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:

JSR Fleet Performance

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