Cliff Gray is an avid outdoorsman, pilot and certified wilderness first
responder. He has personally guided dozens of big game hunts, while his previous businesses
have operated more than a thousand wilderness expeditions.




CLIFF GRAY: Escaping the Rat Race and Thriving in the Backcountry

Welcome to the MTNTOUGH Podcast, where we explore the intersection of physical fitness and mental toughness through the lens of backcountry hunting, military, mountain sports, and the great outdoors.

Hosted by the founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab, Dustin Diefenderfer, this podcast takes a deep dive into the physical and mental preparation required for the unique challenges of high-altitude, extreme-terrain adventures.

Each episode features inspirational stories, advice, in-depth conversations with athletes, trainers, and experts in the fields of fitness, nutrition, and mental performance. From endurance training and strength conditioning to mental toughness and mindfulness, we explore cutting-edge science and real-world strategies that enable outdoor athletes to push their limits and achieve their goals.

Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to crush it in the backcountry, the MTNTOUGH Podcast is your go-to source for practical tips, expert insights, campfire tales, and inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph. Tune in each week to discover new ways to elevate your physical and mental fitness, and join us in the pursuit of excellence.

Health & Fitness

In November 2024, Akshay will set foot in Antarctica to begin a 1,700 mile journey where he will drag a 400-pound sled filled with all his supplies needed to survive in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet.

For 110 days, he will endure temperatures below -40 degrees, and hurricane force winds as he makes his way across the coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth.

Akshay Nanavati is a United States Marine veteran, speaker, entrepreneur, ultra runner and author. He served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. His book Fearvana: The Revolutionary Science of How to Turn Fear into Health, Wealth and Happiness received widespread acclaim, including endorsements from the Dalai Lama and Jack Canfield.

To learn more about Akshay, follow him on Instagram at @fearvana and check out fearvana.com

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What is MTNTOUGH? 
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.



Akshay Nanavati: Preparing To Ski Across Antarctica For 110 Days ALONE

Jim Shockey is an award-winning outdoor writer, wildlife photographer, filmmaker, naturalist, wilderness guide, TV host, and outfitter. He owns several exclusive outfitting territories in Canada's wildlands, including the renowned Pacific Rim Guide Territory on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and the Rogue River Outfitting in the Yukon Territory. His television productions have won 15 Golden Moose Awards. He is a retired Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Canadian Armed Forces and is a Member International of the Explorer's Club in New York City.

Jim recently lost his wife to cancer; as anyone would expect, he has had a hard time dealing with the loss, but his indomitable mindset carries him through and helps him embrace positivity. Tune in and learn how this hunting icon's mindset has forged him into iron. 

His latest book, Call Me Hunter, is available now!

To learn more about Jim, follow him on Instagram at @jimshockeyofficial and check out jimshockey.com.



Jim Shockey: How A Legend Is Coping With Loss With A Resilient Mindset

Today’s guest is Remi Warren. Remi is a hunter, guide, and conservationist who is passionate about sharing his knowledge and information with others. He’s worked as a hunting guide, outfitter, outdoor writer, photographer, videographer, and TV personality. 

At the age of 22, he opened Montana OutWest Outfitters in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana, specializing in elk and deer hunts on public land. Later he expanded his operation by booking hunts in New Zealand and Africa. He is also the host of the Live Wild Podcast.

When he’s not guiding or filming, Remi works as a field editor for Western Hunter Magazine, sharing hunting tips and tricks he's learned along the way.

To learn more about Remi, follow him on Instagram at @RemiWarren and check out remiwarren.com.



REMI WARREN's Unbreakable Mindset, Entrepreneurship, and Future Vision

Jocko Willink is a retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer, co-author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, Dichotomy of Leadership, host of the top-rated Jocko Podcast, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he serves as Chief Executive Officer, leadership instructor, speaker, and strategic advisor.

You can connect with Jocko on Instagram at @jockowillink.



CLIFF GRAY: Escaping the Rat Race and Thriving in the Backcountry

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