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 of mining and industrial projects across America.

Ryan shares how he bet on himself, left corporate security, and built a brand during COVID by teaching himself design, digital outreach, and advocacy. We dive deep into permitting reform, rural vs. urban perspectives, refining bottlenecks, national security, critical minerals, and the power of storytelling in shaping public perception. Ryan shares lessons on partnership, collaboration over competition, and why mining's future depends on unified messaging and bold advocacy. Please help us welcome Ryan Sistad to the Face.

A huge thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for everything you do to support and amplify the voices across our mining industry.

Episode Sponsors:

American Exploration and Mining

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

PC Reps

Chapters:

04:02 Crop insurance, trucking, and union ties

12:17 The entrepreneur itch vs corporate grind

15:38 Minnesota NGOs vs mining: permitting and urban/rural divide

24:33 Checks, balances, and the cost of endless litigation (NEPA)

30:25 Reclamation stories that change minds + Minnesota mine examples

40:07 Mentors, career pivots, and the Tulsa data center money move

44:19 Early Better In Our Backyard: Young Pros, Branding, and Finding a Lane

47:15 From 5 Members to 50: Social Media Value-First Growth Strategy

52:20 Funding Reality Check: Sponsorships, Value, and Playing the Long Game

01:04:28 Partnering with Associations & Connecting Dots Across Projects

01:11:31 Favorite Projects + Boots-on-the-Ground Credibility

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 up in a small mining town, leaving school early, and entering the mining industry alongside his family.

Troy reflects on his 23-year career at one operation, where he began as a haul truck driver and advanced through multiple operational and leadership roles. Once a rebellious young operator, he evolved into a people-focused leader who prioritizes morale, respect, and personal connection—building high-performing crews through trust and genuine care. Please help us welcome Troy Hawkins to The Face.

We would like to thank the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for hosting Mining Minds at the event and for their ongoing dedication to advancing and amplifying voices throughout the mining industry.

Episode Sponsors:

American Exploration and Mining

Safety First Training and Consulting

JSR Fleet Performance

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Episode Chapters:

05:05 Feral Mining-Town Childhood & How Kids Are Different Now

12:18 School Struggles, Sports Dreams, and Learning Outside the Classroom

33:34 "Your long hair will never make you successful" — proving them wrong

39:14 When leadership gets personal

47:22 How he builds trust

55:40 Hiring without the script: real interviews, real people

01:01:27 Marriage & support system

01:12:04 First Date at Carver's

01:16:20 Stepping into Walsh

01:22:54 Scaling Up with Trust

01:24:18 Why People Take a Pay Cut to Work for Good Leaders

01:33:10 Pucker Factor Stories

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 environmental science to marketing, highlighting the critical role marketing plays in today's mining industry. The conversation expands to the importance of effective communication, personal branding, and community engagement, underscoring the need for mining companies to embrace innovative marketing strategies and leadership development. Please help us welcome Milan Calendine to the Face!

Thank you to the American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA) for welcoming Mining Minds to the event and for continuing to support and elevate voices across the mining industry.

Sponsors:

American Exploration and Mining Association (AEMA)

Safety First Training and Consulting

Motor Mission Machine & Radiator

JSR Fleet Performance

Chapters:

03:21 Milan's Background and Upbringing

06:38 Growing Up in Tucson

13:25 College Journey and Challenges

19:32 Discovering Dyslexia and Overcoming Obstacles

27:11 Ego and Confidence in Leadership

32:23 Starting a Career in Environmental Science

35:52 First Impressions of the Mining Industry

39:32 Marketing and Geophysics

46:35 The PR Problem in Mining

58:26 The Importance of Marketing in Mining

01:00:39 Developing a Unified Marketing Message

01:05:32 The Mining Marketing Summit Vision