

MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer
Dustin Diefenderfer Founder and CEO of MTNTOUGH Fitness
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 your first month free with code MTNPOD at mtntough.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 42min
Daniel Horner: Ten-Time USPSA Multigun Champion| MTNTOUGH POD #76
Today’s guest is Daniel Horner, the ten-time USPSA Multigun Champion, four-time 3-Gun Nation Pro Series Champion and member of the SIG SAUER Professional Shooting Team. Daniel is undoubtedly one of the best multi-gun shooters in the world.
🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/
🇺🇸 Merch: https://mtntough.com/collections/merch
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What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.

Jul 30, 2024 • 1h 15min
Exposing The Dark Side of Tech Addiction (w/Michael Easter) | MTNT POD #75
Join Dustin Diefenderfer as he sits down with Michael Easter, author of "The Comfort Crisis" and "Scarcity Brain." In this eye-opening episode, they delve into the hidden mechanisms driving our tech addictions and overconsumption habits, revealing powerful insights that could transform your daily life. Dustin shares a compelling story, including a jaw-dropping transformation of a troubled teen and surprising revelations. Don’t miss this captivating discussion that might just change how you view your relationship with technology and consumption. Tune in now to uncover the secrets behind the scarcity loop and find out what you can do to break free!
🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/
🇺🇸 Merch: https://mtntough.com/collections/merch
Join Michael's Newsletter / Two Percent Community: https://www.twopct.com/
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What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Solving short-term stress with long-term consequences
00:04:30 - The 80th Anniversary Trip
00:08:11 - The Power of Training Alone in the Mountain Training for Fitness Lab Community
00:12:10 - Building Bonds through Challenges
00:15:42 - The Importance of Teamwork
00:19:26 - The Danger of Scarcity Brain
00:23:15 - The Changing Nature of Consumption and Status
00:26:35 - The Scarcity Loop in Slot Machines
00:30:05 - The Grandparents' Phone Addiction
00:34:04 - The Impact of Social Media Addiction
00:37:15 - The Hidden Damage of Phone Addiction
00:40:42 - The Turtle Box - A Game-Changing Bluetooth Speaker
00:44:26 - The Impact of Food Processing on Eating Speed and Weight Loss
00:47:53 - The 48 Hour Principle and Long-Term Upsides
00:51:51 - The Scarcity Loop and Outdoor Recreation
00:55:33 - The Impact of Technology on Mental Health
00:59:51 - Using Apps Mindfully
01:03:26 - The Expedition and Q&A Sessions
01:07:04 - Urban Survival and Fitness Training
01:11:01 - Physical and Mental Transformation

Jul 23, 2024 • 51min
Bo Nickal: The SECRET Behind His Success in UFC
🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/
🇺🇸 Merch: https://mtntough.com/collections/merch
Bo Dean Nickal is an American professional mixed martial artist, former freestyle and graduated folkstyle wrestler who currently competes in the UFC middleweight division. In freestyle wrestling, he claimed the 2019 U23 World Championship and the US Open national championship, and was a finalist at the 2020 US Olympic Team Trials and a Final X contestant in 2019. As a collegiate wrestler, Nickal was a three-time NCAA Division I national champion (finalist in 2016) and a three-time Big Ten Conference champion out of Pennsylvania State University.
Considered one of the most accomplished Nittany Lions of all-time, Nickal earned the 2019 Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation's most outstanding collegiate wrestler, was a two-time Schalles Award winner as the nation's best pinner and was also named the 2019 Big Ten Athlete of the Year.
Thank you to our sponsors. Please support them:
SIG SAUER: https://www.sigsauer.com/
MTN OPS: Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1 *Use Code MTNTOUGH to get free shipping.
TURTLEBOX Audio: Use promo code TOUGH for a free Turtlebox hat with purchase of a Gen2 speaker. https://turtleboxaudio.com/products/turtlebox-speaker-gen-2
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What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Lessons of Winning and Losing
00:02:58 - Wrestling Clinic in Great Falls
00:05:36 - Team Dynamics and Communication
00:07:58 - Finding Balance with Hunting
00:10:25 - From Archery to Firearms
00:12:54 - Recommendations for Mountain Ops Supplements
00:15:32 - Family Dynamic and Cultural Experiences
00:17:51 - The Importance of Faith and Family
00:20:33 - Living a life of faith and example
00:23:10 - Supporting Like-minded Individuals
00:25:42 - Leaving a Positive Impact
00:28:16 - Appreciating Different Christian Worship Styles
00:30:31 - Different ways to communicate with God
00:32:51 - A Father's Support in Pursuing a Passion
00:35:24 - Conquer Your Goals with Mountain TFF
00:38:12 - Discovering a Passion for Wrestling
00:40:35 - The Pursuit of Improvement
00:43:02 - Lessons Learned from Winning and Losing
00:45:20 - The Pursuit of Material Possessions
00:48:00 - Finding Consistency and Gratitude

23 snips
Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 21min
Dr. Jason Selk: Game-Changing Mindset Adjustments
Bestselling author Jason Selk discusses mental toughness, shifting focus from problems to solutions, personal supplementation routines, improving mental health through training, and the importance of work ethic for success. Additional topics include mental workouts, setting boundaries for mental well-being, and developing mental toughness through relentless solution focus.

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 9min
Kip Fulks: Escaping The Corporate Rat Race
Today’s guest is Kip Fulks, co-founder of UNDER ARMOUR and currently the Strategic Advisor and Partner for Origin, founder of Big Truck Farm Brewery, and new owner of Bushwhack Alaska.
To learn more about Kip, follow him on Instagram at @13pacificwaves.
Thank you to our sponsors. Please support them:
SIG SAUER: https://www.sigsauer.com/
MTN OPS: Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1
TURTLEBOX Audio: Use promo code TOUGH for a free Turtlebox hat with purchase of a Gen2 speaker. https://turtleboxaudio.com/products/turtlebox-speaker-gen-2
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What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 22min
Trevor Farnes: Conquering Life's Mountains
Trevor Farnes serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of MTN OPS, a dynamic energy and nutritional product company headquartered in Fruit Heights, Utah, catering to the outdoor industry. His primary mission at MTN OPS is to enhance lives through innovative products and foster a community that inspires individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their aspirations.
Committed to making a meaningful impact beyond business, Trevor, alongside his wife Jenna, established Operation Conquer Hunger under the MTN OPS banner. Their shared vision is to eradicate hunger in vulnerable households across Utah, the United States, and in Malawi, Africa. Through their unique initiative, every purchase on the MTN OPS website results in a meal being donated to a child in need. This philanthropic effort has provided over 5 million meals to date, symbolizing their unwavering dedication to conquering hunger one order and one child at a time.
Check out his new book releasing in July: The Conquer Code
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What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 30min
Kyle Thompson: Real Men Are Spiritually Resilient
Kyle Thompson, Oklahoma native, founded Undaunted Life in 2017. The mission of Undaunted. Life is equipping men to push back darkness. They do this by providing content that leads men to forge spiritual, mental, and physical resilience. Kyle is also the host of Undaunted. Life: A Man's Podcast, which has reached the top 10 and top 15 on the Apple Podcasts and Spotify charts respectively.
Thank you to our sponsors. Please support them:
SIG SAUER: https://www.sigsauer.com/
MTN OPS: Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1
TURTLEBOX Audio: Use promo code TOUGH for a free Turtlebox hat with purchase of a Gen2 speaker. https://turtleboxaudio.com/products/turtlebox-speaker-gen-2
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What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - The Importance of Resilience in Life
00:06:16 - Realizing the possibility of being both strong and godly
00:11:53 - The Absence of Masculinity
00:17:09 - Churches and the Influence of Woke Culture
00:22:29 - The Importance of Being Prepared
00:28:33 - The Intimidation of Jesus
00:34:16 - The Vicious Cycle of Masculinity
00:39:38 - The Importance of Resilience
00:45:25 - Cultivating Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Resilience
00:50:44 - The Power of the Bible in Daily Life
01:00:56 - The Negative Effects of Phones on Children
01:02:08 - The pressure to fit in with smartphones
01:07:24 - The Negative Impact of Social Media on Children
01:12:40 - The Importance of Having Reliable Support
01:22:13 - The Importance of 3:00 AM Friends
01:23:49 - The Benefits of Jiu-Jitsu and Finding Supportive Friends
#motivation #functionalfitness #podcast #kylethompson #undaunted #undauntedlife #menshealth #mensmentalhealth

Jun 18, 2024 • 1h 31min
DR. ANDY GALPIN | Unlocking Elite Performance: Mental & Physical Mastery
Andy Galpin is a professor of kinesiology at California State University, Fullerton. He is the Co-Director of the Center for Sport Performance and Founder/Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory. He is a Human Performance scientist with a PhD in Human Bioenergetics and has collaborated with top-tier athletes across various domains including the UFC, MLB, NBA, PGA, NFL, Boxing, Olympics, Military, and Special Forces. Additionally, he co-founded Vitality Blueprint, Absolute Rest, BioMolecular Athlete, and RAPID Health & Performance and will be the host of the upcoming Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin podcast, set to launch this Summer 2024.
To learn more about Andy, follow him on Instagram at @drandygalpin and check out andygalpin.com.
Thank you to our sponsors. Please support them:
SIG SAUER: https://www.sigsauer.com/
MTN OPS: Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1
TURTLEBOX Audio: Use promo code TOUGH for a free Turtlebox hat with purchase of a Gen2 speaker. https://turtleboxaudio.com/products/turtlebox-speaker-gen-2
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What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Taking Responsibility for Your Own Success
00:05:33 - Enhancing Human Performance
00:10:07 - Making Science Accessible on Multiple Platforms
00:14:20 - Carving My Own Path in the Fitness Industry
00:18:30 - Taking Risks and Pursuing Autonomy
00:22:52 - Carving our Path
00:27:45 - The Mind-Body Connection in Coaching Programs
00:32:18 - Mental Performance in Sports
00:36:34 - Finding Focus in Stressful Situations
00:41:37 - Fighting through Chaos
00:45:50 - Mental Rehearsal and Conditioning Strategies
00:49:44 - The Importance of Controlling What You Can Control
00:54:49 - Maximizing Performance and Overcoming Constraints
00:59:08 - Optimizing Human Performance
01:03:10 - Remove Constraints for Peak Performance in Physiology
01:07:56 - Blood Markers and Optimal Performance
01:12:33 - Identifying Clinical Disorders
01:16:55 - Common Health Issues
01:21:13 - Effective Supplements for Performance
01:25:45 - Top Supplements for High Performance
01:30:21 - Check out Dr. Andy Galpin on Instagram and his upcoming podcast
#humanperformance #andygalpin #mtntough #strengthtraining #BioMolecular #athlete #fitness #functionalfitness #weighttraining #motivation #performance #performancetraining #hypertrophy #sciencepodcast

Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 47min
JOHN BARKLOW: Knowledge from Storms | Special Operations Instructor & Product Manager at Sitka Gear
Retired U.S. Navy Diver John Barklow spent more than two decades teaching U.S. Special Operations Forces. He’s also trained professional rescue groups and first responders. Currently, John develops clothing and equipment systems at Sitka Gear for the hunting industry.
To learn more about John, follow him on Instagram at @jbarklow and check out knowledgefromstorms.com
🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/
🇺🇸 Merch: https://mtntough.com/collections/merch
Thank you to our sponsors. Please support them:
SIG SAUER: https://www.sigsauer.com/
MTNT OPS: Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1
TURTLEBOX Audio: Use promo code TOUGH for a free Turtlebox hat with purchase of a Gen2 speaker. https://turtleboxaudio.com/products/turtlebox-speaker-gen-2
----
What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - The Journey of Becoming a Hunter
00:12:35 - Learning from Stupid Mistakes in Archery Hunting
00:24:11 - The Benefits of Being a Student of the Game
00:35:29 - Building the Foundation of Self-Sufficiency
00:47:17 - Building Experience for Outdoor Adventures
00:58:09 - The Importance of Outdoorsman Experience
01:09:51 - The Importance of Learning Different Skills
01:22:43 - The importance of physical and mental training
01:35:04 - The Emotional Connection of Hunting
#hunting #sitkagear #backcountryhunting #mentaltoughness #functionalfitness #survival #coldweathercamping #huntingfitness #motivation #mindset #elkhunting #gearadvice

Jun 4, 2024 • 2h 9min
Josh Smith: 30 Year Overnight Success Story, What It Takes To Build Montana Knife Company
As the CEO and founder of Montana Knife Company, Josh has combined his passion for hunting and extensive knowledge of blades to create one of the fastest-growing US-based manufacturing companies in the US outdoor industry. Montana Knife Company specializes in high-quality hunting knives for hunters and blue-collar working people.
Josh Smith, a fifth-generation Montanan, was raised in Lincoln, Montana, near the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Growing up, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, motorcycles, and sports. Alongside his younger sister Sarah, he was raised in a log house built by their parents.
At age 11, Josh met Rick Dunkerley, his Little League baseball coach who introduced him to knife making. Inspired by Rick, Josh received a hand-forged knife for Christmas in 1992 and soon began learning the craft. By age 15, Josh became the youngest Journeyman Smith in the American Bladesmith Society, and by 19, the youngest Master Smith.
🇺🇸 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/
Merch: https://mtntough.com/collections/merch
Thank you to our sponsors. Please support them:
SIG SAUER: https://www.sigsauer.com/
MTNT OPS: Checkout MTN OPS x MTNTOUGH Co-Branded Hydrate Flavor: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/5gJbz1
TURTLEBOX Audio: Use promo code TOUGH for a free Turtlebox hat with purchase of a Gen2 speaker. https://turtleboxaudio.com/products/turtlebox-speaker-gen-2
----
What is MTNTOUGH?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The Dedicated
Our 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.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Starting Small and Being Patient with Montana Knife Company
00:08:43 - Learning Hard Work from My Dad
00:16:06 - Discovering a Passion for Knife Making
00:23:37 - Balancing Work and Family in Knife Making
00:31:42 - Teaching Resilience and Passion
00:39:20 - The Importance of Consistency and Time
00:47:10 - From Excavator Operator to Knife Maker
00:55:05 - The Beginning of a Big Event
01:03:27 - Taking Risks in Entrepreneurship
01:11:47 - The Pros and Cons of Bootstrapping a Startup
01:19:33 - The Importance of Sacrifice and Support in Pursuing Dreams
01:27:48 - The Feeling of Inadequacy
01:36:36 - Creating Jobs and Supporting Local Communities
01:44:36 - Building a Great Team
01:52:34 - Finding Positive Role Models on Instagram
02:00:26 - Hockey Enforcers and UFC Fighters
02:08:43 - Rapping Up