Explore every episode of the podcast ASCEND by Ducks Unlimited
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You Don’t Have to Grow Up Hunting: Finding Your Way Outdoors | 07 Sep 2025 | 00:52:12 | |
Do you need to grow up hunting to belong outdoors? In this premiere episode, hosts Adrian Jessen, Bethany Beathard, Erin Crider, and Julia Stallings share how they each found their way outside—later in life, through different paths, and without having all the answers. They talk honestly about starting late, learning as adults, building confidence, and why community matters more than credentials. This episode sets the foundation for Ascend: a place where women can learn, ask questions, and grow at their own pace. Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Ascend Podcast: Confidence, Skills, and Community for Outdoorswomen | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:00:31 | |
Ascend is a podcast for women who want to feel confident outdoors—whether you’re hunting, fishing, shooting, hiking, or just starting to wonder if you belong there. Hosted by four women with very different paths into the outdoors, each episode explores how to build skills, find mentors, ask better questions, and grow into your own outdoor identity, without gatekeeping or pressure to be perfect. If you’ve ever felt curious, intimidated, or unsure where to start, Ascend is for you. New episodes release biweekly.
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| Duck Migration, Weather, and Realistic Expectations for New Waterfowl Hunters | 19 Oct 2025 | 01:15:04 | |
Why don’t the ducks show up when social media says they should? In this episode, Erin Crider is joined by Ducks Unlimited conservation leader Sarah Fleming to break down how duck migration actually works, and why weather, flyways, and timing matter more than viral hunting clips. This conversation helps new waterfowl hunters set realistic expectations, understand migration science, and approach their first hunts focused on learning rather than limits. Topics include:
WATERFOWL 360 Migration Updates FowlWeather.co - Migration Forecasts Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Handgun Training, Mindset, and Personal Safety for Women | 05 Oct 2025 | 00:57:24 | |
Handgun training isn’t just about the gun; it’s about mindset, responsibility, and awareness. Host Adrian Jessen is joined by firearms educator Beth Alcazar to discuss what women should consider before buying a handgun, how to find the right trainer, and why situational awareness matters as much as equipment. This episode focuses on confidence over fear and preparation over panic, offering grounded guidance for women thinking seriously about personal safety. Topics include:
Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. About the Host: Adrian Jessen The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Training a Hunting Dog While Raising a Family, with Destiny Thomasson | 21 Sep 2025 | 00:50:53 | |
Can you raise a hunting dog without sacrificing your family or your sanity? Bethany Beathard sits down with professional dog trainer Destiny Thomasson of Hund + Soul to talk about training gun dogs in real life. They cover puppy foundations, introducing gunfire safely, managing training with kids at home, and keeping dogs conditioned year-round. This episode is for women who want working dogs and functional family life, without perfection or expensive gear. Topics include:
Destiny's Social Media: Hund + Soul (FB) https://www.facebook.com/share/1GgjxBLFfU/?mibextid=wwXIfr (IG) Instagram Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Women, Wilderness, and the Will to Provide: Homesteading & Gator Wrangling | 05 Apr 2026 | 00:44:39 | |
Discover how modern women are reclaiming ancestral skills—from raising and processing their own meat to handling unexpected encounters with Florida gators. Host Bethany Beathard sits down with Tiffany Sanders, homesteader, hunter, nurse, and nuisance‑gator responder, to explore what self‑sufficiency really looks like in today’s world. Tiffiny shares firsthand stories from the field, including the wildest gator call she and her husband ever responded to, how her children got involved, and what it’s like navigating communities that protect nuisance wildlife. The conversation shifts into the heart of Tiffiny’s work: empowering women to take ownership of their food sources. From home butchering and dispatching animals humanely to growing nutrient‑dense produce, she teaches women that you don’t have to be “born” into homesteading to thrive in it. Her background as a nurse opened her eyes to the connection between diet and health—and sparked her drive to grow and raise food intentionally. Together, Bethany and Tiffany dig into the historical roots of women feeding their families, the rise in self‑sufficiency post‑COVID, and why today’s homesteaders are simply rediscovering what women have always done.
Follow along with Bethany for more homesteading conversations, practical skills, and stories from women who live close to their roots. Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Carrying in the Field: How Women Stay Safe, Confident, and Prepared Outdoors | 22 Mar 2026 | 01:06:42 | |
Learn how women are taking safety, confidence, and responsibility into their own hands—both in the field and everyday life. Professional shotgun shooter and DU Ascend host Julia Stallings sits down with Audrey Wikan, Drake Waterfowl spokeswoman and former gun‑industry marketer, to discuss what women need to know about concealed carry, field carry, legal realities, holsters, draw practice, and staying equipped on hunts. Audrey shares her early experiences working behind a gun‑store counter at age 19, why women beelined to her with questions, what she carries now, and how she mentors new shooters. Together, they unpack the realities of traveling with firearms, carrying while hunting or fishing, choosing the right gun, staying legal across state lines, and building confidence through training and mentorship. In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| From Clay Shooting to Hunting: Building Confidence with a Shotgun | 16 Nov 2025 | 01:00:35 | |
Shooting clays and hunting birds are not the same, and that gap frustrates a lot of women. Julia Stallings is joined by shotgun instructor Brandy Elrod to break down how to transition from the clay target field into real-world hunting with confidence. This episode focuses on gun fit, recoil management, practice strategies, and how proper instruction saves money, time, and frustration. Topics include:
Follow Brandy Elrod Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Raising Kids Outdoors: Conservation Starts at Home | 02 Nov 2025 | 00:58:14 | |
You don’t need big land or big policy to raise conservation-minded kids. Bethany Beathard sits down with Amy Hall to talk about parenting, hunting, and how everyday outdoor moments like fishing trips, predator encounters, and quiet walks shape lifelong values in children. This episode reframes conservation as something personal, accessible, and rooted in family time. Topics include:
Amy's Social Media: HerWildOutdoors (FB) https://www.facebook.com/herwildoutdoorspodcast/ (IG) https://www.instagram.com/herwildoutdoors/?hl=en
The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Backcountry Safety for Hunters: What Every Woman Needs to Carry and Know | 08 Mar 2026 | 01:01:08 | |
Learn how to stay safe, prepared, and confident in the backcountry—no matter the terrain or weather. Lanny breaks down what actually causes most backcountry emergencies, what to pack, how to prevent hypothermia and dehydration, and the mindset that saves lives when things go wrong. Her cautionary stories—from stabbing her thigh while quartering an elk to bonking at 12,000 feet—offer practical lessons for hunters and hikers of all levels. In this episode, you’ll learn:
The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Hunting Buddy Etiquette: Expectations, Safety, and Setting Each Other Up for Success | 22 Feb 2026 | 00:57:27 | |
Learn how to prepare for your next hunt with a partner—without stress, confusion, or mismatched expectations. From communication and gear planning to shooting lanes, dog work, shot selection, and physical ability, Erin and Caroline break down the conversations every pair of hunting partners should have before heading into the field. Their stories—both funny and practical—offer guidance for adult‑onset hunters, new buddies, and anyone preparing for a safe, enjoyable, low‑pressure hunt. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Finding Your Outdoor Community: How Women Build Confidence Together | 08 Feb 2026 | 00:58:18 | |
Discover how women find belonging, mentorship, and confidence by stepping into the outdoors together.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
WildHERness - INSTAGRAM Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| The Outdoor Icks: Real Talk on Confidence, Community, and Hunting Culture | 25 Jan 2026 | 01:09:50 | |
Learn how women navigate outdoor “icks,” confidence pressure, and community expectations without losing the joy of hunting. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Training Your First Duck Dog: What New Handlers Need to Know | 11 Jan 2026 | 00:42:06 | |
Learn what it really takes to train and hunt with your first duck dog—without pressure or perfection. In this episode, Addison breaks down what beginners need to know before bringing a dog into the duck blind. From early obedience and marking to what to expect on a dog’s first hunt, she explains the process in plain language—mistakes included. Adrienne asks the questions many new handlers are afraid to ask, making this a welcoming entry point into hunting with dogs. The conversation also explores mentorship, patience, and how young women can find their place in dog training and conservation. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Finding Confidence, Creativity, and the Outdoors with Priscilla Block | 28 Dec 2025 | 00:43:03 | |
Success doesn’t mean losing who you were or what you love. Country music artist Priscilla Block joins Ascend to talk about confidence, creativity, staying grounded, and how the outdoors plays a role in her life beyond the stage. This episode is about representation, inspiration, and showing younger women what’s possible. Topics include:
Follow Priscilla Block Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| How to Vet Women’s Hunts, Trips, and Outdoor Groups | 14 Dec 2025 | 01:27:28 | |
Not every women’s hunt or retreat is created equal, and some should raise red flags. Erin Crider sits down with Kelly Godfrey of Texas Women Outdoors to walk through how to evaluate women’s hunts, fishing trips, and outdoor events before you book. This episode empowers women to ask better questions, protect themselves, and find safe, legitimate communities. Topics include:
Texas Womens Outdoors, LLC - INSTAGRAM Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| Common Deer Hunting Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:58:57 | |
Every hunter makes mistakes; the best ones learn from them. Adrian Jessen is joined by professional angler and hunter Anastasia Patterson to break down the most common mistakes women make while deer hunting, from gear choices to decision-making in the stand. This episode uses humor and honesty to turn mistakes into learning opportunities. Topics include:
Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| How Farming and Soil Health Shape Wildlife, Water, and the Outdoors | 03 May 2026 | 01:07:23 | |
Learn how farming and conservation practices directly shape wildlife habitat, water quality, and the future of the outdoors. Joy brings a rare blend of real‑world farming experience, conservation science, and hunting perspective. Together, they explain cover crops, wetlands, edge‑of‑field practices, soil health, and how small changes on private land can create massive downstream benefits for wildlife and people alike. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Follow @duascend or visit ducks.org/ascend Presented by Ducks Unlimited. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||
| The Truth About Hunting : Host Round Table, Real Stories & Lessons | 19 Apr 2026 | 00:59:37 | |
What really happens behind the highlight reels of hunting and outdoor life? In this candid roundtable episode, Bethany, Adrienne, Erin, and Julia sit down to reflect on a full season of conversations, hunts, and hard-earned lessons. Instead of a single guest, this episode brings together the voices behind the podcast to unpack what stood out most from unforgettable guests and powerful community moments to the realities that don’t always make it onto social media. The group shares personal hunting stories, including first harvests, missed shots, and the emotional highs and lows that come with time in the field. From elk hunts in the mountains to first-time duck hunters finding their confidence, this episode highlights how growth often comes through failure, persistence, and shared experiences. They also dive into deeper themes: the rise of women in hunting, the importance of mentorship and communication, and how intentional time outdoors can restore balance in an otherwise fast-paced life. Whether it’s teaching beginners, navigating fear around firearms, or simply making time to get outside, the conversation emphasizes progress over perfection. Above all, this episode is a reminder that no one starts as an expert—and that the most meaningful moments often come from the messy, imperfect, real parts of the journey. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Follow along for more real conversations, outdoor stories, and insights from women shaping the future of hunting and conservation. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by: Bird Dig Whiskey.
Oklahoma Joes. Springfield Armory. | |||