"In Pursuit" is your definitive guide to fitness and performance in the wild. Hosted by Rich Froning—four-time CrossFit Games champion and founder of CrossFit Mayhem—this show goes beyond the hunt, diving into what drives us to test our limits in the backcountry and beyond. Each episode features raw, wide-ranging conversations with athletes, hunters, doctors, and thought leaders—from the gym to the lab to the wilderness—connecting the grit of mountain hunting to the pursuit of something deeper: purpose, resilience, and human potential in the wild.

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In this episode, Jason sits down with CrossFit legend, Rich Froning, to dive deep into the mental and physical toughness it takes to succeed, not just in the gym, but in the mountains. Rich opens up about his passion for hunting, what drew him to it, and how it’s challenged him in ways he didn’t expect. They explore how the intensity of elite fitness compares to the patience and grit required in the backcountry, what training really matters when you're preparing for a hunt, and how to stay disciplined when life’s full of competing priorities. From workouts and recovery to mindset and motivation, this conversation is about pushing limits, building resilience, and finding growth through discomfort, whether you’re on the trail or under a heavy barbell. If you're serious about becoming a tougher, more capable version of yourself, in the field and beyond, you won’t want to miss this one.

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In this episode of Cutting the Distance, we dive into a Pendleton Whisky Q&A session that tackles some of the most common—and most critical—questions elk hunters have heading into the season. Jason Phelps shares what to do when your cameras are lighting up with elk but not many bulls, how often you can realistically expect a bull to respond to your calling, and his personal breakdown process when it comes time to put meat on the ground. He also explores where to start your search in a new unit.

Then we shift gears into calling strategy—breaking down the basic elk vocalizations every hunter should know, from cow mews to challenge bugles, and when to use them. You'll learn how to adapt your tactics as the rut progresses, how to tell a believable story through your calls, and what it means when a bull cuts you off mid-bugle. Whether you’re brand new to elk hunting or just trying to refine your setup, this episode is packed with real-world insight that can tip the odds in your favor this fall.

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Dirk asked his Instagram followers to send questions regarding elk hunting. No surprise there were some smartypants questions, and some really good serious ones as well. He covers: why the Maverick diaphragm is so much better than the Pink Phelps, early season calling tactics, this year's broad head of choice, sleep talking, best calls NOT to make, optimizing your elk chuckles, stick with cow calls or switch to bugles when you get a bull to respond, calling to bulls that hang up and or run away, and more.

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Chris Cabral is an accomplished lifelong elk hunter and hunting guide. This week Dirk picks Chris' brain on trail cams, locating bulls, calling bulls, and late season rifle elk hunting tactics.

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In this episode, Jason sits down with Kyle and Steven Bradshaw, the innovators behind the Kyven Bugle Tube, the first truly collapsible, full-size bugle. They dive into the origins of the idea and the long road from prototype to full-scale production. Jason shares his perspective on recognizing a great idea when he sees one, and the humility it takes to partner with someone else and bring their vision to life. From design and production challenges and trade-offs to what the future holds for Kyven, this conversation is a must-listen for hunters, gear junkies, and creative minds alike.

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After many attempts, Jason was finally able to convince his wife, Sondi Phelps, to come on to the podcast and talk about her upbringing, the struggle growing the business with two small kids and full time jobs, as well as her journey to becoming a hunter, and a few stories from the hunts.

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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 facing with the new tag drawing system nonresidents will face in 2026.

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