The people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas, long-known as the OERB, are excited to welcome Mike Rowe to Expo 25 on Oct. 13.

Rowe, the star of shows like “Dirty Jobs,” first visited the Oklahoma oil and gas business more than a decade ago to learn what it was like to work on a rig.

“I was here 12 years ago and the progress in the oil and natural gas industry from then to now is amazing,” said Mike Rowe.

Rowe’s commitment to tell the stories of the people who do the real work of America is unparalleled, and he is passionate about the many benefits of American oil and natural gas. He turned his passion into his vocation, championing our country’s working men and women. He’s deeply curious about how things work and why. He is a courageous and determined voice for blue-collar America. The truth is, no one works longer or harder to ensure their story is told.

“We are thrilled to have Mike Rowe, America’s storyteller, spending time in Oklahoma learning about the oil and natural gas industry, the people who work in it, and its tremendous impact to our state and the nation,” said OERB Chairman David Le Norman.

In March, Mike Rowe landed in Chickasha to learn all he could about the people who work 24/7 to produce American-made oil and natural gas. His first stop was a tiny diner where he talked to locals about the industry’s impact on their town. He also spent time at a stimulation site, drilling rig, Hamm Institute of American Energy, and Okarche High School.

He talked to Oklahomans who represent all facets of the industry. From royalty owners to roughnecks to Ph.D.s, many stories from his visit feature the incredibly diverse and talented people of Oklahoma Oil and Natural Gas.
“What I’ve been doing for the last year was listening to actual Oklahomans in their own words about why and how Oklahoma oil and natural gas has had an impact on their life,” said Rowe. “I’m just a proxy for the audience, which means I get to learn along with the viewer.”

You’ve probably already seen some of the videos from his visit. In the meantime, you can find all the videos released to date at OERB.com/MikeRowe. You may recognize some familiar faces.

Mike’s perspective is having a national impact too.

As record crowds flocked to watch the big blockbusters over the summer, the stories from his time in Oklahoma were playing in movie theaters before the feature presentations. A lady saw one of the videos before “Top Gun” and wrote a message on Mike’s Facebook page to voice her displeasure. He responded with a lengthy, well-researched, and kind response that he shared with his six million followers. At last check, his post received 85,000 likes, 35,000 shares, and more than 10,000 comments- overwhelmingly positive. The Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association even made a fact sheet out of his response.

“Mike has the ability to educate people in a way that exemplifies common sense and integrity. As you can see by his post, it resonates with Americans,” said Le Norman.

Rowe will be back in Oklahoma on Oct. 12 for the First Annual Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas Whiskey Tasting. All proceeds will benefit the Mike Rowe Works Foundation, which encourages people to pursue careers in skilled trades and provides scholarships for training. He will also be speaking at Expo 25, the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma Oil & Natural Gas Expo, on Oct. 13 at the Bennett Event Center at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds.

“It’s a great story. It’s a big story. And it’s an important story. I’ve had a ton of fun telling it,” said Rowe. “It’s personal. I think it should be for any American who shares my addiction to abundant and affordable energy. It’s been a privilege.”

The Oklahoma Energy Resources Board was created in 1993 and receives 100 percent of its budget voluntarily from oil and natural gas producers and royalty owners. Through the OERB, the industry contributes millions of dollars to educational programs each year to increase energy literacy and restores land associated with decades-old abandoned well sites. For more information, visit OERB.com.