#197- Travis Macias
From a 16-year-old kid cleaning shops to the Director of Mine Skills Training at Great Basin College (GBC/NORCAT), Travis Macias embodies what it means to grind, grow, and give back. In this inspiring episode of Mining Minds, Travis shares his raw, real journey through life underground — from hard lessons on the jackleg to leading Nevada’s next generation of miners. He opens up about fatherhood, faith, mentorship, and how tragedy and resilience guided his purpose. Whether you’re a miner, mentor, or dreamer, this is an episode about humility, perseverance, and the power of giving a damn.
Travis reflects on the old-school lessons that forged his work ethic, the mentors who pushed him to be better, and the importance of accountability both at work and at home. He dives deep into how mining shaped his character — and how he’s now shaping the future of the industry through education and innovation. Tune in for real talk, laughs, and life lessons from a man who’s lived it, led it, and continues to pay it forward. Please help us Welcome Travis Macias to the Face!
Episode Sponsors:
Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals
Motor Mission Machine and Radiator
Episode Chapters:
04:12 – Growing Up Carlin Tough
08:41 – When Home Becomes a Time, Not a Place
13:21 – Hard Lessons and Humility Underground
16:42 – Safety, Tragedy, and the Moment Everything Changed
27:26 – Tough Bosses, Tough Love, Real Growth
36:26 – Workforce Development: Then vs. Now
40:08 – Brotherhood, Bar Fights, and Bonds Built Underground
54:05 – Leaving the Mine: Building a Gym, Building Character
01:17:13 – Entering Training: Teaching the Next Generation
01:43:33 – Technology, VR, and Immersive Mining Education
01:53:07 – Raising Up Others, Not Holding Them Back
