Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode: Ep. 167 | Staying Ready - Live panel with Dustin and Randy from Sheep Show
Release Date: January 28, 2025

Introduction

In episode 167 of Live Wild with Remi Warren, host Remi Warren delves into the critical aspects of mental toughness, staying prepared, and physical preseason preparation for hunting. This bonus episode features a live panel discussion with Dustin Diefenderfer of Mountain Tough Fitness and Randy Newberg from On Your Own Adventures. The conversation, held at the Wild Sheep Show, provides hunters with invaluable insights into preparing for demanding hunts, particularly in mountainous terrains.

Preseason Preparation: Physical and Mental

Remi Warren sets the stage by highlighting the importance of comprehensive preseason preparation. He introduces Dustin and Randy, emphasizing their unique perspectives—Remi from his extensive guiding experience with prepared and unprepared hunters, and Randy from his journey transitioning from a desk-bound accountant to a physically trained hunter.

Randy Newberg shares his transformation:

“...for the longest time he was Not a gym goer... this was the first big gym year of your life... it was quite a journey.”
(Timestamp: 07:51)

Common Mistakes in Preseason Prep

Remi identifies three primary mistakes hunters make:

1. Overconfidence and Lack of Specific Training:
   Many hunters believe general fitness suffices but fail to train with the actual gear and conditions they'll face.

   “They don't understand that it's time under weight...”
   (Timestamp: 05:11)

2. Inadequate Pack Training:
   Hunters often train without the substantial weight of their hunting packs, leading to physical and mental strain during the hunt.

   “...heavy pack pretty well, for sure.”
   (Timestamp: 09:22)

3. Unprepared for Specific Hunt Types (e.g., Horseback Hunting):
   Engaging in hunts like horseback hunting without prior experience can lead to exhaustion and failure.

   “...horse hunts kill more people than like straight up backpack hunts.”
   (Timestamp: 07:51)

Randy Newberg adds his own observation:

“...preparing to be an outdoorsman. And so if you have that hunt of a lifetime, but you're not spending time on the mountain with your pack...”
(Timestamp: 07:51)

Importance of Specific Training

Both Remi and Randy stress the necessity of training that mirrors the actual hunting conditions. This includes:

• Hiking with Weighted Packs: Simulating the weight to build endurance and strength.
• Horseback Riding Training: Essential for horseback hunts to avoid sudden physical exhaustion.
• Outdoor Skills Development: Engaging in activities like camping and fly fishing to build overall resilience.

Remi Warren shares a poignant story:

“...a cowboy... walked to the truck, drove himself to the hospital... matched me step for step.”
(Timestamp: 22:26)
This story underscores that mental determination can rival physical preparedness.

Nutrition and Diet

Nutrition emerges as a pivotal component alongside physical training. Remi emphasizes that a hunter’s diet significantly impacts their ability to shed excess weight and carry hunting gear effectively.

Remi Warren explains:

“...the diet's preventing him from possibly shedding 20 pounds... more energy on the hunt.”
(Timestamp: 15:21)

Dustin Diefenderfer shares his personal struggle and transformation:

“...meeting with Kyle was very helpful because kind of pointing or adding on to what Remi was talking about... no better investment I've made than in myself and in my health.”
(Timestamp: 19:34)

Key takeaways include:

• Consistent Healthy Eating: Avoiding high-sugar and processed foods to maintain energy levels.
• Hydration and Electrolytes: Crucial for sustaining performance, especially at high altitudes.
• Protein Intake: Managing protein consumption to support muscle strength without overburdening the liver.

Mental Toughness and Optimism

Mental resilience and an optimistic mindset are highlighted as essential traits for successful hunting. Remi recounts experiences of hunters who, despite physical challenges, maintain unwavering determination.

Remi Warren reflects on a standout hunter:

“...strength was, like, between the ears... no quit, no... it was 100%, in some ways, like, mental.”
(Timestamp: 22:26)

Randy Newberg reinforces the importance of mental toughness:

“The mindset is everything... optimism is just a state of mind... it's the key to success on the mountain.”
(Timestamp: 25:55)

He further elaborates:

“...the mindset of never quitting, the mindset of optimism is the key to success.”
(Timestamp: 51:03)

Training Programs and Specific Exercises

The discussion shifts to effective training methodologies tailored for backcountry hunting:

• Single-Leg Movements:
  Exercises like Bulgarian split squats and single-leg deadlifts enhance balance and strength, mimicking the uneven terrain of mountainous hunts.

  “...single leg movements are going to be the most beneficial.”
  (Timestamp: 58:09)

• Consistency Over Intensity:
  Regular, manageable workouts build endurance and mental resilience more effectively than sporadic, intense sessions.

  “...consistency is the key... find something you love enough that you can consistently make four or five days a week.”
  (Timestamp: 51:48)

Mountain Tough Fitness offers specialized programs like PP50 for hunters over 50, addressing age-related physical challenges while maintaining peak performance.

Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Randy Newberg shares his transformative hunt experience:

“...could have missed that ram by 10, 20, 30 seconds... It definitely paid off in the moment of truth.”
(Timestamp: 45:21)
This story illustrates how dedicated training enabled him to capitalize on a fleeting hunting opportunity, demonstrating the tangible benefits of physical preparedness.

Dustin Diefenderfer recounts his health struggles and subsequent commitment to fitness:

“...it takes some time to adjust, but I'm not going to let aches and pains stop me.”
(Timestamp: 38:30)
His journey emphasizes the importance of overcoming personal limitations to pursue hunting passions.

Remi Warren shares another anecdote:

“...taught himself how to shoot his bow with his mouth and had a great year archery hunting...”
(Timestamp: 51:45)
This story highlights ingenuity and perseverance in the face of physical adversity.

Q&A Highlights

The panel addresses listener questions, providing practical advice:

1. Preparing for High Altitude from Sea Level:
   Randy Newberg advises:

   “Show up as physically prepared as possible... Acclimation by arriving early helps develop new red blood cells.”
   (Timestamp: 55:56)

2. Training Exercises for Backcountry Hunting:
   Randy Newberg recommends:

   “Single leg movements... Bulgarian split squats are a big game changer for mountain hunting.”
   (Timestamp: 58:09)

3. Additional Tips from Remi Warren:

   “Stay hydrated, use electrolytes, avoid alcohol, and manage altitude sickness symptoms.”
   (Timestamp: 57:50)

Conclusion and Announcements

Remi wraps up the episode by emphasizing the intertwined nature of physical training, nutrition, and mental resilience in successful hunting. He announces a secret knife drop in collaboration with Montana Knife Company, encouraging listeners to join his email list for early access.

Final thoughts highlight the ongoing journey of self-improvement and preparation, ensuring hunters are ready for any challenges the wilderness may present.

Remi Warren concludes:

“...prepare you so when you're out in the field, you're ready for whatever the mountain can throw your way.”
(Timestamp: 60:02)

Key Takeaways

• Comprehensive Preseason Prep: Combines physical training, specific skills, and mental resilience.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t rely solely on general fitness; train with actual gear and simulate hunting conditions.
• Nutrition is Crucial: Maintain a balanced diet to support physical demands and energy levels.
• Mental Toughness Equals Success: An optimistic and resilient mindset can overcome physical challenges.
• Consistent Training: Regular, targeted workouts build the necessary endurance and strength for demanding hunts.

Join the Live Wild community for more insights, stories, and tips to elevate your hunting experience. Stay ready and stay wild!