Welcome to The MTNTOUGH Podcast, hosted by Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of MTNTOUGH, the #1 fitness app for the dedicated. In this podcast, we explore holistic physical, mental, and spiritual toughness through backcountry hunting, military, and mountain sports. Each episode offers practical tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories for hunters, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts. Enhance your training with MTNTOUGH's functional fitness programs—train at home, gym, or on the go. Get ...
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Dustin Diefenderfer Podcasts
Gear reviews and tips and tactics for backcountry hunters
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Byron Owen: From Force Recon to Pentagon Leadership - Evolving Mental Toughness | MTNPOD #125
1:23:00
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1:23:00Listen to this episode with Colonel Byron Owen, a Marine Corps veteran whose career spans Force Recon to Pentagon leadership. Discover how Byron’s mindset has evolved from the intense, survival-driven mental toughness of combat to the strategic, people-focused resilience required in today’s complex military landscape. He shares gripping stories fro…
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It's been a while since we've heard from Ryan and Tanya Avery on the Rokcast. They join Robby talking about the season upon us, the arrival of Robby's long awaited Rokstock/Tikka/6UM rifle, and more random thoughts.Since this episode recorded, Robby's put about 30 rounds through the new Rokstock topped with a Swarovski Z5 2-10X https://www.swarovsk…
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TT#59 Wesley Warner Stalking Big Mule Deer Bucks
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58:12Tipsy Tuesday #59 Today Wesley Warner shares his passion for stalking big mule deer bucks and the development of his product, the Gulo Stalker shoes. He discusses the importance of scouting, targeting mature deer, and the strategies involved in stalking. Wesley emphasizes the significance of wind and scent management, the role of hunting partners, …
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Steve Decker: Conserve Habitat, Empower Hunters | MTNPOD #124
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58:38Join us for an inspiring episode with Steve Decker of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF)! Since 1984, RMEF has been a powerhouse in habitat conservation and public land access, now leading as a major owner of Outdoor Class. Discover how RMEF has helped double North American elk populations to over 1.1 million, the critical role hunters play i…
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South Cox: Big Bucks Under 20 Yards
1:40:20
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1:40:20Today's guest is South Cox, the big-bucks-under-20-yards guy we all love to watch on Youtube Today's guest is South Cox, the big-bucks-under-20-yards guy we all love to watch on Youtube Today's guest is South Cox, the big-bucks-under-20-yards guy we all love to watch on Youtube Today's guest is South Cox, the big-bucks-under-20-yards guy we all lov…
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Pedro Ampuero: Stop Making Excuses and Start Exploring | MTNPOD #123
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1:06:07On this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, Dustin sits down with world-renowned bowhunter Pedro Ampuero for an in-depth conversation on mental toughness, global adventure hunting, and the mindset required to push through the extremes. From growing up in Spain to chasing some of the toughest mountain hunts on the planet, Pedro shares his personal phil…
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TT#58 Scouting Mature Bucks with Brad Carter
1:10:38
1:10:38
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1:10:38Tipsy Tuesday #58 Scouting Mature Bucks with Brad Carter owner of Altitude Outdoors in Afton Wyoming. The love of Wyoming's high country Mule deer inspired Brad to venture deep into the mountains, inspiring a whole collection of light weight products. Scouting mature bucks in the preseason has enabled Brad to harvest older age class bucks nearly ev…
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Jeremy Noble: What Army Rangers Do Every Day to Build Unbreakable Mental Toughness | MTNPOD #122
1:06:29
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1:06:29On this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, Dustin sits down with Jeremy Noble, a former U.S. Army Ranger Regiment psychologist, to explore the mental toughness forged in Special Operations. Jeremy shares his journey from traditional psychology to operational psychology and offers a deep dive into the mindset of elite warfighters. He unpacks what make…
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Get Better Montana Mule Deer Hunting
1:25:39
1:25:39
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1:25:39Robby hosts Sean Clancy & Art Hayes from Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity. These guys are common-sense Montana residents looking for ways to get better Montana mule deer hunting. And no, they don't hate non-residents!The Citizens for Sustainable Opportunity is a group of concerned hunters, landowners and outfitters looking at ways to change the…
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Philip Winchester: Mental Toughness, Discipline, and Hollywood Grit | MTNPOD #121
1:29:37
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1:29:37🚨GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🚨 WIN a pair of SIG SAUER Zulu 6 Stabilized Binos ($1099.99 MSRP)!!!To enter is very simple!1. Visit the podcast link on YOUTUBE here: [https://youtu.be/HN5LQ8F9kjc]2. LIKE the full podcast video3. SUBSCRIBE to the MTNTOUGH Podcast Channel4. COMMENT on the full podcast video, we will select a winner from the comment section of THAT…
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Tipsy Tuesday #57 is Bear defense with Justin Rasmussen of Razco. Justin discusses firearms vs spray and where each shines in deterring an attack, along with the best practice techniques and along with insight on keying into a bear's body language. We jump into Rokslide's Cold Bore Challenge with Justin Crossley. Travis Hobbs covers drought and fir…
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Senator Tim Sheehy: How His Mental Toughness Took Him From Navy SEAL to Senator | MTNPOD #120
40:02
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40:02Join Senator Tim Sheehy, former Navy SEAL, on the MTNTOUGH Podcast as he shares his journey from battlefield to Capitol Hill. Discover his raw insights on mental toughness, leadership, and tackling America’s challenges with grit and heart. Use code MTNPOD for 6 weeks free on the MTNTOUGH app! Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness La…
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Oregon Mule Deer: Sweeping Unit Boundary Changes
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59:49On today's episode of the Rokcast, Robby hosts Don Whittaker, Ungulate Coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Don is on the forefront of redesigning Oregon's Wildlife Management Units to align with the latest research on Oregon mule deer herds. These new "herd units" will replace the former unit boundaries and allow Oregon's wi…
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John Doolittle: Navy SEAL’s Secrets to Boost First Responder Mental Health | MTNPOD #119
1:07:37
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1:07:37Host Dustin Diefenderfer interviews former Navy SEAL John Doolittle, who shares his extensive experience in addressing mental health, sleep, and performance challenges faced by first responders, veterans, and active-duty military. Doolittle discusses his 25-year Navy career, including his work with SOCOM’s Preservation of the Force and Family progr…
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TT#56 Pushing Yourself to Do Hard Things with Dustin Diefenderfer
1:07:59
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1:07:59Tipsy Tuesday#56 Pushing Yourself to Do Hard Things with Dustin Diefenderfer. Dustin Diefenderfer creator of MTN TOUGH challenges us to Do Hard Things every day. Dustin goes into the science behind some of MTN TOUGH's workout programs, explains the four pillars of a balanced lifestyle and takes us though last year's epic Ibex hunt. Jordan Budd intr…
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Dr. Shawn Rowland: Unveiling America's Pharma Crisis - Jase Medical’s Mission to Empower Preparedness | MTNPOD #118
1:08:25
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1:08:25Dr. Shawn Rowland reveals America's pharma crisis and Jase Medical's mission to empower readiness! Check out our Episode with Andy Stumpf! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXp4Tqz0Klg&list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Menta…
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Old School Deer Hunting Tactics with Jaden Bales
1:20:04
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1:20:04Today's bonus episode is from the Hunt West Podcast by Jaden BalesJaden and Robby dive into old school deer hunting tactics that too many hunters might not think about.The West is primed for a big growth in mule deer populations, though mature buck numbers in a lot of places are pretty low right now - let alone big special ones. On the back of this…
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Blood in the Tracks: A Mule Deer Manifesto Review
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44:57Robby hosts this multi-topic episode. Front and center is his review on the 2013 book: "Blood in the Tracks: A Mule Deer Manifesto" by Jim Collyer. Robby shares some of the highlights of this great mule deer book on today's episodes. Jim Collyer spent 40 years hunting mule deer before he penned this book, and it shows. Jim has a deep experience hun…
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Micah Fink: From War to Wilderness - How This SEAL Heals Veterans Without Medication | MTNPOD #119
2:40:08
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2:40:08On this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, Dustin sits down with Micah Fink, former Navy SEAL, paramilitary contractor, and founder of the Montana-based nonprofit Heroes and Horses. Micah shares his journey from military service to launching a revolutionary program aimed to transform the lives of veterans. In this conversation, he dives into the fail…
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TT#55 Hunting New Zealand with Spartan Precision’s Rob Gearing
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45:49Tipsy Tuesday#55 Hunting New Zealand with Spartan Precision's Rob Gearing. Rob takes us along his latest New Zealand hunting adventure, going though some of the terrain challenges and equipment necessary to be successful. Rob also introduces Spartan Precision Equipment's newest and most affordable offering the Javelin Lite. Then Stephen Follett of …
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Neal McDonough: Faith, Family, and Perseverance in Hollywood | The Power of God’s Providence | MTNPOD #117
33:29
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33:29In this powerful episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, actor Neal McDonough shares his journey of faith, perseaverance, and redemption in Hollywood. From overcoming personal struggles to making films that glorify God, Neal opens up about how faith, family, and discipline have shaped his career and life. Discover how his commitment to honoring God throug…
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Bucks vs. Fawns with Randy Larsen “Wildlifeprof”
1:15:07
1:15:07
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1:15:07Randy Larsen, Professor of Wildlife Ecology at BYU is today's guest. A frequent contributor to the Rokcast, Randy brings a depth of knowledge to wildlife management, especially when it comes to mule deer.On today's episode, Robby and Randy dive into these topics Buck Survival: what percentage of bucks in the population do hunters really harvest? An…
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Sean DeGrey: From Failed Ventures to Archery Empire | MTNPOD #116
1:03:35
1:03:35
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1:03:35Sean DeGrey's gritty journey from failures to building an archery empire with family & passion! Loved this podcast? Check out this episode with Matt McPherson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB4hXEVhVZo&list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms&index=2 Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App…
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TT#54 Selecting the Right Arrow with Jace Johnson
1:10:34
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1:10:34Tipsy Tuesday #54 Selecting the right arrow with Jace Johnson. Jace's inside knowledge of arrow manufacturing highlights some of the nuances of carbon arrows. We chase down some rabbit holes and learn what is truly important when picking the right arrow. Then Caleb Sorrels from G5 Outdoors talks broadheads, bows, and Montana Rifle Company. Seek Out…
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Matt McPherson: Founder of Mathews Archery | MTNPOD #115
1:08:19
1:08:19
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1:08:19On this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, Dustin sits down with Matt McPherson, the visionary behind McPherson Guitars and Mathews Archery. From revolutionizing bowhunting to crafting world-class guitars with groundbreaking designs, Matt shares how his passion for engineering, music, and the outdoors has shaped his career. We’ll dive into the latest…
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Charting a Future for Montana Mule Deer
1:23:48
1:23:48
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1:23:48Brian Wakeling, Game Management Bureau Chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is today's guest, hosted by Robby. Montana is in the process of developing a new mule deer plan. This plan brings together biologists and the public to increase mule deer populations using the best science available. The plan will also address the real threat to mule de…
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Kyle Thompson: Host of Undaunted Life + Daily Blade Podcasts | MTNPOD #114
1:38:00
1:38:00
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1:38:00🎉 LAUNCH GIVEAWAY ALERT! Details below...To celebrate our new channel, we’re giving away a YETI 65 cooler, an MTNTOUGH merchandise package, and a free yearly MTNTOUGH+ membership!🚨 Welcome to the NEW MTNTOUGH Podcast YouTube Channel! 🚨 Join host Dustin Diefenderfer for hard-hitting conversations on physical fitness, mental toughness, and backcountr…
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Wild Strength with Whitney Tramel & Dan Gates
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58:04
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58:04Whitney Tramel is the host of the Wild Strength Podcast. As a hunter and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach, she blends the two worlds of fitness and hunting in a unique way. On today's Rokcast episode, we play her interview with Dan Gates of the Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management here https://savethehuntcolorado.com/ at the re…
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TT#53 Bowhunting With Tony Trietch & Jared Bloomgren
1:08:56
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1:08:56Tipsy Tuesday #53 features bowhunting authorities Tony Trietch and Jared Bloomgren. These bowhunting diehards give us insight into their bow setups, tuning processes, and tips and tricks they use for being so successful. Hear the stories how the 200+ inch Mule Deer and 400+ inch Elk hit the ground. Josh Jensen from SKRE Gear announces the Torrid ho…
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Jim Burgen: The Hard Truth About Leading Men | MTNPOD#113
1:13:09
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1:13:09On this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, Dustin sits down with Jim Burgen, Lead Pastor of Flatirons Community Church in Colorado. Jim shares insights from his leadership experience, the challenges of guiding a large church, and how he helps men reset through Moss Rock Ranch, a retreat space designed for leaders to recharge. Jim opens up about the i…
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Recovering Mule Deer with the Monteith Shop
1:15:16
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1:15:16Robby recently interviewed Rebekah Rafferty and Kevin Monteith at the Mule Deer Days in Rock Springs, Wyoming. They talk about what a recovering mule deer herd looks like in the Wyoming Range and beyond.Topics covered: Collaring fawns specifically in recent wildfire burns Determining mortality on adults bucks What reaching carrying capacity really …
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TJ Dillashaw: Embracing Fear as a Privilege | MTNPOD #112
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55:15In this episode of the MTNTOUGH podcast, Dustin sits down with TJ Dillashaw and talks about his transition from MMA fighting to entrepreneurship, highlighting his retirement in October 2022 due to severe shoulder injuries requiring a replacement. He shares his journey with stem cell treatments, particularly from Colombia, which helped manage his in…
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Tipsy Tuesday#52 Drew Miles of Tricer takes us though some of their newest products. Drew explains the design phase, testing process, and releasing the product. Tricer micro panning, window mount, weighted glassing and shooting tripods, the new bipod and so much more are covered in this episode. Jace Johnson explains Arrow-ID the Black Ovis custom …
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Levi Lusko: Fitness, Mindset, and Life Seasons | MTNPOD #111
1:04:33
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1:04:33Join Levi Lusko on the MTNTOUGH Podcast as he dives into fitness training, mental resilience, and navigating life’s shifting seasons. Levi shares insights from his book Blessed Are the Spiraling, exploring midlife crisis, purpose, and legacy-building for entrepreneurs, leaders, and faith-driven individuals. Follow Levi on Instagram at @levilusko Pr…
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Recorded live at the Muley Fanatics Foundation Mule Deer Days in Rock Springs, Wyoming, Robby hosts author Brian Stephens and Outdoor Channel personality Cody Robbins. They talk about Brian's new book, "Winning with the Wild Life". If you want to be not only a better hunter, but a better human, then this book is for you.Brian explains why he wrote …
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Fitness Lab Discussion: MTNTOUGH President Lyle Hebel, Your Body is Gear
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37:59Dustin sits down with longtime friend and newly instated MTNTOUGH President Lyle Hebel to chat all things hunting, and how critical it is to be physically prepared for your mountain endeavors. Presented by Sig Sauer. ----🔫 AmmoSquared is America’s Ammunition Reserve! Get 75 rounds of 9mm—completely FREE when you sign up: bit.ly/MtnTough 🥩 MEAT! You…
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Eva Shockey: The UNTOLD Story Behind Field & Stream's Second Female Cover Star | MTNPOD #110
1:08:43
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1:08:43From competitive Latin ballroom dancer to one of the most recognized women in the hunting world, Eva Shockey’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Eva shares how she transitioned from dance to the outdoors, the mental toughness she’s built through hunting, and what it meant to break barriers as the second woman ever on the cover…
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A different kind of episode today. We all agree breaking 200" of antler for a mule deer is pretty much the pinnacle of western hunting right now, but what if only half your body actually worked? Robby hosts Jason Rindlesbach of Morgan, Utah on today's episode.Jason has taken some great mule deer but the story he tells today is the one of his very b…
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TT#51 Jeremy Dugger on Killing Coyotes and Saving Deer
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52:36Tipsy Tuesday#51 Jeremy Dugger on killing coyotes and saving deer. Jeremy explains how a group of friends sharing information on coyote hunting stands has hugely impacted his local deer units. Jeremy takes us though his process of finding, calling, and efficiently killing coyotes. Mike Moore is back with his Argali Alpine sleeping bag review. Phil …
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John Nores: Former Game Warden Reveals DEADLIEST Poaching Ring in America | MTNPOD #109
1:20:45
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1:20:45On this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, Dustin sits down with John Nores, a former California Fish and Wildlife warden, author, and expert in anti-poaching operations. Growing up in rural Santa Clara County, his love for wildlife led him to a career protecting endangered species and combating black-market wildlife trafficking. He shares insights f…
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Did Colorado Bucks Survive the 5-year Plan?
1:37:39
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1:37:39We're talking Colorado Bucks on today's Rokcast. Robby hosts Brandon Diamond, the Area Wildlife Manager for Colorado’s Gunnison Basin. Like previous episodes he’s been on, Brandon brings a depth of knowledge and experience to managing Colorado’s mule deer. They talk about buck survival after the 5-year plan, and its effect on buck:doe ratios, age c…
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Nick Jones: Breaking Isolation and Building Support | MTNPOD #108
1:54:41
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1:54:41Nick Jones is a Marine Raider who served in the United States Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC). With a background in elite military service, he brings a wealth of experience in leadership, resilience, and overcoming personal challenges. After his military career, Nick has become a passionate advocate for mental health, focusing on t…
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Robby hosts RokStaffer Josh Boyd for a Western States Winter Update. Josh is a professional Hydrologist and keeps a close eye on snowpack across the West. He's a frequent guest on the Rokcast because he is a great resource when determining how the weather affects our big game animals, especially mule deer.Today, Josh will be giving a West-wide Snow…
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Tipsy Tuesday#50 HOWL for Wildlife on the Offensive features strategist Mike Costello. Mike walks us though the current state of affairs and outlines where hunting can be in 5 years. Learn how to help HOWL for Wildlife go on the offensive to give wildlife management back to the professionals in Colorado. The team from Zero Fox Given joins in to tel…
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Ryan Manion: STOP Living in Fear of Loss. Start Living with Purpose. | MTNPOD #107
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1:12:50On this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, Dustin sits down with Ryan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, a leading organization dedicated to empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes. As the daughter of a Marine and someone who has faced profound personal loss, Ryan is a fierce advocate for resiliency, service, and honoring the lega…
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Fitness Lab Discussion: The ULTIMATE 8-Week Spring Training Program
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32:00Spring Training Camp 2.0 is an 8-week, dynamic fitness program designed to enhance functional strength, endurance, and mobility through a mix of heavy carries, barbell work, kettlebell/dumbbell movements, and shoulder flexibility training, pushing athletes mentally and physically to prepare for backcountry hunting or summer trail running after comp…
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Fawn to Doe Ratios: Predicting Your Mule Deer Future
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59:03With good fawn to doe ratios being reported in multiple western states, Robby talks about how he uses this information to decide where to hunt now and in the future.He also jumps into other topics: The National Deer Association report on shifting hunter harvest to more mature bucksYou can read that report hereMature Buck Harvest Rises to Another Ne…
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John Eldredge: The Future of Christian Masculinity | MTNPOD #106
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1:04:09John Eldredge is the founder of Ransomed Heart Ministries, dedicated to helping men and women deepen their relationship with God through resources, writing, and retreats. He is the bestselling author of *Wild at Heart*, which explores masculinity and encourages men to embrace their adventurous, untamed nature. Alongside his wife Stasi, he co-wrote …
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Tipsy Tuesday #49 Gear Straight from the Expo in Salt Lake City Utah. After roaming every nook and cranny at the Expo here's some gear you might have missed. The newest and best water filtration systems, delicious freeze-dried food, innovative digiscoping setup, micro panning ball head, minimal effort European mounts, supporting veterans in need. A…
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Adam LaRoche: ESCAPE Fame to Fight Human Trafficking | MTNPOD #105
1:10:15
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1:10:15Adam LaRoche is a former MLB first baseman who played 12 seasons with teams including the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Chicago White Sox. Born into a baseball family—his father, Dave LaRoche, was a pitcher, and his brother, Andy LaRoche, a third baseman—Adam achieved a .260 batting average, 255 home runs, and 882 RBIs during his career. …
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