ASCEND by Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited
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Ascend is a multimedia platform that spotlights the millions of outdoorswomen across our country who go hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, biking, running, and perform important conservation work every day. Our web series and podcast feature guests who share their experiences with a focus on entertainment, education, and authenticity. Our viewers and listeners will get to know them and learn all about their passion for the outdoors. Whether you've been in outdoor communities all your life or are just getting started, Ascend is the place for you to follow your story! Brought to you by Ducks Unlimited.

  1. 3d ago

    She Turned Wild Game Into a Culinary Career...

    Why does some venison taste gamey, and what can hunters do to prevent it? Ascend host Adrian Jessen sits down with wild-game chef Cate Meade, a former Top 4 MasterChef finalist and Chopped: Castaways competitor, to talk about cooking, hunting, foraging, and building a deeper connection with the food on your plate. Cate explains why overcooking and under-seasoning are two of the biggest mistakes people make with venison. She also explains when a salted milk soak helps, why she prefers dry brining, how ingredients like mustard, garlic, and herbs complement wild game, and why the right finishing temperature matters. The conversation goes beyond venison. Cate discusses growing up in Chicago, discovering hunting with her father, competing on reality television, foraging for morels and wild plants, safely identifying mushrooms, and turning her connection with the outdoors into a culinary career.In this episode: • Why venison can develop a strong or “gamey” flavor• How milk, salt, and dry brining affect wild game• The danger of overcooking venison• Cate’s favorite venison dish• A simple wild-game recipe for reluctant cooks• Safe and responsible foraging• What reality cooking competitions are really like• Learning to judge doneness by touch• Respecting and using what you harvest Learn more about Cate and find her recipes:https://www.wildwoodschef.com/ Follow @wildwoodchef on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. (00:00) - Tempo: 120.0 The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

  2. Oct 20

    Accused of Cheating | Why Kristine Fischer was Afraid to Win | Ascend

    Learn how to earn credibility, navigate setbacks, and build a lasting career in the outdoor industry. Host Erin Crider speaks with Kristine Fischer, a professional bass angler who made history in 2026 by recording the largest single-day bag ever recorded by a female angler in Bassmaster history. Christine shares the years of hard work behind her success, from competing in national kayak fishing tournaments to building a career through content creation, brand partnerships, and mentorship. She opens up about facing accusations that challenged her integrity, learning to handle criticism, and why women may receive attention in the outdoor industry without always being taken seriously. Together, Erin and Christine explore how women can build sustainable careers, support one another, and create more opportunities for the next generation. In this episode, you'll learn: How Christine turned online criticism into an opportunity to demonstrate her fishing skills and teach others.Why getting noticed as a woman in the outdoor industry doesn't always translate into long-term career success.What it takes to build credibility through consistent work, patience, and genuine relationships.How to approach brand partnerships and why success often takes years rather than happening overnight.Why mentorship and collaboration matter for women entering the outdoor industry.How women can move beyond comparison and jealousy to celebrate one another's achievements.Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

    Accused of Cheating | Why Kristine Fischer was Afraid to Win | Ascend

  3. Oct 8

    Helping Women Go From “I Can’t” to “I Can” With Karen Butler

    A first shot can do more than hit a target. For Karen Butler, one weekend outdoors brought confidence, strength and direction at one of the lowest points in her life. That experience eventually led her to found Shoot Like a Girl and help introduce more than 50,000 guests to shooting sports. In this Ascend podcast episode, host Julia Stallings talks with Karen about helping women move from “I can’t” to “I can.” They discuss the fears that keep new shooters from starting, the mistake mentors often make when someone says she is scared, and how to create a safe first hunting or shooting experience. Karen also shares practical advice on hearing protection, range preparation, expectations in the field and why a mentor does not have to be an expert. Whether you want to try shooting for the first time or invite someone into the outdoors, this conversation offers a better way to begin. Learn more about Shoot Like a Girl: https://shootlikeagirl.com/Follow Shoot Like a Girl on Facebook and Instagram: @SLGINC2 Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

    Helping Women Go From “I Can’t” to “I Can” With Karen Butler

  4. Sep 22

    The Power of Perception: How Social Media Shapes the Narrative of Hunting

    In an era dominated by social media, a single photo can tell a thousand words—or ignite an online firestorm. How do the images hunters post online shape public perception, and what message are we actually sending to the non-hunting world? In this episode of the Ascend Podcast, host Adrian sits down with Dr. Britt Hosmer Longoria—traveler, PhD, storyteller, conservationist, and co-founder of the Longoria Hosmer Foundation. Following an experience where a photo of her went viral and triggered intense backlash, Britt pursued a PhD in strategic communication to dive deep into the semiotics—the signs and symbols—of trophy photos on Instagram.  Britt breaks down why traditional "grip and grin" photos often translate as possession and dominance to outsiders, how subtle shifts in body language and perspective can completely change the tone of an image, and how hunters can navigate difficult, emotional conversations on social media.  In this episode, you'll learn: Britt’s background growing up bird hunting in Maine and her work in African wildlife conservation What "semiotics" means and how signs/symbols in photos convey hidden messages Why traditional field photos translate differently to hunters vs. non-hunters Three simple adjustments to instantly change how your field photos are perceived The psychological impact of closed fists, direct eye contact, and showing firearms in photos How to respond emotionally—not just logically—when engaging with critics online Including "chapters" of the hunt (campfires, preparation, meals) to tell a complete story Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

    The Power of Perception: How Social Media Shapes the Narrative of Hunting

  5. Sep 8

    How to Recruit, Retain, and Empower Women in Conservation

    Women are entering outdoor sports at record rates, but they are also leaving—or "churning"—at higher rates than men. What does it actually take to help women feel competent, confident, and eager to stay in the outdoors? In this episode of the Ascend Podcast, host Erin Crider sits down with conservation legend Christine Thomas—founder of the groundbreaking Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program and Senior Vice President of Conservation on the board of Ducks Unlimited. Together, they unpack decades of research on the specific barriers women face when learning to hunt, fish, and navigate the outdoors. Christine shares how a single 1991 workshop blossomed into an international movement spanning 46 states and multiple Canadian provinces. She also dives into the psychology of confidence, why the "next step" after introductory courses is critical, and how Ducks Unlimited successfully doubled its pace of conservation to protect 1 million acres a year. In this episode, you'll learn: The origins of the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program and how it broke down barriersWhy women churn out of hunting and fishing at higher rates than men—and how to fix itThe critical difference in confidence between novice men and novice womenEssential foundational skills every new outdoorswoman needs before heading into the fieldHow community, camaraderie, and safe spaces keep women coming back year after yearHow Ducks Unlimited achieved its massive goal of conserving 1 million acres per yearChristine’s advice for the next generation of outdoorswomen and conservationistsFollow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

    How to Recruit, Retain, and Empower Women in Conservation

  6. Aug 25

    Hunting Invasives: The Women Protecting Florida’s Wild Places

    Florida is home to some of the most unique ecosystems in the country and some of its most destructive invasive species. In this episode of the Ascend Podcast, host Adrienne sits down with conservation professionals Elizabeth Guthrie and Kaylyn Glenn to unpack the growing threat of invasive species in Florida and what it really takes to protect an ecosystem. From invasive plants and prescribed fire to iguanas, tegus, and the infamous Burmese python, Elizabeth and Kaylyn explain how non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, threaten native wildlife, and change landscapes that have existed for generations. Kaylyn, a 10th-generation Floridian and professional Burmese python hunter, takes listeners inside the world of python hunting in the Everglades including how hunters find these incredibly well-camouflaged predators, why breeding season is critical, and what happens when you come face-to-face with an 18-foot python sitting on a nest of 80 eggs. But this conversation goes beyond pythons. Elizabeth and Kaylyn explain why hunting can be conservation, how prescribed fire helps maintain healthy ecosystems, why there is no single solution to invasive species, and what everyday people can do at home to support native wildlife. In this episode, you'll learn:  The difference between native, non-native, and invasive species Why Florida is particularly vulnerable to invasive species How invasive plants can destroy critical wildlife habitat Why prescribed fire is an important part of ecosystem management Why Burmese pythons are such a serious threat to Florida's native wildlife How professional python hunters find these highly camouflaged snakes Why python breeding season is one of the most important times to find them What an 18-foot python with approximately 80 eggs tells us about the scale of the problem How hunting invasive species can contribute to conservation Why healthy markets can encourage better stewardship What everyday people can do to support conservation through native landscapingFollow @duascend or visit Ducks Unlimited Ascend for more stories, outdoor education, and resources for women in the outdoors. Ascend by Ducks Unlimited is brought to you by: DRY POCKET — @drypocketofficial Dry Pocket  Use promo code ASCEND for 25% off your order. OKLAHOMA JOE'S — @OklahomaJoesSmokers Oklahoma Joe's  Use promo code DUCKS10 for 10% off your order. WESTERN SPIRITS / BIRD DOG WHISKEY Bird Dog Whiskey Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

    Hunting Invasives: The Women Protecting Florida’s Wild Places

  7. Aug 11

    Women, Adventure, and Invasive Hunts: Pythons, Iguanas, and Quail Camp Stories

    From Arizona quail hunting to chasing invasive species in Florida, this episode is packed with adventure, conservation, and laughs. Ducks Unlimited digital media producer Ruby flips the script and steps in front of the microphone to talk with Brandy Elrod, Ashley, and Blythe of Lady Outdoors Lifestyle. Together, they recap two unforgettable Ascend adventures: an Arizona quail hunt with Her Upland and a Florida conservation trip targeting invasive pythons, iguanas, and fish. The group shares stories about learning new hunting disciplines, empowering women through outdoor education, building friendships through organized hunts, and stepping outside comfort zones. You'll also hear behind-the-scenes moments from filming the adventures, surprising conservation lessons, and plenty of unexpected laughs along the way. In this episode, you'll learn: How Her Upland introduces women to upland bird huntingThe role scholarships play in opening outdoor opportunitiesWhy women's hunting communities continue to growHow invasive species impact Florida ecosystemsWhat goes into hunting pythons and iguanasThe importance of conservation-driven hunting experiencesWhy trying something new outdoors can be life-changingFollow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

    Women, Adventure, and Invasive Hunts: Pythons, Iguanas, and Quail Camp Stories

  8. Jul 26

    Living With Lyme Disease: What Every Hunter Needs to Know About Tick-Borne Illness

    Learn how to recognize tick-borne illness symptoms, reduce your risk in the field, and advocate for your health if something feels wrong. Host Adrian Jessen sits down with hunter and outdoorswoman Laura Adele to share her life-changing experience with Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the long-term impacts of tick-borne illness. What began as a turkey hunt in 2012 became a years-long medical journey involving misdiagnoses, hospitalizations, and ongoing treatment. Laura shares the symptoms she wishes she had recognized sooner, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the prevention practices she never skips today. This conversation is a powerful reminder that every hunter, angler, and outdoor enthusiast should take tick exposure seriously. In this episode, you’ll learn: Common symptoms of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnessesWhy many people never remember the tick bite itselfWhat to do if you find a tick attached to your bodyHow Lyme disease can be misdiagnosed for yearsTick prevention strategies for hunters and outdoor enthusiastsThe reality of living with chronic Lyme diseaseHow Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal concerns affect outdoor recreation Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off. Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly!  Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.

    Living With Lyme Disease: What Every Hunter Needs to Know About Tick-Borne Illness
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Ascend is a multimedia platform that spotlights the millions of outdoorswomen across our country who go hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, biking, running, and perform important conservation work every day. Our web series and podcast feature guests who share their experiences with a focus on entertainment, education, and authenticity. Our viewers and listeners will get to know them and learn all about their passion for the outdoors. Whether you've been in outdoor communities all your life or are just getting started, Ascend is the place for you to follow your story! Brought to you by Ducks Unlimited.

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