Mining Minds

Latest Episodes:

#17- John Allsup Jul 17, 2019

Show notes

From summer jobs in Beatty to becoming a seasoned underground electrician at Cortez, John Allsup has lived the mining life from every angle. In this episode of Mining Minds, John opens up about growing up in a mining family, chasing education, and finding his path through the trades. He recalls wild summer student jobs that would never fly under today's safety standards, the crash of Las Vegas construction that pushed him north, and the culture shock of going underground for the first time. Beyond mining, John talks about his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, his MMA experiences in Las Vegas, and how he's now giving back to the Elko community as both a competitor and coach. Join Mining Minds as we Welcome John Allsup to the Face!

Chapters:

2:12 Growing up in a mining family & moving across Nevada

5:11 Summer student jobs, lessons, and early safety experiences

8:26 College years at UNLV & scholarships from mining

15:07 Leaving college for the trades and electrician apprenticeship

20:01 Las Vegas construction boom, crash, and shift to mining

27:02 First underground mining experiences at Cortez

37:17 Balancing mining life, family, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

48:46 Reflections on early mining jobs, industry changes, and safety

#16- Natashia Dallin Jul 10, 2019

Show notes

Transforming a workforce known for long shifts, fatigue, and tough conditions into one that thrives in health and wellness? In this inspiring episode of Mining Minds, health and wellness coach Natashia Dallin shares her journey from teaching science in rural Nevada to helping miners and their families change their lives. From her early exposure to mining in Alaska to coaching miners through shift work, nutrition pitfalls, and habit change, Natashia blends science, psychology, and practical strategies into relatable stories. Whether it's tackling gas station lunches, navigating fad diets, or finding mindfulness in high-pressure jobs, this episode offers powerful tools for healthier living inside and outside the mine.

Brass in at miningmindsllc.com

Chapters:

2:17 Introducing Natashia Dallin, health & wellness coach

3:10 Early life in Alaska and first exposure to mining

4:31 From teaching science to coaching at Barrick

7:11 First experiences as a wellness coach & lessons learned

12:25 Habit change, neuroscience, and accountability for miners

18:19 Strength-based coaching and real client success stories

27:13 Nutrition science: hunger hormones, shift work, and food choices

42:10 Mindfulness, meditation, and slowing down for better habits

1:16:00 The future of wellness in mining and how to connect with Natashia

#15- Miguel (Tito) Segovia Jul 03, 2019

Show notes

From walking into Elko without a job to becoming the coordinator of a world-class mine rescue team, Tito Segovia's journey is one of drive, discipline, and passion for leadership. In this episode of Mining Minds, Tito opens up about his early beginnings in retail, breaking into mining, and how his competitive spirit and work ethic propelled him from the warehouse to emergency response. He shares raw insights into the pressures of mine rescue competitions, the lessons learned from failure, and the mentors who shaped his career. Tito also dives deep into the importance of physical fitness, accountability, and building driven teams that can perform when lives are on the line. This is an inspiring look into the mindset of a leader who believes success is built on hard work, passion, and passing the torch to the next generation.

Brass in at miningmindsllc.com

Chapters:

01:22 Welcoming Tito Segovia and his backstory

02:43 Moving to Elko and finding his first mining job

04:08 Starting in the warehouse and transition to maintenance

06:15 Discovering opportunities and moving into leadership

10:04 Joining mine rescue and first fire training experience

15:27 Competition team lessons and growth

23:00 Mine rescue competitions and high-pressure scenarios

35:17 Coaching, leadership, and building driven teams

54:36 The role of fitness, accountability, and future advice

#14- Gilbert "Junior" Aguirre Jun 26, 2019

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Mining Minds, firefighter and paramedic Gilbert "Junior" Aguirre shares his journey of resilience, family, and unshakable determination. From his early struggles and finding his calling in the fire service to battling leukemia head-on, Junior opens up about the mental strength it takes to face life's hardest moments. He speaks about the brotherhood of firefighting, the unseen dangers of cancer in the profession, and how endurance races became a way to raise awareness and inspire others. Joined by his brothers and friends, this is a story about perseverance, love, and the fight to keep moving forward—no matter what life throws your way.

Brass in at miningmindsllc.com

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Chapters:

02:45 Junior's background and becoming a firefighter/paramedic

05:19 Facing trauma and mental strength in the fire service

08:02 Family, brotherhood, and balancing life on and off duty

13:55 The leukemia diagnosis and its impact

19:13 Telling his family and choosing to fight

23:00 Raising awareness: firefighting, cancer, and legislation

29:10 Living with treatment costs and fighting for benefits

34:00 Running marathons and building a movement

42:10 Legacy, family support, and inspiring others to embrace the fight

#13- Ill Zakiel Jun 19, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Ill Zakiel —a former underground miner turned hip-hop artist. Born in Guadalajara and raised in Carlin, Nevada, He shares his journey from haul truck operator to face miner and ultimately making the leap into music full-time .He talks about the adrenaline of his first cage ride underground, the heat and hazards of face mining, and the lessons of brotherhood and safety learned in Nevada's mines. Ill Zakiel also opens up about overcoming stage fright, building his career as a rapper, and the courage it took to leave the security of mining to follow his passion. From mining life to music stages, his story is about risk, resilience, and the pursuit of authenticity

Brass in at miningmindsllc.com

For more information on Ill Zakiel visit his website at www.illzakiel.com or to support him visit his page on Patreon at www.patreon.com/illzakiel

Chapters:

00:00 Growing Up in Mexico, Reno & Carlin

03:47 College, Reno Life & Return to Mining

05:59 First Cage Ride Underground

07:12 Early Mining Work – Haul Trucks & Backfill

09:41 Learning Underground Safety & Escape Plans

14:03 Transition to Face Mining & Extreme Heat

19:15 Eleven Years Underground & Career Reflections

20:12 Starting to Write & Record Music

27:18 First Shows, Stage Fright & Finding Confidence

43:55 Building a Music Career, Family & Taking the Leap

#12- Scott Arendt Jun 12, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Scott Arendt, a safety and health professional whose journey through mining has taken him from warehouse work to leadership in contractor safety and training. Scott shares how he broke into mining, the lessons he carried from his time at The Citadel military college, and the value of teamwork, leadership, and humor in building strong crews.

Scott opens up about his career path, the challenges of change in the industry, and how he balances loyalty to the company with looking out for himself and his family. He also reflects on warehouse mishaps, leadership philosophies, and the importance of fun in the workplace. Outside of mining, Scott talks about being a father, coaching his kids, making custom wood art, and finding purpose in community and creativity.

Brass in and join the conversation!

Chapters:

00:00 Scott's Start in Mining & Warehouse Work

06:32 Transition to Logistics & Cortez Curtailed Operations

10:27 Moving into Contractor Safety & Training

14:41 Lessons from The Citadel Military College

19:56 Career Decisions, Family Influence & Shifting Paths

25:22 Teamwork, Leadership & Brotherhood in Crews

31:48 Warehouse Mishaps, Pranks & Learning the Hard Way

37:19 Leadership Training, Retention & Respect in Mining

43:05 Family Life, Woodworking, Music & Life Beyond Mining

#11- Hazen Mascaro Jun 05, 2019

Show notes

Fresh off night shift, Hazen Mascaro sits down with the Mining Minds crew to talk mining life, dozer work, and the reality of keeping haul trucks safe on the dumps. From terrifying first days in a haul truck to mastering the craft of running dozers, Hazen shares the lessons, laughs, and close calls that shaped his career. Beyond the pit, he opens up about mine rescue, family, hunting adventures in the Tetons, and the camaraderie that makes mining more than a job—it's a way of life. This episode delivers raw stories, practical insights, and a look at how the mining industry builds careers, friendships, and opportunities far beyond the mine site.

Join the Conversation and Brass in at Miningmindsllc.com

Chapters:

01:02 Getting Started in Mining & First Haul Truck Experience 03:58 Winter Driving Hazards & Early Equipment Work 06:05 From Trackhoes to Dozers – Finding His Craft 09:18 Safety on Dumps, Mentoring New Drivers & Dozer Voice 13:00 Dump Failures, Material Changes & Staying Aware 20:12 Daily Routines, Walkarounds & Life on the Leach Pad 23:02 Dozer Versatility, Big Projects & Career Outlook 27:02 Weather Challenges, Highballing Stories & Crew Competition 32:12 Camaraderie, Family on Crew & Mine Rescue Brotherhood 34:58 Mine Rescue Training, EMT Goals & Rescue Stories 40:02 Hunting Adventures, Family Life & Autism Awareness

#10- Mine Rescue May 29, 2019

Show notes

Step inside the high-stakes world of mine rescue with the Mining Minds crew as they share raw stories, unforgettable training moments, and the realities of being first on the scene when everything is on the line. From grueling competitions and rope rescues to life-saving EMT calls and lessons learned in the chaos of real emergencies, this episode uncovers the grit, camaraderie, and problem-solving spirit that define rescue teams. Whether you're in mining, emergency response, or just love hearing stories of resilience, teamwork, and heart, this conversation will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Brass in and join the conversation!

Chapters

01:02 Mine Rescue Competitions & Hosting Challenges 03:05 First Competition Experiences & Training Gaps 04:55 Joining Teams and Early Training Pathways 08:12 Rope Rescue, EMT Training & First Lessons 10:18 Personal Motivations and Family Impact 13:45 EMT Ride-Alongs & First Real Emergency Calls 17:22 Mentors, Legends & Building Mine Rescue Standards 21:07 World-Class Teams, Competition, and High Expectations 26:15 Training Scenarios, Problem-Solving & Surprises 31:45 Real Emergencies, Applying Training Under Pressure 36:18 Building Respect for Mine Rescue on Site 40:32 Incident Command Center Challenges & Lessons 46:05 Coping with Trauma, Humor & Stress Management 51:02 Unique Miners' Problem-Solving Skills 52:48 Mine Rescue Olympiad

#9- Derrek Anderson May 22, 2019

Show notes

What happens when a third-generation miner trades his hard hat for a new career in real estate? In this episode of Mining Minds, Derrek Anderson takes us deep into his world—growing up in a mining family, cutting his teeth as an electrician, facing the pressure of shovel breakdowns with fleets on standby, and building lifelong friendships forged in dust and diesel. From late-night callouts and frozen pit roads to unexpected modeling gigs and the tough decision to walk away from mining, Derrek shares the unfiltered highs and lows of a life mining and beyond. It's a raw, funny, and inspiring conversation about work, family, and the courage to start over. Welcome Derrek Anderson to the Face!

Contact Derrek at eXprealty .com or Join us at miningmindsllc.com

Chapters:

2:14 Choosing the electrician path through GBC

5:12 College lessons, experience, and finding direction

7:42 Shovel breakdowns and high-pressure fixes

12:14 Brotherhood, mentors, and camaraderie on site

18:35 Robinson Mine stories and the infamous calendar

22:51 Balancing family life with contracting and travel

37:48 Safety in mining and lessons from high-voltage work

54:36 Leaving mining behind for real estate

#8- Kiwi Kapua May 15, 2019

Show notes

In this episode of the Mining Minds Podcast, we sit down with Kiwi Kaupa, an electrician, entrepreneur, and innovator who has taken his skills from New Zealand and Australia to the mining industry of Nevada. Kiwi shares how his love for fixing things began as a kid, how he built his career through an 8,000-hour apprenticeship, and why he sees mining as both a calling and an opportunity.

He talks about transitioning from electrician to lawyer and back to mining, starting his own company, and developing a groundbreaking laser safety device designed to improve safety in both underground and surface mining. Kiwi also opens up about his values, his "Kiwi Standard," and how family, faith, and culture drive everything he does. With humor, honesty, and a global perspective, this episode captures the story of a man who continues to innovate and raise the bar in mining safety and electrical work

To support Mining Minds Brass in at miningmindsllc.com

Chapters:

0:00 Childhood Curiosity & Becoming an Electrician

3:03 Early Mining Career in Australia

4:12 Moving to Nevada & Entering Mining as an Electrician

7:13 Growing Up in New Zealand & Family Life

9:22 Mission Work & Career Beginnings

10:27 Studying Law & Shifting Careers

13:08 Transitioning Back into Mining & Starting a Company

18:11 Financial Goals, Family Motivation & Work-Life Balance

26:58 The "Kiwi Standard" & Setting Rituals in Mining

43:21 Inventing the Laser Safety Device