MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer

Dustin Diefenderfer Founder and CEO of MTNTOUGH Fitness

Welcome to The MTNTOUGH Podcast, hosted by Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of MTNTOUGH, the #1 fitness app for the dedicated. In this podcast, we explore holistic physical, mental, and spiritual toughness through backcountry hunting, military, and mountain sports. Each episode offers practical tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories for hunters, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Enhance your training with MTNTOUGH's functional fitness programs—train at home, gym, or on the go. Get your first month free with code MTNPOD at mtntough.com.

  1. Dean Karnazes: Ultra Marathon Man on Longevity, Greece & Never Quitting | MTNPOD #168

    3D AGO

    Dean Karnazes: Ultra Marathon Man on Longevity, Greece & Never Quitting | MTNPOD #168

    Ultra-marathon legend Dean Karnazes joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to share his incredible journey from quitting his corporate job on his 30th birthday to run 30 miles, to completing 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, and now living in the Greek Blue Zone of Ikaria. Dean opens up about mental toughness, embracing discomfort, the power of community and present-moment living, Greek longevity secrets, and how to stay capable and dangerous into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. Raw wisdom on purpose, risk, and pushing human limits from one of the greatest endurance athletes alive. 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: Dean Karnazes – The Ultra Marathon Man00:02:30 - Growing Up Greek & Blue Zone Longevity Secrets00:08:37 - Quitting Corporate America on His 30th Birthday00:13:57 - 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Days00:23:19 - The Power of Storytelling & Inspiring Millions00:30:28 - Longevity, Training & Staying Capable at 6400:35:54 - Greek Culture, Community & Present Moment Living00:41:06 - Athens Marathon & Running the Original Course00:47:03 - Hardest Race & Mental Toughness Philosophy00:53:15 - Final Advice: Live Dangerously & Stay in the Moment

    55 min
  2. Fred Eichler: Closest to Death in Africa & Why He Still Hunts Recurve | MTNPOD #167

    MAY 11

    Fred Eichler: Closest to Death in Africa & Why He Still Hunts Recurve | MTNPOD #167

    Legendary traditional bowhunter Fred Eichler joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to share jaw-dropping stories from a lifetime in the wild — including being charged by grizzlies and brown bears, a terrifying political situation in Zimbabwe, and the moment he thought he wouldn’t make it home. He talks about growing up with a Green Beret dad, going all-in on recurve bows, the mental game of true bowhunting, passing the torch to his sons, and why challenge and risk are what make hunting (and life) meaningful. Raw, authentic, and full of hard-earned wisdom from one of the most respected voices in the hunting world. 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: Fred Eichler – Traditional Bowhunting Legend00:02:50 - Childhood with a Green Beret Dad & Early Hunting Lessons00:05:56 - Why He Chose the Recurve Bow & The Hard Way00:07:14 - Facing Fear & Pushing Through Risk in Hunting00:08:47 - Closest Calls: Bear Charges & Zimbabwe Political Crisis00:11:40 - Guiding Stories & The Mental Game of Clients Quitting00:16:33 - 35+ Years Guiding & Staying Passionate00:30:22 - Technology in Hunting: Where to Draw the Line00:35:23 - Biggest Threats to Hunting’s Future00:57:23 - Final Thoughts: Embrace the Adventure & Stay Dangerous

    58 min
  3. Josh Bridges: Navy SEAL to CrossFit Beast – Life After Competition | MTNPOD #166

    MAY 4

    Josh Bridges: Navy SEAL to CrossFit Beast – Life After Competition | MTNPOD #166

    Former Navy SEAL and CrossFit Games legend Josh Bridges joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to share his incredible journey from wrestling phenom to BUD/S, elite operator, and top CrossFit athlete. He opens up about fatherhood with a newborn and teenagers, navigating identity after leaving the Teams and pro competition, the power of not quitting, and how he’s adapted his training for long-term strength and capability. Raw stories on grit, brotherhood, purpose, and staying dangerous through every season of life. A must-watch for anyone chasing mental toughness and real-world readiness. 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: Josh Bridges Navy SEAL & CrossFit Legend00:02:30 - Childhood, Wrestling Coach & Building Grit00:07:45 - From Business Cubicle to BUD/S00:13:00 - Becoming a SEAL & CrossFit Discovery00:20:45 - Leaving the Teams for Family00:26:30 - Identity Crisis After Competition00:33:00 - Fatherhood, New Baby & Training with Kids00:40:45 - Teaching Sons Grit & Not Quitting00:48:30 - Adapting Training for Life After 4000:55:00 - Final Advice: Stay Capable & Dangerous

    57 min
  4. Fitness Lab Discussion: 4-Week Murph Prep Program Breakdown

    APR 28

    Fitness Lab Discussion: 4-Week Murph Prep Program Breakdown

    MTNTOUGH Coaches Nick Bechtold and Zac Salvat break down the brand new 4-week Murph Prep program coming to the app! They explain the origins of the Murph workout (honoring Navy SEAL Michael Murphy), how the program builds volume safely with smart accessory work to prevent injury, and why it's designed for all levels with beginner, intermediate, and elite tiers. Learn how to use Mini Murph Mondays, targeted push/pull/core days, aerobic capacity sessions, and modifications so you can attack Memorial Day Murph with confidence. Perfect for mountain hunters, first responders, and anyone chasing real mental toughness and functional fitness. Get ready to grind, honor the fallen, and stay dangerous. V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T 🐐 MTNTOUGH Hunting & Feature Films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eFTVUIBWJ3_x4n-R2mBwzYw 🧪 MTNTOUGH LAB Visits (We Take All Our Podcast Guests Out Of Their Comfort Zone): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eFCubYhEQntQexFEmT7BMkl 🥵 MTNTOUGH Challenge Workouts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eG2Q69GAR9st2U-4oK0Whlq 💪 Free MTNTOUGH Workouts & Protocols: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eGBSuC3fHqjP8mf50CDENA1 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/LXkPE 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/ ________________________________________________________ What is MTNTOUGH Fitness? 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: New MTNTOUGH Murph Prep Program00:00:45 - Origins of the Murph Workout & Michael Murphy00:01:45 - Why We Built This 4-Week Prep00:02:45 - Program Structure & Weekly Breakdown00:04:15 - Mini Murph Mondays & Volume Ramp00:05:45 - Push/Pull/Core Days & Accessories00:07:00 - Modifications & Scaling for All Levels00:08:30 - Mindset: Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day00:10:00 - Final Tips & Community Challenge00:11:00 - Closing: Get After It & Stay Dangerous

    12 min
  5. Matt Chandler: No Suffering Is Wasted | MTNPOD #165

    APR 27

    Matt Chandler: No Suffering Is Wasted | MTNPOD #165

    Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church and author of the new book Becoming Like Jesus, joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to share his powerful story of faith, suffering, and transformation. Diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumor in 2009, Matt opens up about the "coil" of life—seasons of epic highs and brutal lows—and how God uses every part of it to form us into the image of Christ. He unpacks the dangers of performance-based identity, why dependence on Jesus is the starting point, the sneaky power of pride, honest confession/repentance, and how spiritual warfare shows up in every season. A raw, hope-filled conversation on mental toughness, spiritual resilience, fatherhood, marriage, and living a holy life in a fallen world. Essential listening for men navigating struggle, distraction, and the daily pursuit of Christ. 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: Matt Chandler & Becoming Like Jesus00:07:00 - Brain Tumor Diagnosis & The Coil of Life00:14:00 - Performance Mindset Trap for Men00:21:00 - Dependence on God vs Self-Reliance00:28:00 - Pride, Confession & Spiritual Warfare00:35:00 - The Beatitudes & Daily Holiness00:42:00 - MTN OPS Promo00:49:00 - Marriage, Fatherhood & Seasons of Suffering00:56:00 - Present Moment Faith & The Furnace00:59:00 - Closing Golden Nugget & Final Thoughts

    1 hr
  6. Clay Newcomb: Hunting Heritage, Grizzly Bears & Raising Real Hunters | MTNPOD #164

    APR 20

    Clay Newcomb: Hunting Heritage, Grizzly Bears & Raising Real Hunters | MTNPOD #164

    Clay Newcomb, host of Bear Grease and a leading voice at MeatEater, joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a deep conversation on hunting heritage, fatherhood in the outdoors, and preserving wild places. From his roots in rural Arkansas to decades of storytelling through Into High Country and Bear Grease, Clay explores how wild experiences build patience, self-reliance, and problem-solving in the next generation. He addresses the grizzly bear debate, genetic connectivity, political interference vs. science-based management, and why hunters remain the true conservationists funding wildlife recovery. Clay also discusses technology's impact on hunting culture, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the responsibility to pass down a love for the land. A must-listen for mountain hunters, dads, and anyone fighting to protect the American hunting heritage and wild places for future generations. 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: Clay Newcomb & Bear Grease00:07:00 - Early Life, Arkansas Roots & Outdoor Passion00:14:00 - Fatherhood: Raising Boys in the Wild00:21:00 - Patience, Problem-Solving & Self-Reliance Outdoors00:28:00 - Small Adventures vs Grand Hunts with Kids00:35:00 - Grizzly Bear Recovery & Political Challenges00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Promo00:49:00 - Hunters as Conservationists & Heritage Protection00:56:00 - Technology, Social Media & Future of Hunting01:03:00 - Closing: Legacy, Storytelling & Wild Places

    1h 6m
  7. Jason Matzinger: Raising Hunters, Wild Places & Grizzly Bear Truth | MTNPOD #163

    APR 13

    Jason Matzinger: Raising Hunters, Wild Places & Grizzly Bear Truth | MTNPOD #163

    Jason Matzinger, creator of Into High Country, returns to the MTNTOUGH Podcast to discuss fatherhood in the outdoors, how wild places build self-reliant, problem-solving men, and why hunters are essential to protecting wildlife. From early film days to season 17, Jason shares lessons on patience, conservation, and raising boys who understand the circle of life. He dives deep into the grizzly bear debate, genetic connectivity, political interference, and why hunters—not activists—are the true frontline conservationists. A raw, hopeful conversation on technology’s impact, present-moment living, and leaving wild places better for the next generation of mountain hunters and backcountry athletes. 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 Matzinger & Into High Country00:07:00 - Early Hunting Films & Decades in the Industry00:14:00 - Raising Boys Through Wild Places00:21:00 - Patience, Problem-Solving & Self-Reliance Outdoors00:28:00 - Small Adventures vs Grand Hunts with Kids00:35:00 - Grizzly Bear Recovery & Political Interference00:42:00 - MTN OPS Promo00:49:00 - Hunters as Conservationists00:56:00 - Technology, Algorithms & Future of Hunting01:03:00 - Closing: Legacy & Protecting Wild Places

    1h 9m
4.9
out of 5
262 Ratings

About

Welcome to The MTNTOUGH Podcast, hosted by Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of MTNTOUGH, the #1 fitness app for the dedicated. In this podcast, we explore holistic physical, mental, and spiritual toughness through backcountry hunting, military, and mountain sports. Each episode offers practical tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories for hunters, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Enhance your training with MTNTOUGH's functional fitness programs—train at home, gym, or on the go. Get your first month free with code MTNPOD at mtntough.com.

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