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

Recorded at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association Annual Meeting, this Mining Minds episode features Walsh Reclamation Operations Manager Troy Hawkins. Troy shares his background as a ninth-generation miner and reflects on how his father—a self-described "tramp miner"—was his hero and shaped his values around respect, hard work, and character over credentials. He discusses growing up in a small mining town, leaving school early, and entering the mining industry alongside his family.

Troy reflects on his 23-year career at one operation, where he began as a haul truck driver and advanced through multiple operational and leadership roles. Once a rebellious young operator, he evolved into a people-focused leader who prioritizes morale, respect, and personal connection—building high-performing crews through trust and genuine care. Please help us welcome Troy Hawkins to The Face.

We would like to thank the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for hosting Mining Minds at the event and for their ongoing dedication to advancing and amplifying voices throughout the mining industry.

Episode Sponsors:

American Exploration and Mining

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Episode Chapters:

05:05 Feral Mining-Town Childhood & How Kids Are Different Now

12:18 School Struggles, Sports Dreams, and Learning Outside the Classroom

33:34 "Your long hair will never make you successful" — proving them wrong

39:14 When leadership gets personal

47:22 How he builds trust

55:40 Hiring without the script: real interviews, real people

01:01:27 Marriage & support system

01:12:04 First Date at Carver's

01:16:20 Stepping into Walsh

01:22:54 Scaling Up with Trust

01:24:18 Why People Take a Pay Cut to Work for Good Leaders

01:33:10 Pucker Factor Stories

Join Mining Minds at the 2025 American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, as we sit down with Milan Calendine, geoscientist and marketing manager. In this episode, we reflect on the success of the newly introduced Mining Marketing Summit, led by Milan and her outstanding team of marketing and industry experts.

Milan also shares her journey from environmental science to marketing, highlighting the critical role marketing plays in today's mining industry. The conversation expands to the importance of effective communication, personal branding, and community engagement, underscoring the need for mining companies to embrace innovative marketing strategies and leadership development. Please help us welcome Milan Calendine to the Face!

Thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for continuing to support and elevate voices across the mining industry.

Sponsors:

American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA)

Safety First Training and Consulting

Motor Mission Machine & Radiator

JSR Fleet Performance

Chapters:

03:21 Milan's Background and Upbringing

06:38 Growing Up in Tucson

13:25 College Journey and Challenges

19:32 Discovering Dyslexia and Overcoming Obstacles

27:11 Ego and Confidence in Leadership

32:23 Starting a Career in Environmental Science

35:52 First Impressions of the Mining Industry

39:32 Marketing and Geophysics

46:35 The PR Problem in Mining

58:26 The Importance of Marketing in Mining

01:00:39 Developing a Unified Marketing Message

01:05:32 The Mining Marketing Summit Vision

Sitting down with Mining Minds at the Utah Mining Association's 110th Annual Convention is Trevor Hall, co-founder and host of the Mining Stock Daily podcast. Trevor shares his journey of creating and growing his widely respected podcast—from early mornings dedicated to mining news to building a robust content network. He discusses the origins, challenges, and evolution of the venture, noting that recording and publishing mining news before the market opens became the core ethos of the podcast—one he has meticulously maintained for over eight years.

We also explore Trevor's background, the inspiration behind his work, and his insights into the commodities market. Listeners can expect a compelling look into the media business within the mining industry, the importance of consistency, and Trevor's vision for the future of the Clear Commodity Network—an umbrella platform for commodities-focused content. This episode highlights the dedication, passion, and strategic thinking required to produce meaningful content in a specialized market.

Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.

Episode Sponsors:

Utah Mining Association

Safety First Training and Consulting

Episode Chapters:

02:41 Trevor's Background and Education

04:48 Discovering Mining

08:06 Starting the Mining Stock Daily Podcast

11:26 Building a Media Business

14:57 Collaborating and Expanding

22:21 Understanding Commodity Prices

22:27 Dynamic Content and Value Addition

22:49 Vision and Partnerships

25:11 Building Clear Commodity Network

28:08 Challenges and Future Plans

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Kevin Neville at the Utah Mining Association Convention to unpack a raw, honest journey through underground hard rock mining, international contract work, and the realities of chasing success without losing yourself along the way. From his first awe-filled moments descending a shaft at Resolution Copper to managing the mental, physical, and emotional toll of long rotations in Mexico, Kevin shares what it truly means to grow up in the mining industry.

Kevin talks about the value of hard work learned early in life, the power of mentors who shape careers underground, and the importance of recognizing burnout before it costs you more than a paycheck. We dive into mining culture, leadership lessons, work-life balance, and why underground mining still holds a special place in his heart—even after stepping into a new chapter outside the mine. Please help us welcome Kevin Neville to the Face!

Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine & Radiator

Episode Chapters:

02:56 High School and Early Adulthood

07:00 Mission Experience in Argentina

29:13 Learning from History and Leadership

29:43 Gratitude and Mentorship in Mining

31:16 Challenges and Misconceptions in Mining

49:56 Venturing into International Mining

01:00:57 Balancing Family and Work Life

01:01:09 Reconnecting with Old Friends

01:02:40 Career Transitions and Challenges

01:05:55 Finding Fulfillment in a New Role

Back at it again with the second episode of The Safe Word, where real conversations driven by you—the listeners—are unpacked by seasoned miners with decades of experience. This raw, unscripted discussion tackles some of the most debated—and often misunderstood—topics in mining safety, cutting through policy talk to focus on what actually matters at the face.

The conversation begins with safety glasses, examining when they are truly necessary, where the line exists between compliance and over-policing, and how to balance company policy, MSHA standards, and real-world hazard awareness without losing credibility with the workforce.

We then shift into a deeper discussion on whether all accidents are preventable, exploring the realities of the human element, external factors, and the role of safety professionals in influencing behavior without becoming "the safety cop."

Finally, the episode takes a hard look at complacency—how routine, fatigue, confidence, and attitude can quietly erode situational awareness, and why addressing complacency requires awareness and leadership, not just additional rules.

Chapters:

01:31 Safety Glasses Debate

18:03 Philosophical Safety Questions

22:48 Understanding Risk Assessments

23:58 The Importance of JSAs

26:55 Learning from Experience

30:44 Complacency vs. Confidence

32:50 The Human Element in Safety

40:57 Attitude and Work Ethic

In this thought-provoking episode, Mining Minds, sit down with Lyndsay Wright, Executive Director of the Women's Mining Coalition, for an honest, wide-ranging conversations. From growing up in Texas to working in real estate finance, navigating burnout, and ultimately finding purpose in mining advocacy, Lyndsay shares a career journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, mentorship, and authenticity.

This episode goes far beyond job titles. Lyndsay opens up about mental health, work ethic, generational shifts, burnout, leadership styles, and why understanding people is just as critical as understanding numbers. The conversation dives deep into the realities of mining today — workforce challenges, permitting hurdles, advocacy in Washington, the loss of institutional knowledge, and the urgent need to tell mining's story in a way people can actually connect with. Please help us Welcome Lyndsey Wright to the Face!

Thank you to the Utah Mining Association for welcoming us as part of your incredible event and for your continued support in amplifying the voices inside our industry.

Women's Mining Coalition Fly-in Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veVuZBA76Q0

Episode Sponsors:

Utah Mining Association

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine & Radiator

Chapters:

08:25 Growing Up, Sports, and Early Identity

15:00 Work Ethic, Mentorship, and Learning to Grind

22:15 Corporate Refinement vs. Entrepreneurial Chaos

31:46 Burnout, Mental Health, and Knowing When to Pivot

39:57 Entering Mining: A Leap of Faith That Stuck

47:31 Boots on the Ground: Why Operations Matter

54:27 Discovering the Women's Mining Coalition

58:05 Fly-Ins to DC: Telling Mining's Human Story

01:06:20 The Missing Voice of Mining in Government

01:17:06 Rebuilding and Reenergizing WMC

We close out 2025 with a special episode recorded live from the Glizzy Golf Tournament at the Elko Municipal Golf Course — a one-of-a-kind event that continues to bring the mining industry together in the most authentic way possible.

This episode is a fast-paced, round-table style snapshot of the people who make mining what it is. From engineers, geotechnical and environmental professionals, surveyors, metallurgists, and processing leaders, to first-generation miners and seasoned veterans — Glizzy Golf is where backgrounds, disciplines, and companies collide on common ground.

With over 60 participants and a growing mix of returning players and first-timers, this tournament has become a true reflection of the mining community — collaborative, competitive, welcoming, and built on shared respect.

As we wrap up the final episode of 2025, this one stands as a testament to why Mining Minds exists: to tell the stories of the people behind the industry and highlight the connections that keep it moving forward.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this year. Here's to 2026, more conversations, and another year of growing the Mining Minds community.

Happy New Year — and stay safe.

Chapters:

1:33 – 7:42 James Macpherson & Josh Hayes

7:46 – 20:43 Logan Connolly

20:47 – 26:30 Justin Samardzic

26:33 – 33:19 Jake Oakley

33:23 – 39:49 Rolo Rodriguez

39:53 – 57:35 Lauren Shyluk

57:39 – 1:02:29 Vince Quintero

1:02:33 – 1:13:21 Samantha McCleary

Before the citations. Before the regulations. Before the arguments—there's people.

In the first-ever Safe Word segment of Mining Minds, Grover sits down with longtime mentor, former MSHA inspector, and no-nonsense safety professional Jim Hoover to have the conversations most safety meetings never do. This episode strips away the myths, the fear, and the finger-pointing around mining safety and replaces them with something better: honesty, experience, and critical thinking.

They break down what MSHA actually does (and doesn't do), why citations aren't cash grabs, and how perception, personality, and human judgment shape every inspection. From the difference between being compliant and being truly safe, to why asking why matters more than memorizing the 30 CFR, this episode is about understanding safety—not weaponizing it.

You'll hear real stories from the pit and the inspector's side, hard lessons learned early in a career, and why building relationships—rather than hiding when inspectors show up—can make operations safer for everyone.

Brass in—join the conversation and be a part of The Safe Word.

Chapters:

01:50 Why This Safety Conversation Started 02:41 Opinion, Experience, and Inviting Disagreement 07:52 Mining Safety Myths: Do Inspectors Get Paid for Citations? 10:55 The Human Element of Inspections 13:26 Understanding the 30 CFR and Asking "Why" 17:48 Real-World Example 22:34 Regional Differences and Interpretation of Standards 29:05 Inspectors as a Resource, Not the Enemy 35:32 Recognizing Good Work and Building Safety Culture

Join Mining Minds from the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference as we sit down with Don Neff, Security Manager and longtime Nevadan. Don shares his journey from growing up in Elko County to serving in the Air Force's photo-recon field, working as a Nevada Highway Patrol officer, and ultimately finding his place in mining safety.

Drawing on decades of experience, Don talks about reading people, leading through influence, and navigating the impact of emerging technology, autonomy, and AI on mine safety. He breaks down the importance of true partnerships—especially in contractor management—and the need for meaningful engagement, strong systems, and asking the right "what if" questions. Please help us welcome Don Neff to the Face!

Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for providing us the opportunity to participate in this event.

Event Sponsor:

Safety First Training and Consulting

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Liebherr Mining

Chapters:

00:45 Growing Up Nevada

01:40 High School, Sports, and Early Ambitions

02:30 Joining the Air Force & Seeing the World

05:45 Culture Shock Abroad

07:40 Returning Home & Working for Nevada Highway Patrol

09:00 Policing During Nevada's Mining Boom

12:30 From Law Enforcement to Mining Safety

14:45 Technology, Autonomy & Safety Skepticism

18:40 Regulation Gaps & Challenges with MSHA

25:00 Leading Indicators, Engagement & Safety Culture

31:00 Contractor Management & True Partnerships

35:45 Moving Into Security

39:30 Mentorship, Leadership & Final Thoughts