Join us for the premiere episode of Mining Minds, where Commercial Manager for Cyanco, Brandie McDaniel, steps into our brand-new studio! With a rich family history deeply rooted in mining, Brandie delves into her captivating 30-year journey within the industry. From her upbringing in and around Nevada brothels, to receiving invaluable support from mining companies for her education and diving headfirst into mining as a temp for a global OEM, Brandie shares her remarkable experiences and insights. Brandie talks about the myriad opportunities mining has presented her and her family, finding her ..read more

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, using his D11 dozer, he discusses looking at our past to find future successes and shares invaluable advice f ..read more

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, working to adapt to them and their needs. We discuss being open to challenging old industry habits, bein ..read more

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's old work boot, a symbol of hard work and determination that left an indelible mark on how he views ha ..read more

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 how it pays off in the long run. Vern shares insights on how to bring out the best in individuals, fosterin ..read more

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 by chasing parts that never existed, and finally finding a home supporting the mine sites. This entire e ..read more

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 with the people who drive the industry and the importance of understanding the workforc ..read more

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 reclamation can add to the quality of life for mining communities. We discuss some of th ..read more

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 the Nevada mines, and embarked on a mission to prove himself. Through hard work and perseverance, he ca ..read more

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 just curious about the personalities shaping this dynamic field, join Mining Minds as they not only cover t ..read more