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 toughness, generational improvement, and building strong, respectful relationships in this heartfelt episode focused on thriving through life's trials.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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 & Podcast Welcome00:01:55 - Family Time in Montana00:03:27 - Colton's Maturity & God's Design00:06:13 - Faith Through Adversity00:10:20 - Generational Improvement & Parenting00:15:19 - Adversity's Role in Growth00:20:19 - Empowering Young Men00:25:05 - Bold Conversations on Sexuality00:30:26 - Respect & Leadership in Marriage00:35:43 - Premarital Prep & Family Roles00:40:20 - Responsibility in Leadership00:44:11 - State of American Youth00:48:47 - Building Community & Fellowship00:53:59 - Vulnerability & Confessing Sins00:58:31 - Social Media & Self-Image01:05:10 - Countercultural Faith01:10:27 - Colton's Non-College Path01:15:08 - American Sniper Brand Vision01:20:39 - Taya's Foundation Work01:25:01 - Service Marriages Challenges01:30:14 - Program Success Stories01:35:14 - Enemy Attacks on Marriage01:40:11 - Nuances in Service Relationships01:43:10 - Closing & Thanks

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 skills with faith-based ministry. Topics include overcoming adversity, mental toughness, outdoor healing, and biblical mandates for strength and love, inspiring listeners to unplug, build resilience, and serve others.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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 - Podcast Welcome and Host Introduction00:02:50 - Mike's Near-Death Truck Crash Story00:05:11 - Reflections on Guardian Angels and Faith00:06:18 - Rescuing the Totaled Rig00:08:03 - Shifting Focus to Family Over Materialism00:08:33 - Mike's Journey from Behavioral Health00:10:01 - Fostering Boys and Success Stories00:11:33 - Combining Mechanics with Therapy00:12:23 - Joining Fieldcraft Survival00:13:40 - Transition to CEO Role00:15:06 - Navigating Business Adversity00:20:20 - Negotiating Contracts with Humility00:24:35 - Fieldcraft as a Ministry00:29:56 - Self-Reliance Against Modern Dependency00:36:06 - Outdoor Healing and Mental Tools00:40:06 - Alaska Trip and True Self-Reliance00:44:33 - Breaking Free from the Matrix00:47:03 - Rejecting Toxic Masculinity Narratives00:50:21 - Call to Action for Men00:52:58 - Always Ready Mindset00:55:04 - Biblical Strength and Love00:58:03 - Plugging into Fieldcraft Training01:00:18 - Recent Medical Training Courses01:01:35 - Episode Wrap-Up and Appreciation01:02:37 - Golden Nugget: Tenacity in Adversity

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 of mental toughness, overcoming fear, and the power of purpose in this inspiring episode filled with real-life adventures and life-changing visions. Learn about Fight for the Forgotten, Wren's nonprofit that's provided water to over 80,000 people and created lasting impact in remote African communities. Tune in for motivational stories on resilience, contribution, and transforming personal struggles into global good—perfect for fans of MMA, podcasts, and humanitarian tales.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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.

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 business in a frontier state, the power of lifelong learning, and why it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Packed with entrepreneurial wisdom and a passion for empowering local communities, this episode will motivate you to step into the arena and pursue your own mountain top.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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.

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 everything be done in love. He addresses the cultural attacks on masculinity, the rise of a grassroots men's movement, and the signs of revival sweeping churches and society, emphasizing the need for authentic brotherhood, spiritual warfare readiness, and rejecting apathy in favor of Christ-centered leadership. This bold and motivating conversation provides practical steps for men to protect their families, renew their minds with God's truth, serve sacrificially, and build lasting legacies, delivering encouragement and biblical wisdom for guys ready to rise up and thrive as godly leaders in a challenging world.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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.

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, exploring how apathy can drain purpose and how vulnerability, authentic friendships, and faith can restore it. This powerful conversation offers actionable insights for dads to heal their souls, embrace their true selves, and thrive amidst life’s challenges. Join Dustin, 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 to inspire you to level up. Whether you're a backcountry hunter, outdoorsman, or seeking a stronger mindset, this is your go-to source for expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance.

Presented by Sig Sauer.

V I D E O S T O W A T C H N E X T

🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S

💊 Get 20% off MTN OPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" 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 Dedicated. Our premier functional fitness programming is designed for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go. Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has helped individuals achieve their goals by building physical and mental toughness. Our best-in-class programs, developed and tested by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and elite trainers, are used by 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.

Video Chapters0:00 - Introduction: Welcome to the MTNTOUGH Podcast1:12 - Meet Jerrad Lopes: Author of Dad Tired3:29 - The Stress Bubble: Navigating Life’s Pressures7:22 - The State of the American Man: Apathy Epidemic11:40 - Breaking Free from Apathy: Obedience and Faith17:49 - Defining Dad Tired: Body Tired, Soul Restored21:59 - Signs of a Weary Soul: Grumpiness and Numbing24:58 - Suffering as a Path to Resilience28:47 - Taking Risks: Jerrad’s Leap into Freedom36:01 - Hitting Rock Bottom: A Vulnerable Confession41:21 - The Power of Confession and Community51:42 - Redefining Strength: Embracing Authenticity57:01 - Solutions for Dads: Healing the Soul59:30 - Closing Thoughts: The Golden Nugget

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 for outdoor movement. She discusses the profound difference between the cerebral nature of outdoor sports and the singular focus it requires, and reveals how a career-defining concussion forced her to redefine strength by embracing holistic health, community, and vulnerability. This conversation offers a powerful testament to how nature, adversity, and a balanced approach to wellness can serve as the ultimate classroom for building a resilient mind and body.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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 - Introduction: The MTNTOUGH Podcast00:01:09 - Meet "The Queen of Pain," Rebecca Rusch00:02:37 - The Childhood Origins of Mental Toughness00:03:42 - Why Curiosity Drives Her Diverse Career00:05:12 - Why Outdoor Sport Builds a Stronger Mind00:06:36 - The Resilience Gained from Her Upbringing00:07:47 - Finding Community Through Sport00:08:53 - The "Magic Pill" of Nature and Movement00:10:12 - How Science Proves the Benefits of Nature00:11:11 - The Impact of Getting Urban Kids Outdoors00:12:42 - Life-Changing Clarity on an Alaskan Caribou Hunt00:15:27 - Sponsor: MEAT Processing00:18:03 - The Power of Singular Focus in a Distracted World00:20:57 - How a Back Injury Led to a Mental Breakthrough00:24:01 - Rebecca's Concussion & The Spiral into Depression00:27:18 - Why Asking for Help Is a Sign of Strength00:28:43 - Redefining Mental Toughness00:30:09 - Returning to Motivation00:31:27 - Sponsor: The MTNTOUGH App00:32:46 - The "Four-Legged Bar Stool" Analogy for Holistic Health

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 fitness in preparing men to protect and provide, the power of faith in answering life's callings, and his simple yet transformative "45 Principle" for jumpstarting a healthier lifestyle. This conversation is a compelling call to action for men to rise up, build their fortress, and embrace their potential as husbands, fathers, and community leaders.

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_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms

S 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.

0:00 - Podcast Intro

1:21 - Guest: Jason Khalipa

3:06 - CrossFit to Men’s Fitness

4:52 - Never Zero Mentality

6:21 - Ranger Regimen Insights

8:54 - Starting Men’s Clubs

11:42 - Faith and Life’s Callings

15:03 - Adversity and Resilience

20:33 - MTN OPS Supplements

24:57 - State of American Men

29:59 - The 45 Principle

34:23 - Be a Beacon for Change