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. Jim Shockey: Truth About Hunting and His Final Thoughts | MTNPOD #170

    2d ago

    Jim Shockey: Truth About Hunting and His Final Thoughts | MTNPOD #170

    Hunting legend Jim Shockey opens up on the MTNTOUGH Podcast about recent devastating losses — friends and family battling cancer — and how it’s sharpened his view on life, gratitude, and living with zero regrets. He reflects on his dad’s influence, the spiritual connection of wilderness solitude, why hunters crave the real over the artificial, and why North American hunting will endure despite technology and cultural shifts. Raw, honest conversation on mental toughness, generational legacy, and making every single day count in the outdoors. 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.

    1h 2m
  2. 6d ago

    Fitness Lab Discussion: Fully Guided Nutrition with Kyle Kamp

    Interested in really nailing down your nutrition? Check out Fully Guided Nutrition. Registration is open now: https://mtntough.com/products/fully-guided-nutrition-3-month-group-coaching-program MTNTOUGH Director of Product Nate Hill sits down with registered dietitian Kyle Kamp to break down the brand new Fully Guided Nutrition program launching in June. Kyle shares his powerful story of losing 130+ pounds through practical nutrition, then reveals how the 12-week small-group program (capped at 30 people) delivers weekly live coaching on the 12 most confusing nutrition topics for backcountry hunters. Learn how to fuel training, optimize performance on multi-day hunts, build sustainable habits, and integrate nutrition with MTNTOUGH programming for real results — no more guesswork, confusion, or crash diets. 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 Fully Guided Nutrition Program00:02:34 - Kyle Camp’s Story: Losing 130+ lbs00:08:05 - Why Hunters Struggle with Nutrition00:11:12 - What is Fully Guided Nutrition?00:13:03 - The 12 Fundamentals Hunters Need00:20:16 - How It Integrates with MTNTOUGH Training00:28:20 - Practical Changes That Actually Work00:33:51 - Mindset, Consistency & Long-Term Results00:38:26 - One Simple Change to Start Seeing Results00:42:35 - How to Join (Limited to 30 Spots)

    43 min
  3. Mark Huelsing: The Mindset That Separates Elite Hunters From Everyone Else | MTNPOD #169

    May 25

    Mark Huelsing: The Mindset That Separates Elite Hunters From Everyone Else | MTNPOD #169

    Mark Huelsing (Brand Manager at Exo Mtn Gear and host of Hunt Backcountry Podcast) joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a raw conversation on intentional business, US-made gear, long-term mindset over short-term growth, and why mental toughness separates good hunters from great ones. They dive into the Experience Challenge, death hikes, avoiding rage-content culture, persistence on multi-day hunts, and how to train your mind like your body. Packed with practical wisdom for backcountry hunters who want to level up physically, mentally, and ethically. 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: Mark Huelsing & Exo Mtn Gear00:03:55 - Starting the Hunt Backcountry Podcast00:07:19 - Exo’s Mission: Long-Term Over Short-Term Growth00:13:40 - Why They Stay US-Made & Control Production00:19:57 - The Danger of “More is Better” Culture00:26:30 - Designing Better Buckles & Real Product Focus00:33:51 - Experience Challenge & Practical Hunter Growth00:39:39 - Mindset: Why It Trumps Physical Toughness00:47:57 - Death Hikes & Training for Real Backcountry01:00:32 - Final Advice: Stay Intentional & Persistent

    1h 2m
  4. Dean Karnazes: Ultra Marathon Man on Longevity, Greece & Never Quitting | MTNPOD #168

    May 18

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
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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