From the Hollywood Reporter: “Sheridan has set a sixth show for ViacomCBS with Land Man, based on Texas Monthly's Boomtown podcast.”
'The Atlantic' names 'Boomtown' one of the Top 50 Podcasts of 2020
From The Atlantic: “Boomtown begins with a trip to western Texas’s U.S. Route 285, nicknamed “Death Highway” due to its often-fatal accidents involving oil-related semitruck traffic. The highway is just one of the unexpected places the Boomtown host Christian Wallace takes listeners, as he explores the state’s Permian Basin during what was the biggest oil boom in U.S. history—before oil prices dropped dramatically during the pandemic. Wallace grew up in the area and worked on a rig, so his profile of the people living in boomtowns brings the story out of black-and-white politics and into full color. The cast of characters is long and varied—roughnecks, tycoons, grieving families, industry experts, and even Wallace’s own mom and dad. The journalist and former sex worker Susan Elizabeth Shepard guest-hosts for two episodes and offers necessary insight into how the sex industry follows boomtowns. The show is a beautiful ride filled with levity, even as it delivers troubling forecasts for the future.”
Gizmodo names 'Boomtown' one of the "Ten Best Podcasts on Climate Change"
From Gizmodo: “The name Boomtown sounds like something out of a Hollywood Western, and its characters may seem ripped from the silver screen. But this is podcast is a true story. Hosted by Texas Monthly’s Christian Wallace, Boomtown takes listeners to a rugged corner of West Texas, home to an oil boom that is reminiscent of the California Gold Rush of the 1800s. This oil boom has reshaped not only our climate, but also our economy and geopolitics. With characters like an executive cutting billion-dollar deals, a pipeline worker risking life and limb, and a traveling exotic dancer following the money, Boomtown is podcast you won’t want to miss.”
Oral History of 'Wishbone' on KCRW
Cat Cardenas and I spoke with “Press Play” host Madeleine Brand about our oral history of ‘Wishbone.’ Listen here.
"Long Live Honky-Tonks" Selected as a National Magazine Award Finalist
Featured Guest on the New Slang Podcast
I had a great conversation with Lubbock journalist Thomas Mooney, about everything from the Texas Monthly ranking of every Willie Nelson album to the creation of ‘Boomtown’ and our mutual love of Terry Allen. Listen here.
Interview with NPR's 'Marketplace'
Spoke with Scott Tong at ‘Marketplace’ about the collapse in oil prices and what it means for the Permian Basin. Listen here.
Interview with NowThis News
I spoke with NowThis News about the collapse of oil prices and the Saudi Arabia-Russian price war.
A New Reckoning for Texas Oil: National Podcast of Texas
Spoke with Andy Langer on the National Podcast of Texas about the collapse of oil prices and where things are headed with the bust.
City and Regional Magazine Associate Name Finalists
Was honored to have two of my articles selected as finalists for the 2019 CRMA awards. My honky-tonk story was nominated in the leisure/lifestyle interests category and my story on the Permian Basin boom was a finalist in civic journalism. Read the full list here.
'Outside' Magazine Review of 'Boomtown'
“Two Podcasts About Big Oil Prove We Have More to Learn: Boomtown and Drilled tackle climate change and oil and gas extraction from different angles.” Read the review here.
Interview with Marfa Public Radio
Interview with Marfa Public Radio station manager, Elise Pepple, covering ‘Boomtown’ and growing up in West Texas. Listen here.
From the English Department at Texas State: Featured Alumni
A write-up on my formative years at Texas State University and how a honky-tonk called Cheatham Street Warehouse helped launch my career as a writer. Read more here.
'Boomtown' Featured on CBS7
I spoke with CBS7’s Haley Harrison about the Permian Basin podcast.
See the interview here.
Los Angeles Review of Books: Podcast Review on Boomtown
“Boomtown is a piece of reporting that is only possible from the intimate vantage of an upbringing in West Texas, of summers riding horses and shooting BB guns at grandma’s ranch, drinking beers by rusty rigs in high school, and of roughnecking for a year before the previous bust hit.”
Jorge Cotte’s thorough and thoughtful review of Boomtown. Read more here.
Variety Premieres 'Boomtown' Video Trailer
Variety announces ‘Boomtown,’ a week ahead of its release.
Read more here. Watch the trailer and learn more at Texas Monthly.
Honky-Tonks on the Texas Standard
Spoke with the fine folks at the Texas Standard about my September 2019 cover story: “The Best Honky-Tonks in Texas.” Listen here.
Talking Oil on KERA's 'Think'
Spoke with Courtney Collins of KERA’s ‘Think’ about my June 2019 story, “The Price of Oil.” Listen here.
The Iron Orchard on the National Podcast of Texas
Talking about my article ‘The Wildcatters’ with director Ty Roberts on the National Podcast of Texas. [Jan 2018] Listen here.
Roughnecking on the Texas Standard
Talking about my year learning to roughneck on the Texas Standard. [June 2015] Listen here.