Advertise on podcast: The Mountain Dude Podcast

Got questions? Send us a text! In this solo episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we get real about what it actually takes to fill tags consistently — and it has nothing to do with motivation. With spring seasons right around the corner, this episode is a wake-up call for anyone who’s been telling themselves “I’ll start later.” We break down why preparation starts now, how discipline will always outlast motivation, and why the offseason is where successful hunters are truly made. This episode blends mental discipline, physical training, shooting preparation, nutrition, faith, and community — all centered around one goal: becoming a more consistent, confident hunter in 2026 and beyond. We talk about: • Why waiting until summer puts you behind before the season even starts • How discipline beats motivation every single time • Simple daily habits that actually move the needle • Offseason training for legs, lungs, core, and mental toughness • Why community and accountability matter more than willpower • How faith, family, and purpose shape the way we prepare • Learning to fall in love with the grind so the season feels earned If you’ve ever felt burned out, plateaued after early success, or struggled to stay consistent year after year — this episode is for you. The work starts now. This is the Mountain Dude Podcast — where we climb higher together.  Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dan Staton, and this episode is where things get tactical, practical, and deeply personal. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, go start there. This episode builds directly on Dan’s origin story and takes it forward into how YOU get better—right now. In this conversation, Dan breaks down exactly what hunters should be doing in the offseason to fill more tags in 2026. From draw strategies and tag planning, to daily discipline, fitness, faith, and mindset—this episode is a masterclass in preparation. We dive deep into: • How to build a realistic multi-state elk tag strategy • Why most hunters blame pressure instead of fixing preparation • The one-hour-a-day rule that changes everything • Dan’s real daily routine (training, faith, family, work) • How mental toughness is built long before September • Why elk hunting is just the proving ground for life This episode also marks a major turning point. Dan openly shares why his focus is shifting beyond elk hunting—and introduces Legacy Built, a new movement centered on building stronger men, fathers, husbands, and leaders through short, intense training, accountability, faith, and community. This isn’t about chasing animals anymore. It’s about chasing purpose. It’s about legacy. If you’re a hunter who wants to perform better in the mountains—or a man who wants to show up better at home—this episode will challenge you in the best way possible. 👉 This is Part 2 of a 2-part series 🎧 Listen to Part 1 before this episode for full context 📩 Share this with a friend who needs a push this offseason 👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment to support the show This is the Mountain Dude Podcast—where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we sit down with Dan Staton, the man behind ElkShape, to unpack the raw, unfiltered story that shaped one of the most respected voices in elk hunting today. Before ElkShape was a brand, before the films, before the training programs, Dan was just a kid growing up in Washington—hunting with his dad, learning lessons the hard way, and slowly becoming obsessed with elk, the mountains, and the discipline it takes to succeed in both. This episode dives deep into the moments that forged Dan’s mindset: his first elk, years of failure with a bow, brutal learning curves on public land, and the relentless work ethic that eventually changed everything. This isn’t a “tips and tactics” episode—this is the foundation. The why behind ElkShape. The struggles before the success. The mindset that separates guys who quit from guys who keep punching tags year after year. Dan also opens up about faith, fatherhood, mental toughness, and how elk hunting became the proving ground for everything he believes about life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or like you’re grinding with nothing to show for it—this episode will hit home. And while this conversation focuses on the past, pay attention—there are subtle hints about what’s next for Dan and the evolution of what he’s building beyond ElkShape. 👉 This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. Part 2 goes even deeper into strategy, mindset, and how to apply these lessons to kill more elk—and live better—heading into the 2026 season. 🎧 Subscribe to the Mountain Dude Podcast 👍 Like the episode 💬 Drop a comment 📤 Share this with a hunting buddy who needs to hear it Part 2 coming soon. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Dennis and Chris sit down for a real, candid conversation about balancing hunting, family, faith, and the demanding pace of everyday life. After two back-to-back episodes with Kyle Kamp of Valley 2 Peak Nutrition, the guys shift gears and recap their own hunting seasons — the highs, the lessons learned, and the encounters that shaped them this fall. Dennis walks through a jam-packed few months that included an unforgettable elk rut experience, a Wyoming antelope tag on sprawling private ground, and a successful trip to Missouri chasing whitetails from the stand. Chris shares why this year looked a little different for him, how buying a home and running a business forced him to reprioritize, and what he learned about being intentional with the time he does have. The heart of this episode centers on priorities — how to hunt hard without letting life at home fall apart, how to be present instead of simply being physically there, and why both men have learned (sometimes the hard way) that faith and family have to come before tags and timelines. They talk schedules, boundaries, burnout, and the simple habits that keep them grounded during the busiest seasons of the year. As the podcast moves into winter, Dennis and Chris lay out their vision for helping listeners prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for next season. They also share updates on upcoming guests, including Dan Staton of ElkShape, and remind listeners about the ongoing giveaway for a Pyro Putty Kit for those who leave a five-star review. If you're a hunter trying to juggle work, family, and the pursuit of the mountains — or just someone looking to live with more intention — this episode hits home. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brian Call, founder of Gritty Films and one of the most respected voices in western hunting and backcountry preparation. Brian breaks down what it really takes to stay consistent as a hunter year after year—from physical and mental preparation to decision-making in the mountains. We talk discipline, responsibility, leadership, faith, and why the work you put in long before the season matters more than any piece of gear. This conversation goes deeper than tactics. It’s about becoming harder to break, learning through failure, and showing up prepared when it matters most—both in the backcountry and in life. Watch Part 1 of This Conversation ▶️ Part 1 Episode with Brian Call https://youtu.be/4Qq8AMqvdAc?si=6ZmYg3F127eHGI2C Brian Call Films Mentioned in This Episode 🎬 Blood in the Snow https://youtu.be/zFRRZkD-HBw?si=Z0LEzB5fQQuqMJKO 🎬 Mountain Goat Hunt (Latest Film) https://youtu.be/ZzvQlPNok9Q?si=lYbm9zmG6ASZI6rg Listen on Audio Apple Podcasts Spotify Presented by Initial Ascent Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down again with Brice Bishop and Jeff Helm of PEAX Equipment to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to design and build gear trusted by backcountry hunters. From trekking poles to teepees, titanium stoves to headlamps, Brice and Jeff open up about the multi-year development cycles, product failures, engineering breakthroughs, and the vision that drives PEAX to create gear that isn’t just “me too”—but truly original. What We Cover in This Episode: • How PEAX pioneered the hybrid trekking pole design that blends carbon and aluminum • Why testing in New Zealand confirmed they were onto something new • The full story behind the PEAX teepee and the Cross Trek Stabilization system • How early prototypes shredded in the wind—and why that mattered • The years-long engineering challenge of creating a titanium stove with zero loose parts • Why forming titanium required new dies, new partners, and a complete redesign • The inspiration and engineering behind the Origami shelter • The PEAX headlamp and what makes it the brightest, most intentional hunting light available • How PEAX approaches innovation without becoming a “meta product” brand • The role of designer Jason “Sunshine” and how he pushed PEAX to think differently • The importance of releasing products only when they’re absolutely ready If you're a gear junkie, hunter, designer, or someone who loves hearing the story behind the equipment you trust in the mountains, this episode delivers. This is the Mountain Dude Podcast, where we climb higher together. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brian Call—better known as Gritty—to unpack the early days of hunting films, the rise of his platform, and how he helped shape the modern era of outdoor storytelling. Brian walks through his transition from self-filming hunts to building a podcast that drew tens of thousands of listeners and introduced a new wave of long-form hunting content. We cover the film tour days, his first major break, learning social media from the ground up, and the hustle it took to produce daily episodes while still working a full-time job. Brian also breaks down what the hunting industry looked like before YouTube and podcasting became mainstream, and how authenticity, consistency, and storytelling built the foundation of the Gritty brand. Plus — Giveaway Winner Announced! Stay tuned in this episode as we reveal the winner of our latest Initial Ascent Giveaway! Topics Covered: • How Brian’s early hunting films gained traction • Building the Gritty brand during the rise of social media • Why long-form conversations changed the outdoor industry • Filming hunts, learning content creation, and finding an audience • The shift from DVDs to YouTube and podcasting • Lessons from interviewing some of the biggest names in the hunting space • What the future of hunting media looks like Watch the full episode, hear the giveaway winner announcement, and join us each week as we climb higher together. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brice Bishop and Jeff Helm of PEAX Equipment to unpack one of the most compelling brand journeys in the hunting industry today — from a single pair of trekking poles to one of the fastest-growing backcountry gear companies. This conversation goes far beyond gear. Brice and Jeff open up about faith, family, grief, risk, entrepreneurship, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts. Their story is one of resilience and conviction — bootstrapping a brand without outside capital, rebuilding after personal and professional loss, and choosing to grow with purpose rather than chase shortcuts. You’ll hear: • How a broken Walmart trekking pole on a hunt sparked the idea that became PEAX. • The meeting that changed everything and forced Brice to think bigger than “just selling product.” • The role faith played through hardship, including the loss of Brice’s wife. • How God placed the right people in their path at the right time. • Why their enemy isn’t competition — it’s the status quo. • The power of humility, culture, and building teams of people better than you. • The now-viral story behind their Dumb & Dumber holiday campaign and the Cybertruck giveaway. • Why having fun as a brand is just as important as grinding for growth. • The challenges of rapid expansion — including adding 86 SKUs in a single year — and staying focused on what matters. From business lessons to personal transformation, this episode offers a rare look inside a company reshaping backcountry gear — and the men leading that charge. If you’re a hunter, builder, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing a vision you can’t shake, this one will hit home. Listen in and climb higher with us. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In Part 2 of our deep-dive with Kyle Kamp, Founder of Valley 2 Peak Nutrition, we get into the gritty, practical, real-world fueling strategies hunters actually need in the backcountry. Kyle breaks down how to build a full day of food on the mountain, why most hunters bonk under high-intensity output, how to time slow and fast digesting carbs, and why protein is often misunderstood in the field. He even shares the exact system he used on a 10-day Alaska sheep hunt — from DIY granola and high-protein muffins to electrolytes, gummy carb boosts, and “feedings” spaced throughout the day to maintain energy. This episode also covers: • Dehydrated vs freeze-dried meals — and why familiarity matters • Why “calories per ounce” can mislead hunters • How age, recovery, and digestion change what you should pack • Fueling for high-output hunts vs low-movement glassing days • How carbs, fats, and proteins actually convert to usable energy • The biggest backcountry nutrition mistakes Kyle sees • Kyle’s personal failure that became the spark behind Valley 2 Peak • Rapid-fire questions to close out the show Whether you’re packing in for 10 days or simply want to stop “hitting the wall” on day two, Kyle provides a clear, hunter-friendly roadmap for eating in the mountains without overcomplicating it. DEHYDRATION GUIDE: https://www.v2pnutrition.com/dehydration-guide CODE: IA2025 BAR RECIPE: https://initialascent.com/blogs/recipes/audrey-bars DIY Granola & Oats Coconut Milk Powder (10g) PB Powder (10g) Protein Granola (3/4c, 80g) Shredded Coconut (15g) Quick Oats (1/3c, 25g) Syntha-6 Whey (20g) Walnuts (15g) Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Dennis Stokes sits down with Kyle Kamp, founder of Valley to Peak Nutrition, to break down the fundamentals of nutrition for everyday life and for backcountry hunters who demand more from their bodies. Kyle shares his powerful personal story—growing up with poor eating habits, reaching 270 pounds as a young man, and ultimately transforming his life through small, sustainable nutrition changes. That transformation sparked a career in dietetics, leading to the creation of Valley to Peak Nutrition, where Kyle now coaches hunters, athletes, and everyday people toward healthier, more intentional living. Together, Dennis and Kyle dive deep into: • The real roles of carbs, fats, and proteins—without diet culture confusion • Why most hunters consistently “bonk” in the mountains • How consistent fueling throughout the day changes everything (energy, performance, and digestion) • Why restrictive diets fall apart under heavy mileage or elevation • Breaking down hydration myths (including Dennis’ infamous pound-the-Nalgene moment) • Practical, sustainable nutrition that actually works for busy hunters and family life • How to eat in a way that supports strength, recovery, and year-round mountain readiness This episode is packed with foundational nutrition insight, simplified for the real world and backed by Kyle’s years of experience helping hunters perform at their best—on the mountain and at home. Part 2 will take the conversation even deeper into backcountry-specific nutrition, including exactly what to pack, when to eat it, and how to avoid the energy crashes that ruin hunts. Where to Find Kyle: Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast valleytopeaknutrition.com @v2pnutrition Thanks for listening to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent—where we help you carry heavy loads more comfortably and live with purpose, grit, and faith. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Tim Tucker — a young hunter, creative, and man of faith — to talk about perseverance, target panic, and finding redemption through archery and family. From missed opportunities in the elk woods to finally sealing his first bow kill on an Idaho antelope with his dad by his side, Tim’s story is one of grit, grace, and growth. We dive into how he rebuilt his confidence, the mental side of archery, and how God uses even the smallest moments in hunting to teach bigger life lessons. Whether you’ve faced target panic, struggled through setbacks, or just needed a reminder to keep showing up, this one’s for you. The Mountain Dude Podcast is brought to you by Initial Ascent, where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth both in the mountains and in life. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Joe Elliston, Co-Founder of Initial Ascent, for a deep dive into the man behind the brand. From his childhood adventures and early hunting roots to the lessons learned through leadership, loss, and faith—Joe opens up in a raw, heartfelt conversation that goes far beyond gear talk. He shares stories of family, resilience, and how carrying heavy loads—both in the backcountry and in life—shaped who he is today. If you’ve ever wondered what drives the people behind the packs, this is the episode you don’t want to miss. Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening prayer & intro 03:00 – Joe’s upbringing and roots 26:00 – Early hunting stories & family influence 45:00 – Lessons in friendship, faith, and leadership 1:36:00 – What it means to surround yourself with great people 1:40:00 – Faith, loss, and the power of reflection 1:42:00 – Closing thoughts: “Keep your eyes on the summit.” Listen, subscribe, and share to help spread the message of grit, growth, and faith in the outdoors.  Brought to you by Initial Ascent  “Carry Heavy Loads More Comfortably.” Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brad Brooks, CEO and Founder of Argali Outdoors, to talk about building one of the most trusted backcountry hunting brands in the West. Brad shares the story behind Argali’s mission to create lightweight, durable gear for serious hunters, his roots in the mountains of Idaho, and the lessons learned balancing business, conservation, and the pursuit of wild places. From entrepreneurship and gear design to public land advocacy and hunting ethics, this is a deep dive into what it takes to make a difference in the outdoor industry. Whether you’re a die-hard backcountry hunter or just love hearing stories of grit, passion, and purpose—this episode will hit home. 🎧 Listen now to hear: • How Argali started and what drives its product design • The mindset behind balancing business with passion for the outdoors • Brad’s thoughts on hunting culture, gear innovation, and public lands • What’s next for Argali and the backcountry hunting community Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! This episode pulls back the curtain on Dennis Stokes, co-founder of Initial Ascent, in a way you’ve never heard before. It’s not about how the company started (you can find that story elsewhere). This is about Dennis, himself, his upbringing, battles with pride, lessons learned through failure, and the relentless mindset that shaped him. From dirt roads in rural Florida to Division I football fields and faith-fueled business ventures in Idaho, Dennis shares how a drive to never be outworked, paired with a growing walk with God, has guided every step of his journey. If you're chasing purpose, fighting uphill battles, or trying to lead with faith in a chaotic world… this one’s for you. In this episode, Dennis talks about: Growing up ranching, hunting, and learning the value of hard work Walking on to a Division I football team and earning his spot Building two successful businesses through discipline and grit Learning hard lessons about pride, humility, and leadership How faith and reflection brought him closer to God and his purpose The mindset that drives him to outwork, outlast, and out-believe Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down to recap his 2025 early season — chasing antelope across Idaho’s high desert, learning through missed shots, and staying grounded through it all. From spot-and-stalk bowhunting challenges to lessons in faith, family, and perseverance, Chris dives deep into what hunting really teaches you when things don’t go as planned. This one’s packed with real, raw insight every hunter can relate to — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hard-earned growth that keeps us coming back. 🎧 What You’ll Hear: Chris Young’s Idaho antelope hunts and close calls Overcoming missed shots and frustration in the field How patience and persistence shape better hunters Reflections on faith, family, and personal growth Getting ready for archery elk season Presented by Initial Ascent — makers of the most comfortable and reliable hunting packs on the mountain. Built to carry heavy loads more comfortably, because every ounce and every step matters. Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly. #MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast https://initialascent.com/ Want to watch the episode on YouTube: Click here. Instagram Facebook