In this episode of Beyond the Pump, we celebrate Earth Week 2026 with a deep dive into E85 and its growing role in California’s energy future. Beatrice Lam is joined by special guest Jeff Wilkerson of Pearson Fuels to unpack the facts behind this renewable, cost-effective fuel and why it’s gaining momentum across the state.

The conversation also touches on CFCA’s sponsored bill, AB 2046, which supports E85 conversion kits, as part of a broader effort to expand affordable fuel options for Californians. Jeff shares insights into E85’s role in California’s fuel market, highlights how it has proven to be an effective tool in other countries like France, and explores how increasing availability could give drivers more flexibility to choose cleaner, lower-cost fuel options in real time.

Episode Highlights:

• A closer look at CFCA’s sponsored bill, AB 2046, and how it could open up new possibilities for drivers.
• Clearing up common misconceptions about E85, including concerns around engine damage, efficiency, and availability.
• Helpful tips for drivers on locating E85 stations and cutting fuel costs without disrupting their daily routine.

🎙 Produced by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA). – To learn more about the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, visit www.cfca.energy

#BeyondThePump #CaliforniaFuels #CFCA #EarthWeek #Podcast #Earth Day #AB2046 #California

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, we celebrate Women’s History Month by spotlighting a woman who has made a meaningful impact in the industry, featuring a special interview with respected industry veteran Julie Jackson with Jackson Advisory & Consulting.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation as she reflects on her career transition from finance to retail, sharing how her experiences shaped her leadership style and approach to building strong, collaborative teams. She also discusses the importance of fostering community and mentorship within the fuels and convenience industry, along with maintaining work-life balance in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

Episode Highlights:

• The importance of community and mentorship in the industry to build strong, collaborative, and high-performing teams.
• Key lessons and advice for early professionals looking to grow their careers.
• How her diverse experience shaped her leadership style and how she is uplifting the next generation of leaders.
• How trusting your own process and trying new things can lead to unexpected and rewarding professional paths.

🎙 Produced by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA). – To learn more about the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, visit www.cfca.energy

#BeyondThePump #CaliforniaFuels #CFCA #Women’sHistoryMonth #Podcast #Mentorship #TrustTheProcess #California

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice Lam interviews Joseph Farhat of CVW T-Lines, specializing in crafting store solutions that blend functionality with visual appeal.

They explore what it really takes to elevate a convenience store or travel center from a simple stop to a standout destination. Joseph highlights the powerful role convenience stores and travel centers play in their local communities, serving everyone from daily commuters to long-haul drivers, and how operators can evolve to meet rising consumer expectations across both formats. The discussion dives into crafting memorable in-store experiences, striking the right balance between brand consistency and local personality, and reimagining store design for the future, including the smart integration of AI tools, expanded food service, and amenities tailored to both neighborhood customers and highway travelers.

Episode Highlights:

• C-Stores play a vital role in local communities and continue to navigate supply chain challenges.
• Consumer expectations for cleanliness, modernization, and experience are rising.
• C-Store and travel center experience is key to customer loyalty and brand consistency is crucial for customer recognition.
• Planning ahead is essential to rebranding your store, especially for larger spaces like travel centers.
• How AI tools are changing the landscape of design and can support client contribution.

🎙 Produced by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA). – To learn more about the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, visit www.cfca.energy

#BeyondThePump #CaliforniaFuels #CFCA #ConvenienceStores #TravelCenters #Podcast #SmallBusiness #GasStations #California

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice Lam interviews Elizabeth Graham, CEO of the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance (CFCA).

They discuss the challenges and opportunities within the fuels and convenience industry, focusing on the importance of education, advocacy, and innovation. Elizabeth shares insights on the unique aspects of gas station ownership, the impact of regulations, and the resilience of small business owners in California. The conversation highlights the community involvement of CFCA members and the need for continued support and understanding from consumers and legislators alike.

Episode Highlights:

• The fuels and convenience industry is complex, involving various stakeholders.
• Education is crucial for both consumers and legislators to understand the industry.
• Insurance costs and regulations are significant challenges for small business owners.
• CFCA is focusing on local chapters to strengthen community engagement.
• Members are actively involved in their communities beyond just fuel and convenience store sales.
• The cost of doing business in California is rising, impacting small businesses.

🎙 Produced by the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance (CFCA). – To learn more about the California Fuels & Convenience Alliance, visit www.cfca.energy

#BeyondThePump #CaliforniaFuels #CFCA #FuelRegulation #Podcast #SmallBusiness #GasStations #California

California’s energy crisis isn’t coming — it’s already here.
In this episode of Beyond the Pump, host Mikey Muscatello and co-host Beatrice sit down with USC professor and energy economist Michael Mische to break down the numbers behind California’s skyrocketing gas prices, refinery shutdowns, and growing dependence on foreign oil.

Mische reveals why two major refineries (Phillips 66 and Valero) are closing, how much of every gallon goes to state taxes and environmental fees, and why new drilling permits won’t fix California’s fuel shortage.

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CFCA.

💡 Key topics: refinery shutdowns • gas price forecasts • SB237 drilling permits • cap-and-trade costs • EV mandates • job losses • small business impact • energy independence

🎤 Guest: Michael Mische, Professor, USC Marshall School of Business
📍 Recorded ahead of the CADC Energy Summit (Oct 20–21), presented by the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance.

🎧 Listen now to Beyond the Pump on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major platforms.
📍 Learn more about California’s fuel and convenience industry at CFCA.energy.
📅 Don’t miss the CADC Energy Summit, October 20–21 in San Diego.

California gas prices, California energy crisis, refinery shutdowns, Valero Benicia, Phillips 66, SB237, California oil permits, cap-and-trade, EV mandates, CFCA Energy Summit, Michael Mische USC, Beyond the Pump podcast

#CaliforniaEnergy #GasPrices #OilAndGas #EnergyPolicy #RefineryShutdown #USC #CaliforniaNews #CleanEnergy #CFCA #BeyondThePump

In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Mikey and Beatrice sit down with Assemblymember Stan Ellis, a former oil and chemical processing expert now fighting for California’s energy future. From the real life impacts California can expect from upcoming refinery shutdowns to the hypocrisy of importing foreign oil while vilifying our own clean production, Ellis shares his raw and technical look into the consequences of overregulation. Hear how permitting delays, party-line politics, and misguided environmental policies are endangering jobs, spiking gas prices, and hurting everyday Californians. Listen now to Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms — and for more on the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, visit CFCA.Energy

Listen now to Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms, and for more on the California Fuels and Convenience Alliance, visit CFCA.Energy

Discover how AI is transforming theft prevention, store operations, and profitability in gas stations and convenience stores. In this episode of Beyond the Pump, Beatrice speaks with JinnLabs co-founder Harjeev Anand about JinnOS, an AI-powered store management platform designed to reduce shrinkage, detect theft in real time, improve inventory accuracy, and unlock data-driven insights for retailers.

Learn how multi-camera AI agents monitor transactions, recognize suspicious behavior, support store staff, and give owners the visibility they’ve never had before. Harjeev also shares how JinnLabs is helping c-stores adapt to California's evolving compliance requirements, improve customer experience, and prepare for the next wave of digital transformation in retail.

Listen to Beyond the Pump on all major podcast platforms.
For more industry resources, visit CFCA.Energy.
Learn more about AI theft prevention and store-management tools at JinnLabs.ai.

Takeaways

• AI-driven shrink reduction is becoming essential for c-store and gas station operators.
• Multi-agent AI can track customer behavior, identify concealment, and detect employee theft.
• Data from cameras, POS, and inventory can now feed a unified AI store manager.
• Inventory automation tools will drastically reduce costs and waste.
• AI improves employee productivity, customer experience, and operational efficiency.
• California privacy laws require anonymized facial mapping, not facial recognition.

In this episode of "Beyond The Pump," Mikey & Bea talk with Chris Ballas, the CEO of Backgrounds Online, discussing the evolution and importance of background checks. Chris shares his extensive experience,detailing how Backgrounds Online began during the dot-com boom, initially aggregating public record data for private investigators and eventually shifting focus to HR departments for comprehensive background checks.

Chris explains the intricacies of background screening, emphasizing the importance of compliance with state laws, especially in California, and how the industry has evolved to provide more accurate and relevant information for employers.

They also touch on how the company integrates with applicant tracking systems to streamline the hiring process, ensuring a seamless experience for both employers and applicants.

The three of them talk about the specific needs of the fuel and convenience industry, highlighting the importance of customized background checks to ensure safety and brand reputation.

Chris also addresses common misconceptions aboutbackground checks and the importance of data security and privacy.

The conversation wraps up with insights into the future of background screening, including advancements in biometric and identity verification technologies, and the importance of continuous monitoring to maintain a safework environment.

For more information, listeners can visit CFCA's website and learn how Backgrounds Online can support their business needs

00:00 - Introduction

02:19 - Company Evolution

04:01 - Data Regulatory Changes

05:39 - Catering to Industry Needs

12:05 - Staying Updated on Compliance

17:29 - Ensuring Brand Reputation

18:45 - Onboarding Background Checks

19:21 - Motor Vehicle Monitoring

19:53 - Customizable Background Checks

20:32 - Custom Background Check Process

21:38 - Applicant's Misconceptions

22:02 - Self-Run Background Checks

23:19 - Reporting Restrictions

24:03 - Reporting Conditions

25:19 - Handling Serious Offenses

26:29 - Integrating with Applicant Tracking Systems

29:16 - Success Stories

31:37 - Data Security & Privacy

33:44 - Impact of Remote Work

35:26 - Future of Background Checks

35:46 - Biometric Identity Verification

36:25 - Complexity of Reporting Laws

36:57 - Seamless Background Check Process

37:21 - Company Monitoring Recommendations

37:49 - Importance of Communication

38:36 - Conclusion and Thanks

#BackgroundChecks #ComplianceTechnology #EmploymentLaws #DataSecurity #BrandReputation #BeyondThePump #CFCA #Podcast