where the Deeds/Assignments are. How can I access that podcast? Objective: for the interests in my name, deeding or assigning to next generation in my family.

Thanks very much. Have a great day and week.

CJ

Listener Question #8

Eventual mineral owner in Bakken play of ND… right now a remainderman(along with my siblings) in my elderly mother’s life estate which includes her mineral rights.

We want to look at eventual entity choice for the mineral rights as these rights become fragmented amongst us. Looking at LLC but need to know pros & cons of such decision.

Lowell

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Mineral Rights Education

Mineral Management Basics Online Course
National Association of Royalty Owners (For a limited time, use coupon code “MRPODCAST” for $25 off an Introductory Membership. Good only for first-time members).
1-on-1 Coaching with Matt

How Mineral Rights are Valued

Inheritance

Books

Never Split the Difference by former FBI Hostage Negotiator Chris Voss is THE book on negotiation.

How to Make Sure You are Getting Paid Correctly

Check out the free form letter I’ve created for you to contact your operator about late or missing royalty payments.

Mineral Rights Research

Taxes

Thanks for Listening!

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Leave a comment or listener question below (we read each one and your question may be featured in a future episode)!
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Thanks again – until next time!

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