Best Mountain Tested Gear Podcasts (2025)

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Why Most Hunters Quit Early (And How to Push Through): Chris Young 44:03

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4h ago44:03

44:03

Got questions? Send us a text! Welcome back to the Mountain Dude Podcast by Initial Ascent. In this solo episode, host Chris Young dives deep into the one factor that separates successful hunters from those who come home empty-handed: mental toughness. From chasing bugles deep in September elk country to grinding through long solo hunts, Chris shar…

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EP 252 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket Review: 2 Years of Real-World Testing 24:23

7h ago24:23

24:23

Rain gear is one of the most crucial and expensive investments for hunters, and finding reliable testing methods can be a challenge. After 2 years of field testing, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of the Stone Glacier M5 Rain Jacket. This video dives deep into how it performs in real-world conditions, covering water resistance, breatha…

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Polartec® AirCore™ | Inside the Future of Breathable, Sustainable Cycling Performance Gear 54:12

2d ago54:12

54:12

Discover Polartec® AirCore™ — the revolutionary fabric that’s lightweight, breathable, PFAS-free, and made from recycled materials, designed to keep you dry from the inside out. Watch interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-EFOAr534V4 As the industry’s first advanced air-permeable laminate, AirCore™ combines stretch, windproofing, and water repelle…

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Show #446 - 2026 Honda CRF250R Review 56:05

16h ago56:05

56:05

No changes made to the Honda CRF250 in 2026 but we do have a lot of info to break down about the red machine. Learn about the Honda's strengths and weaknesses as well as what mods work best and we even cover some set up tips too help you get dialed in with your new CRF250R.

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EP 251 – Ultralight Innovation & The Future of Gear – with Dan Durston 1:20:21

6d ago1:20:21

1:20:21

In this episode, I sit down with Dan Durston, founder and lead designer of Durston Gear, to dive deep into the world of ultralight shelters, backcountry design, and the future of small gear companies taking on the giants. We talk about Dan’s journey from long-distance thru-hikes like the Pacific Crest Trail and Great Divide Trail, to daydreaming ge…

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Training, Faith & 40+ Packouts a Year: "Hollywood" Dave Beronio 1:04:30

7d ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with “Hollywood” Dave Beronio, elite athlete, guide, packout machine, and wedding officiant with over 1,500 ceremonies under his belt. From the ski slopes of Lake Tahoe to hauling 50 animals a year off Utah’s peaks, Dave’s story is one of relentless drive and intentional living. He opens u…

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EP 250 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: The Best Solution to Keep Your Feet Warm Late Season Whitetail Hunting! 16:41

7d ago16:41

16:41

Late season whitetail hunting in sub-zero temperatures can be tough, especially when it comes to keeping your feet warm. After testing multiple solutions, I found these heated insoles to be the best option for staying comfortable during long hunts. In this video, I break down the benefits of these insoles, how they compare to other market options, …

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Show #445 - How To Obtain And Keep A Sponsorship 1:28:05

8d ago1:28:05

1:28:05

In today's world where budgets are getting tighter and cost of living/racing is going up, how can a journeyman racer/family get sponsored to help offset costs? How can you, the racer, help the company that is sponsoring you? What can you do to obtain and then keep said sponsorship? We sit down with Kenny Day (Fox Racing) as well as Andy White (FXR …

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EP 249 – Field Judging Mastery: Inside the Horn Score App with Jay Scott & Blake Cannon 1:13:55

11d ago1:13:55

1:13:55

This episode is a deep dive into field judging, DIY hunting adventures in Mexico, and the development of the Horn Score app with veteran outfitter Jay Scott and Blake Cannon. We cover: What makes Coues deer hunting in Mexico such a unique adventure The logistics of crossing the border and hunting DIY ranches Why field judging is such a challenge fo…

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The E-scouting Guru and the Secrets to Elk Hunting Success: Mark Livesay 1:18:35

14d ago1:18:35

1:18:35

Got questions? Send us a text! On this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Mark Livesay—the E-Scouting Master behind TreeLine Academy and one of the most respected educators in the elk hunting world. Mark has spent decades refining his system for digital scouting elk hunting areas and has taught thousands of hunter…

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EP 248 - Mindful Reviews Mondays: Compact Spotting Scope Review: Swarovski vs. Kowa vs. Vortex 45:06

14d ago45:06

45:06

Looking for the best compact spotting scope? This comprehensive comparison of the Swarovski, Kowa, and Vortex compact spotters will help you make the smartest purchase decision. Over the last month, I’ve rigorously tested all three models to assess their performance, build quality, and value for money. From price and brand reputation to weight, gla…

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Show #444 - 2025 KTM 300 XC Talk W/Jamie Ellis 48:47

15d ago48:47

48:47

Got a chance to go test a 2025 KTM 300 XC up in the hills of the high desert so I decided to make a show about it since I liked it so much. After that decision, I decided to grab Jamie Ellis from Twisted Development to talk about some of his magical ECU mapping he does to the stock KTM 300XC. Get the scoop on KTM's best off-road two stroke right he…

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EP 247: Elk Bootcamp Re-Share: Student of The Elk Woods with John Barklow (133) 1:21:36

18d ago1:21:36

1:21:36

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season. This originally aired as episode 132 T…

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EP 246: Elk Bootcamp Re-Share - Instinctive Elk Calling with Joel Turner (132) 1:26:37

20d ago1:26:37

1:26:37

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season. This originally aired as episode 132 J…

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Elk Calling Tactics, Hunting Lessons, and Real-life Challenges: Cody McCarthy 1:17:07

22d ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of The Mountain Dude Podcast, we sit down with Cody McCarthy—elk caller, Slayer Calls pro, and man of faith—to hear his incredible journey from killing his first bull at 12 years old to becoming one of the most respected voices in the elk hunting world. Cody shares raw, emotional stories from his early…

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EP 245: Elk Bootcamp Re-Share - Elk Hunting Strategies with Dirk Durham (131) 1:25:55

22d ago1:25:55

1:25:55

Alright folks, elk season is just around the corner, and to help us all get ready, I am reposting some of the best elk hunting episodes I have done in the past. If you have never listened to these episodes, they are full of great tips, and if you have, it never hurts to get a refresher right before the season. This originally aired as episode 131 T…

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Show #443 - 2026 Kawasaki KX450 Talk 53:00

22d ago53:00

53:00

Keefer goes over the 2026 KX450 and why this bike may be best for you. With deals going on at your local Kawasaki dealer, this KX450 may be the right fit. Listen as KK goes over the engine delivery, any misnomers that you may have heard about the KX450, how the chassis can help you corner better as well as reliability talk. Get the straight scoop o…

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Q&A | Beat the Summer Heat: Smart Nutrition for Hot Weather Riding with Dani Hofstetter 53:25

26d ago53:25

53:25

Riding in the summer heat can turn a dream ride into a survival mission if you don’t fuel and hydrate correctly. In this episode, we're joined by returning guest and sports performance nutritionist, Dani Hofstetter, to break down how to fuel and hydrate smarter for hot weather training and racing. From carb absorption to sodium losses, cramping, gu…

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EP 244 – Everything You Wanted to Know About TRT, Peptides and PEDs 1:44:45

26d ago1:44:45

1:44:45

This week we’re going deep on PEDs. I opened up a Q&A on IG and got a ton of great questions about TRT, Peptides and PEDs. I start by sharing my personal experience with these compounds over the last 10 years, then do my best to answer as many questions as possible. I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Jay Nichol [email protected] …

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The Legend of The Bugler: Dirk Durham 1:32:28

29d ago1:32:28

1:32:28

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of the Mountain Dude Podcast, we're joined by none other than Dirk Durham, aka The Bugler, a backcountry legend and one of the most respected elk callers in the game. From his stormy-night birth in rural Idaho to bowhunting elk for over three decades, Dirk walks us through the experiences that shaped h…

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Show #442 - Ironman Combine Weekend Wrap up 1:11:21

29d ago1:11:21

1:11:21

We spent last week at Ironman Raceway for the Scouting Combine so in this show we cover the race itself, the track, the heat, Aden's issues, what kids impressed us, how the whole event works and a lot more from Ironman.

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EP 243 – Opening Day Mountain Goat Success - Vance Gets His First Billy! 1:13:13

1M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Not a lot needs to be said about this one. Buckle up for the story of how we got Vance his first Billy in the mountains of BC after a year of struggle and failure. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://forgedinthebackcountry.com/ Merch https://www.mindfulhu…

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Elk Every Year: Zach Bowhay’s Secrets to Long-Term Success in the West 1:00:44

1M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Got questions? Send us a text! Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the…

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Show #441 - 2025 Loretta Lynn's Wrap Up Show 1:38:34

1M ago1:38:34

1:38:34

Loretta's is done and dusted but the family and I sit down to recap the final days of the week and go over what happened at the ranch. We get off-road racer turned motocross guy Cole Forbes on to clear up a few things as well as talk about his week, how Aden's last motos were, who were the standouts of the week, who was our disappointments of the w…

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Show #440 - Loretta Lynn's Day 3 Recap 1:06:11

1M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

The Keefer family goes over day three of LL's 2025. Weather delays, fast B kids, fast women, some riders that we think should be doing better, a scary guy and a frenchy, how to navigate the amateur motocross path as well as a lot more within this episode.

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EP 242 – Truck Talk: Goat Hunt Q&A with Vance – Ethics, Tripods, and Who Shoots First 2:27:01

1M ago2:27:01

2:27:01

In this special on-the-road episode, Vance and I hit record while driving deep into goat country. With the truck packed and tags in our pockets, we tackle a pile of listener questions ranging from ethical shot distances and when to use a tripod, to the age-old debate of who gets first shot. We also break down whether a 6mm Creedmoor has any busines…

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Show #439 -2025 Loretta Lynn's Day 2 Recap 1:27:21

1M ago1:27:21

1:27:21

Keefer brings in Randy Richardson, Robby Green and Eddie Laret to talk about day 2 at the ranch. From crashes, podiums, who was good, who wasn't, how the track shaped up and even how many motocross training facilities are in the paddock these days. If you weren't there, it will feel like you were!

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Show #438 - Loretta Lynn's 2025 Day One 1:14:37

1M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Sit down with the Keefer family and enjoy the day one recap of some racing at the ranch. Kris, Aden, Heather as well as Eddie Laret talk about the day's events, how the racing went, who was fast, who wasn't and even a little bit of drama to tie it all in. It wouldn't be Loretta's without some sort of drama right?…

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Burning Beds, Backcountry Demons & Bowhunting Elk with Nate Illingsworth 1:04:51

1M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Got questions? Send us a text! In this raw and hilarious episode, Nate Illingsworth joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to share his insane journey—from nearly burning down his house mid-romance to losing 80 pounds and tackling backcountry elk hunts head-on. Nate opens up about fitness, faith, mental resilience, and the power of doing hard things—all w…

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EP 241 – My First Elk Series ft. Tim O’Leary 1:36:39

2M ago1:36:39

1:36:39

The My First Elk Series is focused on conversations with elk hunters who have killed their first elk in the last couple of years. The goal is to break down their experience and see what changed that allowed them to end their losing streak and finally put an elk on the ground. This second episode features my buddy Tim and dropped a ton of useful ins…

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VALENTIN PARET-PEINTRE | The Heart of a Climber: Favorite Climbs, Training Tips, and the Transition to SQS 36:57

2M ago36:57

36:57

In this episode, we sit down with one of the brightest young talents in professional cycling — Valentin Paret-Peintre. At just 24, he’s already claimed stage victories at the Giro d’Italia, the Tour of Oman, and made history as the fifth Frenchman ever to win atop Mont Ventoux during his maiden Tour de France. Join us for a relaxed and insightful c…

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Gear Talk Pt 2: Clothing Systems & the Merino vs Synthetic Debate 1:15:42

2M ago1:15:42

1:15:42

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode of Gear Talk, we go deep into clothing systems for backcountry hunting. From the hot debate of Merino wool vs synthetic base layers to how to layer effectively without overpacking, this is your ultimate breakdown of what to wear, when, and why. Whether you’re prepping for spring bear or late-season elk…

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EP 240 – My First Elk Series ft. Bo Scott Campbell 1:15:10

2M ago1:15:10

1:15:10

The My First Elk Series is focused on conversations with elk hunters who have killed their first elk in the last couple of years. The goal is to break down their experience and see what changed that allowed them to end their losing streak and finally put an elk on the ground. Up first we’ve got my buddy Bo Scott Campbell and this episode is full of…

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TIM MERLIER & BERT VAN LERBERGHE | The Friendship Behind the Sprinter Duo! 39:24

2M ago39:24

39:24

They were just two kids from Wortegem, riding bikes after school, never dreaming they’d one day end up in the pro peloton together. In this episode of the Castelli Podcast, we sit down with Belgian sprint sensation Tim Merlier and his lifelong friend and trusted lead-out man Bert Van Lerberghe, a duo bonded by years of shared rides, muddy cyclocros…

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Gear Talk Pt 1: Basecamp vs Backpack Hunting | Backcountry Nutrition, Gear Tips 1:13:36

2M ago1:13:36

1:13:36

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we dive deep into the backcountry, from the comfort of basecamp hunts to the grind of true backpack-style missions. We swap personal hunting stories, break down gear essentials like backcountry chairs, and talk about how to balance comfort and pack weight when you're miles deep. We also hit on one of …

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Show #437 - KTM 350 SX-F vs. Yamaha YZ450F Which One Is Better For You? 1:00:34

2M ago1:00:34

1:00:34

Let me walk you through the old age question... Should I get a 350 or a 450? I grab our modified KTM 350 SX-F as well as our trusty Yamaha YZ450F in order to guide you through all of the positives and negatives of each size and color. Is a modified 350 a disadvantage like others say it is? Why modify a 350 when you can just buy a 450? Can you make …

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EP 239 - Youtube Review Repost: Argali Absaroka & Prime RVX 34 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

While I’m out in the mountains scouting for an upcoming mountain goat hunt, I didn’t want to leave you hanging. So in this episode, I’m sharing the audio from two recent YouTube gear reviews: the Argali Absaroka Tent and the Prime RVX 34 Bow. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In …

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TOUR DE FRANCE | Chasing Speed with Soudal Quick-Step 20:53

2M ago20:53

20:53

In this special Tour de France episode, we're joined by two of the sharpest minds in performance cycling: Koen Pelgrim, Head of Performance at Soudal Quick-Step, and Steve Smith, Castelli Brand Manager and driving force behind the Scorpion’s aero innovation. Recorded just ahead of the Tour’s Grand Départ, the episode dives deep into the world of wi…

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The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley 1:04:35

2M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with Clint Easley, a former architect to the stars turned full-time filmmaker and mountain hunter. From designing homes for Hollywood elites to filming in the remote wilds of Alaska, Clint’s story is one of bold transitions, relentless creativity, and a calling to something deeper. This co…

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Show #436 - 2025 Kawasaki KX450SR Race Test With Gary Sutherlin 1:15:39

2M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

We gave Gary Sutherlin our 2025 KX450SR to race the vet weekend up at Mammoth Mountain MX so we ring him up to go over the details of the build as well as the race. What did Gary do to the bike? How was the durability of the KX450SR? Did it have enough power up in elevation? Hear it all on this show!…

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EP 238 – Montana Archery Elk Hunt Prep with Ben & Vance 1:26:57

2M ago1:26:57

1:26:57

I sit down with the boys this week to discuss our upcoming archery elk hunt in Montana. We go over how we drew the tags, what our strategy is, how that’s changed along the way and what gear we are planning to bring. Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://www.mindfulhunter.com/ Forged In The Backcountry https://for…

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Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED! 1:01:49

2M ago1:01:49

1:01:49

Got questions? Send us a text! In this episode, we sit down with legendary hunting guide Dan Whitmus, a man who’s lived over 30 years in the wilderness guiding hunters through Alaska, Africa, New Zealand, and the American West. Dan shares jaw-dropping stories, including surviving a self-inflicted knife wound deep in the bush, 300+ pound solo packou…

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Show #435 - Mammoth MX and Remembering Aidan Zingg 1:13:22

2M ago1:13:22

1:13:22

The family and I sit down to share stories about a great young man and how he impacted our lives. If you knew Aidan you already know but if you didn't this show will speak about who he was as a person and how he held a special place in our hearts.

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EP 237 – Everything You Wanted to Know About Shoot2Hunt University 1:22:58

3M ago1:22:58

1:22:58

I just got back from the intro 600 yard course from Shoot2Hunt and it absolutely blew my mind. In this episode I go over the entire experience, provide my critique and then I answer listener questions. Shoot2Hunt https://www.instagram.com/shoot2hunt/ https://shoot2hunt.com/ Jay Nichol [email protected] https://www.mindful-reviews.com/ https://w…

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They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small 1:09:31

3M ago1:09:31

1:09:31

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 t…

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EP 236 – Everything You Wanted to Know About Outfitting and Guiding Bear Hunts in BC: Solocast Q&A 1:40:57

3M ago1:40:57

1:40:57

I just wrapped up six intense weeks of guiding and outfitting bear hunts here in British Columbia. It was my first season running a full-time outfit in this new territory, and it delivered everything I hoped for—hard lessons, great people, and unforgettable adventures. A lot of you had questions, so I dropped a Q&A post on Instagram and used this e…

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Show #434 - The Club MX Experience 1:00:33

3M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Ever wondered what it's like to ride the Club MX facility? What about how it's ran? Is it the best motocross training facility in the United States? Listen as Aden and Kris Keefer talk about their experience visiting/riding the Club MX grounds.

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GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young 1:06:29

3M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 o…

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Show #433 - 2025 Yamaha YZ250 Garage Build 1:03:08

3M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Two stroke fever! Listen as Eddie Laret and Keefer talk about their latest Garage Build that involves the YZ250 two stroke! Bickering about the two stroke fun factor, Mark from REP discusses suspension set up, who the two stroke is for these days and what was done to this specific build all in this show.…

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EP 235 – Goat Hunt Redemption with Vance: Hard Lessons, New Gear, and a Smarter Plan for This Season 1:34:15

3M ago1:34:15

1:34:15

This week I’ve got my hunting partner Vance on the show, and we’re digging into last year’s goat hunt that didn’t go as planned. We talk about what went wrong, the key lessons we took away from the experience, and how we’re changing things up for this season. We also walk through our updated gear lists — what worked, what didn’t, and what’s getting…