Mining Minds

What if the biggest challenge in mining leadership isn't strategy, production, or policy — but the brain? In this episode of Mining Minds , David Watson , founder of NeuroLead , joins us in the studio for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to lead — starting with yourself. From humble beginnings in Australia to the iron ore boom, David shares his journey from carpenter to supervisor...

What happens when a Hopi tribal member steps into one of mining's most complex spaces — not to fight it blindly, not to defend it blindly — but to bridge it? W e sit down with LeRoy Shingoitewa of WestLand Resources at the AEMA Annual Meeting for one of the most powerful and perspective-shifting conversations we've had to date. Raised in Moenkopi, Arizona — where some villages still live without r...

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 o...

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...

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 environment...

Sitting down with Mining Minds at the Utah Mining Association's 110th Annual Convention is Trevor Hal l, 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 tha...

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 emotion...

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 gl...

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...

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, surve...

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 re...

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, le...

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 cha...

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...

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,...

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 mine...

In this cutting-edge episode of  Mining Minds , we sit down with Michael Hartley , Managing Director of InterKnowlogy, a North American AI and performance visualization company revolutionizing how the mining industry makes decisions. From his early years in Nova Scotia to his global career in oil, gas, and mining, Michael shares a fascinating journey that connects human performance, data-driven de...

From a 16-year-old kid cleaning shops to the Director of Mine Skills Training at Great Basin College ( GBC/NORCAT) , Travis Macias embodies what it means to grind, grow, and give back. In this inspiring episode of Mining Minds , Travis shares his raw, real journey through life underground — from hard lessons on the jackleg to leading Nevada's next generation of miners. He opens up about fatherhood...

As we wrap up our tour to the Minnesota Iron Range, Mining Minds had the opportunity to sit down with Bob Sterns and Virginia Bennett of US Steel Minntac for a raw and insightful conversation about life, mining, and community in Minnesota's Iron Range. From Bob's deep-rooted family history in mining to Virginia's journey from military brat to analytical technician, they share their insight into th...

What does pride, legacy, and the future of mining look like on Minnesota's Iron Range? In this episode, we sit down with Ida Rukavinia , Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation , and Kristen Vake , Executive Director of the Iron Mining Association of Minnesota , to dig deep into the history, culture, and future of mining in northern Minnesota. From immigrant roots...

In this special episode of the  Mining Minds Podcast , we sit down at  U.S. Steel Minntac  with  Mike Bakk , Director of Facilities Excellence , and  Chrissy Bartovich , Senior Director of Environmental . From humble beginnings to leading major projects that shape the future of steelmaking, Mike and Crissy share their personal journeys, leadership lessons, and the innovations driving today's minin...

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with Matt and J ulie Lucas at their home on Minnesota's historic Iron Range. From growing up in Hibbing and Chisholm to careers in environmental consulting, mining operations, and advocacy, Matt and Julie share their personal journeys that reflect the resilience and determination of the mining industry. Matt talks about working nearly two decades alongs...

Overlooking iconic Hibbing Taconite Mining Operation in Minnesota, Mining Minds had the opportunity to speak with two remarkable women whose stories capture the history and heart of mining in the state. First, we're joined by Talia Sandys , Communications and Engagement Director for Mining Minnesota , who has been our guide through the region's rich mining heritage. Then, we dive deep into the inc...

Get ready for one of our most unforgettable episodes yet—recorded on a pontoon boat floating on Fall Lake, at the edge of the iconic Boundary Waters in Minnesota! This isn't just another podcast; it's a full-circle conversation with Dean DeBeltz , a third-generation Iron Ranger, passionate outdoorsman, and Vice President of External Relations & Project Operations at Twin Metals Minnesota . From ru...

In this special on-location episode, Mining Minds travels to the heart of Minnesota's Iron Range to sit down with Rory Oberhelman , Senior Project Coordinator, and Johnny Eloranta , Community Relations Advisor at New Range Copper Nickel . Broadcasting from the iconic nickel room, the conversation dives into the history, pride, and promise of mining in northern Minnesota. Rory shares his unconventi...