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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.

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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 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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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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This episode pulls back the curtain on Dennis Stokes, co-founder of Initial Ascent, in a way you’ve never heard before. It’s not about how the company started (you can find that story elsewhere). This is about Dennis, himself, his upbringing, battles with pride, lessons learned through failure, and the relentless mindset that shaped him.

From dirt roads in rural Florida to Division I football fields and faith-fueled business ventures in Idaho, Dennis shares how a drive to never be outworked, paired with a growing walk with God, has guided every step of his journey.

If you're chasing purpose, fighting uphill battles, or trying to lead with faith in a chaotic world… this one’s for you.

In this episode, Dennis talks about:

Growing up ranching, hunting, and learning the value of hard work

Walking on to a Division I football team and earning his spot

Building two successful businesses through discipline and grit

Learning hard lessons about pride, humility, and leadership

How faith and reflection brought him closer to God and his purpose

The mindset that drives him to outwork, outlast, and out-believe

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, Chris Young sits down to recap his 2025 early season — chasing antelope across Idaho’s high desert, learning through missed shots, and staying grounded through it all.

From spot-and-stalk bowhunting challenges to lessons in faith, family, and perseverance, Chris dives deep into what hunting really teaches you when things don’t go as planned. This one’s packed with real, raw insight every hunter can relate to — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the hard-earned growth that keeps us coming back.

🎧 What You’ll Hear:

Chris Young’s Idaho antelope hunts and close calls

Overcoming missed shots and frustration in the field

How patience and persistence shape better hunters

Reflections on faith, family, and personal growth

Getting ready for archery elk season

Presented by Initial Ascent — makers of the most comfortable and reliable hunting packs on the mountain. Built to carry heavy loads more comfortably, because every ounce and every step matters.

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

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In this powerful episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Chris Young to hear the full story behind his new elk hunting film Late Season Legacy, filmed by Clint Easley of Revol Entertainment and premiering on the Vortex Nation YouTube Channel.

What started as a dream tag for a once-in-a-lifetime Idaho elk hunt turned into something far deeper — a story of faith, family, and purpose.
From glassing over 200 bulls and naming giants like “Swoop,” “Wide Load,” and “King Arthur,” to a divine encounter with a stranger named Allen that changed his life, Chris shares how God used this hunt to reveal that some tags are drawn for reasons bigger than antlers.

🎥 Watch the full film: Late Season Legacy on Vortex Nation YouTube

🎧 Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
🟤 Presented by Initial Ascent
— built to carry heavy loads more comfortably.

Chapters / Key Moments:
00:00 – Mountain Dude Podcast Intro
03:00 – Drawing the Idaho Elk Tag
10:00 – Scouting Over 200 Bulls
15:00 – Meeting Filmmaker Clint Easley (Revol Entertainment)
25:00 – The Encounter with Allen
31:00 – Faith in the Field
41:00 – The Legend of “King Arthur”
50:00 – Late Season Legacy: The Film Story
59:00 – Final Reflections & God’s Plan

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 Richard Bettencourt and his dad Dick Bettencourt of Steep Kuntry Outdoors — a father-and-son elk hunting duo who represent what hunting is really about: grit, family, and perseverance.

From their first archery bull to building Steep Kuntry into a respected western hunting brand, the Bettencourts share the highs, lows, and lessons learned chasing elk deep in Idaho’s backcountry. They talk about mindset, physical training, and what it takes to stay driven when the mountain humbles you.

You’ll also hear the hilarious backstory behind Dick’s nickname, “Angry Dick,” and how he turned his passion for craftsmanship into a business with Angry Dick Leather, building premium, handmade holsters right here in Idaho.

If you love authentic hunting stories, real conversation, and gear built for the grind — this one’s for you.

🔗 Connect with Steep Kuntry Outdoors

YouTube: Steep Kuntry Outdoors

Instagram: @steepkuntryoutdoors

Website: steepkuntryoutdoors.com

🔗 Connect with Angry Dick Leather

Website: angrydickleather.com

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 Jim Naccarato, founder of Iron Mountain Skull Hangers. From backcountry elk hunts to building some of the most trusted European mount hangers in the industry, Jim shares his story of grit, determination, and craftsmanship.

We dive into unforgettable elk hunting encounters, lessons from years of chasing bugles in rugged country, and the work ethic that turned welding skills into a thriving business for hunters everywhere. Jim also breaks down his fitness and training approach, his thoughts on embracing the grind, and the mindset that keeps him pushing forward through challenges in the mountains and in life at over 60 years old.

If you’re passionate about elk hunting, archery, rifles, predator management, or just learning from a lifetime of backcountry experience, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Check out Iron Mountain Skull Hangers: https://initialascent.com/pages/skull-hangers
🔗 Shop Initial Ascent Packs: https://initialascent.com/

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

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In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, filmmaker, hunter, and founder of Revol Entertainment, to uncover what really goes into crafting powerful hunting films in the backcountry. From wedding shoots to wild terrain, Clint shares the highs, lows, and behind-the-scenes chaos of filming in unforgiving environments.

Whether you're chasing bulls with a bow or chasing stories through a lens, this episode is packed with real talk, laughs, and lessons from the field.

What You’ll Learn:
Clint’s journey from weddings to wild game films with Revol Entertainment

Tips for aspiring outdoor filmmakers and content creators

Honest gear talk: what works, what fails, and why

Storytelling insights: structure, emotion, and raw authenticity

The toll of filming in extreme backcountry conditions

Why a “Revol film” hits different

Subscribe for more raw, real conversations that go beyond the gear and into the soul of the hunt.

Brought to you by Initial Ascent – trusted gear for serious backcountry hunters.
Visit: www.initialascent.com to shop gear and support the podcast.

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

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Last week's episode's audio was the story part, btw. We apologize.

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Rodger Holscher—law enforcement officer, lifelong hunter, and one of the most dialed riflemen you'll ever meet. From growing up on a California cattle ranch to navigating high-stakes situations as a game warden and cop, Rodger shares raw, hilarious, and hard-earned wisdom from both the field and the force.

We talk:

Backcountry ballistics and long-range accuracy

How to read wind, build stable shooting positions, and prep like a pro

His journey from archery purist to rifle guru

Snake encounters, bear hunts, and why trigger time matters

Life lessons from law enforcement and faith-filled grit

Whether you're a hunter looking to improve your shooting or just here for the stories, this one’s packed with gold—and a few rattlesnakes.

New episodes every Tuesday

Powered by Initial Ascent

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

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