Mining Minds

#153- Teryn Faiman

April 03, 2024 10:30 - 1 hour - 74.9 MB

In our last episode before Mining Minds make its big move to the new studio! We're thrilled to have Teryn Faiman, Director of Human Resources and President of Women in Mining for the Nevada chapter, joining us for an inspiring conversation. Teryn shares her journey from growing up around mining to becoming a leader in the industry. She discusses seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and her passion for empowering others to develop their careers. Discover Teryn's insights into the wo...

#152- Jerry Rynearson

March 26, 2024 10:30 - 2 hours - 118 MB

Mining Minds sits down in studio with than Jerry Rynearson, the Owner and President of JSR Fleet Performance. Jerry's journey in the mining industry began with a simple job search, but little did he know it would ignite a lifelong passion for equipment operation. He takes us back to his early days, where he learned the ropes by giving breaks to fellow operators and even had the privilege of training his now-wife! Jerry talks about sifting through a major gold deposit, with a geologist, u...

#151- Ricky Montoya

March 14, 2024 21:22 - 2 hours - 111 MB

Seasoned underground face miner Ricky Montoya joins Mining Minds, at the Face, to talk about mining! Ricky talks about starting out as a lubber on the surface before finding his home in underground mining. He walks us through his early days, learning from “old school” miners, moving from a maintenance function to an operation function, because of a bonus, and working to change some old perceptions of himself. Ricky provides his insight into the next generation of miners and, as an industry, ...

#150- Bryce Cracraft

March 04, 2024 16:08 - 1 hour - 86.4 MB

Family man, competitive archer, and seasoned welder Bryce Cracraft joins Mining Minds in studio to walk us through his mining journey. Hailing from the heart of small-town Nevada, Bryce followed his dreams of becoming an underwater welder, carving a unique path for his mining story. From painting handrails to finding mentorship in seasoned miners, he shares his journey with us, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Reflecting on his roots, Bryce reminisces about his father...

#149- Standard Operating Procedures

January 31, 2024 19:43 - 1 hour - 109 MB

On this episode of the podcast, Vern Goglio joins Mining Minds to dive into the world of Standards and more. The conversation unfolds as we explore the intricacies of team building, collaborating with like-minded individuals, and establishing clear expectations. The discussion goes beyond the workplace, delving into the importance of interpersonal skills in creating a robust organizational culture. We discuss the value of viewing time invested in people as a strategic asset, highlighting h...

#148- Don Dwyer

January 06, 2024 13:00 - 2 hours - 115 MB

General Manager for Orla Mining Ltd, Don Dwyer sits down with Mining Minds to walk us through his mining journey. From his high school days in Missouri, he toured an underground mine that would shape his Mining destiny! Don took us through his college years, where he entered a mine rescue program, paving the way for a career dedicated to helping others. He talks about his multiple internships during college that opened the doors and eventually led him into the heart of the Nevada mining indu...

#147- Herb Pierce

December 28, 2023 11:30 - 2 hours - 115 MB

Aspiring comedian Herb Pierce joins Mining Minds in studio to talk about his mining journey and his next venture in comedy! Growing up in Chico California, Herb made his way to Northern Nevada where he tried his hand in the pharmaceutical field! He discusses starting his life when he met his wife, telling her every joke he knew the first night they hung out, to entering the mining industry as a temp employee. Herb talks about health issues that could affect miners, getting broke into mining ...

#146- Katey Hull

December 21, 2023 11:30 - 2 hours - 111 MB

Join Mining Minds for an incredible chat with Katey Hull, the Human Resources Manager for Ram Enterprise Inc. From small-town Nevada to the mining industry, Katey's journey is nothing short of extraordinary! Growing up surrounded by amazing individuals and embracing the outdoors, Katey has a unique perspective shaped by her experiences. Harvesting incredible animals and creating special memories, she's a true adventurer. In her episode, Katey discusses the value of knowing and connecting wit...

#145- Pete Kero

December 10, 2023 03:22 - 1 hour - 69.9 MB

Vice President for Barr Engineering, and author of Minescapes: Reclaiming Minnesota’s Mined Land, Pete Kero joins Mining Minds to discuss reclamation . Pete shares his mining journey, growing up in the heart of the iron range and the upper peninsula of Michigan. From a fourth-generation miner’s perspective, he unveils the importance of mining and its huge impact on our nation’s success! Pete discusses his new book, “Minescapes”, discusses the unique opportunities in reclamation, and how re...

#144- Ryan Balles

December 01, 2023 06:38 - 1 hour - 87.4 MB

Equipment operator and CEO of the Dirt, Ryan Balles sits down with Mining Minds to talk about his journey! From a small town in Idaho and just days after high school graduation, Ryan found himself laying pipe in the trenches. Facing a challenging start with a supervisor aiming to test his work ethic, Ryan embraced the grit and determination that would become the hallmark of his mining journey. Undeterred by early challenges, Ryan moved in with his high school sweetheart, applied for a job in...

#143- Eastern Nevada SME

November 23, 2023 03:08 - 1 hour - 95.4 MB

In this high-energy episode of Mining Minds, the team takes the podcast on the road to the picturesque White Pine County Municipal Golf Course during the Eastern Nevada SME tournament. Amidst the rolling greens and occasional questionable golf swings, Mining Minds sits down with a fantastic lineup of guests, including representatives from Calibre Mining, KGHM Robinson, Elko Wire Rope, and our good friend and brother Rusty Lewis of Lewis Drilling LLC. Whether you're a mining enthusiast or j...

#142- Drew Polish

November 15, 2023 22:22 - 1 hour - 80.8 MB

On this episode of the podcast Mining Minds welcomes Drew Polish in studio to talk about healthcare. Drew is the founder of Render Group and partner at Fenyx Heath. Drew walks us through his early mining journey as a drilling helper, and how his faith, family and good old fashioned hard work got him to where he is today. Drew provides insight on the many ways the mining industry can and does benefit from having competitive health care options and what dives into the importance of medical sav...

#141- Elko Mining Expo 2023

November 04, 2023 16:35 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

On this episode of the podcast Mining Minds took part in the 2023 Elko Mining Expo. Partnering with FAST2 Mine, we had the chance to catch up with good friend and master technician Cecil Cotton (Episode #115) and discussed some of his recent experiences as a contactor. We also had the privilege to sit down with brothers Bob and Mike Delbridge as they talked about the role that mining has played in their life, how they are potentially the last generation of miners from their families, and the...

#140- Ben Kerr

October 19, 2023 20:51 - 1 hour - 90.2 MB

Major Account Manager at Liebherr Ben Kerr, sits down with Mining Minds to talk about his mining journey. Ben walks us through growing up in small town New South Wales Australia, his early career as a technician, and how that has provided him additional opportunities throughout his career. He talks about gaining knowledge from the older miners and their willingness to pass down information, the life of a fly in fly out miner, and family being your greatest achievement. Ben discusses growing ...

#139- Torqn

July 28, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 68.6 MB

Founders Brett Baker and Troy McDonald join Mining Minds to talk about their knowledge sharing network, Torqn. Brett and Troy discuss coming from the mining industry, growing up in the same small town, not knowing one another, and finally coming together to revolutionize the mining industry. Taking the best from all social media platforms, they are currently in 93 countries and growing. Through Torqn, they are connecting people from across the globe, crowd sourcing information, while bringin...

#138- Industry Insights

July 22, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 80.5 MB

On this episode of the podcast, Mining Minds sits down with our good friend Matt Hillard, on the eastern side of the United States, to discuss mining! We dive into data collection in today’s environment, local operational shutdowns, and the importance of ethical mining operations. We discuss making the mining industry more visible to the world, the transformation of technology in the industry, and what it takes to retain a seasoned individual. Brass in to tell us about your thoughts and join...

#137- Xavier Naeger

July 14, 2023 10:30 - 2 hours - 129 MB

Director of Metals for Dyno Nobel, Xavier Naeger sits in studio to talk with Mining Minds about his mining journey. Growing up in an artsy family, Xavier discusses his first exposure to mining, the opportunity to dredge the Arkansas river while in college, and ultimately landing in Northern Nevada. He walks us through his work in underground projects, being on the contractor side of mining, traveling the world though work, and wanting to be that helping hand in the mining industry that deliv...

#136- Sam Spearing

July 03, 2023 20:42 - 1 hour - 85.9 MB

Executive Director: for Workforce Development & Mining Center of Excellence at Great Basin College, Sam Spearing joins Mining Minds in studio to talk about his journey through the industry. Sam discusses growing up in Africa, getting his name from a cartoon, and opportunities afforded to him as a first-generation miner. He talks about what it was like to work in one of the largest mining districts in the world, how miners are problem solvers, and how the Mining Center of Excellence is bringi...

#135- Mark Bristow

May 16, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 72.5 MB

President and CEO of Barrick Gold Corporation sits down with Mining Minds, at Nevada Gold Mines headquarters, to talk about his mining journey. Mark walks us through his younger years playing sports, serving in the cold war, and starting his college career in agriculture. He discusses his background in geology and the path to creating Randgold Resources while during some interesting political and geopolitical times. Mark talks about the traditions he’s developed with his sons, miners mining...

#134- Ken Fichtler

May 06, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 71.5 MB

Chief Executive Officer for Gaize, Ken Fichtler, joins Mining Minds from Missoula Montana to talk about impairment. Ken discusses his early career as an entrepreneur, working with infrared optics technologies and his time as an Economic Development Director in Montana. We walk through Gaize and their innovative way to detect substance impairment through VR headsets and micro-movements of the eyes. We talk about the potential impact this type of detection system can have on an industry like m...

#133- John Metzger

April 29, 2023 10:30 - 2 hours - 144 MB

Manager of Geomatics & Counselor for Asset Assurance Monitoring, John Metzger, travels from Indiana to sit down with Mining Minds at the Face! John walks us through his early years as a photographer, his experiences educating in the Peace Corps, and starting a computer business in Senegal. He discusses his route into mining, utilizing new technology to add value, and the value of sharing information. Join Mining Minds as we welcome John Metzger to the Face! Asset Assurance Monitoring R...

#132- Jeremais Azambuja

April 13, 2023 10:30 - 1 hour - 74.1 MB

Growth and marketing manager for FAST2 Mine, Jeremias Azambuja, travels in from Brazil to meet Mining Minds at the Face. Jeremias talks about growing up from humble beginnings, traveling to different locations around the globe while in university and eventually landing in Elko Nevada to become part of the community. We discuss the need to understand the problems and issues in mining, becoming an agent of future change, and how FAST2 Mine values the culture of developing something together. J...

#131- Toni Pierce

March 08, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 83.1 MB

Supply Planning Specialist Toni Pierce joins Mining Minds, in studio, to talk about her journey in the mining industry. She walks us through her early role as a laborer, becoming a process operator, and working a rotating schedule while being a young mother. Toni discusses the support and balance her and her husband have, getting her drive from her mom, and rolling with the punches. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Toni Pierce to the Face! International Women’s Day Women in Mining FAS2 ...

#130- Sheldon Mudd

February 16, 2023 11:30 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Executive Director of Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority Sheldon Mudd sits in studio to talk with Mining Minds. Sheldon talks about being born and raised in Idaho but being made in Nevada. He discusses his military background, beginning his mining journey as an exploration database analyst, and getting into economic development. He walks us through his passion for ensuring the mining industry has the tools to operate, balancing the opinions of community members and bringing n...

#129- Chris Natoli

January 28, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 106 MB

Environmental Superintendent Chris Natoli joins Mining Minds in studio to share his mining journey. From growing up in Wyoming playing baseball to helping develop the environmental science degree at his college, Chris had many interesting experiences along the way. He discusses working with fish hatcheries, his time as a volunteer fire fighter, patrol deputy, and EMT and starting his mining career as a tailing’s operator. Chris talks about providing guidance to his kids as they move into min...

#128- Howard Crosby

December 21, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour - 80.4 MB

Executive Vice-President, Treasurer and Director of Gold Express Mines, Howard Crosby joins Mining Minds to share some of his knowledge about the mining industry and lessons he has learned throughout the years. Howard educated us on some of the great untouched potential here in the United States and the influence it will have on the country. We take a deep dive into the mining ventures of Gold Express Mines while discussing how important mining will be as we move towards a green future. Join...

#127- Nevada Mining Association (NVMA)

December 15, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Mining Minds takes to the road and travels to Lake Tahoe for the annual Nevada Mining Association and Winnemucca Nevada for the first annual Mining into The Future Symposium. On this episode we had the opportunity to sit down with Alex Stoner of Global Business Reports and dive into their publication. We also had the privilege to sit down with Dana Pray of P&C Recruiting and HR as she gives some insight into the current mining culture. At the Mining into The Future Symposium we were able to ...

#126- Ill Zakiel (Three-peat)

November 26, 2022 14:00 - 1 hour - 66.9 MB

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and raised in Northern Nevada, ILL Zakiel has put years into his craft. He has since released a large catalog of music and has been building a loyal following along the way. ILL has established himself as a legit up and comer. Proving time and time again he can energize virtually any crowd, ILL is poised to win new fans at any show he performs at. He’s been focusing on creating his own lane. A new take on Latin Hip-Hop and Hip-Hop in general, ILL’s rapid ...

#125- Tim Horn

November 17, 2022 11:30 - 1 hour - 91.2 MB

President of RAM Enterprise, Inc. Tim Horn sits down in studio with Mining Minds to talk about his career in the mining industry. From his Northern Nevada roots to mining Magnesite, Tim discusses leadership throughout his life. He educates us on vulcanizing, discusses growing business through relationships, and helping his employees live their fullest lives. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Tim Horn to the Face! RAM Enterprise, Inc. Rubicon Mechanical Motor Mission Machine and Radiator ...

#124- The Undercut (Jesse Herrera)

September 30, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 92.2 MB

Let’s talk about it… stress, anger, emotions. Why in a world of tough guys can we not talk about what’s really on our mind? On this episode of the podcast Founder of BGA, Jesse Herrera, sits down with Mining Minds to talk about the mentality of miners. We discuss setting ego aside to confront issues within ourselves, the reality of drinking through issues, and being ok with not being ok. We talk about noticing and reaching out to co-workers in need, methods and ideas to help one another, and...

#123- Joe Contrera

September 21, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 106 MB

President and founder of ALIVE @ WORK LLC Joe Contrera sits down with Mining Minds to talk about development, leadership, and influence! As a speaker, executive coach, and consultant for 30 years Joe has been igniting the fire in leaders so they can create an ALIVE @ Work Culture! Joe walks us through his upbringing, the influence of his mothers words, and leading his first team. We discuss the importance of asking great questions as a leader, holding people accountable, and success versus s...

#122- Eastern Nevada SME

September 07, 2022 10:30 - 3 hours - 181 MB

For the first time Mining Minds took to the road to podcast away from home. The Eastern Nevada Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration held their annual fundraiser event in Ely Nevada, and we had the opportunity to speak with many of the individuals and businesses attending. We met some amazing people, had great conversations, and were able to talk a little trash while podcasting from hole number one at the White Pine County Golf Course. In this extra-long podcast, we get a great pictur...

#121- Nikita Grover

August 20, 2022 17:30 - 2 hours - 124 MB

Human Resource professional Nikita Grover joins in studio to talk about her role in her mining industry. Nikita talks about being from a generational mining family, how hard work in her early years has helped her career, and life as a working mother. Along he way she discusses her opportunities through her career, the value in following good leadership, and her approach to developing quality culture throughout the mining industry. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Nikita Grover to the Face! ...

#120- Jimmy Macpherson Jr.

August 05, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 109 MB

#120- Jimmy Macpherson Jr. Mining Engineer Jimmy Mac Jr. joins Mining Minds in studio to talk mining. In this episode we talk about surface and underground differences, the different roles in the mining process and the opportunity to learn from one another, and ideas to influence the next generation of young miners. Jimmy talks about the guidance he received as a young man, his experience growing up in a mining community, and shares his explanation of the time value of money and how it rel...

#119- Marlin Elam

July 23, 2022 23:45 - 1 hour - 86.3 MB

Equipment Operator and old school miner Marlin Elam joins Mining Minds at the Face to talk about the industry. Marlin walks us through being broke-in as a dozer operator, his experiences as a young miner and his journey from Arizona mining to Northern Nevada mining. He discusses today mining (whiners not miners), treating development projects like an artist’s blank canvas, and wood working in his free time. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Marlin Elam to the Face! Rubicon Mechanical Ro...

#118- Greg Walker

July 08, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 106 MB

Executive Managing Director for Nevada Gold Mines Greg Walker joins Mining Minds to walk us through his mining journey. As a third-generation miner Greg talks about growing up in the mining industry in western Australia, starting his career as a process operator and taking an alternative route to gain his education. He discusses his experiences throughout the global mining industry, taking the opportunity when it came up, and working to change the perception of the mining industry. Join Min...

#117- Elko Mining Expo

July 01, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 90.1 MB

On this episode of the podcast, we take the face to the Expo. For the first time Mining Minds had the opportunity to be part of the Elko Mining Expo and give our review. We were able to talk to a handful of individuals in the industry, including master mechanic Cecil Cotten, Independent Field Service Technician Jesse Boudes, Sales professional Clint Harper, and Account Manager Matt Hilliard. Join Mining Minds – The Voice Inside The Industry as we sit down at the 2022 Elko Mining Expo! Bo...

#116- Tyre Gray

June 17, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 83 MB

Lawyer and President of Nevada Mining Association Tyre Gray joins Mining Minds in studio to talk mining. From the four corners of San Diego to grinding and becoming a successful lawyer, Tyre discusses mining being that first step in the green revolution. He walks us through the impact COVID had on his entry into his role as president, his de-mystifying and diversification plan for his team, and taking a personal approach to the 41,000 mining individuals he represents. Please join Mining Mind...

#115- Cecil Cotten

June 09, 2022 12:45 - 1 hour - 96.4 MB

Machinist and Maintenance Technician Cecil Cotton sits in studio with Mining Minds on this episode of the podcast to talk about his journey! Cecil walks us through growing up in Texas, moving to Las Vegas where he met his wife, and eventually landing in the Northern Nevada mining community working on equipment. He discusses his career being molded by his early years as a machinist, putting safety first when is comes to his career, and the toll wrenching has on the body of a mechanic. Join Min...

#114- Taylor Dillon

June 02, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 77 MB

Project Manager and Environmental Engineer Taylor Dillion sits in studio, with Mining Minds, to talk about her mining journey. Taylor discusses how she took an eight-week internship out west and how that has led her to a 10-year career in the mining industry. She walks us through her experiences at multiple mine sites, her opportunities as part of a corporate Environmental, Health & Safety Management team, and how she has applied those experiences and opportunities as a project manager to he...

#113- Zain Burke

May 25, 2022 21:51 - 1 hour - 74.7 MB

Real estate and construction entrepreneur Zain Buke joins Mining Minds to discuss starting, developing, and managing successful businesses. Zain walks us through his youth growing up in Las Vegas to joining the military during the height of conflict in Iraq. He talks about his path in real estate, providing quality customer service, and how he has transitioned those experiences into his construction company. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome Zain Buke to the Face! The Burke Team Validi...

#112- Ken Groves

May 20, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 90.2 MB

Health & Safety Superintendent Ken Groves joins Mining Minds from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to talk mining. Ken discusses getting into mining as a multi-generational miner, the cultural shock of joining the military, and his experience mining in Nevada. He talks to us about the passion and people in mine rescue, the individuals who have influenced him throughout his career, and how he uses his experiences to be a good business partner. Join Mining Mind as we welcome Ken Groves to the Fa...

#111- Alan Franklin

May 11, 2022 22:15 - 1 hour - 82.9 MB

Alan Franklin joins Mining Minds in studio for his second appearance on the show and he doesn’t disappoint. Alan shares with us his incredible story out of addiction and into recovery. He describes some of his darkest moments during his addiction, the experiences leading him to bettering himself, and the path to making the right decisions daily while working to recover. Join Mining Minds as we congratulate and, again, welcome Alan Franklin to the Face! Al-Anon Rubicon Mechanical ...

#110- Thomas Brunson

May 05, 2022 16:17 - 1 hour - 102 MB

Owner and Master Guide at Timberline Outfitters Guide Service Thomas Brunson sits down with Mining Minds to talk hunting. Thomas walks us through his younger years growing up in a small town, playing baseball in southern California, to following his passion for hunting. Thomas discusses customer service from a guide standpoint, explains his ethics and expectations as a master guide, and shares some good hunting stories along the way. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Thomas Brunson to the Face!...

#109- David Garofalo

April 27, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 76.3 MB

Chairman & CEO at Gold Royalty Corp. David Garofalo joins Mining Minds to talk business. David is a globally recognized chief executive with over 30 years of experience in the creation and growth of multibillion dollar sustainable mining businesses. David walks us through his journey from a young accountant getting into the mining industry to rapidly growing and developing Gold Royalty Corp (NYSE American: GROY). He discusses the importance of staying active to have mental clarity and educa...

#108- Down the Rabbit Hole

April 19, 2022 03:40 - 2 hours - 113 MB

Back by popular demand, Mining Minds sits in studio to discuss recent events happening in the world. On this episode we travel deep down the rabbit hole to talk about many topics including: censorship, MSM directing narratives, an update on corona virus amongst many other topics. We are joined at the Face by oldest brother Brady Brunson and by researcher/self-educator Sam Delaney. Join Mining Minds as we travel down the Rabbit Hole one current events. Rubicon Mechanical Rockwell Indus...

#107- Cory Rockwell

April 04, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 93.9 MB

Face Miner, Nipper, and TikTok producer Cory Rockwell joins Mining Minds in studio to walk through his mining journey. Cory talks about growing up in Hollywood, getting into the oil fields with no experience, and ultimately landing in mining. Starting out in the processing labs to working in the processing mills, Cory finally made his way into underground mining. Cory has also made a name for himself in the social media world by creating Tik Toks that educate and provide a glimpse of what un...

#106- Josh Kufeld

March 28, 2022 10:30 - 1 hour - 85.5 MB

Territory Sales Manager Josh Kufeld sits in studio to chat it up with Mining Minds. Josh walks us through his youth, how the military helped mold him, and his theory on brining a mouthpiece to the bars. He also talks about maturing after some advice from his father, raising his children to become independent thinkers, and building sincere relationships in his current role. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Josh Kufeld to the Face! Rubicon Mechanical Rockwell Industrial and Mining Motor...

#105- Heather & Brownen Anderson

March 18, 2022 19:11 - 2 hours - 133 MB

Owners of Rubicon Mechanical, Heather and Brownen join Mining Minds in studio to talk some shop. They share their story of how they met, how Brownen landed a keeper by fishing off the company dock, and how Heather played hard to get. They walk us through starting Rubicon Mechanical, recognizing each other’s strengths, and how they go about hiring the right people. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Heather and Brownen to the Face! Rubicon Mechanical Rockwell Industrial and Mining Motor Mi...

#104- Kevin Jessop

March 09, 2022 11:30 - 2 hours - 112 MB

Safety Manager Kevin Jessop joins Mining Minds in studio to talk about his mining journey. Kevin discusses his early plans to be a dentist, how he was introduced to mining, and how he ultimately fell in love with the industry and the people. Kevin shares his experience coming into the mining industry, facing challenges, developing his leadership skills, and growing through opportunities and his role. Join Mining Minds as we welcome Kevin Jessop to the Face! Brass In Rubicon Mechanical ...

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