Best Initial Ascent Podcasts (2025)

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ELKSHAPE Podcast - How to Scout for Elk 45:58

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3d ago45:58

45:58

In this episode, Dan and Riley recap their recent multi-state elk scouting trip that was all about long-term strategy, boots-on-the-ground intel, and putting in the work now to increase success later. They break down: 🧭 How to build a smart e-scouting plan before you ever leave home 🥾 What to look for during in-person scouting (sign, pressure, acce…

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Sefer Bamidbar | Balak | 5785 | The Nature of Bilam's Prophecy 30:00

4d ago30:00

30:00

Sefer Bamidbar | Balak | 5785 | The Nature of Bilam's Prophecy, by Rav Ezra Bick Why do we need to know what Bilaam said to Balak? What is the significance of the entire story of Balak's failed plan to enlist Bilaam to curse Israel?By Rav Ezra Bick

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 34 | Balak 29:09

4d ago29:09

29:09

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 34 | Balak, by Rav Eli Weber Who is Bilam?By Rav Eli Weber

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Balak | Mah Tovu Ohalekha Yaakov 38:51

4d ago38:51

38:51

Balak | Mah Tovu Ohalekha Yaakov, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What motivated Bil'am to bless as he did? Following the progression of Bilam's blessings. The lyrical, uplifting blessings with which Bil'am blessed Bnei Yisrael are among the most elegant and moving series of passages in Tanakh. What motivated Bil'am to bless as he did - was he simply a mo…

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ELKSHAPE Podcast - Mark Livesay 2:18:28

6d ago2:18:28

2:18:28

In this in-depth episode, Dan sits down with Mark Livesay, founder of Treeline Academy and one of the most respected digital scouting minds in western hunting. This is more than just elk tactics. It’s a full-on masterclass in how to find elk, how to prepare for success, and how to defend the future of public land hunting. They cover: 🏹 Advanced str…

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The Hollywood Cameraman: Clint Easley 1:04:28

6d ago1:04:28

1:04:28

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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ELKSHAPE Podcast - North Idaho Firefighter Attacks 49:26

10d ago49:26

49:26

**BONUS POD** In this special and emotional episode, Dan sits down with Tyler Denim—firefighter, bowhunter, and close friend of ElkShape—for a raw debrief following the recent Coeur d’Alene fire tragedy, where two firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. After filming a light-hearted episode together, Tyler was one of the first on scene r…

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 33 | Chukat 28:02

11d ago28:02

28:02

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 33 | Chukat, by Rav Eli Weber What was the sin of Moshe and Aharon?By Rav Eli Weber

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Sefer Bamidbar | Chukat | 5785 | Taking Initiative 36:14

11d ago36:14

36:14

Sefer Bamidbar | Chukat | 5785 | Taking Initiative, by Rav Ezra Bick What's the difference between the first generation in the midbar and the second? Three short incidents in the middle of the Parasha define the change in the Jewish people after thirty years.By Rav Ezra Bick

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ELKSHAPE Podcast - Elk Hunting 101 1:10:06

13d ago1:10:06

1:10:06

Whether you're heading out for your first elk hunt or looking to sharpen your system before the season opens, this episode is your go-to guide. Dan and Riley are joined by Josh Crawford of ElkShape Training to dive deep into all things elk hunting—from tactics to terrain, and scouting to pack-outs. We break down: • Solo vs. partner hunting tactics …

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Dan Whitmus Stabbed Himself in Alaska and SURVIVED! 1:01:42

13d ago1:01:42

1:01:42

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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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 32 | Korach 26:57

18d ago26:57

26:57

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 32 | Korach, by Rav Eli Weber Why is HaShem offended by Korach? What is Bnei Yisrael's challenge to Moshe?By Rav Eli Weber

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Sefer Bamidbar | Korach | 5785 | The Holiness of Am Yisrael 38:05

18d ago38:05

38:05

Sefer Bamidbar | Korach | 5785 | The Holiness of Am Yisrael, by Rav Ezra Bick How does the flowering of Aaron's staff answer the complaint of the Jews? More importantly, is not the argument of Korach, "all Jews are holy", correct?By Rav Ezra Bick

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Korach | Korach, Datan and Aviram: When and Why? 35:23

18d ago35:23

35:23

Korach | Korach, Datan and Aviram: When and Why? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What were Datan and Aviram challenging - as opposed to Korach? The story of the rebellion(s) against Moshe is confusing; why are the rebels taking the stand against Moshe? What is their claim? When is this claim being presented? How do they die? A close analysis reveals two d…

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

20d 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…

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They've Killed Over 20 wolves! Justin and Kate Small 1:09:23

20d ago1:09:23

1:09:23

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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Sefer Bamidbar | Shelach | 5785 | The Meaning of Ascent 28:36

25d ago28:36

28:36

Sefer Bamidbar | Shelach | 5785 | The Meaning of Ascent, by Rav Ezra BickBy Rav Ezra Bick

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 31 | Shelach 28:24

25d ago28:24

28:24

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 31 | Shelach , by Rav Eli Weber Did Moshe think sending the spies was a good idea?By Rav Eli Weber

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Shelach | Bamidbar 15: Why Now, Why Here? 38:50

25d ago38:50

38:50

Shelach | Bamidbar 15: Why Now, Why Here? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why are the mitzvot of Nesakhim, Challa, Tzitzit and more presented in the aftermath of the story of the "Meraglim"?By Rav Yitzchak Etshalom

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

27d 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 …

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GIANT IDAHO BEARS with Chris Young 1:06:22

27d ago1:06:22

1:06:22

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

1M 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…

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Thoughts over the Last 12 Hours | Erev Shabbat Behaalotekha 5785 24:10

1M ago24:10

24:10

Erev Shabbat Behaalotekha 5785 | Thoughts over the Last 12 Hours, by Rav Moshe Taragin Thoughts about the war in Israel and parashat Behaalotekha Invoking the zechut of Jewish history and unity They are Hashem's enemies This time the two pesukim should end sufferingBy Rav Moshe Taragin

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Behaalotekha | Re'uel, Yitro, Chovav 30:34

1M ago30:34

30:34

Behaalotekha | Re'uel, Yitro, Chovav, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Who was Moshe's father-in-law? In our Parasha, there is a curious conversation between Moshe and Chovav; does Chovav end up accepting Moshe's invitation to join Am Yisrael? Who is Chovav to Moshe and is he also known by other names? Was Yitro the Kohen Midian or was Reuel - and who was …

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Sefer Bamidbar | Behaalotekha | The Consecration Ceremony of the Leviim 28:50

1M ago28:50

28:50

Sefer Bamidbar | Behaalotekha | The Consecration Ceremony of the Leviim, by Rav Ezra Bick What is the difference between the "purification" of the Leviim and the "sanctification" of the Kohanim?By Rav Ezra Bick

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 30 | Behaalotekha 31:07

1M ago31:07

31:07

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 30 | Behaalotekha, by Rav Eli Weber Why did Jewish history change in Parashat Behaalotekha ? What was the great sin of Kivrot Hata'ava?By Rav Eli Weber

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200" BUCKS AND LIGHTNING STRIKES 1:16:50

1M ago1:16:50

1:16:50

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 f…

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

1M 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 …

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

1M ago12:45

12:45

Got questions? Send us a text! 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 relen…

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Naso | The Sotah Mystery Revisited 29:27

1M ago29:27

29:27

Naso | The Sotah Mystery Revisited, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What do we anticipate will happen to the Sotah if she is guilty? The Sotah ritual has alternatively been called an ordeal, a deterrent, a mollifier, a Divine judgement and much more. Following the lead of some recent research (cited on the source sheet), a new approach to understanding So…

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 29 | Naso 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 29 | Naso, by Rav Eli Weber Why does Hashem make a miracle to bring peace between a couple? When was Birkat Kohanim given? Why are the korbanot of the chieftains repeated?By Rav Eli Weber

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Sefer Bamidbar | Naso | Religious Individualism and the Machaneh 24:48

1M ago24:48

24:48

Sefer Bamidbar | Naso | Religious Individualism and the Machaneh, by Rav Ezra Bick Why are the Sota and the Nazir in the middle of parashat Naso?By Rav Ezra Bick

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ELKSHAPE Podcast - Are you Locked In? 44:23

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

1M 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 …

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Sefer Bamidbar | Bamidbar | A Lot of Names and A Lot of Numbers, Why? 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

Sefer Bamidbar | Bamidbar | A Lot of Names and A Lot of Numbers, Why? by Rav Ezra Bick Does the population census eliminate individuality in service of creating the national unity, or does it enoble and distinguish the individual? Why are the Jews counted twice in the beginning of Sefer Bemidbar?By Rav Ezra Bick

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 28 | Bamidbar 29:48

2M ago29:48

29:48

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 28 | Bamidbar, by Rav Eli Weber Why does Hashem count Israel? Why does Hashem talk to Moshe from Ohel Moed? Why is Levi the smallest tribe?By Rav Eli Weber

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Shavuot | The Claims of the Heretics 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

Shavuot | The Claims of the Heretics, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom The public reading of Aseret HaDibrot (the Decalogue) was practiced on a daily basis in the Mikdash. This practice was banned elsewhere, due to the "Claims of the Heretics" - (תרעומת המינים). Why would there have been an interest in reading the Dibrot publicly every day - and why was it…

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Tehillim 132: קומה ה' למנוחתך (conclusion) 34:01

2M ago34:01

34:01

Tehillim 132: קומה ה' למנוחתך (conclusion), by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom When was Psalm 132 composed - and why? In this conclusion of a two-part shiur, we examine the longest of the שירי המעלה - Psalm 132. This psalm, evidently devoted to the city of Yerushalayim and the Divine choice of both the place and the Davidic line, is especially appropriate as…

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 27 | Behar-Bechukotai 29:23

2M ago29:23

29:23

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 27 | Behar-Bechukotai, by Rav Eli Weber What's the Ramban's view on chronology in the Torah? What is the religious meaning of work? Will there be wild animals in the days of the mashiach?By Rav Eli Weber

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Behar-Bechukotai | 5785 | Abarbanel as Philosopher 23:31

2M ago23:31

23:31

Behar-Bechukotai | 5785 | Abarbanel as Philosopher, by Rav Elyakim Krumbein Reward on earth or in the afterlife?By Rav Elyakim Krumbein

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Kaddish and the Idea of Jewish Nationalism 40:44

2M ago40:44

40:44

Kaddish and the Idea of Jewish Nationalism, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What is the meaning of Kaddish and why does it require a quorum? How does the impetus for a public declaration shed light on the idea of לאומיות ישראלית - Jewish Nationalism? This talk was given at the annual Karen and Ariel Avrech z"l Memorial Lecture at Young Israel of Century C…

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Tehillim 132: קומה ה' למנוחתך 34:32

2M ago34:32

34:32

Tehillim 132: קומה ה' למנוחתך, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom What was the occasion that motivated the composition of Psalm 132? A special shiur as we prepare for Yom Yerushalayim. In this first part of a two-part shiur, we examine the longest of the שירי המעלה - Psalm 132. This psalm, evidently devoted to the city of Yerushalayim and the Divine choice o…

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ELKSHAPE Podcast - Precision Cut Archery 1:20:22

2M 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…

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Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 26 | Emor 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

Ramban on the Torah | 5785 | 26 | Emor, by Rav Eli Weber Why do we bring Chametz to the Mikdash on Shavuot? When is Shavuot? What is Sefirat HaOmer?

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Emor | 5785 | Abarbanel on the Holidays 22:13

2M ago22:13

22:13

Emor | 5785 | Abarbanel on the Holidays by Rav Elyakim Krumbein How does the Torah use disrupted patterns to create meaning?By Rav Elyakim Krumbein

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Unraveling the Mystery of Lag BaOmer 37:58

2M ago37:58

37:58

Unraveling the Mystery of Lag BaOmer, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is there a celebratory air to the 33rd day of the Omer-count? By far the most mysterious of our festive days is ל"ג בעמר, where the cessation from weddings (etc.) turns the day into a joyous outburst of celebration, replete with bonfires, outings and more. What is the story behind t…

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

2M 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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Achari Mot - Kedoshim | 5785 | Why Be Holy? 20:30

2M ago20:30

20:30

Achari Mot - Kedoshim | 5785 | Why Be Holy? by Rav Elyakim Krumbein Abarbanel solves the riddle of Parashat Kedoshim.By Rav Elyakim Krumbein

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Tazria Metzora | 5785 | The Concept of Tum'a 20:10

2M ago20:10

20:10

Tazria Metzora | 5785 | The Concept of Tum'a by Rav Elyakim Krumbein Why is ritual purity so central in Sefer Vayikra?By Rav Elyakim Krumbein

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Acharei Mot - Kedoshim | Maaseh Eretz Cenaan 34:41

2M ago34:41

34:41

Acharei Mot - Kedoshim | Maaseh Eretz Cenaan, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom Why is the list of forbidden intimate relations introduced with the broad statement prohibiting us from engaging in the ways of the Egyptians and the Canaanites? Source sheet >>By Rav Yitzchak Etshalom