In this live episode recorded at the National Association of Royalty Owners (NARO) National Convention in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in October 2025, we answered several live & unscripted questions from other NARO Members. The recording quality isn’t perfect but I think you will get a lot of value out of this episode as we deal with some real questions related to working with operators to learn about shut-in wells, multiple examples of tips and tricks for working with stubborn operators who will not respond to emails or phone calls, as well as several questions related to the ever present issue of orphan wells.
This episode emphasizes how important it is to know what you own, to have copies of important documents like your oil & gas lease, how to research using state commission websites, state statues regarding royalty owners’ rights, orphan wells, and more.
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 asked a question in our live Q&A episode and who came up and introduced yourself at the NARO National Convention – it was great to meet you in person! 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.
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
Shut-in and Orphaned Wells
- MRP 242: Can a Shut-in or Plugged Well be Reopened?
- MRP 57: What to do When Your Wells Get Shut-in
- MRP 53: Negative Royalties and What to Do When Your Well Gets Shut-in
- MRP 284: Listener Questions – May 2025
- MRP 144: Solutions to the Orphan Wells Problem
- MRP 145: Abandoned and Orphan Wells with Professor Jim Crompton
Mineral Rights Research
- MRP 10: How to Perform a Title Search
- Download my Free Runsheet Template to help you get started with your mineral rights title search.
- MRP 103: How to Find Out if You Have Unclaimed Royalties
- WellDatabase.com
- MRP 226: How to Use the Texas Railroad Commission Website
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
- MRP 3: How to Calculate your Net Revenue Interest in 3 Simple Steps
- Download my the Free NRI Calculation Worksheet HERE
- MRP 97: How to Audit Your Oil and Gas Royalty Statements
- MRP 166: How to Read and Manage Your Royalty Statements
- MRP 224: What to do About Late Royalty Payments
Thanks for Listening!
To share your thoughts:
- Leave a comment or listener question below (we read each one and your question may be featured in a future episode)!
- Ask a question or leave us feedback via email.
To help out the show:
- Subscribe and leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts – we read each one and greatly appreciate it. Plus, you can get a shout-out in a future episode!
Thanks again – until next time!
