The Mountain Dude Podcast

Initial Ascent
  • 5.0 (43)
  • 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. How to Actually Find Big Mule Deer: Brady Miller

    1D AGO

    How to Actually Find Big Mule Deer: Brady Miller

    Got questions? Send us a text! Brady Miller from GOHUNT breaks down what it really takes to become a consistently successful western hunter—and it’s not what most people think. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with GOHUNT’s Brady Miller to talk mule deer obsession, backcountry suffering, and the mindset required to keep showing up when success doesn’t come easy. From growing up in the Midwest chasing whitetails to building a career in the hunting industry out West, Brady shares the lessons that shaped him—including the story of losing a 200-inch mule deer that changed everything. We dive into: Why mule deer hunting demands more than just effort How failure early on builds elite hunters The difference between hunting for success vs. hunting for experience Why biology—not luck—is the key to finding mature animals The mental side of backcountry hunting and pushing past comfort If you’re serious about becoming a better hunter—or just want to understand what drives the guys who consistently get it done—this episode delivers. Gear up for your next hunt: Explore backcountry hunting packs and gear at Initial Ascent Built for serious hunters who demand performance in the mountains. Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Follow along: Instagram: @initialascent Website: https://initialascent.com About the Mountain Dude Podcast: Real conversations with hunters, creators, and industry leaders about what it takes to grow—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

    54 min
  2. 24 Years of Work for One Phone Call: SEC Official Jeff Mikus

    APR 28

    24 Years of Work for One Phone Call: SEC Official Jeff Mikus

    Got questions? Send us a text! What does it take to spend 24 years chasing one opportunity and be ready when it finally comes? In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Mikus—a backcountry hunter and SEC college football official—to break down the mindset required to perform at the highest level. From grinding through decades of officiating to stepping onto the field in front of 100,000 fans, Jeff shares how the same principles apply in the mountains, in life, and in the moments that matter most. In this episode: The 24-year journey to reaching the SEC Why success is built through “equity,” not shortcuts The mental switch that flips in high-pressure moments How hunting and elite performance are more connected than you think Battling self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and failure Why the hunting community needs to stay united Whether you’re chasing elk in the backcountry or chasing big goals in life, this episode will challenge how you think about preparation, discipline, and showing up when it counts. GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT HUNT If you’re preparing for your next backcountry hunt and need a pack system built for heavy loads and real-world performance, check out: https://initialascent.com LISTEN AND FOLLOW Apple Podcasts Spotify ABOUT THE PODCAST The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent—where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life. Every episode is built to help you grow mentally, physically, and spiritually. 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

    48 min
  3. Why Your Backcountry Cook System SUCKS (And How to Fix It): Chris Neville of Roughridge Stove Co.

    APR 21

    Why Your Backcountry Cook System SUCKS (And How to Fix It): Chris Neville of Roughridge Stove Co.

    Got questions? Send us a text! Backcountry hunters know the struggle… piecing together a cook system that actually works when it matters most. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Chris Neville, co-founder of Roughridge Stove Co., to break down how years of frustration in the backcountry turned into one of the most innovative cook systems built specifically for hunters. Chris dives into the real problems with traditional stoves—poor performance in wind, unreliable igniters, inefficient fuel usage—and how he and his brother spent over 3 years building a system from the ground up to solve them. This isn’t a rebranded product… it’s a purpose-built solution designed for the harsh realities of western hunting. We also get into the entrepreneurial side of the journey—bootstrapping a company, navigating manufacturing challenges, and what it actually takes to bring an idea to life while balancing family, hunting, and real life. If you’ve ever struggled with your gear in the backcountry, this episode will hit home. What You’ll Learn: Why most cook systems fail in real hunting conditions How wind and altitude impact stove performance The biggest mistakes hunters make with backcountry gear What it really takes to build a product from scratch The mindset required to stick with something for 3+ years Check Out Rough Ridge Stoves: https://roughridgestoves.com Follow along on Instagram for product updates and behind-the-scenes development. Gear Up for Your Next Hunt: If you're looking for a backcountry pack system built to perform when it matters most, check out Initial Ascent: https://initialascent.com About the Podcast: The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent. We bring you real conversations with hunters, entrepreneurs, and people who live for the mountains—diving into the mindset, grit, and lessons learned along the way. 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

    37 min
  4. Turkey Hunting Tips That Actually Work | Calls, Setups & Strategy w/ Dirk Durham (Phelps Game Calls)

    APR 14

    Turkey Hunting Tips That Actually Work | Calls, Setups & Strategy w/ Dirk Durham (Phelps Game Calls)

    Got questions? Send us a text! Spring turkey season is here, and if you’ve ever struggled to call in a gobbler, you’re not alone. In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls to break down real-world turkey hunting tactics that actually work. From beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies, Dirk shares hard-earned lessons from decades of chasing turkeys across the country. We dive into the biggest mistakes hunters make, why turkeys don’t always respond the way you expect, and how to adjust your approach when birds hang up, go silent, or flat-out ignore your calls. This episode covers: How to call in a turkey (and why it’s harder than you think) Box calls vs pot calls vs diaphragm calls How to use locator calls to find birds Decoy setups that actually bring gobblers in Best times of day to hunt turkeys Patience and positioning tactics that make the difference Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or looking to sharpen your skills this spring, this episode will help you become more effective in the field. 🏹 Gear Mentioned in This Episode Check out Dirk’s calls at Phelps Game Calls: https://phelpsgamecalls.com Explore Initial Ascent gear built for spring hunts and everyday carry: Scout Pack (lightweight, frameless day pack): https://initialascent.com/products/the-scout Sawtooth Duffel Bags (built for travel, hunts, and everyday use): https://initialascent.com 🎙 About the Podcast The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent. This is where backcountry hunting meets real conversations about grit, growth, and the lessons learned along the way. 🔔 Don’t Forget Subscribe for more episodes Download the podcast Share it with a hunting partner 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

    1h 3m
  5. Spring Bear Tactics: Chris Young and Joe Elliston

    APR 7

    Spring Bear Tactics: Chris Young and Joe Elliston

    Got questions? Send us a text! Spring bear season is HERE—and this episode is a full breakdown of how to actually find and kill bears in the backcountry. We dive deep into early season tactics, including how to locate bears without a snowline, what food sources matter most, and how to adjust your strategy based on the time of year. From glassing techniques to understanding bear behavior, this one is packed with real-world experience you can apply immediately. If you're heading into the mountains this spring, this episode will help you cut the learning curve and increase your odds. We also answer listener questions on: Where bears are early season (and why) How long to stay in a drainage before moving Morning vs evening hunting strategies What actually matters when locating bears in big country Backcountry tips that will put you in the right position This is a boots-on-the-ground, no-BS conversation from guys who spend serious time chasing bears. Gear We Trust in the Backcountry Built for hunts like this: 👉 https://initialascent.com Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/initialascent Website: https://initialascent.com About the Podcast The Mountain Dude Podcast is where backcountry hunting meets real life. We talk tactics, mindset, and the lessons learned in the mountains—all with the goal of helping you climb higher in every area of life. Support the Show If you enjoyed this episode: Hit Subscribe Download the episode Share it with a buddy getting ready for bear season If you're planning a spring bear hunt in Idaho or across the West, having the right system matters just as much as your strategy. Early season conditions demand versatility—long glassing sessions, steep terrain, and heavy pack-outs all require gear that can perform when it counts. That’s where Initial Ascent pack systems come in. Built for serious backcountry hunters, these packs are designed to handle everything from lightweight scouting missions to hauling heavy loads of meat out of rugged country. Whether you're spot-and-stalk hunting bears, navigating changing spring weather, or covering miles in search of fresh green-up, having a dependable pack system can make or break your hunt. 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

    1h 10m
  6. How to Consistently Kill Spring Bears (Real Tactics That Work) with SteepKuntry Outdoors

    MAR 31

    How to Consistently Kill Spring Bears (Real Tactics That Work) with SteepKuntry Outdoors

    Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, we welcome back Richard Bettencourt from SteepKuntry Outdoors for a deep dive into spring bear hunting in Idaho. This conversation goes far beyond just hunting. We break down the realities of predator hunting, the misconceptions around bear baiting, and why it remains one of the most effective tools for conservation and managing elk and deer populations. Richard shares years of hard-earned experience—from dialing in bait sites and understanding bear behavior to the mental and physical demands of consistently showing up in the mountains. We get into the details that separate successful hunters from the rest: thermals, scent control, trail cameras, and how small adjustments can completely change your results. If you’ve ever thought bear hunting was simple, this episode will change your perspective. What We Cover Why hunting predators feels different The truth about bear baiting and “cheating” How to consistently find and pattern bears Predator management and its role in conservation Lessons that translate directly to elk hunting The mindset behind becoming a better hunter Follow SteepKuntry Outdoors YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteepKuntryOutdoors Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepkuntry_outdoors Presented By Initial Ascent Built for those who demand more in the backcountry. Explore pack systems and gear: https://initialascent.com Support the Podcast If you enjoy the show: Subscribe to the channel Leave a review Share this episode with someone who hunts 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

    1h 9m
  7. “You Don’t Lose—You Learn” | The Mindset That Changed Everything for Dark Energy

    MAR 24

    “You Don’t Lose—You Learn” | The Mindset That Changed Everything for Dark Energy

    Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Garrett Aida, founder of Dark Energy, to dive deep into the mindset, struggle, and relentless pursuit behind building one of the toughest power systems in the outdoor industry. Garrett shares how a need for reliable, bombproof power in the backcountry led him to create Dark Energy from the ground up—starting with nothing but frustration, grit, and a mission to solve a real problem. From early failures and near quitting, to building products trusted by hunters, military, and serious outdoorsmen, this conversation is packed with lessons that go far beyond gear. We get into the crossover between hunting and entrepreneurship, how the mountain builds mental toughness, and why learning (not suffering) is the real key to success. If you’re a hunter, business owner, or someone chasing something bigger—this one hits. In this episode: The origin story behind Dark Energy Why most power systems fail in the backcountry Lessons from years of failure and persistence Hunting as a tool for personal growth The mindset required to win in business and life New product innovations from Dark Energy Key Takeaways: “There’s no win or lose—you either win or learn to win later.” Mastering the mountain translates directly to mastering business Stress is often self-created—and controllable Success comes from stacking thousands of lessons, not shortcuts Check Out Dark Energy: https://darkenergy.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

    58 min
  8. The Real Story Behind Building a Hunting Channel | Samong Yang

    MAR 17

    The Real Story Behind Building a Hunting Channel | Samong Yang

    Got questions? Send us a text! On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Samong Yang of Samong Outdoors to talk about his journey from a kid filming backyard chickens on an iPod Touch to becoming one of the most respected public land hunting creators on YouTube. Samong shares the powerful story of his family immigrating to the United States after the Secret War in Laos and how hunting has always been part of his family’s survival and culture. From growing up hunting in Washington to navigating the early days of social media content creation, Samong opens up about the challenges, doubts, and faith that shaped his path.  samong We dive into the realities behind building a hunting channel, the struggles of trying to turn passion into a career, and why honesty and integrity matter when sharing hunts online. Samong also talks about taking the leap to pursue YouTube full time, the mentors and companies that helped him along the way, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can change everything. This conversation goes far beyond hunting. It’s about faith, perseverance, community, and staying true to who you are while chasing something bigger. If you’re a hunter, content creator, entrepreneur, or someone trying to pursue a dream, this episode will hit home. Topics in this Episode • Growing up in a Hmong hunting family • Filming the first videos on an iPod Touch • Building a hunting YouTube channel from scratch • The fear of quitting vs pushing forward • Faith and purpose in the hunting industry • Being honest about mistakes and bad shots • Why community matters in the outdoor space • The future of Samong Outdoors Follow Samong Yang YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@SamongOutdoors Instagram https://www.instagram.com/y_outside Podcast Samong Outdoors Podcast Partners of the Mountain Dude Podcast Initial Ascent https://initialascent.com Dark Energy https://darkenergy.com Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast Apple Podcasts Spotify Mountain Dude Podcast Where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life. 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

    45 min
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5
out of 5
43 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
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mountain Dude Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Mountain Dude Podcast

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