Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Better in Our Backyard Winter Dinner, this episode of Mining Minds brings you a raw, unfiltered conversation with Shari McGregor-Overbye—millwright, industry advocate, and host of the Iron Lady Podcast.

From growing up learning the trades beside her father to becoming an onsite mechanic, Shari's story challenges outdated perceptions and highlights the real opportunity within mining and skilled trades. She breaks down the myth that blue-collar careers are a "fallback," sharing how hands-on skills, work ethic, and determination can outperform traditional paths both financially and professionally.

This episode dives deep into the realities of working in mining—from shutdown chaos and plant operations to leadership, innovation, and the future of maintenance with AI. Shari also shares how she carved her own path through the industry, earning respect, leading teams, and ultimately stepping into a role where she now works with industry leaders to drive performance and change. Please help us welcome Shari McGregor-Overbye to the Face.

Check out the Iron Lady Podcast!

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training & Consulting

Walsh Reclimation Inc.

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Chapters:

02:49 Roots and House Moving

04:51 Dad's Influence Early

07:23 Advocating the Trades

12:03 Making Mining Authentic

16:26 Hands On Learning Style

20:37 Earning Respect on Site

26:04 AI in Maintenance

30:52 Plant Shutdown Chaos

35:36 Planner to Supervisor

39:11 Crusher Planning Lessons

42:50 Leading the Shops

44:01 Joining AMCAST Team

In this episode of Mining Minds, we go behind the scenes of the Elko Mining Expo — a 40-year legacy event that transforms a tight-knit mining community into a global hub of innovation, networking, and opportunity. Sitting down with the powerhouse team at the Elko Convention Center & Visitors Authority, this conversation uncovers the hardwork, coordination, and passion required to bring over 6,000+ attendees, hundreds of vendors, and massive equipment displays together—year after year.

From humble beginnings and small-town roots to managing one of the most anticipated mining events in the industry, Selina Morales and Kimberly Longley share their personal journeys, the evolution of the expo, and what it truly takes to execute an event of this magnitude with a team of just ten people.

But this episode goes deeper than logistics. It explores the heart of mining communities — the families, the kids, the traditions, and the future workforce. With new ideas like live podcasting, technical sessions, and even a first-ever Miner's Poetry Contest, this year's expo is pushing boundaries and redefining what connection and storytelling in mining looks like.

Join us at the 2026 Elko Mine Expo on June 4th at 10:00 AM for a compelling look at the past, present, and future of our industry. We'll be kicking off the event with a live opening session panel podcast featuring some of the most influential voices in mining.

And for the first time, Mining Minds will be hosting the Miner's Poetry Contest on June 5th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. From elementary-aged kids to teenagers, to miners and their spouses, we want to hear the voices that truly tell the story of who we are, the experiences we've lived, and what makes this industry so special.

Submit your entry by "brassing in" at MiningMindsLLC.com.

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training & Consulting

Motor Mission Machine & Radiator

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Chapters:

02:50 Selena Background

05:28 Planning the Expo

07:13 Kimberly Background

09:18 Convention Center Events

14:54 Expo Growth Upgrades

20:57 Layout and Expansion

26:52 Expo Week Breakdown

31:57 Networking and Engagement

33:15 Booths Networking Value

37:42 Miners Poetry Contest

52:59 40th Anniversary Plans

56:07 Live Podcast Announcement

What does it feel like to hit one of the highest-grade nickel drill holes on the planet… and not even be on the drill pad when it happens?

In this long overdue episode, we sit down with Brian Goldner, Chief Exploration and Operations Officer at Talon Metals, for a front-row look at modern-day exploration, discovery, and the relentless pursuit of what's hidden beneath the surface. Recorded in Duluth, Minnesota at the Better In Our Backyards Winter Dinner, this conversation dives deep into the science, the risk, and the reward of chasing critical minerals in today's world.

Brian takes us from a kid in Minneapolis obsessed with rocks to leading one of the most exciting nickel discoveries in North America. We unpack the realities of exploration — a career built on being wrong, challenging assumptions daily, and pushing forward until something clicks. From helicopter-supported fieldwork in remote areas to building an in-house drilling operation during COVID, Brian shares how innovation, teamwork, and timing all play a role in success.

At the center of it all is Talon's recent discovery — a drill hole so significant it ranks among the best globally across multiple metals. But this episode isn't just about the win. It's about the process, the failures that lead to breakthroughs, and the responsibility of developing resources the right way — for communities, for the environment, and for the future of domestic mining.

Episode Sponsors:

Safety First Training and Consulting

Motor Mission Machine and Radiator

Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals

Chapters:

01:00 Welcome to Better In Our Back Yards & Talon Metals

04:12 From Physics to Geology

08:45 Discovering Economic Geology

12:00 How Nickel Deposits Actually Form

18:05 Helicopters, Remote Exploration & Field Life

24:00 Mentorship & Learning Under a Legend

28:00 Prospecting, Core & First Discoveries

35:10 Building an In-House Drilling Operation During COVID

44:10 Critical Minerals, Nickel & Global Demand

52:30 The Vault Discovery: A Career-Defining Moment

01:07:30 The Future of Mining, Technology & Exploration