The Mountain Dude Podcast

Initial Ascent
  • 5.0 (47)
  • Wilderness

Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent – where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth. This is a space where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life – success born from struggle, and the art of carrying heavy loads more comfortably, both physically and metaphorically, through faith and perseverance.

  1. 12h ago

    Chad Mendes: The Preparation Behind Greatness

    Got questions? Send us a text! UFC legend Chad Mendes joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to talk about the mindset, discipline, and preparation that carried him from a small California farm town to the highest level of mixed martial arts. Chad opens up about starting wrestling at five years old, becoming a two-time NCAA All-American, fighting for multiple UFC titles, and what it truly feels like when the cage door closes. He also shares stories from his battles with José Aldo, the origins of his “Money” nickname, life inside Team Alpha Male, and why preparation was always the foundation of his success. Now living in Idaho, Chad has carried that same mentality into hunting, business, fatherhood, and conservation. He explains how preparing for a backcountry hunt compares to preparing for a championship fight, why passing hunting traditions on to the next generation matters, and why becoming a husband and father is the accomplishment he is most proud of. Chad also talks about Fins and Featherz, his celebrity hunting and fishing guide service, his new energy gummy company Gate Drop, and the packed hunting season ahead. This episode covers: • Chad’s wrestling roots and college career • His transition from wrestling into professional MMA • Fighting José Aldo and competing for UFC gold • Life with Team Alpha Male • The mentality required to fight at the highest level • How fighting preparation translates into hunting • Raising kids around hunting and the outdoors • Conservation and introducing new hunters • Building Fins and Featherz and Gate Drop • Why fatherhood means more than any championship Follow Chad Mendes on Instagram and YouTube, and check out Fins and Featherz and Gate Drop to see what he is building outside the fight game. Subscribe to the Mountain Dude Podcast for more conversations about hunting, fatherhood, faith, business, discipline, conservation, and life in the outdoors. 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

    Chad Mendes: The Preparation Behind Greatness

  2. Jul 21

    How to Balance Hunting, Fatherhood, and Family: Chris Young

    Got questions? Send us a text! Hunting is about more than filling tags—it’s about the experiences, lessons, and traditions we pass down to the next generation. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris records remotely after a 24-hour scouting trip with his four-year-old son, Kai. Together, they talk about searching for mule deer and antelope, learning new country, balancing hunting with family, and making the outdoors enjoyable for young kids. Chris also shares practical advice for preparing for hunting season, including physical training, shooting consistently, scouting, maintaining your equipment, organizing your gear, and developing the discipline required to succeed when opening day arrives. This episode is a reminder to chase the hunting experience you truly want, appreciate the time spent with your family, and start doing the work now that will prepare you for the season ahead. Topics covered: • Introducing young children to hunting and scouting • Balancing fatherhood, family, business, and time outdoors • Scouting desert mule deer and antelope • Building discipline before hunting season • Preparing your bow, vehicle, gear, and equipment • Using visualization and mental preparation • Why a successful hunt is about more than filling a tag If you enjoyed this episode, leave a five-star review, subscribe to the channel, and share it with another hunter preparing for the upcoming season. Initial Ascent creates premium hunting pack systems designed to 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

    How to Balance Hunting, Fatherhood, and Family: Chris Young

  3. Jul 14

    Grizzly Charges, Plane Crashes & 300 Days in the Field: Dan Whitmus

    Got questions? Send us a text! Professional hunter, guide, and lifelong outdoorsman Dan Whitmus returns to the Mountain Dude Podcast for one of our favorite conversations yet. With over 300 days a year spent in the field, Dan shares what it's really like to make a living chasing adventure across Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, Mexico, Colorado, Idaho, and beyond. From surviving grizzly bear charges and a bush plane crash to helping first-time hunters experience their very first harvest, this episode is packed with incredible stories and even better life lessons. But this conversation goes far beyond hunting. We dive into how Dan's perspective has evolved over four decades in the mountains, why too many hunters put unnecessary pressure on themselves, and why the greatest trophy isn't always hanging on the wall. If you love elk hunting, backcountry adventure, grizzly stories, or simply hearing wisdom from someone who's truly lived it, this is an episode you won't want to miss. In this episode: Dan's unbelievable 300-day hunting calendar Surviving multiple grizzly bear encounters A bush plane crash in remote Alaska Why experience matters more than trophies The biggest mistakes hunters make Lessons learned from 40+ years in the mountains The evolution of a hunter What keeps Dan chasing adventure after all these years If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know your favorite story from Dan. Follow Dan Whitmus: Instagram & Facebook: @danwhitmus Follow Initial Ascent: https://initialascent.com 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

  4. Jul 7

    Don't Leave Dad at the Trailhead | Jake Arvold & Kaylee Stevens | First Phorm Outdoors

    Got questions? Send us a text! What if taking better care of yourself meant more seasons in the mountains with the people you love? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Jake Arvold and Kaylee Stevens of First Phorm Outdoors to talk about the deeper purpose behind fitness, faith, hunting, and living a life that allows you to experience more. Jake shares the incredible story behind the creation of First Phorm Outdoors—from leaving college after hearing a life-changing podcast, to building a movement centered around health, community, and the outdoors. Along the way, the conversation dives into injury, perseverance, mental toughness, and the emotional realization that taking care of ourselves today can mean more years chasing elk, hiking mountains, and creating memories with our families tomorrow. This isn't just a conversation about supplements or working out. It's about building a life that lets you keep answering the call of the mountains for decades to come. If you enjoy authentic conversations about hunting, faith, fitness, family, and personal growth, be sure to subscribe and join us every week on the Mountain Dude Podcast. 👇 Learn more about First Phorm Outdoors: https://1stphorm.com/ Follow First Phorm Outdoors: https://www.instagram.com/1stphormoutdoors/ Follow Initial Ascent: https://initialascent.com/ Follow Mountain Dude Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@MountainDudePodcast 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

    Don't Leave Dad at the Trailhead | Jake Arvold & Kaylee Stevens | First Phorm Outdoors

  5. Jun 30

    Most Men Stop Living Before They Die: Red Beard Outdoors

    Got questions? Send us a text! What happens when a man refuses to settle for a life of comfort, routine, and simply going through the motions? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young sits down with Jonathan McCormick of Red Beard Outdoors to discuss faith, family, fitness, hunting, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Jonathan shares the incredible story of overcoming a life-threatening condition at birth, how mentorship introduced him to western hunting, and why he believes too many people are missing out on the adventures and experiences that make life worth living. From raising kids in the outdoors to preparing yourself physically and mentally for the future, this conversation is packed with wisdom for hunters, fathers, husbands, and anyone looking to live with more purpose. Topics covered: Jonathan's incredible survival story Growing up in North Carolina Serving a mission in Mexico Finding western hunting later in life The importance of mentorship Raising kids in the outdoors Faith, family, fitness, and purpose Building Red Beard Outdoors Why adventure matters Leaving a legacy for future generations If you're a hunter, father, husband, or simply someone looking to become the best version of yourself, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Listen to more Mountain Dude Podcast episodes: https://www.initialascent.com Follow Jonathan McCormick / Red Beard Outdoors: Instagram: @redbeard.outdoors YouTube: Red Beard Outdoors Follow Initial Ascent: Instagram: @initialascent Facebook: Initial Ascent Website: https://www.initialascent.com 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

    Most Men Stop Living Before They Die: Red Beard Outdoors

  6. Jun 23

    How to Actually Kill Big Mule Deer: Travis Nowotny

    Got questions? Send us a text! What separates hunters who occasionally get lucky from hunters who consistently find and kill mature mule deer year after year? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Chris Young and Dennis sit down with Idaho bowhunter Travis Nowotny to dive deep into the mindset, scouting strategies, and stalking tactics that have helped him become one of the most respected mule deer hunters in the West. From summer scouting and locating target bucks to closing the final yards on a mature deer, Travis shares decades of hard-earned lessons from chasing giant bucks on public land. The conversation goes far beyond hunting tactics. Travis opens up about balancing family, business ownership, and an obsession with hunting while building a life that allows him to pursue what matters most. He also shares one of the most powerful lessons he's learned after years of chasing mature bucks: "You can't kill the buck if you don't try." In This Episode: How Travis scouts for mature mule deer Finding target bucks before season opens Spot-and-stalk tactics for open-country mule deer Wind, thermals, and closing the final distance Why confidence kills more bucks than gear Lessons learned from decades of bowhunting Balancing family, business, and hunting The mistakes that cost hunters opportunities on giant deer If you're preparing for mule deer season, looking to become a more effective bowhunter, or simply enjoy hearing from hunters who consistently get it done, this episode is packed with practical knowledge you can apply this fall. GOAT KNIVES 4TH OF JULY SALE Travis is also the founder of Goat Knives, a company built around creating lightweight, purpose-built knives for serious hunters. For a limited time, Goat Knives is offering 15% OFF sitewide through July 4th, making it a great time to upgrade your hunting kit before the season. Check them out: GoatKnives.com Follow Travis: @travisnowotny Mountain Dude Podcast Hosted by Chris Young Faith. Family. Hunting. Becoming better in the mountains and in life. #MountainDudePodcast #TravisNowotny #MuleDeerHunting #Bowhunting #PublicLandHunter #WesternHunting #ArcheryHunting #BigBuckHunting #SpotAndStalk #BackcountryHunting #GoatKnives #HuntingPodcast #MuleDeer #IdahoHunting #ChrisYoung 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

    How to Actually Kill Big Mule Deer: Travis Nowotny

  7. Jun 16

    The Man Behind Hunting's Best Stories: Luke Dusenbury

    Got questions? Send us a text! If you've watched hunting films featuring Brady Miller, Brian Call, Nate Simmons, John Gabrio, or projects produced alongside some of the biggest names in western hunting, there's a good chance you've already seen Luke Dusenbury's work. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes sit down with one of the most respected storytellers behind the camera in the hunting industry. Luke shares how a devastating college baseball injury led him to photography, what he's learned after spending nearly 100 days a year in the field, and the unique perspective he's gained by filming some of the best hunters in the country. The conversation dives into storytelling, backcountry hunting, faith, purpose, entrepreneurship, and the moments that have shaped Luke's career. The episode also explores another major setback that nearly ended his hunting season, how that experience changed his perspective, and why it ultimately inspired the creation of Vessol—a new lightweight power solution built specifically for hunters, filmmakers, and backcountry adventurers. Whether you're passionate about hunting, content creation, business, or faith, this episode is packed with lessons on perseverance, purpose, and trusting God's plan. Topics Covered: Filming hunts professionally Lessons from top western hunters Backcountry storytelling and cinematography Recovering from a major injury Entrepreneurship and product development The story behind Vessol Faith and purpose in difficult seasons What makes a hunting film memorable Check out Initial Ascent Packs: Initial Ascent Follow Luke: Luke Dusenbury Photography Follow Vessol: Vessol 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

    The Man Behind Hunting's Best Stories: Luke Dusenbury

  8. Jun 9

    Why They Started Filming Their Hunts and Never Stopped: Mtn2Mtn Media

    Got questions? Send us a text! On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with the crew behind Mtn2Mtn Media to talk about the passion, purpose, and chaos behind documenting life in the backcountry. From filming hunts with family and friends to building a growing llama packing operation, this episode dives deep into what it really means to pursue adventure while staying grounded in the things that matter most. We talk spring bear hunting, backcountry filmmaking, balancing hunting with family life, the importance of slowing down and enjoying the experience, and how storytelling can inspire the next generation of hunters. The guys also break down their unique llama setup for extended backpack hunts, the realities of filming DIY hunts, and why camaraderie in the mountains matters more than punching a tag. If you love authentic hunting stories, backcountry adventure, and conversations about purpose, grit, and preserving the hunting lifestyle, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Check out Mtn2Mtn Media: Instagram & YouTube: Mtn2Mtn Media This episode is presented by Initial Ascent Built for hunters who demand comfort under heavy loads, Initial Ascent pack systems are designed to help you go farther, stay longer, and carry heavy loads more comfortably. Shop Initial Ascent Packs & Gear: Initial Ascent Pack Systems Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with hunters, outdoorsmen, and people who are driven to 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

See All (61)

5
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent – where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth. This is a space where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life – success born from struggle, and the art of carrying heavy loads more comfortably, both physically and metaphorically, through faith and perseverance.

Information

  • Creator
    Initial Ascent
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mountain Dude Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Mountain Dude Podcast

You Might Also Like