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 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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https://initialascent.com/

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