Gray Thornton, President and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation, joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a powerful conversation on the “strenuous life,” mental toughness, and why comfort is slowly killing men. He shares his journey from corporate America and superbike racing to leading one of North America’s most effective conservation organizations. Gray breaks down what separates sheep hunters, the real threats to hunting heritage, the power of never giving up, and why he remains optimistic about the future of wild places and public land hunting for the next generation.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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: Gray Thornton & The Strenuous Life

00:07:36 - From Corporate America to Conservation Leadership

00:17:33 - What Happens When Men Choose Comfort Over Challenge

00:20:29 - What Makes Sheep Hunters Different

00:26:13 - “No Give Up” – The Sheep Hunter Mindset

00:33:50 - Wild Sheep Foundation’s Real Impact on Conservation

00:40:01 - Protecting Freedom, Wild Places & Hunting Heritage

00:48:01 - Challenges: Anti-Hunting, AI & Ballot Initiatives

00:58:49 - Optimism for the Next Generation of Hunters

01:04:21 - Final Thoughts: Never Give In

Trent Fisher of Born and Raised Outdoors joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a raw conversation on raising kids in the hunting industry, the double-edged sword of technology and AI, and how a devastating flood stripped everything away and rebuilt his purpose. He opens up about work ethic, mental toughness, staying present, and why we must make decisions with eternity in mind. Honest talk on generational responsibility, the power of community through suffering, and refusing to grow weary in doing good.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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: Trent Fisher & Raising Kids in Hunting

00:05:09 - Cheat Codes, Technology & The Next Generation

00:14:04 - AI’s Scary Impact on Authenticity & Hunting Media

00:24:29 - The Flood: When Everything Was Stripped Away

00:32:10 - Community, Faith & Rebuilding After Loss

00:39:25 - Mental Toughness, Suffering & Eternal Perspective

00:48:01 - Staying Present & Not Growing Weary

00:55:58 - The Power of Mission & Inspiring Others

01:00:20 - Final Thoughts on Hunting’s Future & Legacy

Sam Soholt joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to discuss the current state of public lands and hunting in America. From fighting legislation that threatens millions of acres to the mental toughness forged in the wilderness, Sam shares why these wild places are the last true freedom we have. He breaks down the generational responsibility of protecting public lands for our kids and grandkids, the impact of technology and AI on the next generation of hunters, and practical ways to stay involved. Honest talk on why we must make 100- to 200-year decisions instead of short-term ones — because the future of hunting depends on it.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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: Sam Soholt & Public Lands Mission

00:07:43 - Sam’s Journey Into Conservation Advocacy

00:14:04 - Why Public Lands Are America’s Last True Freedom

00:19:39 - Current Threats to Public Lands & Legislation

00:26:13 - Technology, AI & The Next Generation of Hunters

00:34:21 - Mental Toughness Forged in the Wilderness

00:42:56 - How to Actually Get Involved & Make a Difference

00:50:28 - Making 100- to 200-Year Decisions

00:55:58 - Final Thoughts on Protecting Wild Places

World record ultramarathon runner Zach Bitter joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to break down the insane demands of 250-mile races like Cocodona, the difference between mental toughness in 100-mile vs. multi-day events, and why durability often beats raw speed. He shares how he trains for sub-12-hour 100-milers, the real trade-offs between high-carb and low-carb fueling for endurance, and why pushing human limits requires reframing failure as data. Raw insights on sleep deprivation, gut training, and building unbreakable mental fortitude for backcountry athletes and ultra runners.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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: Zach Bitter & 250-Mile Ultras00:04:18 - 100-Mile World Record & Short-Loop Racing00:12:49 - Mental Toughness: 100 Miles vs 250 Miles00:19:00 - Training Shifts for Multi-Day Events00:24:53 - Durability Over Raw Speed00:30:48 - High-Carb vs Low-Carb Fueling Trade-Offs00:39:21 - Sleep Deprivation & Real-World Limits00:46:27 - Mindset: Reframing Failure as Data00:52:22 - Nutrition for Hunters & Long Efforts01:01:09 - Final Advice: Build Your Own Endurance

Hunting legend Jim Shockey opens up on the MTNTOUGH Podcast about recent devastating losses — friends and family battling cancer — and how it’s sharpened his view on life, gratitude, and living with zero regrets. He reflects on his dad’s influence, the spiritual connection of wilderness solitude, why hunters crave the real over the artificial, and why North American hunting will endure despite technology and cultural shifts. Raw, honest conversation on mental toughness, generational legacy, and making every single day count in the outdoors.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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.

Interested in really nailing down your nutrition? Check out Fully Guided Nutrition. Registration is open now: https://mtntough.com/products/fully-guided-nutrition-3-month-group-coaching-program

MTNTOUGH Director of Product Nate Hill sits down with registered dietitian Kyle Kamp to break down the brand new Fully Guided Nutrition program launching in June. Kyle shares his powerful story of losing 130+ pounds through practical nutrition, then reveals how the 12-week small-group program (capped at 30 people) delivers weekly live coaching on the 12 most confusing nutrition topics for backcountry hunters. Learn how to fuel training, optimize performance on multi-day hunts, build sustainable habits, and integrate nutrition with MTNTOUGH programming for real results — no more guesswork, confusion, or crash diets.

V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T

🐐 MTNTOUGH Hunting & Feature Films: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eFTVUIBWJ3_x4n-R2mBwzYw

🧪 MTNTOUGH LAB Visits (We Take All Our Podcast Guests Out Of Their Comfort Zone): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eFCubYhEQntQexFEmT7BMkl

🥵 MTNTOUGH Challenge Workouts: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eG2Q69GAR9st2U-4oK0Whlq

💪 Free MTNTOUGH Workouts & Protocols: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNUyFQjco9eGBSuC3fHqjP8mf50CDENA1

S 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/LXkPE

🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/

________________________________________________________

What is MTNTOUGH Fitness?

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: New Fully Guided Nutrition Program00:02:34 - Kyle Camp’s Story: Losing 130+ lbs00:08:05 - Why Hunters Struggle with Nutrition00:11:12 - What is Fully Guided Nutrition?00:13:03 - The 12 Fundamentals Hunters Need00:20:16 - How It Integrates with MTNTOUGH Training00:28:20 - Practical Changes That Actually Work00:33:51 - Mindset, Consistency & Long-Term Results00:38:26 - One Simple Change to Start Seeing Results00:42:35 - How to Join (Limited to 30 Spots)

Mark Huelsing (Brand Manager at Exo Mtn Gear and host of Hunt Backcountry Podcast) joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast for a raw conversation on intentional business, US-made gear, long-term mindset over short-term growth, and why mental toughness separates good hunters from great ones. They dive into the Experience Challenge, death hikes, avoiding rage-content culture, persistence on multi-day hunts, and how to train your mind like your body. Packed with practical wisdom for backcountry hunters who want to level up physically, mentally, and ethically.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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: Mark Huelsing & Exo Mtn Gear00:03:55 - Starting the Hunt Backcountry Podcast00:07:19 - Exo’s Mission: Long-Term Over Short-Term Growth00:13:40 - Why They Stay US-Made & Control Production00:19:57 - The Danger of “More is Better” Culture00:26:30 - Designing Better Buckles & Real Product Focus00:33:51 - Experience Challenge & Practical Hunter Growth00:39:39 - Mindset: Why It Trumps Physical Toughness00:47:57 - Death Hikes & Training for Real Backcountry01:00:32 - Final Advice: Stay Intentional & Persistent

Ultra-marathon legend Dean Karnazes joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to share his incredible journey from quitting his corporate job on his 30th birthday to run 30 miles, to completing 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days, and now living in the Greek Blue Zone of Ikaria. Dean opens up about mental toughness, embracing discomfort, the power of community and present-moment living, Greek longevity secrets, and how to stay capable and dangerous into your 60s, 70s, and beyond. Raw wisdom on purpose, risk, and pushing human limits from one of the greatest endurance athletes alive.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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: Dean Karnazes – The Ultra Marathon Man00:02:30 - Growing Up Greek & Blue Zone Longevity Secrets00:08:37 - Quitting Corporate America on His 30th Birthday00:13:57 - 50 Marathons in 50 States in 50 Days00:23:19 - The Power of Storytelling & Inspiring Millions00:30:28 - Longevity, Training & Staying Capable at 6400:35:54 - Greek Culture, Community & Present Moment Living00:41:06 - Athens Marathon & Running the Original Course00:47:03 - Hardest Race & Mental Toughness Philosophy00:53:15 - Final Advice: Live Dangerously & Stay in the Moment