From working road construction in the Midwest to leading a nationally recognized advocacy organization, Ryan Sistad, Executive Director of Better In Our Backyards, has taken a path that is anything but typical. We explore how entrepreneurship, resilience, and an unwavering belief in responsible development transformed a small regional initiative into a multi-state platform amplifying the voice of mining and industrial projects across America.

Ryan shares how he bet on himself, left corporate security, and built a brand during COVID by teaching himself design, digital outreach, and advocacy. We dive deep into permitting reform, rural vs. urban perspectives, refining bottlenecks, national security, critical minerals, and the power of storytelling in shaping public perception. Ryan shares lessons on partnership, collaboration over competition, and why mining's future depends on unified messaging and bold advocacy. Please help us welcome Ryan Sistad to the Face.

A huge thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for everything you do to support and amplify the voices across our mining industry.

Episode Sponsors:

American Exploration and Mining

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

PC Reps

Chapters:

04:02 Crop insurance, trucking, and union ties

12:17 The entrepreneur itch vs corporate grind

15:38 Minnesota NGOs vs mining: permitting and urban/rural divide

24:33 Checks, balances, and the cost of endless litigation (NEPA)

30:25 Reclamation stories that change minds + Minnesota mine examples

40:07 Mentors, career pivots, and the Tulsa data center money move

44:19 Early Better In Our Backyard: Young Pros, Branding, and Finding a Lane

47:15 From 5 Members to 50: Social Media Value-First Growth Strategy

52:20 Funding Reality Check: Sponsorships, Value, and Playing the Long Game

01:04:28 Partnering with Associations & Connecting Dots Across Projects

01:11:31 Favorite Projects + Boots-on-the-Ground Credibility