MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer

Justin (20-year 75th Ranger Regiment veteran) and Coach Sarah Maschino break down MTNTOUGH’s new 9-week AFT prep program, “The Standard.” Designed specifically for the Army Fitness Test (trap bar deadlift, hand-release push-ups, plank, sprint-drag-carry, and 2-mile run), this program delivers progressive strength, smart run training, combat-focused kit days, and vertical gain work. Built for soldiers who already train hard year-round, it balances volume and recovery while building the discipline and mental toughness needed to perform under pressure. Also excellent for other tactical athletes and civilians wanting a structured 9-week strength + conditioning block.This program is available now! Check it out here: https://lab.mtntough.com/programs/collection-resx8gv4cbm?category_id=280074V 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=PLNUyFQjco9eGBSuC3fHqjP8mf50CDENA1S 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 "YT1MFREE" @ 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: Justin & The New AFT Program “The Standard”00:01:43 - What Is the Army Fitness Test (AFT)?00:03:20 - Why MTNTOUGH Built a Specialized AFT Prep Program00:05:09 - Who Should Do This Program?00:07:29 - 9-Week Structure: Base, Build & Peak Phases00:11:46 - Why the Sled Is Non-Negotiable00:14:05 - Peak Phase & How Mental Toughness Is Built00:20:58 - Common Mistakes Soldiers Make Preparing for the AFT00:23:47 - What to Do If You Miss Workouts00:28:13 - Final Thoughts & Who Else Should Run The Standard

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_-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: Gray Thornton & The Strenuous Life00:07:36 - From Corporate America to Conservation Leadership00:17:33 - What Happens When Men Choose Comfort Over Challenge00:20:29 - What Makes Sheep Hunters Different00:26:13 - “No Give Up” – The Sheep Hunter Mindset00:33:50 - Wild Sheep Foundation’s Real Impact on Conservation00:40:01 - Protecting Freedom, Wild Places & Hunting Heritage00:48:01 - Challenges: Anti-Hunting, AI & Ballot Initiatives00:58:49 - Optimism for the Next Generation of Hunters01:04:21 - Final Thoughts: Never Give In

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_-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: Sam Soholt & Public Lands Mission00:07:43 - Sam’s Journey Into Conservation Advocacy00:14:04 - Why Public Lands Are America’s Last True Freedom00:19:39 - Current Threats to Public Lands & Legislation00:26:13 - Technology, AI & The Next Generation of Hunters00:34:21 - Mental Toughness Forged in the Wilderness00:42:56 - How to Actually Get Involved & Make a Difference00:50:28 - Making 100- to 200-Year Decisions00:55:58 - Final Thoughts on Protecting Wild Places

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