Mining Minds

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

In this energized episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Adrienne Clinton, a driving force behind the 2025 Mine Safety & Health Conference and a rising leader in mining safety. From her early days in law enforcement to her unexpected path into security, safety, and now industry leadership, Adrienne shares her story full of humor and passion for people.

This episode explores the real human challenges inside mining — mental health, generational differences, communication barriers, culture shifts, regulatory frustrations, and the everyday wins that shape safer operations. Adrienne opens up about bombing the interview that actually changed her life, stepping into safety with no prior background, building community partnerships, advocating for new miners, and helping grow a national conference. Please help us welcome Adrienne Clinton to the Face.

Thank you to the Mine Safety & Health Conference for giving 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

Chapers:

01:45 The Conversation That Changed Everything

03:06 Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & Industry Family

04:15 Growing Up Nevada: Law Enforcement to Mining

05:44 Returning Home & an Interview Gone Wrong (But Right)

08:10 Getting the Job, Earning Trust & Building Opportunity

11:40 Florida Canyon Culture & Showing up to support safety

15:57 Challenges of Safety: New Miners, Old Mindsets

17:48 Bridging Generations

20:02 The "Goggles" Story & Earning Stripes in the Field

24:15 Why Mining Won Her Over: Impact, Growth & Community

49:42 Building a National Safety Conference & What's Next

In this episode of Mining Minds, Dino and Grover sit down with longtime miner, electrician, and leader Jason Bohl for an unfiltered conversation about life inside the industry — from early apprenticeships to leadership pressures, from underground lessons to personal turning points. Jason walks us through a career built on work ethic, motivation, and authenticity, sharing how he learned to "figure it out," how mentors shaped him, and how staying self-driven opened unexpected doors.

We also dive into the real side of mining: burnout, mental health, navigating fatherhood while working long hours, rebuilding after setbacks, and redefining success. Jason opens up about resilience, responsibility, supporting the next generation, and finding balance after years of nonstop grind. Please help us welcome Jason Bohl to the Face!

Event Sponsor:

Safety First Training and Consulting

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training and Consulting

Liebherr Mining

JSR Fleet Performance

Chapters:

01:18 Welcome to the Mine Safety & Health Conference

03:06 Montana Roots & Moving to a Mining Town

04:56 Football, Fitting In & Finding Community

07:11 Entering the Mining Industry & Early Electrical Training

11:41 First Days Underground & Learning by Doing

20:59 Wyoming Oil Sands: Building a Mine from Scratch

29:04 Returning to Nevada & Joining Cortez Underground

38:08 Leadership Lessons: VFL, Culture & Human Connection

54:13 Burnout, Balance & The Mental Side of Mining

1:06:10 New Beginnings: Family, Career Reset & The Future Miner

Join Mining Minds as we look back on years of conversations, growth, and lessons learned from the people who power the mining industry. This special anniversary episode dives deep into the heart of who we are — the stories that shaped us, the communities that supported us, and our evolution from a simple idea to a respected industry voice.

From traveling the country, launching new video platforms, and building workforce development content, to sharing emotional guest stories, advocating for mental health, and expanding our network of miners, leaders, innovators, and veterans — this episode highlights our past, our present, and the exciting future ahead.

You'll hear our behind-the-scenes reflections, favorite guest moments, and updates on new initiatives, including The Safe Word safety segment of the podcast, upcoming industry panel discussions, children's mining education projects, and our Military to Mining program. We also share how we plan to continue amplifying the industry in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who has supported—and continues to support—our mission to be "The Voice Inside The Industry." Here's to the next 200!

Episode Mentions: Clorinda and Sean Cosper, Rodrigo Barbosa, Michael Hartley, Ida Rukavina, Kristen Vake, Matt Lucas, Julie Lucas, Talia Sandys, Alexia Carver, Liz Diaz, Don Dwyer, Nikita Grover, Linda Honey, Victor Ortiz, Trampus Cook, Jessica Scanlan, Jennie Davis, Jerry Rynearson, Joel Lerner, Nate Goerke, Conway Fraser, Vern Goglio, Alan Franklin, Holly Gallian, Sean Gallian, John Metzger, Richard Mallen, Sam Faga, Jason James, Josh Sumption, Torqn, Michael Zolotov, Leetha Reeves, Chuy Herrera, Hector Denogean, Jess Kindler, Kimberlee Longley, Amanda Hilton, Cory Rockwell, James Hoover, Ben Powell, Brent Adams, Matt Hillard

Episode Sponsors:

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Liebherr Mining

Episode Chapters:

00:00 Kicking Off Episode 200

01:01 Looking Back on the Journey

03:08 Growth, Travel & Industry Support

05:03 Authentic Voices of Mining

07:12 Mental Health, Vulnerability & Real Stories

09:51 Lessons From 200 Conversations

13:22 Workplace Culture & Standout Guests

16:11 Ideas, Innovation & Industry Collaboration

20:47 Mining Solutions & Global Insights

23:36 Most Impactful Episodes & Emotional Moments

30:31 The Future: Presentations, Video, Events & New Segments

40:55 Military To Mining, Projects & What's Ahead

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down at the Mine Safety & Health Conference with returning guest Diane Watson — a respected safety professional, MSHA veteran, and industry leader dedicated to improving safety culture across mining.

Originally featured on Episode #93, Diane returns to share her passion for connecting people, fostering communication, and ensuring the next generation of miners understands the "why" behind safety. From her start as a haul truck operator to her time with MSHA and now as the founder of Silverado Compliance Solutions, Diane talks mentorship, accountability, leadership, and the challenges of evolving safety standards in a fast-changing industry.

Catch both of Diane's episodes on all major podcast platforms.

Event Sponsor:

Safety First Training and Consulting

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Liebherr Minining

Chapters:

02:24 Reconnecting with Diane Watson: From Episode #93 to Now

06:04 Passing the Torch: Mentorship and Losing Industry Knowledge

08:43 Communication, Culture, and the Importance of "Why"

10:48 Compliance vs. Culture: Turning Rules into Conversations

13:20 From MSHA to Silverado Compliance Solutions

16:27 Teaching Supervisors: The Role of Responsibility and Accountability

19:30 Defining "Agents of the Company" and Ownership in Safety

23:11 Building Relationships with Inspectors and Regulators

34:19 Technology, AI, and the Future of Mine Safety Standards

37:10 The Human Element: Mental Health and Worker Connection

40:42 Big Companies, Bigger Culture — Keeping People First

50:06 Integrity in Consulting and Working with Purpose

53:18 Collaboration, Community, and What Keeps Diane Motivated