70 episodes

Welcome to the MTNTOUGH Podcast, where we explore the intersection of physical fitness and mental toughness through the lens of backcountry hunting, military, mountain sports, and the great outdoors.

Hosted by the founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, Dustin Diefenderfer, this podcast takes a deep dive into the physical and mental preparation required for the unique challenges of high-altitude, extreme-terrain adventures.

Each episode features inspirational stories, advice, in-depth conversations with athletes, trainers, and experts in the fields of fitness, nutrition, and mental performance. From endurance training and strength conditioning to mental toughness and mindfulness, we explore cutting-edge science and real-world strategies that enable outdoor athletes to push their limits and achieve their goals.

Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to crush it in the backcountry, the MTNTOUGH Podcast is your go-to source for practical tips, expert insights, campfire tales, and inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph. Tune in each week to discover new ways to elevate your physical and mental fitness, and join us in the pursuit of excellence.

The MTNTOUGH Podcast Dustin Diefenderfer Founder and CEO of MTNTOUGH Fitness

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 6 Ratings

Welcome to the MTNTOUGH Podcast, where we explore the intersection of physical fitness and mental toughness through the lens of backcountry hunting, military, mountain sports, and the great outdoors.

Hosted by the founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, Dustin Diefenderfer, this podcast takes a deep dive into the physical and mental preparation required for the unique challenges of high-altitude, extreme-terrain adventures.

Each episode features inspirational stories, advice, in-depth conversations with athletes, trainers, and experts in the fields of fitness, nutrition, and mental performance. From endurance training and strength conditioning to mental toughness and mindfulness, we explore cutting-edge science and real-world strategies that enable outdoor athletes to push their limits and achieve their goals.

Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to crush it in the backcountry, the MTNTOUGH Podcast is your go-to source for practical tips, expert insights, campfire tales, and inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph. Tune in each week to discover new ways to elevate your physical and mental fitness, and join us in the pursuit of excellence.

    Akshay Nanavati: Preparing To Ski Across Antarctica For 110 Days ALONE

    Akshay Nanavati: Preparing To Ski Across Antarctica For 110 Days ALONE

    In November 2024, Akshay will set foot in Antarctica to begin a 1,700 mile journey where he will drag a 400-pound sled filled with all his supplies needed to survive in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet.

    For 110 days, he will endure temperatures below -40 degrees, and hurricane force winds as he makes his way across the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth.

    Akshay Nanavati is a United States Marine veteran, speaker, entrepreneur, ultra runner and author. He served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. His book Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth and Happiness received widespread acclaim, including endorsements from the Dalai Lama and Jack Canfield.

    To learn more about Akshay, follow him on Instagram at @fearvana and check out fearvana.com

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    What is MTNTOUGH?
    MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
    Our premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.

    🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/
    🇺🇸 Merch: https://mtntough.com/collections/merch

    Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.

    • 1 hr 30 min
    Jim Shockey: How A Legend Is Coping With Loss With A Resilient Mindset

    Jim Shockey: How A Legend Is Coping With Loss With A Resilient Mindset

    Jim Shockey is an award-winning outdoor writer, wildlife photographer, filmmaker, naturalist, wilderness guide, TV host, and outfitter. He owns several exclusive outfitting territories in Canada's wildlands, including the renowned Pacific Rim Guide Territory on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and the Rogue River Outfitting in the Yukon Territory. His television productions have won 15 Golden Moose Awards. He is a retired Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Canadian Armed Forces and is a Member International of the Explorer's Club in New York City.

    Jim recently lost his wife to cancer; as anyone would expect, he has had a hard time dealing with the loss, but his indomitable mindset carries him through and helps him embrace positivity. Tune in and learn how this hunting icon's mindset has forged him into iron.

    His latest book, Call Me Hunter, is available now!

    To learn more about Jim, follow him on Instagram at @jimshockeyofficial and check out jimshockey.com.


    🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/
    🇺🇸 Merch: https://mtntough.com/collections/merch
    ----
    What is MTNTOUGH?
    MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
    Our premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.

    Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.

    Chapters:
    00:00:00 - Intro
    00:04:50 - Making Small Lifestyle Changes
    00:05:37 - Jim Shockey Losing His Wife To Cancer
    00:10:42 - Moving On
    00:16:04 - Hunting for a Soul Mate
    00:20:49 - Lessons learned from online dating after 60
    00:25:41 - Love and Living After Loss
    00:30:27 - The Power of Faith in Times of Sorrow
    00:35:28 - Coping with Loss
    00:40:58 - Finding Joy in Life, Grieving Differently
    00:45:50 - The Importance of Physical Activity
    00:50:59 - Consistency and Lifestyle Changes
    00:55:57 - The Importance of Exercise and Better Sleep
    01:01:07 - Living the Life to Tell the Story
    01:06:08 - The Journey to Getting Published
    01:10:55 - Pursuing Your Dreams
    01:16:00 - The Power of Desire
    01:20:50 - Taking Pride in Your Work
    01:25:21 - The Power of Desire and Positivity
    01:30:15 - The Parable of True Hell
    01:35:18 - Making the Right Choices
    01:40:40 - Conclusion and Farewell

    #hunting #jimshockey #mtntough #hunting #backcountryhunting #sheephunting #evashockey #veteran #canadianarmedforces #functionalfitness #inspiration #mindset #motivation

    • 1 hr 40 min
    REMI WARREN's Unbreakable Mindset, Entrepreneurship, and Future Vision

    REMI WARREN's Unbreakable Mindset, Entrepreneurship, and Future Vision

    Today’s guest is Remi Warren. Remi is a hunter, guide, and conservationist who is passionate about sharing his knowledge and information with others. He’s worked as a hunting guide, outfitter, outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and TV personality.

    At the age of 22, he opened Montana OutWest Outfitters in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, specializing in elk and deer hunts on public land. Later he expanded his operation by booking hunts in New Zealand and Africa. He is also the host of the Live Wild Podcast.

    When he’s not guiding or filming, Remi works as a field editor for Western Hunter Magazine, sharing hunting tips and tricks he's learned along the way.

    To learn more about Remi, follow him on Instagram at @RemiWarren and check out remiwarren.com.

    🐏 Start Training with MTNTOUGH Get 6-Weeks Free:
    Use code MTNPOD on the monthly option at checkout at https://mtntough.com/
    Do you need to get fit for the backcountry? Want to get into the best functional shape of your life? Want to build mental toughness through physical and mental fitness? Get your first 6 weeks free with an extended trial of MTNTOUGH online fitness training.

    📌 Sponsor Discount Links/Codes:
    -MTN OPS Supplements & Nutrition Use Code "MTNTOUGH" for 20% Off Your First Order
    Click here to learn more about MTN OPS:
    mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo
    -Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor:
    mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1----
    ----
    What is MTNTOUGH?
    MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
    Our premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.

    Tap the link to get started with MTNTOUGH+ Fitness 14-Days Free: https://lab.mtntough.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=youtube_description&utm_campaign=evergreen_links

    Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.

    Chapters:
    00:00:00 - Intro
    00:04:55 Choosing Positivity
    00:08:26 - The Contamination of Spices
    00:15:52 - Finding Strength in Teamwork
    00:24:10 - The Struggle of Letting Others Take the Reigns
    00:31:58 - Embracing the Power of Make Believe
    00:39:27 - The Intersection of Persistence and Luck
    00:47:35 - Embrace the Struggle
    00:55:33 - Mental Toughness and Positive Thinking
    01:04:05 - Choosing Your Attitude
    01:12:15 - Conclusion and Farewell

    • 1 hr 12 min
    JOCKO WILLINK: Bowhunting, Fatherhood, Fitness, Good.

    JOCKO WILLINK: Bowhunting, Fatherhood, Fitness, Good.

    Jocko Willink is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, Dichotomy of Leadership, host of the top-rated Jocko Podcast, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer, leadership instructor, speaker, and strategic advisor.

    You can connect with Jocko on Instagram at @jockowillink.

    🐏 Start Training with MTNTOUGH Get 6-Weeks Free:
    Use code MTNPOD on the monthly option at checkout at https://mtntough.com/
    Do you need to get fit for the backcountry? Want to get into the best functional shape of your life? Want to build mental toughness through physical and mental fitness? Get your first 6 weeks free with an extended trial of MTNTOUGH online fitness training.

    📌 Sponsor Discount Links/Codes
    -MTN OPS Supplements & Nutrition Use Code "MTNTOUGH" for 20% Off Your First Order
    Click here to learn more about MTN OPS:
    https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo
    -Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor:
    mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1

    What is MTNTOUGH?
    MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
    Our premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.

    Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.

    Time Stamps:
    00:00:00 - The Importance of Passion in Developing Skills
    00:05:06 - Unlocking Everything with MTNTOUGH
    00:10:00 - The Impact of Knockouts and Brain Trauma
    00:14:23 - Exposure in the Military
    00:18:39 - Introduction to Jiu-Jitsu, Getting Hooked
    00:23:07 - Martial Arts Recommendations for Remote Areas
    00:27:28 - Introduction to Hunting and Benefits of Silence
    00:31:59 - The Difficulty of Shooting Elk
    00:36:59 - The Challenges of Archery Hunting at a Distance
    00:41:58 - Shooting Protocol: The Detachment
    00:46:47 - The Catalyst for Life Change in Bow Hunting
    00:51:16 - The Importance of Being Prepared for Every Possible Outcome
    00:55:36 - The Journey of Preparation
    01:00:18 - The Challenges of Elk Hunting
    01:04:59 - Overcoming Adversity in Hunting
    01:09:45 - The Emotional Roller Coaster of Bow Hunting
    01:14:37 - Don't Force Things on Your Kids
    01:18:25 - Setting Minimum Standards
    01:23:07 - Nurturing Passion in Children
    01:27:41 - The Benefits of Youth Gymnastics, Ballet, and Riding Horses
    01:31:59 - Nuggets of Wisdom

    #navyseal #bowhunting #mtntough #veteran #hunting #functionalfitness #fitness #motivation #dicipline #diciplinefreedom #jockopodcast #jockowillink #jocko #navyseals #navy #navysealburpees #podcast #elk #elkhunting #fatherhood

    • 1 hr 32 min
    CLIFF GRAY: Escaping the Rat Race and Thriving in the Backcountry

    CLIFF GRAY: Escaping the Rat Race and Thriving in the Backcountry

    Cliff Gray is an avid outdoorsman, pilot and certified wilderness first
    responder. He has personally guided dozens of big game hunts, while his previous businesses
    have operated more than a thousand wilderness expeditions.



    🐏 Start Training with MTNTOUGH Get 6-Weeks Free:
    Use code MTNPOD on the monthly option at checkout at https://mtntough.com/
    Do you need to get fit for the backcountry? Want to get into the best functional shape of your life? Want to build mental toughness through physical and mental fitness? Get your first 6 weeks free with an extended trial of MTNTOUGH online fitness training.

    📌 Sponsor Discount Links/Codes:
    -MTN OPS Supplements & Nutrition Use Code "MTNTOUGH" for 20% Off Your First Order
    Click here to learn more about MTN OPS:
    mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo
    -Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor:
    mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1----
    ----
    What is MTNTOUGH?
    MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
    Our premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.

    Tap the link to get started with MTNTOUGH+ Fitness 14-Days Free: https://lab.mtntough.com/checkout/subscribe/purchase?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=spotify_description&utm_campaign=evergreen_links

    Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.

    • 1 hr 21 min
    MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ: The Green Beret Building The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

    MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ: The Green Beret Building The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation

    Today’s guest is Michael “Rod” Rodríguez. Rod is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. He joined the U.S. Army in 1992 and attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course to become a Green Beret in 1997. In 2013, he was medically retired due to numerous combat injuries. His last assignment as a Green Beret came as a Sniper Instructor assigned to the JFK Special Warfare Center (Range 37) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has deployed ten times in service to our nation.

    🫡 Help Design History GWOT Memorial:
    https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/helpdesignhistory/
    Donate to the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation https://www.gwotmemorialfoundation.org/donate/

    🐏 Start Training with MTNTOUGH Get 6-Weeks Free:
    Use code MTNPOD on the monthly option at checkout at https://mtntough.com/
    Do you need to get fit for the backcountry? Want to get into the best functional shape of your life? Want to build mental toughness through physical and mental fitness? Get your first 6 weeks free with an extended trial of MTNTOUGH online fitness training.

    📌 Sponsor Discount Links/Codes:
    -MTN OPS Supplements & Nutrition Use Code "MTNTOUGH" for 20% Off Your First Order
    Click here to learn more about MTN OPS:
    mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo
    -Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co Branded Hydrate Flavor:
    mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1----

    • 1 hr 35 min

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