Jason Schlarb, Hard Rock 100 champion, Air Force veteran, elite ultrarunner, and coach, joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a raw conversation on mental toughness, the dual nature of anxiety as both fuel and burden, and the 2020 rock-bottom moment that forced a healthier mindset. He unpacks nature vs. nurture, why so many endurance athletes are running from something, the modern need to manufacture adversity, and the critical role of community and relationships in true happiness. From coaching the next generation to balancing big mountain adventures with fatherhood and local roots, Jason shares hard-won wisdom on thriving for the long haul. Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer. V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T 🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms S U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo __________________________________________ W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S? MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur 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. 00:00:00 – Intro: Jason Schlarb’s Resume & Purpose-Driven Endurance 00:04:13 – Nature vs Nurture & Growing Up Competitive 00:06:57 – Anxiety as Fuel and the Cost of Never Being Content 00:11:03 – 2020 Rock Bottom: Losing Sponsorship, Relationship & Finding Gratitude 00:18:41 – Are Elite Ultrarunners Running Away from Something? 00:27:04 – Why Humans Need to Manufacture Adversity in 2026 00:36:25 – Community, Happiness Studies & the Individualistic West 00:41:11 – Blue Zones, Costa Rica & What Really Makes People Thrive 00:52:05 – What’s Next: Coaching, Athlete Management & Family 00:55:27 – Closing: Real Talk on Purpose Behind the Miles
