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Recorded live at the Western Hunt Expo in Salt Lake City, this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast features a powerful, in-person conversation with Brian Barney about what it truly takes to build consistency in the mountains — and in life.

Brian has archery hunted for 21 straight years and consistently punches tags on public land, easy-to-draw units. But this conversation goes deeper than hunting success.

We talk about:

Why mental toughness is built daily — not flipped on in September

Wrestling, grit, and carrying discipline into adulthood

Training seven days a week to become a true mountain athlete

VO2 max, strength work, mobility, and recovery

Why nutrition and sleep are performance multipliers

Handling business and family responsibilities so you can hunt with peace of mind

Finding your “why” so quitting is never an option

Brian breaks down what it means to “shrink mountains” — preparing your body and mind so thoroughly that 5,000–7,000 vertical feet and 15-mile days become repeatable.

More importantly, we discuss the bigger picture:

How you do one thing is how you do everything.
Communication at home.
Leadership in business.
Intentional time with your family.
Enjoying the grind — not just the grip and grin.

Because the truth is, consistent success in the mountains starts long before season opens.

This episode is powered by Dark Energy.
We ran the Poseidon XL to keep our cameras, audio gear, and production equipment charged throughout the expo and while traveling. If you’re hunting, scouting, or creating content off-grid, reliable power is non-negotiable.

👉 Check them out here: https://darkenergy.com

👉 Gear used: Poseidon XL



If you want to become more disciplined, more prepared, and more dangerous in the backcountry — this episode will light a fire.

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
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Rodger is officially the first repeat guest on the Mountain Dude Podcast — and there’s no one better to bring back.

In this episode, we dive deep into what it actually takes to become a better marksman in real hunting scenarios. Not just shooting groups at the range — but making ethical, confident shots when it matters most. Roger and I have spent more time on the mountain together than anyone else, and I’ve personally seen him make shots that most hunters simply can’t.

This episode is about discipline.
It’s about preparation.
It’s about filling tags in 2026.

If you want to become more lethal, more consistent, and more confident when the moment comes — this one’s for you.

We also get into:

– The difference between range shooting and hunting shooting
– Mental composure in high-pressure scenarios
– Why saying “yes” opens doors in life and hunting
– Faith, friendship, and why we start every episode with prayer
– Off-season discipline and how it translates to success

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast — where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life.

If this episode helps you, share it with a buddy you hunt with.

Subscribe for more conversations that help us all 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 pull back the curtain on the largest product launch in Initial Ascent history.

If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes into designing premium hunting and backcountry gear, this episode is a full behind-the-scenes look. We break down years of development, real-world testing across the globe, and the feedback that shaped every detail of these new products.

You’ll get an exclusive first look at the Sawtooth Duffel Series (40L, 70L, and 100L), the all-new Scout Pack, major upgrades to the EDC, and several brand-new accessories designed to make life in the field safer, simpler, and more efficient.

This episode was recorded ahead of the Western Hunt Expo, making this the first public reveal of gear that thousands of hunters will soon be running in the field.

🔥 What We Cover in This Episode

• Why Initial Ascent redesigned the modern duffel from the ground up
• How six rounds of prototypes led to the Sawtooth Duffel
• The Scout Pack and why it may become IA’s most popular pack
• New EDC updates driven entirely by customer feedback
• Innovative accessories including ammo storage, shoulder pouches, and safety gear
• How Initial Ascent approaches product design, durability, and real-world use
• A special giveaway for podcast listeners

🏔️ Explore the Gear & Pre-Order

All of the products discussed in this episode are available during the presale window.

👉 Shop all new releases here:
https://initialascent.com

👉 Learn more about Initial Ascent pack systems:
https://initialascent.com/collections/packs

👉 Browse accessories and add-ons:
https://initialascent.com/collections/accessories

🎧 Don’t Forget the Giveaway

Leave a 5-star review with a comment on the podcast to be entered to win a Hunter Orange Cub, one of Initial Ascent’s most versatile and safety-focused accessories. The winner will be announced in early March.

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast — where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life.
Keep your eyes on the summit. We’ll see you in the next one.

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

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In this solo episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we get real about what it actually takes to fill tags consistently — and it has nothing to do with motivation.

With spring seasons right around the corner, this episode is a wake-up call for anyone who’s been telling themselves “I’ll start later.” We break down why preparation starts now, how discipline will always outlast motivation, and why the offseason is where successful hunters are truly made.

This episode blends mental discipline, physical training, shooting preparation, nutrition, faith, and community — all centered around one goal: becoming a more consistent, confident hunter in 2026 and beyond.

We talk about:
• Why waiting until summer puts you behind before the season even starts
• How discipline beats motivation every single time
• Simple daily habits that actually move the needle
• Offseason training for legs, lungs, core, and mental toughness
• Why community and accountability matter more than willpower
• How faith, family, and purpose shape the way we prepare
• Learning to fall in love with the grind so the season feels earned

If you’ve ever felt burned out, plateaued after early success, or struggled to stay consistent year after year — this episode is for you.

The work starts now.

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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This is Part 2 of our conversation with Dan Staton, and this episode is where things get tactical, practical, and deeply personal.

If you haven’t listened to Part 1, go start there. This episode builds directly on Dan’s origin story and takes it forward into how YOU get better—right now.

In this conversation, Dan breaks down exactly what hunters should be doing in the offseason to fill more tags in 2026. From draw strategies and tag planning, to daily discipline, fitness, faith, and mindset—this episode is a masterclass in preparation.

We dive deep into:
• How to build a realistic multi-state elk tag strategy
• Why most hunters blame pressure instead of fixing preparation
• The one-hour-a-day rule that changes everything
• Dan’s real daily routine (training, faith, family, work)
• How mental toughness is built long before September
• Why elk hunting is just the proving ground for life

This episode also marks a major turning point.

Dan openly shares why his focus is shifting beyond elk hunting—and introduces Legacy Built, a new movement centered on building stronger men, fathers, husbands, and leaders through short, intense training, accountability, faith, and community.

This isn’t about chasing animals anymore.
It’s about chasing purpose.
It’s about legacy.

If you’re a hunter who wants to perform better in the mountains—or a man who wants to show up better at home—this episode will challenge you in the best way possible.

👉 This is Part 2 of a 2-part series
🎧 Listen to Part 1 before this episode for full context
📩 Share this with a friend who needs a push this offseason
👍 Like, subscribe, and leave a comment to support the show

This is the Mountain Dude Podcast—where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life.

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

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In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we sit down with Dan Staton, the man behind ElkShape, to unpack the raw, unfiltered story that shaped one of the most respected voices in elk hunting today.

Before ElkShape was a brand, before the films, before the training programs, Dan was just a kid growing up in Washington—hunting with his dad, learning lessons the hard way, and slowly becoming obsessed with elk, the mountains, and the discipline it takes to succeed in both. This episode dives deep into the moments that forged Dan’s mindset: his first elk, years of failure with a bow, brutal learning curves on public land, and the relentless work ethic that eventually changed everything.

This isn’t a “tips and tactics” episode—this is the foundation.
The why behind ElkShape.
The struggles before the success.
The mindset that separates guys who quit from guys who keep punching tags year after year.

Dan also opens up about faith, fatherhood, mental toughness, and how elk hunting became the proving ground for everything he believes about life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, discouraged, or like you’re grinding with nothing to show for it—this episode will hit home.

And while this conversation focuses on the past, pay attention—there are subtle hints about what’s next for Dan and the evolution of what he’s building beyond ElkShape.

👉 This is Part 1 of a 2-part series.
Part 2 goes even deeper into strategy, mindset, and how to apply these lessons to kill more elk—and live better—heading into the 2026 season.

🎧 Subscribe to the Mountain Dude Podcast
👍 Like the episode
💬 Drop a comment
📤 Share this with a hunting buddy who needs to hear it

Part 2 coming soon.

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, 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.

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, 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

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 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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