The Geography of Energy

What do Roman oxen, Civil War currency, Iranian oil, Chinese refineries, and your latest trip to the gas pump have in common? More than you might think. This week on The Personal Wealth Coach, Jake McClure takes a globe-spanning look at the geography of energy and the surprisingly persistent role location plays in shaping economies, conflicts, and prices. From Rome’s dependence on Spanish livestock to the economic divisions of the American Civil War, Jake traces the recurring relationship between energy, technology, geography, and power. Then he brings the story into the present, examining the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, Iran, Yemen and the Houthis, Russia’s damaged energy infrastructure, and China’s enormous appetite for imported oil. Along the way, he explains why shipping chokepoints thousands of miles away can matter to prices here at home. And if that weren’t enough geography for one podcast, Jake turns to inflation, the Federal Reserve, oil prices, and the technological changes that could ultimately reshape the world’s energy map. History has a habit of rhyming, and this episode makes the case that sometimes the best way to understand where the economy may be headed is to pull out a map and look at where it has already been. This episode was recorded on September 18, 2026. If you would like to contact us, please send an email to us at advisingteam@tpwc.com. We are happy to address any of your questions about Economics and Finance. If you are ready and would like to book an appointment either in office or over the phone, you can also send a message to us through the contact form on our website TPWC.com. ** The information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. We are “The Personal Wealth Coach,” which is also the name of an SEC-registered investment advisory firm. However, being registered with the SEC does not authorize us to provide investment advice. Investment advice should be personalized, offered in a private setting, and be in the best interests of the individual as a fiduciary. If we make any fraudulent statements, you should report them to the SEC. The information presented in this educational episode has been obtained from sources that we deem to be reliable, but we make no warranty or guarantee as to the completeness or accuracy of said information.