Best Initial Ascent Podcasts (2025)

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Joe and Dennis, Initial Ascent 1:22:31

24d ago1:22:31

1:22:31

In this episode, we sit down with Joe and Dennis, the founders of Initial Ascent, a company known for its high-performance, hunter-focused backpacks. We explore the role of Faith in their journey, how a shared vision brought them together, and the challenges and triumphs of building a brand rooted in purpose and performance. Whether you're an avid …

1
Ep. 143: Running Dogs for Spring Bear 1:08:12

23h ago1:08:12

1:08:12

Dirk and Bradley Dammerman of Idaho Whitetail Guides catch up on Bradley's Spring bear season, and then take a deep dive into a conservation organization that Bradley jus started: North Idaho Houndsmen Association. They talk about conserving the animals hound hunters love to pursue. They also talk about issues Hunting Outfitters here in Idaho are f…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Levi and Matt, QuivAR 1:35:04

3d ago1:35:04

1:35:04

In this episode, we sit down with Levi and Matt, the minds behind QuivAR, to talk all things bowhunting, business, and the changes rocking the hunting scene in Colorado. Spoiler: it’s not all good news for non-residents. We dive into their journey building the QuivAR app, a tool designed to help archers get the most out of their practice and perfor…

1
They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small 1:09:30

3d ago1:09:30

1:09:30

Justin and Kate Small, two of the best predator hunters on the planet, share their expertise on wolf hunting tactics that can make you a more effective hunter. • Kate's background includes nursing in Tanzania where she spent four months providing healthcare in poverty-stricken areas, including two months living with the Maasai tribe • Justin grew u…

1
Ep. 142: Spring Bear and BS 55:29

8d ago55:29

55:29

Jason and Dirk get back together again after a busy spring and shoot the breeze about their bear hunts. Jason and close friend Tyson, hunt bears in Idaho. Dirk hunted black bears in the great state of Alaska on an invite from Christensen Arms. They discuss the highs and lows of bear hunting and throw in a few bear hunting tips. Connect with Jason, …

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ELKSHAPE Podcast - Attention ROOKIE Elk Hunters!!!!! 1:18:12

10d ago1:18:12

1:18:12

In Part 2 of our Bear Bender series, Dan sits down with Bill Vanderheyden, founder of Iron Will Outfitters, for a deep dive into our Saskatchewan bear hunt with Eastern Sky Guiding Service—and so much more. We cover: • The highs and lessons from Bill’s latest bear hunting experience • A full breakdown of his elk hunting film—rewatching it together …

1
GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young 1:06:28

10d ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this episode, our host Chris Young shares the full story of his 2025 Idaho spring bear hunt. From rivers crossed with pack rafts to glassing for days in high mountain wind, this conversation captures the highs, lows, and lessons of a truly special backcountry experience. Along the way, Chris reflects on the power of sticking it out until the las…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - WE'RE FINALLY HOME (Bonus Pod) 1:06:37

14d ago1:06:37

1:06:37

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down to recap their full Bear Bender adventure, an epic spring bear hunting trip that took them from the remote bush of northern Alberta to the rugged Duck Mountains of eastern Saskatchewan. They break down the first leg of the trip with Prairie North Outfitters, where Dan filled both of his tags—including a giant…

1
TAP OUT OR TIPI UP: WHY PEAX KEEPS YOU HUNTING | 🎙EP. 910 1:19:40

15d ago1:19:40

1:19:40

WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://fas.st/t/CjgPBn28 🍴 FOOD 🍴…

1
Ep. 141: My Dad is Tougher than YOUR DAD! 1:02:43

15d ago1:02:43

1:02:43

In the spirit of Father's Day, Jason and Dirk enjoy comparing their Father's personalities and atributes. They discuss their dad's backgrounds, and reminiscing about their first times hunting with them. Learn more at https://www.treelineacademy.net/ Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, …

1
200" BUCKS AND LIGHTNING STRIKES 1:16:56

16d ago1:16:56

1:16:56

In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, filmmaker and backcountry hunter Martin Chagnovich shares the story behind his film Chasing 200, which documents his years-long pursuit of a 200-inch mule deer buck in the rugged Utah mountains. The conversation explores Martin’s roots in hunting, growing up in a hunting family, and turning his outdoor …

1
WHY FLOORLESS TIPIS JUST WORK | 🎙EP. 909 39:01

17d ago39:01

39:01

WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://fas.st/t/CjgPBn28 🍴 FOOD 🍴…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Bear Bender Part 1 1:05:57

17d ago1:05:57

1:05:57

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down with Darcy Ledrew, owner and head guide of Prairie North Outfitters, to recap an unforgettable bear hunt in the wilds of northern Alberta. This one’s special—Riley tagged his first-ever archery black bear, and Dan punched both of his tags, including a true Alberta giant. But this conversation goes beyond the …

1
Laying the Foundation: Welcome to the Mountain Dude Podcast 12:45

17d ago12:45

12:45

In this kickoff episode, host Chris Young along with the Initial Ascent owners Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes gather around the table to set the stage for something bigger than gear talk or hunting stories (though you’ll get plenty of both). This podcast is about diving deep into faith, failure, triumph, and the relentless pursuit of becoming bette…

1
CARNIVORE FUEL: MY ULTRALIGHT BACKCOUNTRY MEALS | 🎙EP. 908 25:27

22d ago25:27

25:27

Here are the Carnivore backpacking meals I've packed for my Alaskan Spring Bear Trip! (Recipes mentioned are written and shown in the video version of this podcast on YouTube). ____________________________________________________________________ WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the …

1
Ep. 140: Elk Tactics: 10 Questions to Be Better 53:23

22d ago53:23

53:23

In this episode, Jason Phelps takes on 10 of the toughest elk hunting questions every serious hunter should ask. From calling strategies and terrain tactics to handling hung-up bulls and the mental grind, Jason breaks down exactly how he approaches each scenario in the elk woods. With decades of experience and countless bulls called in, he shares h…

1
2025 ALASKAN SPRING BEAR GEAR LIST | 🎙EP. 907 34:33

23d ago34:33

34:33

WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://fas.st/t/CjgPBn28 🍴 FOOD 🍴…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Are you Locked In? 44:23

23d ago44:23

44:23

In this episode, we flip the script and bring you a raw, behind-the-scenes conversation between Dan and Riley.We dive into what it truly means to be “locked in”—not just in the elk woods, but in life. From faith and family to fitness and bowhunting, this episode explores how staying focused and intentional in every area of life builds not just bett…

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THE LAND GRAB THEY HID FROM YOU | 🎙EP. 906 1:19:12

29d ago1:19:12

1:19:12

Welcome to the Gritty Podcast. I’m joined by Mark Livesay, and in this episode we dig into a recent land transfer bill that almost stripped thousands of acres of public land from hunters like you and me. We’re talking politics, truth, and the real power of grassroots action. Mark and I break down what almost happened, how the bill got shut down, an…

1
Ep. 139: Bear Baiting with Mark Livesay 1:11:56

29d ago1:11:56

1:11:56

With a few minutes left on the time clock in some states this spring to bear hunt, Dirks talks baiting statagies with Mark Livesay from Treeline Academy. They touch on escouting and dig in deep on Mark's favorite baiting tricks. If you have a little time left to hunt and were pondering if it's worth setting up a bait this late in the game, give thi…

1
BIG BEARS & BIG MISTAKES | 🎙EP. 905 1:09:07

30d ago1:09:07

1:09:07

Welcome to the Gritty Podcast. I’m joined by Mark Livesay, and in this episode, we’re talking bear hunting—what works, what fails, and what it’s like to have a giant bear charge you after calling it in solo. Mark shares the full story of his first Montana bear—called with a mouth call, shot at under 50 yards, and not down after the first hit. We ge…

1
Ep. 138: Backcountry Safety with Jimmy Kits 1:15:06

1M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

This week's guest, Jimmy Gruenwald, aka Jimmy Kits, talks about getting the right items in your backpack's first aid kit. We talk tourniquets, quick clot, and more. Don't skip this episode - your life may depend on it! Lean more at https://www.instagram.com/orionmedconsulting Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram, F…

1
YOUR BASE CAMP REIMAGINED WITH ADDAX | 🎙️ EP. 904 51:49

1M ago51:49

51:49

WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://fas.st/t/CjgPBn28 🍴 FOOD 🍴…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Precision Cut Archery 1:20:22

1M ago1:20:22

1:20:22

In this episode, Dan and Riley sit down with Tristan Litke, founder of Precision Cut Archery, to talk about one of the most cutting-edge advancements in archery tech—custom sight tapes that bring pinpoint accuracy to a whole new level. We dive into the ballistics behind bow performance, how Tristan developed this unique system, and what separates P…

1
SPEAK OUT IN 60 SECONDS--- KEEP IT PUBLIC | 🎙️ EP. 903 15:23

1M ago15:23

15:23

Go here to speak out! https://www.howlforwildlife.org/keep_it_public WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build O…

1
WHY THIS BACKPACK CHANGED THE GAME — INITIAL ASCENT DEEP DIVE | 🎙️ EP. 902 1:14:20

1M ago1:14:20

1:14:20

WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://fas.st/t/CjgPBn28 🍴 FOOD 🍴…

1
Ep. 137: A Tribute to My Mom 16:55

1M ago16:55

16:55

Inspired by Mother's Day, Dirk reflects on how his mom was there to support his elk hunting and deer hunting endeavors from the beginning. Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTube Shop Phelps Merch See omnystudio.com/li…

1
WHY INITIAL ASCENT DESIGN MAKES SENSE | 🎙️ EP. 901 32:21

1M ago32:21

32:21

WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://fas.st/t/CjgPBn28 🍴 FOOD 🍴…

1
ULTRALIGHT vs. REAL-WORLD PACKS: HOW MUCH HUNTERS CARRY | 🎙️ EP. 900 38:52

1M ago38:52

38:52

In this episode I’m joined by Dennis Stokes and Joe Elliston from Initial Ascent, along with our buddy Martin Chag. We’re breaking down ultralight vs. backcountry hunting packs, real pack weights, and what it actually takes to haul heavy loads in the mountains. If you’ve packed meat or tried to cut weight without cutting safety, this episode’s for …

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Bear Butt Wipes and Olympian Jake Dalton 1:25:59

1M ago1:25:59

1:25:59

In this dynamic episode, we’re joined by two incredible guests—Jake Dalton, a U.S. Olympic gymnast, and Sam Pate, entrepreneur and founder of Bear Butt Wipes. What do they have in common? A deep commitment to faith, family, fitness, and a shared obsession with bowhunting. We dive into Jake’s journey from elite gymnastics to life after the Olympics,…

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ENDURANCE & GRATITUDE: THE MTN OPS JOURNEY |🎙️ EP. 899 1:07:44

2M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Today, I’m joined by Trevor Farnes — co-founder of Mountain Ops. Trevor started his journey while raising a young family, working to make ends meet and launching a supplement company to help his dad recover from heart issues. In this episode, we dive into how he built a business with meaning, led with faith, kept family at the center, and why perse…

1
Ep. 136: Turkey Talk in the PNW with Chuck Carpenter 1:10:21

2M ago1:10:21

1:10:21

In this episode, I sit down with NWTF biologist Chuck Carpenter to talk turkeys in the Pacific Northwest. From tough mountain hunts to population trends and harvest models, we cover what it takes to sustain healthy turkey numbers—and how understanding their biology can make you a better hunter. We also dive into hunting during the “henned up” phase…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Matt Roth 1:04:45

2M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

In this episode, we sit down with Spokane native Matt Roth for a wide-ranging and inspiring conversation covering legacy, faith, career, and the outdoors. Matt shares stories about growing up with his father—who served as the Gonzaga Athletic Director—and how that experience helped shape his work ethic and values. We dig into Matt’s path to becomin…

1
Ep. 135: Beyond the Bugle with Jason Phelps 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

In this episode, Jason steps away from just talking calls and hunting tactics to share a more personal side of the journey. Building Phelps Game Calls, chasing bulls every fall, being a dad and husband, and trying to juggle it all—it’s not always as clean or easy as it might look from the outside. He talks about burnout, learning lessons the hard w…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - THE FITTEST MAN ON EARTH, James Sprague 1:05:54

2M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

We sat down with the fittest man on earth, and learned more about him as a Man of God, husband, and athlete. Plus, hear the story of the worlds fittest man, and how he got to where he is now. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE CANVAS CUTTER - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE WILDERNESS ATHLE…

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LIMITLESS OUTDOORS |🎙️ EP. 897 1:28:44

2M ago1:28:44

1:28:44

WE RECOMMEND GEAR THAT FLATOUT WORKS. Buying gear using the links and codes below directly supports the GRITTY TEAM. ____________________________________________________________________ 💰GRITTY CODES & SOCIAL LINKS💰 Join us on social 👉 https://linktr.ee/briancall 🚐 Trailer Build Out 🧰 Cubic Grizzly Mini Wood Stove https://fas.st/t/CjgPBn28 🍴 FOOD 🍴…

1
Ep. 134: Initial Ascent with Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes 58:46

2M ago58:46

58:46

Jason sits down with Joe Elliston and Dennis Stokes of Initial Ascent to dive into the story behind their hunting pack company. They talk about what inspired them to start the brand, the hands-on prototyping process, and the rigorous testing their packs endured before ever hitting the market. The conversation highlights the innovation that sets the…

1
ELKSHAPE Podcast - Michael Allman 1:05:23

2M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

We got the opportunity to sit down with Michael Allman, world class archer, manager of Spokane Valley Archery, an 8th place winner of the Las Vegas shoot. We talk bows, debrief Vegas, and learn more about Michael as person, archer, and bowhunter. 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE OUTDOOR - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE PEAX EQUIP - 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE …

1
Ep. 133: Gear Reviews with Gabe Gerrish 58:47

2M ago58:47

58:47

Gear reviews and elk hunting go hand in hand. This week Dirk and Gabe Gerrish of Backwoods Pursuit talk about behind the scenes of his recent elk hunting film, "Chasing Tradition," and also the ins and outs of reviewing hunting gear. Link to Gabe's website: https://backwoodspursuit.com/ Connect with Jason, Dirk, and Phelps Game Calls MeatEater on I…

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