Clay Newcomb: Hunting Heritage, Grizzly Bears & Raising Real Hunters | MTNPOD #164

Clay Newcomb, host of Bear Grease and a leading voice at MeatEater, joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a deep conversation on hunting heritage, fatherhood in the outdoors, and preserving wild places. From his roots in rural Arkansas to decades of storytelling through Into High Country and Bear Grease, Clay explores how wild experiences build patience, self-reliance, and problem-solving in the next generation. He addresses the grizzly bear debate, genetic connectivity, political interference vs. science-based management, and why hunters remain the true conservationists funding wildlife recovery. Clay also discusses technology's impact on hunting culture, the balance between tradition and innovation, and the responsibility to pass down a love for the land. A must-listen for mountain hunters, dads, and anyone fighting to protect the American hunting heritage and wild places for future generations.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Clay Newcomb & Bear Grease00:07:00 - Early Life, Arkansas Roots & Outdoor Passion00:14:00 - Fatherhood: Raising Boys in the Wild00:21:00 - Patience, Problem-Solving & Self-Reliance Outdoors00:28:00 - Small Adventures vs Grand Hunts with Kids00:35:00 - Grizzly Bear Recovery & Political Challenges00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Promo00:49:00 - Hunters as Conservationists & Heritage Protection00:56:00 - Technology, Social Media & Future of Hunting01:03:00 - Closing: Legacy, Storytelling & Wild Places

Jason Matzinger, creator of Into High Country, returns to the MTNTOUGH Podcast to discuss fatherhood in the outdoors, how wild places build self-reliant, problem-solving men, and why hunters are essential to protecting wildlife. From early film days to season 17, Jason shares lessons on patience, conservation, and raising boys who understand the circle of life. He dives deep into the grizzly bear debate, genetic connectivity, political interference, and why hunters—not activists—are the true frontline conservationists. A raw, hopeful conversation on technology’s impact, present-moment living, and leaving wild places better for the next generation of mountain hunters and backcountry athletes.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo_________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Jason Matzinger & Into High Country00:07:00 - Early Hunting Films & Decades in the Industry00:14:00 - Raising Boys Through Wild Places00:21:00 - Patience, Problem-Solving & Self-Reliance Outdoors00:28:00 - Small Adventures vs Grand Hunts with Kids00:35:00 - Grizzly Bear Recovery & Political Interference00:42:00 - MTN OPS Promo00:49:00 - Hunters as Conservationists00:56:00 - Technology, Algorithms & Future of Hunting01:03:00 - Closing: Legacy & Protecting Wild Places

Former Royal Marine commando Tim Howell joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to share his extraordinary journey from guiding clients through Big 5 territory in South Africa at 18, to earning his place in one of the world’s toughest military units, and now pushing the absolute limits as an elite wingsuit BASE jumper and mountain athlete. Tim breaks down how he views and conquers fear, the power of calculated risk versus reckless adrenaline, attention to detail, reserves in the tank, and why discomfort builds unbreakable mental toughness. From combat deployments and high-altitude expeditions to first BASE jumps and record attempts (including multiple tries on Lhotse), he reveals the mindset that separates survival from thriving at the edge of human performance. A raw, inspiring conversation for hunters, athletes, fathers, and any man ready to break fear, live with purpose, and stay dangerous in the present moment.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Tim Howell – Royal Marine to Wingsuit BASE Jumper00:07:00 - South Africa at 18: Big 5 Territory & Early Risk00:14:00 - Royal Marines Training & Mental Toughness00:21:00 - Transition to BASE Jumping & Mountaineering00:28:00 - How Tim Views & Breaks Down Fear00:35:00 - Calculated Risk, Reserves & Attention to Detail00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Promo00:49:00 - Everest Wingsuit Project & Multiple Attempts00:56:00 - Discomfort, Present Moment & Life Lessons01:03:00 - Closing: Encouragement for Men Facing Fear

Donnie Vincent joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to explore how wild places shape men, build mental toughness, and reconnect us to what truly matters. From fly-in drop camps in Alaska with his dad and now his own daughters, to facing grizzly country, ice-covered cliffs, and the raw reality of no easy button, Donnie shares why experiencing true wilderness is essential for identity, resilience, and purpose. He dives into the power of present-moment living, the dangers of technology addiction pulling us from real experiences, and why only those who fall in love with wild places will fight to protect them. Hunters, fathers, and backcountry athletes—this is a raw conversation on father-son adventures, recertification in the wilderness, the fragility of ecosystems, and raising the next generation to value soil, water, hardship, and freedom over screens. If you're craving deeper connection, mental toughness, and a life that matters, this episode delivers.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Donnie Vincent & Wild Places00:07:00 - Alaska Drop Camps & Father-Son Adventures00:14:00 - Why Wilderness Builds Mental Toughness00:21:00 - Present Moment vs. Tech Distractions00:28:00 - Fatherhood: Taking Kids into the Wild00:35:00 - Recertification – Returning to Hardship00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Promo00:49:00 - Hunters as Protectors of Wild Places00:56:00 - Technology, AI & Losing the Human Experience01:03:00 - Closing: Purpose, Protection & LegacyThis video emphasizes the crucial role of experiencing wild places to foster a desire for their protection. We discuss why individuals only sacrifice for what they truly love, highlighting the importance of direct experience in driving resource conservation. Protecting our environment and its wildlife, like the grizzly bears in British Columbia, depends on this connection and commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Kyle Thompson returns to the MTNTOUGH Podcast with a powerful message on why most men are trapped by fear of the future, regret of the past, and endless 2026 distractions. Founder of Undaunted Life and the Dominion Program, Kyle calls men out of performance identity and into daily discipline, present-moment living, and real foxhole brotherhood. He breaks down how “good things” (sermons, work, events) distract from ultimate things, why standards beat goals, and the power of execution—not motivation. Through raw stories from the Dominion Program, Kyle shows how investing in yourself and surrounding yourself with iron-sharpening brothers leads to real transformation. If you’re ready to break free, live abundantly, and stay dangerous in your calling, this episode is for you.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.

In this powerful MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with Marine Corps combat veteran, pastor, author, and Mighty Oaks Foundation CEO Jeremy Stalnecker. Jeremy shares the raw reality of veteran transition struggles—identity loss after uniform, isolation, moral injury, and skyrocketing suicides—and how Mighty Oaks’ faith-based programs restore purpose through Christ-centered identity, community, forgiveness, and hope. He unpacks why fear of man (FOPO) paralyzes high-performing men from generational impact, why performance mindsets leave holes no achievement fills, and how shifting identity to “child of God” breaks chains, rebuilds families, and reignites mission. From combat to chaplaincy to church planting, Jeremy delivers mindset tools on resilience, spiritual toughness, community over isolation, and living Always Ready through obedience to God’s calling—essential for veterans, hunters, dads, entrepreneurs, and any man feeling numb or stuck.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Mighty Oaks & Veteran Transition Crisis00:07:00 - State of Veterans: Identity, Isolation & Suicide00:14:00 - Fear of Man Blocking Purpose & Generational Impact00:21:00 - Performance Mindset Traps & Empty Achievements00:28:00 - Mighty Oaks Approach: Faith-Based Healing00:35:00 - Changing Identity to Child of God00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Supplements & Conquer Hunger Promo00:49:00 - Community, Forgiveness & Breaking Isolation00:56:00 - Spiritual Toughness & Obedience to Calling01:03:00 - Closing: Golden Nugget & Final Thoughts

In this insightful MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with Robb Wolf—former research biochemist, 2x New York Times best-selling author (The Paleo Solution, Wired to Eat), co-founder of LMNT, and leading voice in ancestral health and metabolic performance. Robb shares his journey from powerlifting records and early CrossFit affiliates to pioneering electrolyte science with LMNT, while unpacking why modern life (screens, distractions, constant stimulation) is crashing central nervous systems and fueling numbness, complacency, anxiety, and burnout in men. He discusses the power of sunlight, real food (wild game, simple meals), community, dragons to slay, breathwork/meditation for present-moment mastery, and reclaiming an analog life amid AI/tech overload. A must-listen for hunters, entrepreneurs, dads, and anyone feeling overloaded—Robb reveals how ancestral principles + intentional unplugging can restore energy, joy, and purpose in a high-stress world.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.⚠️The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our company, its owners, or affiliates.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Robb Wolf's Wild Journey & LMNT Success00:07:00 - Being on the Cutting Edge: Luck vs. Traits00:14:00 - Central Nervous System Crash in Modern Life00:21:00 - Screens, Distractions & Numbness Epidemic00:28:00 - Sunlight, Real Food & Ancestral Fixes00:35:00 - Community, Dragons to Slay & Present-Moment Power00:42:00 - MTN OPS Supplements & Conquer Hunger Promo00:49:00 - Breathwork, Meditation & Jedi-Level Control00:56:00 - Homesteading Dreams & Redefining Success01:03:00 - Closing: Golden Nugget & Final Thoughts

In this eye-opening MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with world-renowned high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais—performance coach to Olympic athletes, Super Bowl champions (Seattle Seahawks), elite military units, and host of Finding Mastery podcast. Dr. Gervais dives deep into why fear of people’s opinions (FOPO) is the #1 constrictor of potential for men today, blocking generational impact, chain-breaking purpose, and world-changing pursuits. Drawing from The First Rule of Mastery and real-time Olympic examples (Mikaela Shiffrin’s gold-medal mindset shift), he unpacks training the mind to master thoughts/emotions, escape performance traps, build post-traumatic growth, and thrive under pressure—while addressing rising male numbness, complacency, anxiety, depression, and the critical need for community, present-moment focus, meditation, and fundamental commitment to being your best. A must-listen for hunters, dads, entrepreneurs, and men ready to break free from fear and live dangerously aligned.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.⚠️The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our company, its owners, or affiliates.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.

In this profound MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with former U.S. Army Ranger Jeff Struecker—Battle of Mogadishu survivor (Black Hawk Down), Ranger Hall of Fame inductee, 23-year veteran, Army chaplain, best-selling author, international speaker, and now church planter/pastor. Jeff opens up about coming home from Somalia forever changed, the emptiness after winning Best Ranger despite years of brutal preparation, the spiritual awakening that shifted his identity from warrior to servant, and his calling to reach America's warriors at the soul level. He shares raw insights on masculinity in crisis, the growing gap between exceptional military men and a struggling civilian population, post-traumatic growth vs. PTSD, community as iron sharpening iron, chasing God's will over worldly idols, forgiveness, purpose after service, and why spiritual toughness completes the triad of physical + mental strength. A must-listen for veterans, hunters, dads, and men seeking deeper meaning, resilience, and Always Ready faith.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.⚠️The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our company, its owners, or affiliates.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Jeff Struecker's Ranger to Pastor Journey00:07:00 - Recent Years: Church Planting & Military Engagement00:14:00 - State of American Men & Masculinity Gap00:21:00 - Best Ranger Win: Greatest Disappointment00:28:00 - Spiritual Calling After Somalia00:35:00 - Transition Struggles & Identity Shift00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Supplements & Conquer Hunger Promo00:49:00 - Community, Iron Sharpens Iron & Toughness00:56:00 - Chasing God's Will Over Worldly Idols01:03:00 - Closing: Golden Nugget & Final Thoughts

In this raw MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer catches up with legendary hunter, former Kifaru designer, and now core team member at Born Primitive Outdoor, Aron Snyder. Aron opens up about his massive 2025 transition: leaving Kifaru after 15 years amid unexpected drama, joining Born Primitive to innovate packs, boots, and gear for mountain hunters, and a profound spiritual awakening that's lowered cortisol, brought forgiveness, joy, and peace. He shares insights on identity shifts, necessary endings, managing stress as a high-intensity dad/business owner, cutting negative people, building better habits (diet, fitness, church), and leveraging decades of field experience into game-changing products. A powerful conversation on mental toughness, faith, forgiveness, work-life balance, and staying dangerous—perfect for hunters, entrepreneurs, and men rebuilding stronger.Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph. Presented by Sig Sauer.⚠️The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our company, its owners, or affiliates.V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1msS U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S: 💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo__________________________________________W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.00:00:00 - Intro: Aaron's Big 2025 Career & Life Pivot00:07:00 - Leaving Kifaru: Drama, Fear & Necessary Endings00:14:00 - Joining Born Primitive: Packs, Boots & Innovation00:21:00 - Stress, Cortisol & Looking/Feeling Younger00:28:00 - Spiritual Awakening: Church, Forgiveness & Joy00:35:00 - Cutting Negativity, Building Better Habits00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Supplements & Conquer Hunger Promo00:49:00 - Game-Changing Gear for Mountain Hunters00:56:00 - Faith, Family & Staying Dangerous01:03:00 - Closing: Golden Nugget & Final Thoughts