The Mountain Dude Podcast

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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, we sit down with Cody Rich, founder of Bridger Watch Company, to talk entrepreneurship, elk hunting, building a company from the ground up, and the journey behind creating a smartwatch designed specifically for hunters.

Cody shares the full backstory behind Bridger Watch, from the original idea while turkey hunting in the Idaho backcountry to taking on a market dominated by Garmin and building a watch with mapping, battery life, and hunting-specific functionality at the center of the design. We also dive into entrepreneurship, balancing family and hunting, building businesses around freedom and time, and the mindset it takes to chase big ideas.

This episode is packed with insight for hunters, entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone trying to build a life around what matters most.

Topics Covered:
• Building Bridger Watch from scratch
• Why hunters needed a better smartwatch
• Entrepreneurship and building freedom through business
• Hunting more while working less
• Elk hunting obsession and backcountry lifestyle
• Designing products for real hunters
• Startup struggles, leadership, and problem-solving
• Battery life, mapping, and hunting tech
• Why Cody believes in solving real-world problems

Check out Bridger Watch:
Bridger Watch Company

Check out Initial Ascent Packs:
Initial Ascent

The Mountain Dude Podcast is where backcountry hunting meets entrepreneurship, mindset, faith, and the lessons learned in the mountains.

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

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Brady Miller from GOHUNT breaks down what it really takes to become a consistently successful western hunter—and it’s not what most people think.

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with GOHUNT’s Brady Miller to talk mule deer obsession, backcountry suffering, and the mindset required to keep showing up when success doesn’t come easy.

From growing up in the Midwest chasing whitetails to building a career in the hunting industry out West, Brady shares the lessons that shaped him—including the story of losing a 200-inch mule deer that changed everything.

We dive into:

Why mule deer hunting demands more than just effort
How failure early on builds elite hunters
The difference between hunting for success vs. hunting for experience
Why biology—not luck—is the key to finding mature animals
The mental side of backcountry hunting and pushing past comfort

If you’re serious about becoming a better hunter—or just want to understand what drives the guys who consistently get it done—this episode delivers.

Gear up for your next hunt:
Explore backcountry hunting packs and gear at Initial Ascent
Built for serious hunters who demand performance in the mountains.

Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast on:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Follow along:
Instagram: @initialascent
Website: https://initialascent.com

About the Mountain Dude Podcast:
Real conversations with hunters, creators, and industry leaders about what it takes to grow—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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What does it take to spend 24 years chasing one opportunity and be ready when it finally comes?

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Jeff Mikus—a backcountry hunter and SEC college football official—to break down the mindset required to perform at the highest level.

From grinding through decades of officiating to stepping onto the field in front of 100,000 fans, Jeff shares how the same principles apply in the mountains, in life, and in the moments that matter most.

In this episode:

The 24-year journey to reaching the SEC
Why success is built through “equity,” not shortcuts
The mental switch that flips in high-pressure moments
How hunting and elite performance are more connected than you think
Battling self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and failure
Why the hunting community needs to stay united

Whether you’re chasing elk in the backcountry or chasing big goals in life, this episode will challenge how you think about preparation, discipline, and showing up when it counts.

GEAR UP FOR YOUR NEXT HUNT

If you’re preparing for your next backcountry hunt and need a pack system built for heavy loads and real-world performance, check out:

https://initialascent.com

LISTEN AND FOLLOW

Apple Podcasts
Spotify

ABOUT THE PODCAST

The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent—where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life. Every episode is built to help you grow mentally, physically, and spiritually.

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

Want to watch the episode on YouTube:

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Backcountry hunters know the struggle… piecing together a cook system that actually works when it matters most.

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Chris Neville, co-founder of Roughridge Stove Co., to break down how years of frustration in the backcountry turned into one of the most innovative cook systems built specifically for hunters.

Chris dives into the real problems with traditional stoves—poor performance in wind, unreliable igniters, inefficient fuel usage—and how he and his brother spent over 3 years building a system from the ground up to solve them. This isn’t a rebranded product… it’s a purpose-built solution designed for the harsh realities of western hunting.

We also get into the entrepreneurial side of the journey—bootstrapping a company, navigating manufacturing challenges, and what it actually takes to bring an idea to life while balancing family, hunting, and real life.

If you’ve ever struggled with your gear in the backcountry, this episode will hit home.

What You’ll Learn:

Why most cook systems fail in real hunting conditions
How wind and altitude impact stove performance
The biggest mistakes hunters make with backcountry gear
What it really takes to build a product from scratch
The mindset required to stick with something for 3+ years

Check Out Rough Ridge Stoves:
https://roughridgestoves.com

Follow along on Instagram for product updates and behind-the-scenes development.

Gear Up for Your Next Hunt:
If you're looking for a backcountry pack system built to perform when it matters most, check out Initial Ascent:
https://initialascent.com

About the Podcast:
The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent.
We bring you real conversations with hunters, entrepreneurs, and people who live for the mountains—diving into the mindset, grit, and lessons learned along the way.

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

Want to watch the episode on YouTube:

Click here.

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Spring turkey season is here, and if you’ve ever struggled to call in a gobbler, you’re not alone.

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Dirk Durham of Phelps Game Calls to break down real-world turkey hunting tactics that actually work. From beginner fundamentals to advanced strategies, Dirk shares hard-earned lessons from decades of chasing turkeys across the country.

We dive into the biggest mistakes hunters make, why turkeys don’t always respond the way you expect, and how to adjust your approach when birds hang up, go silent, or flat-out ignore your calls.

This episode covers:

How to call in a turkey (and why it’s harder than you think)
Box calls vs pot calls vs diaphragm calls
How to use locator calls to find birds
Decoy setups that actually bring gobblers in
Best times of day to hunt turkeys
Patience and positioning tactics that make the difference

Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or looking to sharpen your skills this spring, this episode will help you become more effective in the field.

🏹 Gear Mentioned in This Episode

Check out Dirk’s calls at Phelps Game Calls:
https://phelpsgamecalls.com

Explore Initial Ascent gear built for spring hunts and everyday carry:

Scout Pack (lightweight, frameless day pack):
https://initialascent.com/products/the-scout

Sawtooth Duffel Bags (built for travel, hunts, and everyday use):
https://initialascent.com

🎙 About the Podcast

The Mountain Dude Podcast is presented by Initial Ascent.

This is where backcountry hunting meets real conversations about grit, growth, and the lessons learned along the way.

🔔 Don’t Forget

Subscribe for more episodes
Download the podcast
Share it with a hunting partner

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

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Spring bear season is HERE—and this episode is a full breakdown of how to actually find and kill bears in the backcountry.

We dive deep into early season tactics, including how to locate bears without a snowline, what food sources matter most, and how to adjust your strategy based on the time of year. From glassing techniques to understanding bear behavior, this one is packed with real-world experience you can apply immediately.

If you're heading into the mountains this spring, this episode will help you cut the learning curve and increase your odds.

We also answer listener questions on:

Where bears are early season (and why)
How long to stay in a drainage before moving
Morning vs evening hunting strategies
What actually matters when locating bears in big country
Backcountry tips that will put you in the right position

This is a boots-on-the-ground, no-BS conversation from guys who spend serious time chasing bears.

Gear We Trust in the Backcountry

Built for hunts like this:
👉 https://initialascent.com

Follow Along

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/initialascent

Website: https://initialascent.com

About the Podcast

The Mountain Dude Podcast is where backcountry hunting meets real life. We talk tactics, mindset, and the lessons learned in the mountains—all with the goal of helping you climb higher in every area of life.

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode:

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Share it with a buddy getting ready for bear season


If you're planning a spring bear hunt in Idaho or across the West, having the right system matters just as much as your strategy. Early season conditions demand versatility—long glassing sessions, steep terrain, and heavy pack-outs all require gear that can perform when it counts. That’s where Initial Ascent pack systems come in. Built for serious backcountry hunters, these packs are designed to handle everything from lightweight scouting missions to hauling heavy loads of meat out of rugged country. Whether you're spot-and-stalk hunting bears, navigating changing spring weather, or covering miles in search of fresh green-up, having a dependable pack system can make or break your hunt.

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 presented by Initial Ascent, we welcome back Richard Bettencourt from SteepKuntry Outdoors for a deep dive into spring bear hunting in Idaho.

This conversation goes far beyond just hunting. We break down the realities of predator hunting, the misconceptions around bear baiting, and why it remains one of the most effective tools for conservation and managing elk and deer populations.

Richard shares years of hard-earned experience—from dialing in bait sites and understanding bear behavior to the mental and physical demands of consistently showing up in the mountains. We get into the details that separate successful hunters from the rest: thermals, scent control, trail cameras, and how small adjustments can completely change your results.

If you’ve ever thought bear hunting was simple, this episode will change your perspective.

What We Cover
Why hunting predators feels different
The truth about bear baiting and “cheating”
How to consistently find and pattern bears
Predator management and its role in conservation
Lessons that translate directly to elk hunting
The mindset behind becoming a better hunter
Follow SteepKuntry Outdoors

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SteepKuntryOutdoors

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steepkuntry_outdoors

Presented By Initial Ascent

Built for those who demand more in the backcountry.
Explore pack systems and gear: https://initialascent.com

Support the Podcast

If you enjoy the show:

Subscribe to the channel
Leave a review
Share this episode with someone who hunts

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 Garrett Aida, founder of Dark Energy, to dive deep into the mindset, struggle, and relentless pursuit behind building one of the toughest power systems in the outdoor industry.

Garrett shares how a need for reliable, bombproof power in the backcountry led him to create Dark Energy from the ground up—starting with nothing but frustration, grit, and a mission to solve a real problem. From early failures and near quitting, to building products trusted by hunters, military, and serious outdoorsmen, this conversation is packed with lessons that go far beyond gear.

We get into the crossover between hunting and entrepreneurship, how the mountain builds mental toughness, and why learning (not suffering) is the real key to success.

If you’re a hunter, business owner, or someone chasing something bigger—this one hits.

In this episode:

The origin story behind Dark Energy

Why most power systems fail in the backcountry

Lessons from years of failure and persistence

Hunting as a tool for personal growth

The mindset required to win in business and life

New product innovations from Dark Energy

Key Takeaways:

“There’s no win or lose—you either win or learn to win later.”

Mastering the mountain translates directly to mastering business

Stress is often self-created—and controllable

Success comes from stacking thousands of lessons, not shortcuts

Check Out Dark Energy:
https://darkenergy.com

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

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On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Samong Yang of Samong Outdoors to talk about his journey from a kid filming backyard chickens on an iPod Touch to becoming one of the most respected public land hunting creators on YouTube.

Samong shares the powerful story of his family immigrating to the United States after the Secret War in Laos and how hunting has always been part of his family’s survival and culture. From growing up hunting in Washington to navigating the early days of social media content creation, Samong opens up about the challenges, doubts, and faith that shaped his path. 

samong

We dive into the realities behind building a hunting channel, the struggles of trying to turn passion into a career, and why honesty and integrity matter when sharing hunts online. Samong also talks about taking the leap to pursue YouTube full time, the mentors and companies that helped him along the way, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can change everything.

This conversation goes far beyond hunting. It’s about faith, perseverance, community, and staying true to who you are while chasing something bigger.

If you’re a hunter, content creator, entrepreneur, or someone trying to pursue a dream, this episode will hit home.

Topics in this Episode

• Growing up in a Hmong hunting family
• Filming the first videos on an iPod Touch
• Building a hunting YouTube channel from scratch
• The fear of quitting vs pushing forward
• Faith and purpose in the hunting industry
• Being honest about mistakes and bad shots
• Why community matters in the outdoor space
• The future of Samong Outdoors

Follow Samong Yang

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@SamongOutdoors

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/y_outside

Podcast
Samong Outdoors Podcast

Partners of the Mountain Dude Podcast

Initial Ascent
https://initialascent.com

Dark Energy
https://darkenergy.com

Listen to the Mountain Dude Podcast

Apple Podcasts
Spotify

Mountain Dude Podcast
Where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life.

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/

Want to watch the episode on YouTube:

Click here.

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Facebook

Got questions? Send us a text!

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Zach Adams, owner and founder of On Glass Adapter, to talk about the journey from elite military service to launching an innovative hunting brand.

Zach shares his path from growing up in Colorado to becoming an Air Force Combat Controller, the mental grit required to make it through selection and pipeline training, and how those same principles carried over into entrepreneurship.

We dive into:

• The reality of Air Force Special Operations and the Combat Control pipeline
• Lessons learned from deployment and high-level training
• His transition from active duty into engineering school at Boise State
• The origin story behind On Glass Adapter
• The challenges of prototyping, product iteration, and building a brand from scratch
• Why listening to customer feedback matters
• What’s next for On Glass in 2026

If you’re into backcountry hunting, entrepreneurship, product design, or just want to hear a powerful story of grit and persistence — this episode is for you.

Zach’s story is a reminder that success isn’t complicated… it’s consistency, discipline, and refusing to quit.

About On Glass Adapter

On Glass Adapter is an innovative optics mounting system designed to simplify filming and glassing in the field. Built for hunters who demand efficiency, durability, and clean design, On Glass eliminates the need for bulky phone cases while keeping your setup streamlined and field-ready.

Learn more here:
👉 https://onglassadapter.com

Follow On Glass on Instagram:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/onglass_adapter

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
03:00 – Air Force Combat Control & selection
17:00 – Deployments & life lessons from the military
24:00 – Getting into backcountry archery hunting
32:00 – The origin of On Glass Adapter
40:00 – Prototyping, feedback, and business growth
55:45 – Advice for young entrepreneurs
57:00 – Rapid fire

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to:

• Subscribe to the channel
• Leave a 5-star review
• Share this episode with a friend
• Download the episode to support the show

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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