The Man Behind Hunting's Best Stories: Luke Dusenbury Artwork

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.

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The Mountain Dude Podcast

The Man Behind Hunting's Best Stories: Luke Dusenbury

June 16, 2026 • Initial Ascent • Season 2 • Episode 1

0:00 | 1:03:56

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If you've watched hunting films featuring Brady Miller, Brian Call, Nate Simmons, John Gabrio, or projects produced alongside some of the biggest names in western hunting, there's a good chance you've already seen Luke Dusenbury's work.

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast presented by Initial Ascent, Chris Young and Dennis Stokes sit down with one of the most respected storytellers behind the camera in the hunting industry.

Luke shares how a devastating college baseball injury led him to photography, what he's learned after spending nearly 100 days a year in the field, and the unique perspective he's gained by filming some of the best hunters in the country. The conversation dives into storytelling, backcountry hunting, faith, purpose, entrepreneurship, and the moments that have shaped Luke's career.

The episode also explores another major setback that nearly ended his hunting season, how that experience changed his perspective, and why it ultimately inspired the creation of Vessol—a new lightweight power solution built specifically for hunters, filmmakers, and backcountry adventurers.

Whether you're passionate about hunting, content creation, business, or faith, this episode is packed with lessons on perseverance, purpose, and trusting God's plan.

Topics Covered:
Filming hunts professionally
Lessons from top western hunters
Backcountry storytelling and cinematography
Recovering from a major injury
Entrepreneurship and product development
The story behind Vessol
Faith and purpose in difficult seasons
What makes a hunting film memorable

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Luke Dusenbury Photography

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Vessol

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