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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Dennis and Chris sit down for a real, candid conversation about balancing hunting, family, faith, and the demanding pace of everyday life. After two back-to-back episodes with Kyle Kamp of Valley 2 Peak Nutrition, the guys shift gears and recap their own hunting seasons — the highs, the lessons learned, and the encounters that shaped them this fall.

Dennis walks through a jam-packed few months that included an unforgettable elk rut experience, a Wyoming antelope tag on sprawling private ground, and a successful trip to Missouri chasing whitetails from the stand. Chris shares why this year looked a little different for him, how buying a home and running a business forced him to reprioritize, and what he learned about being intentional with the time he does have.

The heart of this episode centers on priorities — how to hunt hard without letting life at home fall apart, how to be present instead of simply being physically there, and why both men have learned (sometimes the hard way) that faith and family have to come before tags and timelines. They talk schedules, boundaries, burnout, and the simple habits that keep them grounded during the busiest seasons of the year.

As the podcast moves into winter, Dennis and Chris lay out their vision for helping listeners prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for next season. They also share updates on upcoming guests, including Dan Staton of ElkShape, and remind listeners about the ongoing giveaway for a Pyro Putty Kit for those who leave a five-star review.

If you're a hunter trying to juggle work, family, and the pursuit of the mountains — or just someone looking to live with more intention — this episode hits home.

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brian Call, founder of Gritty Films and one of the most respected voices in western hunting and backcountry preparation.

Brian breaks down what it really takes to stay consistent as a hunter year after year—from physical and mental preparation to decision-making in the mountains. We talk discipline, responsibility, leadership, faith, and why the work you put in long before the season matters more than any piece of gear.

This conversation goes deeper than tactics. It’s about becoming harder to break, learning through failure, and showing up prepared when it matters most—both in the backcountry and in life.

Watch Part 1 of This Conversation
▶️ Part 1 Episode with Brian Call
https://youtu.be/4Qq8AMqvdAc?si=6ZmYg3F127eHGI2C

Brian Call Films Mentioned in This Episode
🎬 Blood in the Snow
https://youtu.be/zFRRZkD-HBw?si=Z0LEzB5fQQuqMJKO

🎬 Mountain Goat Hunt (Latest Film)
https://youtu.be/ZzvQlPNok9Q?si=lYbm9zmG6ASZI6rg

Listen on Audio
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Presented by Initial Ascent

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down again with Brice Bishop and Jeff Helm of PEAX Equipment to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to design and build gear trusted by backcountry hunters.

From trekking poles to teepees, titanium stoves to headlamps, Brice and Jeff open up about the multi-year development cycles, product failures, engineering breakthroughs, and the vision that drives PEAX to create gear that isn’t just “me too”—but truly original.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• How PEAX pioneered the hybrid trekking pole design that blends carbon and aluminum
• Why testing in New Zealand confirmed they were onto something new
• The full story behind the PEAX teepee and the Cross Trek Stabilization system
• How early prototypes shredded in the wind—and why that mattered
• The years-long engineering challenge of creating a titanium stove with zero loose parts
• Why forming titanium required new dies, new partners, and a complete redesign
• The inspiration and engineering behind the Origami shelter
• The PEAX headlamp and what makes it the brightest, most intentional hunting light available
• How PEAX approaches innovation without becoming a “meta product” brand
• The role of designer Jason “Sunshine” and how he pushed PEAX to think differently
• The importance of releasing products only when they’re absolutely ready

If you're a gear junkie, hunter, designer, or someone who loves hearing the story behind the equipment you trust in the mountains, this episode delivers.

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/

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brian Call—better known as Gritty—to unpack the early days of hunting films, the rise of his platform, and how he helped shape the modern era of outdoor storytelling. Brian walks through his transition from self-filming hunts to building a podcast that drew tens of thousands of listeners and introduced a new wave of long-form hunting content.

We cover the film tour days, his first major break, learning social media from the ground up, and the hustle it took to produce daily episodes while still working a full-time job. Brian also breaks down what the hunting industry looked like before YouTube and podcasting became mainstream, and how authenticity, consistency, and storytelling built the foundation of the Gritty brand.

Plus — Giveaway Winner Announced!
Stay tuned in this episode as we reveal the winner of our latest Initial Ascent Giveaway!

Topics Covered:
• How Brian’s early hunting films gained traction
• Building the Gritty brand during the rise of social media
• Why long-form conversations changed the outdoor industry
• Filming hunts, learning content creation, and finding an audience
• The shift from DVDs to YouTube and podcasting
• Lessons from interviewing some of the biggest names in the hunting space
• What the future of hunting media looks like

Watch the full episode, hear the giveaway winner announcement, and join us each week as we climb higher together.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brice Bishop and Jeff Helm of PEAX Equipment to unpack one of the most compelling brand journeys in the hunting industry today — from a single pair of trekking poles to one of the fastest-growing backcountry gear companies.

This conversation goes far beyond gear. Brice and Jeff open up about faith, family, grief, risk, entrepreneurship, innovation, and what it takes to build something that lasts. Their story is one of resilience and conviction — bootstrapping a brand without outside capital, rebuilding after personal and professional loss, and choosing to grow with purpose rather than chase shortcuts.

You’ll hear:

• How a broken Walmart trekking pole on a hunt sparked the idea that became PEAX.
• The meeting that changed everything and forced Brice to think bigger than “just selling product.”
• The role faith played through hardship, including the loss of Brice’s wife.
• How God placed the right people in their path at the right time.
• Why their enemy isn’t competition — it’s the status quo.
• The power of humility, culture, and building teams of people better than you.
• The now-viral story behind their Dumb & Dumber holiday campaign and the Cybertruck giveaway.
• Why having fun as a brand is just as important as grinding for growth.
• The challenges of rapid expansion — including adding 86 SKUs in a single year — and staying focused on what matters.

From business lessons to personal transformation, this episode offers a rare look inside a company reshaping backcountry gear — and the men leading that charge.

If you’re a hunter, builder, entrepreneur, or anyone chasing a vision you can’t shake, this one will hit home.

Listen in and climb higher with us.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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In Part 2 of our deep-dive with Kyle Kamp, Founder of Valley 2 Peak Nutrition, we get into the gritty, practical, real-world fueling strategies hunters actually need in the backcountry.

Kyle breaks down how to build a full day of food on the mountain, why most hunters bonk under high-intensity output, how to time slow and fast digesting carbs, and why protein is often misunderstood in the field. He even shares the exact system he used on a 10-day Alaska sheep hunt — from DIY granola and high-protein muffins to electrolytes, gummy carb boosts, and “feedings” spaced throughout the day to maintain energy.

This episode also covers:
• Dehydrated vs freeze-dried meals — and why familiarity matters
• Why “calories per ounce” can mislead hunters
• How age, recovery, and digestion change what you should pack
• Fueling for high-output hunts vs low-movement glassing days
• How carbs, fats, and proteins actually convert to usable energy
• The biggest backcountry nutrition mistakes Kyle sees
• Kyle’s personal failure that became the spark behind Valley 2 Peak
• Rapid-fire questions to close out the show

Whether you’re packing in for 10 days or simply want to stop “hitting the wall” on day two, Kyle provides a clear, hunter-friendly roadmap for eating in the mountains without overcomplicating it.

DEHYDRATION GUIDE:

https://www.v2pnutrition.com/dehydration-guide CODE: IA2025

BAR RECIPE:

https://initialascent.com/blogs/recipes/audrey-bars

DIY Granola & Oats
Coconut Milk Powder (10g)
PB Powder (10g)
Protein Granola (3/4c, 80g)
Shredded Coconut (15g)
Quick Oats (1/3c, 25g)
Syntha-6 Whey (20g)
Walnuts (15g)

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, Dennis Stokes sits down with Kyle Kamp, founder of Valley to Peak Nutrition, to break down the fundamentals of nutrition for everyday life and for backcountry hunters who demand more from their bodies.

Kyle shares his powerful personal story—growing up with poor eating habits, reaching 270 pounds as a young man, and ultimately transforming his life through small, sustainable nutrition changes. That transformation sparked a career in dietetics, leading to the creation of Valley to Peak Nutrition, where Kyle now coaches hunters, athletes, and everyday people toward healthier, more intentional living.

Together, Dennis and Kyle dive deep into:

• The real roles of carbs, fats, and proteins—without diet culture confusion
• Why most hunters consistently “bonk” in the mountains
• How consistent fueling throughout the day changes everything (energy, performance, and digestion)
• Why restrictive diets fall apart under heavy mileage or elevation
• Breaking down hydration myths (including Dennis’ infamous pound-the-Nalgene moment)
• Practical, sustainable nutrition that actually works for busy hunters and family life
• How to eat in a way that supports strength, recovery, and year-round mountain readiness

This episode is packed with foundational nutrition insight, simplified for the real world and backed by Kyle’s years of experience helping hunters perform at their best—on the mountain and at home.

Part 2 will take the conversation even deeper into backcountry-specific nutrition, including exactly what to pack, when to eat it, and how to avoid the energy crashes that ruin hunts.

Where to Find Kyle:
Valley to Peak Nutrition Podcast
valleytopeaknutrition.com
@v2pnutrition

Thanks for listening to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent—where we help you carry heavy loads more comfortably and live with purpose, grit, and faith.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Tim Tucker — a young hunter, creative, and man of faith — to talk about perseverance, target panic, and finding redemption through archery and family.

From missed opportunities in the elk woods to finally sealing his first bow kill on an Idaho antelope with his dad by his side, Tim’s story is one of grit, grace, and growth. We dive into how he rebuilt his confidence, the mental side of archery, and how God uses even the smallest moments in hunting to teach bigger life lessons.

Whether you’ve faced target panic, struggled through setbacks, or just needed a reminder to keep showing up, this one’s for you.

The Mountain Dude Podcast is brought to you by Initial Ascent, where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth both in the mountains and in life.

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Joe Elliston, Co-Founder of Initial Ascent, for a deep dive into the man behind the brand. From his childhood adventures and early hunting roots to the lessons learned through leadership, loss, and faith—Joe opens up in a raw, heartfelt conversation that goes far beyond gear talk.

He shares stories of family, resilience, and how carrying heavy loads—both in the backcountry and in life—shaped who he is today.

If you’ve ever wondered what drives the people behind the packs, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening prayer & intro
03:00 – Joe’s upbringing and roots
26:00 – Early hunting stories & family influence
45:00 – Lessons in friendship, faith, and leadership
1:36:00 – What it means to surround yourself with great people
1:40:00 – Faith, loss, and the power of reflection
1:42:00 – Closing thoughts: “Keep your eyes on the summit.”

Listen, subscribe, and share to help spread the message of grit, growth, and faith in the outdoors.

 Brought to you by Initial Ascent

 “Carry Heavy Loads More Comfortably.”

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#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
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In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Brad Brooks, CEO and Founder of Argali Outdoors, to talk about building one of the most trusted backcountry hunting brands in the West. Brad shares the story behind Argali’s mission to create lightweight, durable gear for serious hunters, his roots in the mountains of Idaho, and the lessons learned balancing business, conservation, and the pursuit of wild places.

From entrepreneurship and gear design to public land advocacy and hunting ethics, this is a deep dive into what it takes to make a difference in the outdoor industry. Whether you’re a die-hard backcountry hunter or just love hearing stories of grit, passion, and purpose—this episode will hit home.

🎧 Listen now to hear:
• How Argali started and what drives its product design
• The mindset behind balancing business with passion for the outdoors
• Brad’s thoughts on hunting culture, gear innovation, and public lands
• What’s next for Argali and the backcountry hunting community

Subscribe and join the journey. New episodes dropping weekly.
#MountainDudePodcast #FaithGritGear #BackcountryLife #ChristianOutdoorsmen #HuntingPodcast
https://initialascent.com/

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