Kris Keefer puts bikes, gear, accessories, hard parts... you name it, through the paces to bring you the straight verdict.
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Mountain Tested Gear Podcasts
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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A deep dive into a mindful perspective on the discipline of hunting.
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Sponsored by Pandora’s European Motorsports in Chattanooga, TN, "Throttle Stop" is the go to for tips and stories on two wheels. Hosted by Matt, Justin, and Jeff, “Throttle Stop” dives deep into everything that makes riding great. These guys aren’t just reading specs off a sheet; they’re real riders who live and breathe motorcycles. Whether they’re breaking down the latest Ducati that’s got everyone buzzing, or talking about the precision of a BMW, you can tell they’ve been there, done that, ...
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Welcome to the CASTELLI podcast, your exclusive access to the iconic brand that has revolutionized how pro-riders dress and pushed the boundaries of cycling clothing performance for decades. This is the pod you never knew you needed, whether you're a roadie, triathlete, mountain biker, graveler, track rider, or someone who simply loves commuting on your city bike. In each episode, we are joined by people from the world of cycling to learn the best practices for peak performance, how to dress ...
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Show #435 - Mammoth MX and Remembering Aidan Zingg
1:13:22
1:13:22
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1:13:22The family and I sit down to share stories about a great young man and how he impacted our lives. If you knew Aidan you already know but if you didn't this show will speak about who he was as a person and how he held a special place in our hearts.
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EP 237 – Everything You Wanted to Know About Shoot2Hunt University
1:22:58
1:22:58
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1:22:58I just got back from the intro 600 yard course from Shoot2Hunt and it absolutely blew my mind. In this episode I go over the entire experience, provide my critique and then I answer listener questions. Shoot2Hunt https://www.instagram.com/shoot2hunt/ https://shoot2hunt.com/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://w…
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They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small
1:09:30
1:09:30
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1:09:30Justin 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 u…
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EP 236 – Everything You Wanted to Know About Outfitting and Guiding Bear Hunts in BC: Solocast Q&A
1:40:57
1:40:57
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1:40:57I just wrapped up six intense weeks of guiding and outfitting bear hunts here in British Columbia. It was my first season running a full-time outfit in this new territory, and it delivered everything I hoped for—hard lessons, great people, and unforgettable adventures. A lot of you had questions, so I dropped a Q&A post on Instagram and used this e…
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Ever wondered what it's like to ride the Club MX facility? What about how it's ran? Is it the best motocross training facility in the United States? Listen as Aden and Kris Keefer talk about their experience visiting/riding the Club MX grounds.
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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 las…
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Show #433 - 2025 Yamaha YZ250 Garage Build
1:03:08
1:03:08
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1:03:08Two stroke fever! Listen as Eddie Laret and Keefer talk about their latest Garage Build that involves the YZ250 two stroke! Bickering about the two stroke fun factor, Mark from REP discusses suspension set up, who the two stroke is for these days and what was done to this specific build all in this show.…
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EP 235 – Goat Hunt Redemption with Vance: Hard Lessons, New Gear, and a Smarter Plan for This Season
1:34:15
1:34:15
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1:34:15This week I’ve got my hunting partner Vance on the show, and we’re digging into last year’s goat hunt that didn’t go as planned. We talk about what went wrong, the key lessons we took away from the experience, and how we’re changing things up for this season. We also walk through our updated gear lists — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s getting…
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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 …
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Laying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast
12:45
12:45
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12:45In 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 bette…
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EP 234 – Send It and The Last 30 Minutes – Anthony and Ben’s Mindful Hunter Outfitting Bear Camp Stories
1:24:13
1:24:13
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1:24:13In this episode, I sit down with Ben and Anthony, two recent clients of Mindful Hunter Outfitting, to walk through their successful spring bear hunt in the mountains of British Columbia. We talk about how the hunt played out — covering the tough terrain, the glassing strategy, some key decision points, and what it took to get it done in rugged coun…
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Show #432 - Loretta Lynns Regional Qualifier Show
1:23:27
1:23:27
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1:23:27The Keefer family go over their Lorettas SW Regional Qualifier from Fox Raceway and talk about the track, how the day was ran, who was fast, fights breaking out, huge crashes and a lot more from this recap of Lorettas season.
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Show #431 - 2026 Ducati Desmo 450 MX First Ride
59:01
59:01
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59:01The iconic Italian brand allowed us to ride their new 450 Desmo MX machine in Bologna and in this episode we break it all down for you. What is like to ride the Ducati motocross machine? What does the Desmo valvetrain feel like? Is this bike competitive out of the box? All of these questions answered and then some right here.…
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Show #430 - KTM 350 SX-F Dual Injector Garage Build
1:11:13
1:11:13
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1:11:13Keefer grabs Chad from XPR to discuss the latest KTM 350 SX-F build. Dual injection, ported head, exhaust flange and a Vortex ECU grace this bike with big results. Learn more about this simple yet effective build on this episode.
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EP 233 – Blake Totally Redeemed Himself! Mindful Hunter Outfitting Bear Camp Stories
1:11:55
1:11:55
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1:11:55In this episode, I sit down with Blake, who succeeded on his bear hunt with Mindful Hunter Outfitting this week. We dive deep into the full story—how we planned the hunt, the gear we relied on, and the moment it all came together with a mature black bear. This isn’t just a hunt recap. It’s a candid conversation about mindset, learning curves, and w…
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Show #429 - 2025 Honda CRF250RX Review
1:11:40
1:11:40
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1:11:40Keefer brings in one of his hybrid test riders (Gardner Tarlow) on this episode to breakdown the 2025 Honda CRF250RX. How good is the new chassis in off-road conditions? Is the updated engine help the little red ride gain some torque? Is the updated Showa suspension better for bigger riders? All of this and of course we have some extra curricular t…
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STEVE SMITH | Most Effective Marginal Gains, Wind Tunnel Testing, Giro d'Italia Race Kit
55:40
55:40
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55:40Join us as we dive into the cutting-edge world of aerodynamic cycling apparel with Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager, Lifelong Marginal Gainer. From the evolution of the iconic maglia rosa for the Giro d’Italia to the latest innovative firsts, Steve shares how rider feedback, wind tunnel testing, and meticulous design come together to create high…
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Show #428 - Listener Questions/Q&A Special
1:37:25
1:37:25
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1:37:25Keefer dives deep into your questions on this special Q&A episode. Learn about triple clamp designs, dual injector systems, the effect of dynos, Kawasaki reliability, Training for motocross while working full time, how to get into moto photography and more in this episode.
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GIRO D’ITALIA | Castelli Innovations, Giro Legends, and the Maglia Rosa
17:06
17:06
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17:06Dive into the thrilling history of the Giro d’Italia and its most iconic symbol—the Maglia Rosa. From its origins in 1909 to the groundbreaking innovations Castelli introduced to the peloton, we celebrate the legends, the legacy, and the evolution of cycling’s most coveted jersey. Discover how the race began, why pink became the color of victory, a…
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EP 232 - Q&A: Worst Supplement Brand in Hunting, Controversial Bear Shot Placement, and My New Tattoo
1:29:55
1:29:55
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1:29:55In this no-holds-barred Q&A episode, I dive into your hunting-related questions straight from Instagram. I give my unfiltered take on the worst supplement brand in the hunting industry and why I think it’s time we stop falling for influencer-driven hype. I also share an update on my latest tattoo—what it means and why I got it. And yes, we get into…
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SAMUEL SÁNCHEZ | Aero Gear, Olympic Gold, Gravel Racing, Next Gen, Life Lessons on Two Wheels
1:05:15
1:05:15
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1:05:15In this episode, we sit down with Samuel Sánchez, a legend of the sport and Olympic gold medalist, to reflect on his remarkable career and the evolution of the sport over the past three decades. Samuel takes us through his journey from a young aspiring cyclist to Olympic champion, sharing insights into the highs and lows of his career. He talks abo…
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Show #427 - 2025 Yamaha YZ125 Breakdown/Settings/Tips
49:36
49:36
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49:36Got a newer Yamaha YZ125? Then this podcast could be for you! Learn about Yamaha's small bore two stroke offering and get the details on how to set it up, who this bike is for, why you should keep your child on a 125 when they are graduating from an 85cc machine, which mods work well for the bLU crU two stroke as well as a special guest to talk abo…
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EP 231 – From Forums to Firearms – A Conversation with Ryan Avery of Rokslide & Shoot2Hunt
1:32:02
1:32:02
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1:32:02In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Avery — founder of Rokslide and Shoot2Hunt — for a candid conversation about the evolution of hunting media, rifle culture, and how gear reviews have changed over the past decade. Ryan shares his journey from building one of the most trusted backcountry hunting forums on the internet to launching Shoot2Hunt, a …
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Show #426 - 2025 KTM 350 SX-F Mod Build
1:31:44
1:31:44
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1:31:44In this episode Keefer brings in his buddies David Martinez (AKA, Fireman Dave) and Eddie Laret to discuss the latest Twisted Development KTM 350 SX-F build. How built is this engine? Who is this mid sized beast for? What is it like to ride a built KTM 350 SX-F? We even get Jamie Ellis on the show to discuss a breakdown of engine parts as well as h…
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EP 230 – How to Build a Business with Integrity in The Hunting Space with Tanner Danish of Frontiersmen Gear
1:17:14
1:17:14
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1:17:14In this episode, we sit down with Tanner Danish, founder of Frontiersmen Gear, to talk about what it really takes to build a hunting business with integrity. From navigating the hype-driven world of outdoor marketing to staying grounded in craftsmanship and customer trust, Tanner shares hard-won insights from his journey creating gear that stands u…
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Keefer takes you through some of the best Renthal bends for your new MX machine as well as gives you explanations on why each dimension fits your size as well as your bike the best. If you want the best rider triangle for your type of riding, listen to this show and learn.
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YVES LAMPAERT | The Yellow Jersey, Classics, Farming vs Cycling Parallels
52:03
52:03
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52:03Yves Lampaert is more than just a Roubaix warrior—he’s a farmer’s son with deep Belgian roots, a love for tractors, and a passion for the Queen of the Classics. In this episode, we go beyond the finish line to explore the brutal beauty of Paris-Roubaix, Yves’ rise through the ranks at Soudal Quick-Step, and the surprising parallels between farming …
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EP 229 – Stillness and Struggle: Self-Awareness Through Solo Hunts, Fly Rods, and Fatherhood with Monte Clarke
1:38:31
1:38:31
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1:38:31In this episode, we sit down with Monte Clarke for a raw and reflective conversation on the deep self-awareness forged through solo hunting, the quiet rhythm of fly fishing, and the ongoing challenge of fatherhood. Monte shares stories from the backcountry and the riverbank, weaving in lessons learned from time spent in solitude and the parallels b…
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Adventure Awaits: Empowering Women in Motorcycling with Rachel from Alabama Adventure Riders
1:08:06
1:08:06
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1:08:06In this episode of the Throttle Stop Moto Podcast, hosts Justin and Jeff welcome Rachel from Alabama Adventure Riders to discuss her passion for motorcycling, camping, and leading group rides. Rachel shares her personal journey into the biking world, beginning with an old Saks moped and her father's adventurous spirit. They delve into the importanc…
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Show #424 - Loretta Lynn's SW/MW Area Qualifier
1:29:07
1:29:07
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1:29:07The Keefer family sit down and recap the weekend of the SW/MW area qualifier from Glen Helen. Get the details on who was fast, how the track shaped up, how much it cost and of course all of he inner workings of what went on internally as a family. It's like you were there!
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EP 228 – Red Stag in Argentina with Brandon Roth
1:13:18
1:13:18
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1:13:18My good buddy Brandon had the opportunity to go down to Argentina and hunt Red Stag, so I had him on the podcast to share the story of his trip. Brandon Roth https://www.instagram.com/brandon.roth.hnh.bc/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebac…
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Show #423 - Building A Modified 2025 Kawasaki KX250
1:11:19
1:11:19
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1:11:19Kris and Aden Keefer sit down to talk about their latest 2025 KX250 Garage Build. This build is meant to go amateur motocross racing so if you want to get the ins and out of what is done to this Team Green machine, listen as both Keefers break it down along with special guest, Jamie Ellis.
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EP 227 – Blood, Sweat & Legacy: Lessons from MMA, Hunting, and Fatherhood with Sean Zubor
1:39:56
1:39:56
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1:39:56I met Sean 15 years ago when I was the sales manager for a high-end health club, and he was a full-time MMA fighter. It’s safe to say we have both lived a lot of life since then. We went deep on this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, and I hope you do too. Sean Zubor https://www.instagram.com/seanzubor/ Jay Nichol [email protected] ht…
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KIM (LE COURT) PIENAAR | Chasing Dreams on Cycling’s Toughest Roads
51:51
51:51
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51:51This week, we bring you an inspiring story of resilience, talent, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Our guest, Kim Le Court Pienaar, is a rising star in the Women’s World Tour, proving that it’s never too late to chase greatness. When Kim turned pro, many riders have already made their mark—Kim wasted no time in doing the same. In her debut se…
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Show #422 - 2025 Husqvarna FC250 Rockstar Edition Review
57:42
57:42
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57:42Keefer walks you through the change points in the 2025 Husqvarna FC250 Rockstar Edition as well as if those changes are worth/felt on the track.
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EP 226 – Catching up with the lads from Oryx Outdoors
1:20:48
1:20:48
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1:20:48This week, I sat down with the founders of Oryx Outdoors, a new apparel company focused on designing durable, technical training gear for hunters. We dive into their personal hunting stories, what pushed them to start an apparel company in a saturated market, and the real challenges of designing clothing that works when it matters most. Oryx Outdoo…
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Show #421 - 2025 Honda CRF450RX Six Hour Torture Test
1:35:15
1:35:15
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1:35:15Keefer brings in Gary Sutherlin and his friend Kelly Gelhaus to talk about their "Six Hours Of Glen Helen" experience with the 2025 Honda CRF450RX. That's right we let Gary and Kelly take our brand new Honda test machine to see what the pros and cons are of the red machine while under racing conditions. Learn about Honda's hybrid moto/off-road 450 …
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EP 225 – Solocast Q&A: My Complete Archery and Rifle Setups for 2025
1:22:44
1:22:44
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1:22:44Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about both my archery and rifle setups for 2025. 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on April 30, 202…
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PAUL MAGNIER | From MTB to the Worlds Tour, Sprint Power, Classic Dreams
41:31
41:31
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41:31French sensation Paul Magnier has taken the pro peloton by storm, and now the 20-year-old is set to support Soudal Quick-Step into the northern classics. With his explosive power, endurance, and fast finishing kick, could he be the next Tom Boonen or Bernard Hinault? In this episode, we break down Magnier’s rapid rise, his potential in sprints and …
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Keefer breaks down the 2025 250 MXers and walks you through each of their strengths and weaknesses. He also picks his favorites, but talks about why each one of these new 2025 250 MX'ers could be a viable choice for you.
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EP 224 – Solocast Q&A: Kifaru vs. Initial Ascent Pack Battle and Why MTN OPS Sucks
1:00:45
1:00:45
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1:00:45Time for another Q&A episode. This week I answer questions about sleep systems, archery setups, new packs and much more! 🎯 GIVEAWAY ALERT! Every $5 you spend on merch at https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ gets you 1 entry to win a Swarovski 85mm Spotting Scope. No purchase required. Contest begins on February 1, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. PST and ends on …
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Show #419 - 2025 Beta 450RX Post First Impression
54:56
54:56
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54:56Keefer breaks down Beta's latest 450cc motocross offering and gives you all some information post the Racer X first impression. Is the Beta still as good on different types of tracks? Is the 450RX a viable option for someone that is in the market for a new motocross machine? Get a more in depth look inside the Beta on this episode.…
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EP 223 – An Integrated Approach to Gear Systems – Seminar from WSSBC Mountain Hunter Expo
39:25
39:25
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39:25The Wild Sheep Society of BC asked me to speak at their Sheep Hunter University again this year at the Mountain Hunter Expo in Penticton. I absolutely love this event. It’s the only true conference solely focused on mountain hunters here in BC and is growing every year. I spoke about how to have an integrated approach to gear systems and more speci…
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Show #418 - The Ins And Outs Of A Test Rider
1:09:52
1:09:52
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1:09:52Keefer breaks down the steps it takes to being a test rider, how you can become one yourself, some of the falsehoods that come along with test riding, what are some of the secrets that some tests riders don't want you to know and a lot more about one of the most coveted "jobs" in the industry.
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EP 222 – Following God’s Plan with Hunter McWaters
1:16:58
1:16:58
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1:16:58In this episode, we sit down with Hunter McWaters—host of a popular hunting show on the Sportsman Channel, podcast creator, and a man deeply rooted in faith. Hunter shares his journey from the outdoors to the screen, discussing how his passion for hunting, storytelling, and personal growth has shaped his career. We dive into the highs and lows of p…
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Show #417 - Suspension Talk with Mark Johnson from REP Suspension
1:25:19
1:25:19
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1:25:19We get mark Johnson from REP Suspension on the phone to take your questions as well as talk about suspension set up, myths, set up advice, A-Kit, adjustments and general things you can do to make your bump sticks work better on the track or trail.
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EP 221 - I Finally Found the Perfect Boxers For The Backcountry - Swaro ATX 85mm Giveaway!
19:56
19:56
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19:56If you want something done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself—and that’s exactly why I created the Forged Base Series. A complete redesign from the ground up, this next-to-skin base layer system was built for unmatched comfort, durability, and performance in the backcountry. 🔥 Why I Built It: For years, we searched for the perfect pair of …
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Show #416 - Living With The 2025 Suzuki RM-Z450
56:25
56:25
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56:25When you only have a few test riders under the Keefer Inc. umbrella, who do you choose to babysit the RM-Z450? In this episode we talk to Rob Imondi as he is the one responsible for our RMaRMy and how this bike helped him get back into riding a dirt bike as well as how it has been the most fun he's had in a long time! If you have or are maybe think…
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EP 220 – Cutting Weight, Not Performance – Rydell From Aziak Equipment on Building Better Hunting Gear
1:35:28
1:35:28
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1:35:28Aziak Equipment has been making waves in the hunting industry with their innovative, lightweight designs that are built for hardcore backcountry hunters. Rydell’s approach to gear isn’t just about cutting weight—it’s about maximizing efficiency without sacrificing durability. Today, we’ll get into the story behind Aziak Equipment, the challenges of…
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Show #415 - 2025 Triumph TF-450 RC Edition Re-Visit
1:16:38
1:16:38
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1:16:38We took delivery of our Triumph TF-450 RC Edition on the west coast so we take it out to some of our local tracks, in order to see if the Triumph feels similar to when we left it in Georgia back in November. How does the chassis, engine and suspension stack up against other models on the same tracks? Listen to Keefer break it down on this show!…
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