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.
Episodes
25 episodes
Behind the Man: The Life, Faith, and Grit of Joe Elliston
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 leade...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:43:38
Building Argali Outdoors: Brad Brooks on Hunting & Gear Innovation
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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1:10:49
Dirt Roads, Discipline, and the Drive to Be Better: Dennis Stokes
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, b...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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1:24:44
When the Shot Doesn’t Hit… What Hunting Teaches You - Chris Young
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 bow...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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1:11:43
When God Sends You an Elk Tag | Chris Young x Revol Entertainment
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 You...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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1:05:10
From Elk Hunts to Angry Dick Leather | The Bettencourt Family Behind Steep Kuntry Outdoors
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 perseveran...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:07:38
Thriving in the Mountains Past 60. | Jim Naccarato’s Story
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 o...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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1:04:21
Behind the Lens with Clint Easley (Filmmaking, Storytelling & Real Backcountry Grit)
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 hi...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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1:21:03
Become a Better Shooter: Rodger Holscher
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 me...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:17:34
Elk at 12 Yards, Bears in the Dark & No Spoon for 3 Days with Rodger Holscher
Rodger Holscher is back in the studio—and this time, it’s not just tactics and gear talk. This is full-on story mode.From nearly bonking out after three days without a spoon to punching his tag on a bull at 12 yards, Rodger walks us thr...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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1:13:27
Why Most Hunters Quit Early (And How to Push Through): Chris Young
Welcome back to the Mountain Dude Podcast by Initial Ascent. In this solo episode, host Chris Young dives deep into the one factor that separates successful hunters from those who come home empty-handed: mental toughness.From chasing bu...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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43:56
Training, Faith & 40+ Packouts a Year: "Hollywood" Dave Beronio
In this episode, we sit down with “Hollywood” Dave Beronio, elite athlete, guide, packout machine, and wedding officiant with over 1,500 ceremonies under his belt. From the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe to hauling 50 animals a year off Utah’s peaks,...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:04:28
The E-scouting Guru and the Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:18:32
Elk Calling Tactics, Hunting Lessons, and Real-life Challenges: Cody McCarthy
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 respecte...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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1:17:04
The Legend of The Bugler: Dirk Durham
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 bowhunti...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:32:25
Elk Every Year: Zach Bowhay’s Secrets to Long-Term Success in the West
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 draw...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:00:41
Burning Beds, Backcountry Demons & Bowhunting Elk with Nate Illingsworth
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:04:49
Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs Synthetic Debate
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:15:40
Gear Talk Pt 1: Basecamp vs Backpack Hunting | Backcountry Nutrition, Gear Tips
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 bal...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:13:33
The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley
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 tra...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:04:32
Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED!
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 surv...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:01:46
They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:09:28
GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:06:26
200" BUCKS AND LIGHTNING STRIKES
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 ru...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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1:16:55
Laying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast
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). Th...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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12:45
