MTNTOUGH Podcast w/ Dustin Diefenderfer

In this powerful MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer Steven Grayhm to unpack his 14-year journey creating Sheepdog—a human drama about a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran confronting the long aftermath of war and finding post-traumatic growth through community, faith, and purpose. Steven shares the raw origin story sparked by a t...

In this insightful MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer reconnects with lifelong hunter, former backcountry guide, respected hunting voice, and entrepreneur Remi Warren for an honest check-in on his transformative 2025 journey. Remi dives deep into major life and business shifts: selling his 20+ year outfitting business after decades of guiding hard miles in wild places, acquiring Day...

In this inspiring MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer interviews Matt Stutzman, the "Armless Archer" and world-class compound bow Olympian born without arms. Matt shares his journey overcoming massive expectations, choking under pressure in Tokyo, and mastering mental toughness for Paris—through adrenaline training (skydiving, drag racing at 200+ mph), venue visualization,...

Host Dustin Defenderfer interviews Mark "Oz" Geist, Benghazi survivor and founder of Shadow Warriors Project, in this gripping MTNTOUGH Podcast episode. Mark shares his miraculous survival during the 2012 Libya attack (mortars landing feet away, near-death resuscitation), faith journey seeing God's protection, law enforcement traumas, nonprofit work aiding veterans/contractors/first...

In this powerful episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with Keith Sivera, CEO of MTN OPS and 20-year sober recovering alcoholic, who opens up about his journey from childhood immersed in alcohol culture to rock-bottom isolation, shame, and addiction. Keith shares how AA's community, accountability, and spiritual surrender saved his life, replaced numbness with discipline, and fueled his t...

In this episode, host Dustin Diefenderfer sits down with Ryan Watson, MTNTOUGH's growth leader and former OnX Maps director, to discuss the brand-new 2026 app relaunch. Ryan shares his journey from OnX to MTNTOUGH, the bold leap from comfort to risk, and dives deep into the app's upgraded features—like seamless music integration, workout tracking, dynamic filters, calendar planning, notes, wearabl...

On this powerful episode, Dustin welcomes John Radzwilla and Jason Ellis, discussing the depths of personal challenges and the journey toward a better path. This conversation explores the impact of past trauma, specifically dealing with childhood sexual abuse, offering crucial life lessons for anyone facing adversity. It underscores the process of going from struggling to thriving by embracing rec...

Host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with Pastor Shane Idleman, founder of Westside Christian Fellowship, who shares his powerful journey from addiction to steroids, alcohol, rage, and despair to full surrender to Christ. Drawing from his broken past, Shane discusses overcoming midlife discouragement, performance identity traps, fear, and finding true peace through faith, repentance, worship, and ful...

In this powerful episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, host Dustin Defenderfer interviews legendary performance psychologist Dr. Jim Loehr, co-founder of the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute. Drawing from 50+ years of research with elite athletes, executives, and military personnel, Dr. Loehr reveals how true mental toughness integrates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimens...

Medal of Honor recipient Florent “Flo” Groberg shares the raw story of how his uncle’s brutal beheading by terrorists at age 12 flipped a switch that drove him to hunt evil, join the Army, survive tackling a suicide bomber in Afghanistan (losing 4 brothers), and battle survivor’s guilt. From Ranger School lessons to building unbreakable mental toughness as a husband and father, this is one of the...

Pete Roberts (Founder of Origin USA & Jocko Fuel) shares how losing 60% of his business overnight in the 2008 crash forced him to rebuild with one unbreakable rule: 100% American-made, no compromises. From rescuing WWII-era machines in rural Maine to partnering with Jocko Willink and investing hundreds of millions into U.S. manufacturing, Pete reveals the raw truth about purpose-driven busines...

Former law enforcement officer Adam Davis survived childhood s*xua abuse at 5 and 15, battled suicidal ideation with a g*n to his head in a patrol car, and encountered the love of God that saved his life and marriage. Now a bestselling author and speaker, he reveals how to break generational curses, fight real spiritual warfare, forgive the unforgivable, and step into Kingdom authority as a man, h...

Former Kansas City SWAT sergeant Phil Hopper shares his jaw-dropping story of surviving a near-fatal wreck, finding Christ, leading men to Jesus on the job, and how God hijacked his career overnight to turn him into a pastor. With a massive spiritual awakening sweeping America right now, he reveals how to know when God is truly calling you, why real faith has to feel dangerous, and how men break f...

Ex-Green Beret Nate Boyer joins MTNTOUGH to reveal how volunteering in Darfur sparked his military path, walking on at Texas football at 29, playing NFL with Seahawks at 34, and co-founding Merging Vets & Players (MVP) to rebuild camaraderie for transitioning veterans and athletes through gym workouts and peer support—proving it's never too late to chase purpose and crush regret. Join Dust...

Bear Handlon, founder of Born Primitive, joins the MTNTOUGH Podcast to announce a partnership with Black R!fle Coffee to erase up to $25 million in veteran medical debt from November 7–11, 2025. He shares his journey from military service and personal hardship to renewed faith, revealing how surrender and purpose replaced a performance-driven mindset. The conversation explores America’s spiritual...

This week on the MTNTOUGH Podcast we have Taya Kyle, widow of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle ("American Sniper"), and their son Colton Kyle. They explore themes of resilience, faith, and family growth amid adversity, sharing insights on raising mature young men, navigating service marriages, and combating cultural challenges like por*ography and divorce. Discover practical tools for mental toughne...

In this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, host Dustin Diefenderfer chats with Mike Hernandez, CEO of Fieldcraft Survival. Mike shares his harrowing near-death truck crash in Colorado, crediting divine intervention for his survival. They discuss his journey from 15 years in behavioral health fostering troubled boys to leading Fieldcraft, blending self-reliance training, overlanding, and survival ski...

Join former MMA fighter Justin Wren on the MTNTOUGH Podcast as he shares his incredible journey from the fighting cage to humanitarian work in the Congo, hosted by Dustin Diefenderfer. Discover how Wren, known as the Albino Rhino, found purpose through service after battling depression and addiction, leading him to aid the Pygmy people with clean water wells and sustainable farms. Explore themes o...

Today on MTNTOUGH Podcast we have Josh Smith, founder of Montana Knife Company, for an inspiring dive into building an American manufacturing legacy from a garage in Frenchtown, Montana. Discover how Josh defied skeptics, took calculated risks, and assembled a powerhouse team to bring knife-making from raw steel to shipping under one roof. With raw honesty, Josh shares the challenges of scaling a...

In this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, host Dustin Diefenderfer welcomes back Joby Martin, a dynamic communicator calling men to biblical manhood. Joby dives into his new book, Stand Firm and Act Like Men: Becoming the Man You Were Created to Be Instead of the Man the World Says You Are, unpacking the scriptural imperatives to be watchful, stand firm in faith, act like men, be strong, and let ev...

In this gripping episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, host Dustin Diefenderfer welcomes Jerrad Lopes, author of Dad Tired and a passionate advocate for fathers battling soul-weary apathy. Jerrad shares his raw journey through a midlife crisis, revealing how intensive counseling transformed him into a better husband and dad. He dives into the "stress bubble" men face in their 30s and 40s, exp...

In this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, host Dustin Diefenderfer welcomes Rebecca "The Queen of Pain" Rusch, a seven-time world champion across multiple endurance disciplines. Rebecca shares how her mental toughness and adventurous spirit were forged in her childhood, exploring the critical role of curiosity and community in her journey from a competitive athlete to a lifelong advocate...

In this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, host Dustin Diefenderfer welcomes Jason Khalipa, former CrossFit Games champion and passionate advocate for men's physical and mental transformation. Jason shares his evolution from being the fittest man on earth to leading weekly men's clubs that foster camaraderie and resilience through shared fitness challenges. He discusses the critical role of...

In this episode of the MTNTOUGH Podcast, host Dustin Diefenderfer sits down with Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer and fearless advocate for fairness in women's athletics. Riley shares her journey from competing at the NCAA championships to becoming a leading voice in one of today's most intense cultural battles. She discusses her unshakable mindset, the pivotal moment that ignited her...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with country music star Riley Green on the MTNTOUGH Podcast. Hailing from a small town in Alabama, Riley shares his journey from framing houses and playing local bars to signing a Nashville record deal and topping charts with hits like "Grandpas Never Die." He opens up about his passion for hunting, staying fit on the road, and the work ethic that fueled his r...