Libsyn Directory

#183- Patti Haye

Release Date: 05/12/2025

Mining Minds

In this episode of Mining Minds, we sit down with and J 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 alongside his father before joining the mines, where he’s now part of the steelworkers’ union, keeping critical supply chains moving. Julie opens up about her path from environmental science into mining leadership,...

#192- Iron Range: Darleen Gargano & Talia Sandys

Mining Minds

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 , Communications and Engagement Director for , who has been our guide through the region’s rich mining heritage. Then, we dive deep into the incredible 30+ year career of , a retired miner who began her journey in 1976 when opportunities for women in the pit were almost unheard of. From her first day pulling cable and driving haul trucks to operating graders in...

#191- Iron Range: Dean DeBeltz

Mining Minds

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 in Minnesota! This isn’t just another podcast; it’s a full-circle conversation with , a third-generation Iron Ranger, passionate outdoorsman, and Vice President of External Relations & Project Operations at . From running towboats at 12 years old to shaping the mining culture of a next-generation copper-nickel project, Dean’s story is a tribute to the grit, heart, and pride that defines the Minnesota mining country. He dives deep into the sacrifices,...

#190- Iron Range: Rory Oberhelman & Johnny Eloranta

Mining Minds

In this special on-location episode, travels to the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range to sit down with , Senior Project Coordinator, and , Community Relations Advisor at . Broadcasting from the iconic nickel room, the conversation dives into the history, pride, and promise of mining in northern Minnesota. Rory shares his unconventional journey from cabin building in Alaska to environmental permitting and project leadership, highlighting how personal purpose and community impact led him deeper into mining. Johnny brings a generational perspective—combining his family's blasting legacy, a...

#189- Workforce Development Panel Discussion

Mining Minds

The mining industry stands at a crossroads. With a rapidly aging workforce, persistent misconceptions, and the growing demand for innovation, the need to reshape how we attract, develop, and retain talent has never been more urgent. In this powerful panel edition of the , we bring together six influential leaders from across the industry to engage in an honest, forward-thinking discussion on the future of workforce development in mining. Featuring: () – Metallurgical engineer student and student outreach advocate () – HR leader driving grassroots education and skilled trade pipelines...

#188- Elko Replenish Med Spa

Mining Minds

In this episode of the podcast sits down with two remarkable women reshaping the health and wellness landscape: Melissa Montalvo and of . Together, they reveal how their professional experiences—from ER trauma to urgent care frustrations—sparked a vision: to create a space that not only heals but empowers. That vision became , a modern facility focused on hormone therapy, IV nutrition, weight management, and overall wellness. The duo discusses how their clinic is bridging the gap between conventional medicine and preventative care, especially for miners and working professionals in...

#187- Trampus Cook

Mining Minds

In this episode of the , we sit down with , Regional Director for , whose journey through the mining world is as rich and layered as the ore bodies he’s helped uncover. A fourth-generation miner and cowboy at heart, Trampus takes us through his early days jacklegging in narrow veins of California gold mines, running heavy equipment under Lake Erie, and eventually stepping into leadership with RAM. From growing up between the ropes of cowboy life and the rails of underground shafts, to being a single father raising four young kids while chasing production, Trampus shares raw and emotional...

#186- WIM: Jessica Scanlan

Mining Minds

In our final episode from the 2025 Conference, we’re joined by the passionate, bold, and trailblazing —geological engineer, social media influencer, and founder of . Jessica shares her unique path from a small-town girl in handmade dresses to becoming a respected voice in the mining industry. We dive into her early aspirations, challenges in mining, the power of mentorship, and how she turned burnout into a bold new business rooted in storytelling and education. From internships at to building a media company that highlights the beauty and grit of mining life, Jessica’s authenticity...

#185- WIM: Margaret Hinton & Paige Courtney

Mining Minds

Recorded on-site at the 2025 Conference in San Antonio, this episode brings authentic, unfiltered stories from two rising voices in the mining world— and . With backgrounds as diverse as cotton farming and competitive athletics to engineering and financial investigations, Margaret and Paige dive into how they found purpose and passion in the mining industry. Together, they share how mining became more than a career—it's a community. From their first experiences in tunnels and copper pits to working on a new Women in Mining chapter in the Midwest, they highlight the importance of...

#184- WIM: Jennie Davis

Mining Minds

is recording again from San Antionio for the Annual Conference—and in this powerful episode, we sit down with , a trailblazer whose mining journey redefines perseverance, grit, and growth. Starting as a janitor at just 18, Jennie carved her way through the industry—hauling rock in 777s, navigating early-career adversity, and ultimately rising to become a respected Business Manager and Vice President of the . Her story is proof that showing up, staying persistent, and saying “yes” to opportunity can transform not just a career, but a life. Whether you're operating equipment or running...

More Episodes

In this heartfelt and humor-filled episode, Mining Minds sits down with the unforgettable Patti Haye — mother, grandmother, storyteller, and true pioneer of family life. At 87 years young, Patti takes us on a powerful journey through her life growing up post World War II, navigating early motherhood, and supporting a family through decades of cross-country moves, strikes, and the Alaskan wilderness.

With stories that span barefoot days in the Yakima Valley to raising children in harsh winters and small mining towns, Patti reminds us of what resilience looks like. She talks about building homes from scratch (literally and metaphorically), the challenges of living frugally, and the joys of doing it all with love.

From all of us at Mining Minds — Happy Mother’s Day!

To the women holding it down in work boots, office chairs, at home, or in the classrooms — this episode is for you. Thank you for the strength, love, and lessons you pass on every day.

Pour a cup of coffee (or scotch) and tune in for one of our most touching conversations yet.

Sponsors:

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

GBC-NORCAT

Liebherr Mining

Chapters:

12:10 Young Love

21:29 Courtship, wedding bells, and a $5 dress

34:33 Haul Trucks and Maintaining

48:32 North to Alaska

1:05:32 Earthquakes and Endurance

1:17:11 Lower 48