MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer

Tom Cuddy has a passion for how the body functions at high altitude and helps others apply a scientific approach to training.  As a scientist Tom shares how what needs improvement needs to be measured. Listen as Tom breaks down VO2 Max and Lactate Thresholds into layman's terms and emphasizes the importance for people to get tested regardless of where they live and their training goals.  This is an episode you don't want to miss if you are interested in taking your human performance to a new level with a scientific approach. 

Retired Major Donny Bigham served 27 years of service to the Nation in the Marine Corps and the US Army. He is humbled to have served in almost every position within the composite of an Infantry Rifle Company (Enlisted and Officer) and deployed to Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Yemen (greater than 45 months). Major Bigham was honored to be the First ever Strength and Conditioning Coach for the US Army (Conventional Forces) for the past six years while in uniform. He was instrumental in being part of the team that changed the US Army Physical Fitness test after almost 40 years and co-authoring the Occupational Performance Assessment Test for initial screening of future Soldiers. He designed the Tactical Athlete Performance Center (TAP-C) at Fort Jackson and Fort Benning, emphasizing true strength, mobility, and speed to increase lethality and survivability across six pillars for the Warrior! Lastly, the TAP-C is the first-ever center that trains over 600 Soldiers daily within a Combat Battalion designed under his tenure. He was recognized as the 2017 TSAC-Facilitator of the Year (Strength Coach). Also, Major Bigham was awarded the 2016 Army Male Athlete of the Year. He is a 2x IPF World Champion in Raw Powerlifting and the current drug tested IPF World Record Holder in the Squat. Currently, Major Bigham is a Ph.D. student at Rocky Mountain University pursuing a terminal degree in Human Sport and Performance.Major Bigham's military awards and schools include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault, Combat Infantry Badge, and Expert infantryman Badge. His strength coaching credentials include NSCA RSCC, CSCS, *D, TSAC-F, *D, RPR, USAW 1, FMS 1 & 2, TRX 1 & 2, Kfit 1 & 2. In addition to his military service, Major Bigham has also served as Head Strength Coach for North Western High School, Youth Pastor, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, High School Teacher (Math & Science), Head Varsity Baseball Coach, and Owner of OneTimePowerlifting L.L.C.

Dustin sits down with Trevor Farnes, Founder of MTN OPS to hear the story of how "Conquer Hunger'' was created, a program that gives meals to those in need. This is an emotional and powerful episode as Trevor discusses how we are most equipped to serve the man we once were. "Conquer Hunger" was created after Trevor navigated through his own financial crisis, and this year, will give out its 5,000,000th meal.

Megan DeHaan is a mother, rancher, ultra-runner, and founder of the Crazy Mountain 100, Montana's only 100-mile ultra-endurance race! She bridges the gap between landowners, forest service, and the hunting and ultra-running community. It is not easy to run a 100-miler, let alone produce one, but Megan has done both and learned countless lessons! This is a podcast about building community, pushing people to greatness, and overcoming obstacles!

Dave Brinker, host of the Altitude Show, avid hunter and musician sits down with Dustin to dive into his struggle with depression. After a successful career as CMO of SITKA Gear, Dave took a leap of faith to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship. This life transition led to an intense battle with identity. and Dave came out the other side stronger than ever, and now has a lot of wisdom to share with others facing similar battles. If you or someone close to you is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

Rich Spalla, SIG SAUER Product Manager and Academy Instructor, sits down with Dustin to share his crazy life story from being in a heavy metal band, to creating the UFC theme song, then joining the Army later in life. Listen as Rich openly discusses the difficulties of transitioning out of the military and the importance of surrounding yourself with close friends and family you can count on. 

Cody Rich is a hunter, entrepreneur, and spinal injury survivor. After being told he would never walk again by several doctors following a life altering spinal injury, Cody said no, and set out to prove them wrong. Cody tells his story of perseverance and describes how he took his life into his own hands.

Eric McCormack is a retired police officer and trainer with a client list of heavy hitters such as Rihana Cary, Mark Scott, Lori Winberg and Cam Hanes. We invited Eric and some of the MTNOPS crew up for a day to hang, do a workout and have some great conversations. In this podcast, we sat down with Eric specifically to talk about nutrition, but the conversation also naturally started with his time as a police officer. 

Marine Raider. Veteran. Recipient of the Navy Cross, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Valor, and a Purple Heart. President and Founder of Talons Reach Foundation. Nick Jones served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for 12 years, including three combat deployments and five deployments total. Following injuries sustained in 2020, Nick underwent six major surgeries in the span of a year and a half. After medically retiring from the Marine Corp, Nick continues his commitment to Special Operations Forces through Talons Reach, giving these warriors an opportunity to find sanctuary, mindfulness, and access to the tools and resources necessary to accelerate their path to recovery. Don't miss Nick's inspiring story.

Brian Barney is an Eastmans Bowhunting Journal staff writer, host of the Eastmans Elevated Podcast, business owner and a lifelong adventure bowhunter. We invited Brian over to the Lab for a workout, and to sit down for a conversation. In this podcast, we dive into Brian's business in construction, some incredible hunting stories, the mental toughness that was required to push through, and the importance of exercise. Enjoy!