x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Mountain Dude Podcast

Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast, brought to you by Initial Ascent – where we share stories of grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of growth. This is a space where backcountry hunting meets the deeper lessons of life – success born from struggle, and the art of carrying heavy loads more comfortably, both physically and metaphorically, through faith and perseverance.

sports wilderness

All Episodes

78:31

The E-scouting Guru and the Secrets to Elk Hunting...

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/08/26

Got questions? Send us a text!On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay—the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunters how to create detailed hunt plans before they ever set foot in the mountains.We dive into Mark’s journey from pouring over topo maps to becoming one of

en-us

77:03

Elk Calling Tactics, Hunting Lessons, and Real-life...

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/08/19

Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode of The Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Cody McCarthy—elk caller, Slayer Calls pro, and man of faith—to hear his incredible journey from killing his first bull at 12 years old to becoming one of the most respected voices in the elk hunting world. Cody shares raw, emotional stories from his early hunts with family, lessons learned from football and overcoming major health challenges, and how faith has shaped every step of his life.We dive into elk

en-us

92:24

The Legend of The Bugler: Dirk Durham

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/08/12

Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we're joined by none other than Dirk Durham, aka The Bugler, a backcountry legend and one of the most respected elk callers in the game.From his stormy-night birth in rural Idaho to bowhunting elk for over three decades, Dirk walks us through the experiences that shaped him. You’ll hear the story of his first elk, the lessons he learned from his dad, and how a close encounter with a moose hunt led to some wild

en-us

60:40

Elk Every Year: Zach Bowhay’s Secrets to Long-Term...

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/08/04

Got questions? Send us a text!Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the mindset and strategies that have kept him punching tags across multiple states for decades.Whether you’re chasing your first bull or looking to sharpen

en-us

64:48

Burning Beds, Backcountry Demons & Bowhunting Elk...

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/07/29

Got questions? Send us a text!In this raw and hilarious episode, Nate Illingsworth joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to share his insane journey—from nearly burning down his house mid-romance to losing 80 pounds and tackling backcountry elk hunts head-on. Nate opens up about fitness, faith, mental resilience, and the power of doing hard things—all with a wild twist of humor and honesty.If you’re into elk hunting, CrossFit-style training, macro tracking, or just hearing gritty stories from the

en-us

75:39

Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs...

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode of Gear Talk, we go deep into clothing systems for backcountry hunting. From the hot debate of Merino wool vs synthetic base layers to how to layer effectively without overpacking, this is your ultimate breakdown of what to wear, when, and why.Whether you’re prepping for spring bear or late-season elk, this episode is packed with field-tested insight and hard-earned gear wisdom. Be warned, you may walk away adding a few items to your cart. Subscribe and

en-us

73:36

Gear Talk Pt 1: Basecamp vs Backpack Hunting |...

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/07/15

Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode, we dive deep into the backcountry, from the comfort of basecamp hunts to the grind of true backpack-style missions. We swap personal hunting stories, break down gear essentials like backcountry chairs, and talk about how to balance comfort and pack weight when you're miles deep.We also hit on one of the most underrated challenges: nutrition. What to bring, what to leave, and how to fuel your body without overloading your pack. Plus, we tackle the

en-us

64:35

The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/07/08

Got questions? Send us a text!In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, a former architect to the stars turned full-time filmmaker and mountain hunter. From designing homes for Hollywood elites to filming in the remote wilds of Alaska, Clint’s story is one of bold transitions, relentless creativity, and a calling to something deeper. This conversation is packed with humor, grit, and insight into how passion and purpose can intersect through faith and hard work. Subscribe and join the journey

en-us

61:42

Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED!

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/07/01

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with legendary hunting guide Dan Whitmus, a man who’s lived over 30 years in the wilderness guiding hunters through Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, and the American West. Dan shares jaw-dropping stories, including surviving a self-inflicted knife wound deep in the bush, 300+ pound solo packouts, close calls with grizzlies, and the spiritual journey of chasing sheep and wolves across some of the most remote country on Earth. What You'll...

en-us

69:23

They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/06/24

Got questions? Send us a text! Justin and Kate Small, two of the best predator hunters on the planet, share their expertise on wolf hunting tactics that can make you a more effective hunter. • Kate's background includes nursing in Tanzania where she spent four months providing healthcare in poverty-stricken areas, including two months living with the Maasai tribe • Justin grew up hunting out of necessity and credits his Boy Scout experience for teaching him essential outdoor skills • The cou...

en-us

66:28

GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/06/17

In this episode, our host Chris Young shares the full story of his 2025 Idaho spring bear hunt. From rivers crossed with pack rafts to glassing for days in high mountain wind, this conversation captures the highs, lows, and lessons of a truly special backcountry experience. Along the way, Chris reflects on the power of sticking it out until the last light—and how faith, friendship, and a relentless drive led to the harvest of a giant boar.What to expect:A detailed breakdown of Chris’ 2025 spring

en-us

76:56

200" BUCKS AND LIGHTNING STRIKES

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/06/10

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, filmmaker and backcountry hunter Martin Chagnovich shares the story behind his film Chasing 200, which documents his years-long pursuit of a 200-inch mule deer buck in the rugged Utah mountains. The conversation explores Martin’s roots in hunting, growing up in a hunting family, and turning his outdoor passion into a full-time career through storytelling and content creation. He discusses the discipline, sacrifice, and emotional weight behind the hunt,

en-us

12:45

Laying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude...

The Mountain Dude Podcast ·

2025/06/09

In this kickoff episode, host Chris Young along with the Initial Ascent owners Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes gather around the table to set the stage for something bigger than gear talk or hunting stories (though you’ll get plenty of both). This podcast is about diving deep into faith, failure, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of becoming better men, hunters, fathers, and leaders. From sharing the roots of the Mountain Dude brand to praying over the mission of the podcast, this episode s...

en-us

33 results

Similar Podcasts

Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast

Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Daily Fantasy Sports by Ship It Nation

Ship It Nation

Fantasy Football Today

CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL,...

Bring The Pain

Heat00veride

ESPN SportsCenter Update

ESPN