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The MTI Podcast

by Mountain Tactical Institute

Mountain Tactical Institute’s Podcast for Tactical and Mountain Athletes

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Jul 18, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Are Young Men in America Falling Behind? Four 20-Somethings Speak Out

    The statistics are grim: young men are falling behind their female peers in graduation rates, employment, and relationships—and leading in depression, suicide, and social isolation. In this episode, we share these numbers with four men in their 20s—MTI Coach Emmett Shaul (29) and three current…

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  2. #68 Athlete Submitted Q&A with Founder Rob Shaul

    Solo episode today. Founder Rob Shaul answers emailed Questions from athletes concerning preparing for SWAT selection, overcoming plateaus in strength training, and scheduling programming for a multi-sport, often traveling mountain athlete.

  3. #67: The Mental Fitness Self-Diagnostic Tool

    Rob and Charlie discuss the concept of mental fitness, exploring its core attributes, the importance of self-correction, and the triggers that indicate a lapse in mental fitness. They delve into practical applications, the role of emotions like frustration and defeat, and the challenges of…

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  4. #66: Redefining Mental Fitness Beyond Grit

    Rob, Brian, and Dan challenge the conventional wisdom around "mental toughness" by redefining it as mental fitness—a trainable, perishable, and multidimensional attribute. Drawing from military, athletic, academic, and corporate experiences, they explore how key traits like perseverance,...

  5. #65: July's Mini Study Design - Velocity Training, Ruck Strategies, and Climbing

    Charlie, Seung, Jackson, and Sam discuss July's mini-study designs, focusing on velocity-based training, rucking strategies, and climbing training. The participants discuss the purpose and protocols of their studies, comparing traditional strength programming with velocity-based approaches, and...

  6. #64: Interns Q&A with Rob

    In this episode, MTI's interns conducted a Q&A Rob Shaul covering key principles in strength and conditioning. Rob discusses his most unique coaching experience—whitewater kayakers—highlighting the upper-body-focused training and sport-specific programming he developed to meet their needs. He...

  7. #63: What does it mean to be a good father?

    MTI Athletes Dan and Derrick join Rob and Charlie to explore the multifaceted nature of fatherhood, discussing what it means to be a good dad, the emotional connections with children, and the responsibilities fathers hold for their children's successes and failures. They delve into personal...

  8. #62: Mid-Grade Officer Writings, Bear Hunt Report, Upcoming Research Projects

    In this conversation, Rob and Charlie dive into the Marine Corps' strategic shifts towards small craft and rapid deployment, the importance of junior officers in military discourse, and the challenges of aerobic training for mountain athletes. Additionally, they share personal experiences in bear...

  9. #61: Catherine Harris - Tactical Strength & Conditioning

    Catherine, a tactical strength coach with a diverse military background, shares her journey through various branches of the military, highlighting the differences in training approaches and the challenges of implementing effective strength conditioning programs. She discusses the importance of...

  10. #60: Carnivore Diet, Supplements, and LE Shooting Studies

    Rob and Charlie discuss various topics, including MTI's new gym in Ogden, to his experiences with the carnivore diet and insights on supplements. They also delve into a study on shooting performance in law enforcement, with insights surrounding law enforcement shooting proficiency, the…

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  11. #59: Am I Still an Athlete? w/Brian & Dan

    In this conversation, Rob Shaul, Brian Reed, and Dan Stuewe discuss various aspects of fitness and the identity of being an athlete, particularly in the context of military service and coaching. They explore the evolution of fitness training, motivations, and how personal experiences shape their...

  12. #58: Ogden Gym, Denali, and the MTI Brief

    Rob and Charlie discuss the establishment of MTI's new training workshop in Ogden, Utah, focusing on innovative training methods and the integration of lab rats for testing. Rob shares insights on polar training for older athletes, balancing strength and endurance, and highlights the journey of...

  13. #57: Military Fitness, Ranger School, & Transitioning out of the Army

    In this conversation, Rob Shaul and Brian Reed discuss the evolution of fitness and training for military personnel, particularly focusing on the importance of endurance, mobility, and nutrition as they age. They explore the H2F program, the significance of qualifications like the Ranger tab, and...

  14. #56: Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Riley - The Realities of Senior Enlisted Leadership

    In this episode, Rob Shaul speaks with Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon Riley, currently serving as the senior enlisted leader for 3-66 Armor Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. Riley discusses the real work of a battalion CSM—managing standards and discipline, mentoring...

  15. #55: Utah MTI Fitness Lab, Ranger School Updates, & Zone 2 Sled Drags

    Rob and Charlie discuss the establishment of a new fitness lab in Ogden, Utah, focusing on programming and training for athletes. They explore the target audience for lab rats, updates to the Ranger School Training Plan, and the implications of Ranger tabs on leadership and bias within the...

  16. #54: Gravel Racing, Training, and Ultra Running with MTI Athlete Jonathan Edwards

    In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Edwards, a tech consultant and elite ultra marathon runner based in Sandy, Utah. We discuss his experience racing the Belgian Waffle Race in Scottsdale, Arizona—an intense 104-mile gravel race with nearly 7,900 feet of elevation gain. Jonathan shares...

  17. #53: Strength, Endurance, and Performance: Coaching Insights from Chris Judy

    In this episode, I sit down with Chris Judy, an elite strength and endurance coach with experience in rugby, obstacle course racing, and high-level endurance training. Chris shares his coaching journey, from building a strength program for the University of Utah Rugby Team to training world-class...

  18. #52: From Pro Baseball to Tactical Fitness: Strength & Conditioning Insights with Michael Schofield

    In this episode, I sit down with Michael Schofield, a former MLB strength coach turned tactical performance specialist. Schofield spent over a decade in professional baseball, working with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, and New York Mets before transitioning to first responder fitness....

  19. #51: Alpinist Training, V-SUM Climbing, and Outdoor Leadership with MTI Athlete Derrick

    Rob Shaul and MTI Athlete Derrick, an active duty Air Force Officer based in Santiago, Chile, discuss Derrick's recent experiences with fitness assessments, particularly the Alpinist fitness assessment and the V-SUM for rock climbing. They explore Derrick's training progress, the outdoor culture…

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  20. #50: Strength, Skiing, and Coaching with Crystal Wright

    In this episode, I sit down with Crystal Wright, two-time Freeride World Tour Champion, founder of Wright Training, and strength coach for mountain athletes. From her early days ski racing with the U.S. Ski Team to dominating freeride competitions and building one of the top strength training...

  21. #49: (Revised) Long-Range Hunting: Ethics, Fair Chase, and the Future of the Sport

    Note: Ian's recording in this discussion was disrupted which led to some of his points being cut out of the original episode. We were able to recover the original audio in full. Today's Guests: Ian is a shooting instructor, hunter, and prior USMC Scout Sniper ( @ianminer2013 ) Adam is an MTI...

  22. #48: Leadership, Transition, and Lessons from Brigadier General Brian Reed

    In this episode, Rob sits down with Brian Reed, a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General whose 38-year career spanned deployments to Haiti, Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as leadership roles at every level, culminating as Chief of Staff at West Point. Brian shares powerful insights…

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  23. #47: Breaking down the 357 Strength Progression

    Rob breaks down the 357 strength progression, a training method that combines strength training with short work capacity efforts. He explains its origins, design, and practical applications, as well as the results of a study comparing it to other training methods. The discussion highlights the...

  24. #46: Power Focused Programming Mini Study

    This conversation delves into the complexities of training tactical power for athletes, particularly for tactical athletes. Rob discusses the challenges of defining tactical power, the importance of assessments, and the methodologies used in a recent study aimed at improving power development.…

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  25. #45: From Valdez to Antarctica: A Climber's Journey with Wyatt Jobe

    Wyatt Jobe shares his experiences living in Valdez, Alaska, a hub for ice climbing and mountaineering. He discusses the history of the climbing community, the accessibility of climbing routes, and the transition to backcountry skiing. Wyatt also reflects on his paramedic work in remote areas of...

  26. #44: In Season Programming for Endurance Athletes

    Rob dives into programming for In-Season Endurance Athletes and fields strength and conditioning questions from the MTI Athlete Team. Mountain Tactical Institute Home Check out the MTI Athlete Team Apply to be a Paid MTI Athlete MTI's Daily Programming Streams

  27. #43: Coaching Elite Mountain Bike & Rugby Athletes with Alex Ackerley

    In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Alex Ackerley, an accomplished strength and conditioning coach based in Squamish, BC, Canada. Alex shares his journey from high-performance rugby to coaching elite mountain athletes, including World-Cup level mountain bikers, Tour Divide gravel riders…

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  28. #42: Does Mental Fitness Transfer to Other Life Challenges?

    Tactical, Mountain, or Gym Rat Athlete? Want to be a guest on the podcast? Email [email protected] This group conversation delves into the themes of mental fitness, resilience, and the transferability of skills learned through physical challenges. The participants share their experiences in...

  29. #41: From Road Marathons to Mountain Ultras: Jonathan Edwards' Journey

    Guest: MTI Athlete Jonathan Edwards (@jedsoutside) Host: Rob Shaul Episode Summary: In this episode, Rob Shaul sits down with MTI Athlete Jonathan Edwards, an endurance athlete who transitioned from road marathons to ultra mountain running and backcountry bowhunting. Jonathan shares his late…

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  30. #40: Strength Coaching with David Hageman, Ph.D.

    Guest: David Hageman, Ph.D., Strength & Conditioning Coach, Tactical Athlete Specialist, and Assistant Chief at the Denver Fire Department Host: Rob Shaul Episode Summary: Dr. David Hageman is a veteran strength and conditioning coach with experience as a gym owner, High School Strength &...

  31. #39: Semi-Pro Baseball Glory Days and Tribal Law Enforcement on the U.S.-Mexico Border with Steve Swingle

    Semi-Pro Baseball Glory Days and Tribal Law Enforcement on the U.S.-Mexico Border with Steve Swingle In this episode, we sit down with Steve Swingle, a seasoned tribal law enforcement officer with over six years of experience patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border as a tribal police officer. Swingle…

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  32. #38: Dave Pappas - Insights into Law Enforcement

    In this conversation, Dave Pappas shares his journey from growing up in Riverview, Michigan, to serving in the Army Reserves and becoming a police officer. He discusses the challenges and experiences of working in law enforcement, including the dynamics of patrol versus detective work, the impact...

  33. #37: Sam Schwartz – Pushing Limits in Skiing, Ultra-Running, and Business

    In this episode, MTI sits down with MTI Athlete Team member Sam Schwartz, a former professional big mountain skier turned ultra-endurance athlete and entrepreneur. Sam shares raw insights on navigating the high-risk world of freeskiing, why he walked away from competition at the height of his...

  34. #36: Interview with Adam Aikens - MTI Athlete, USMC Veteran, and Backcountry Hunter

    In this conversation, Rob and Adam discuss Adam's journey from attending the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) to his military career and eventual transition into the defense industry. They explore themes of military heritage, academic choices, family influence, and the challenges of recruitment…

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  35. #35: Interview with MTI Athlete & Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Sanders

    In this conversation, Chris Sanders shares his journey from being a mechanic to becoming a firefighter and paramedic in Corpus Christi. He discusses the competitive nature of Texas high school sports, the challenges of EMS calls, and the importance of mental health support for first responders....

  36. #34: Interview with S&C Coach & Hyrox Event Designer Mintra Tilly

    Mintra Tilly is a self-taught German Strength & Conditioning Coach, the creator of the Hyrox fitness sport, and founder of the Roxzone Original Gym. Her work history includes an internship at MTI, work with professional Hockey Team in Germany, and Director of Sport at Hyrox. Mintra discusses her...

  37. #33: News from Arete

    In this episode, Rob Shaul discusses the significant changes in US policy under President Trump's administration, focusing on NATO's defense spending, military involvement in immigration, border security, and the recent dismissal of Coast Guard leadership. He also explores the implications of...

  38. #32: News from Arete

    In this podcast episode, Rob discusses various geopolitical issues, focusing on Russia's shadow fleet and hybrid warfare tactics, North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict, and the implications of Trump's foreign policy on global stability. The conversation also touches on NATO's defense...

  39. #31: Interview with Wildland Fire Hotshot Dan Dobyns

    This conversation delves into the operations, challenges, and culture of the Diamond Mountain Hotshot Crew, a wildland firefighting team. Dan Dobyns, the superintendent, discusses the crew's history, interagency operations, staffing challenges, recruitment efforts, and the importance of physical...

  40. #30: Global Headlines, Fitness Trends, and MTI’s Plans for 2025

    Rob covers global headlines, including President-elect Trump’s renewed focus on Greenland, tensions over the Panama Canal, and cybersecurity threats from China. He also dives into fitness trends like ski biking and Knees Over Toes training, discusses the impact of processed foods on cravings, and...

  41. #29: Russian's Cutting Undersea Cables and Chinese Hacking US Government Networks, Year of the Drone, Military DEI Changes, Windbreakers and Midlayers, New Years Resolutions

    In this episode of the MTI podcast, Rob discusses various pressing topics, including recent disruptions in the Baltic Sea, cybersecurity threats from China, advancements in drone warfare, and the ongoing debate surrounding diversity and inclusion in the military. He also highlights Japan's...

  42. #27: Flag Officer Bureaucrats, Greg Glassman, Programming is Everything

    This Week's Arete Mountain Tactical Institute Home

  43. #26: MTI's Base Fitness Program Design Theory

    Interested in MTI's Daily Base Fitness Streams? Learn More --> Click Here Mountain Tactical Institute Home

  44. #25: Tools for Making Hard Decisions

    Read More: Tools for Making Hard Decisions The Blessing and the Curse of Accommodation Any comments or decision-making tools you rely on? We want to hear them. Email [email protected] Mountain Tactical Institute Home

  45. #24: Mountain Athlete In-Season Training & Cold/Contrast Water Immersion Recovery for Athletes

    Mountain Athlete In-Season Training Plan Simple Rules: Cold & Contrast Water Immersion Recovery for Athletes MTNTactical Home

  46. #23: The Happiness Formula

    Read the Articles: The Happiness Formula The Best Things Come From Commitment Mountain Tactical Institute Home

  47. #22: Event Specific Training Approach, PFT Prep, & Climbing Assessments

    Discussion of hunting and event training, PFT preparation, and climbing assessments MTI has used over the years of work with climbers and guides. Mountain Tactical Institute Home This Week's Arete

  48. #21: News from Arete

    Mountain Tactical Institute Home Arete - 11.7.24

  49. #20: News from Arete

    Mountain Tactical Institute - Home This Week's Arete

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Mountain Tactical Institute’s Podcast for Tactical and Mountain Athletes

HOSTED BY

Mountain Tactical Institute

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How many episodes does The MTI Podcast have?

The MTI Podcast currently has 69 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

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Mountain Tactical Institute’s Podcast for Tactical and Mountain Athletes

How often does The MTI Podcast release new episodes?

The MTI Podcast has 69 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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Who hosts The MTI Podcast?

The MTI Podcast is created and hosted by Mountain Tactical Institute.
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