ASCEND by Ducks Unlimited

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.In this episode, you’ll learn:The wild reality of nuisance‑gator calls—and how Tiffiny ended up in the middle of one neighborhood’s “gator protection squad”Why nursing school led Tiffiny to grow, raise, and process her own foodHow women historically provided for their families through gardening, preserving, and animal harvestingWhy more women are learning dispatching and butchering skills todayThe importance of humane, low‑stress animal processing on small homesteadsHow COVID reshaped food security and sparked a self‑sufficiency movementGarden staples Tiffiny never goes without—especially her obsession with red potatoesWhy perfection isn’t the goal—intentionality isFollow 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.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Why more women are choosing to carry in the outdoorsTraining, mentorship, and how to find the right firearmHolsters, appendix vs. backpack carry, and drawing safelyWhat to know about carrying while hunting, fishing, or hikingTraveling with firearms: TSA tips, ammo rules, and packing hacksUnderstanding caliber choices, recoil, and comfort for smaller handsWhy confidence and comfort determine whether you’ll actually carrySubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

Learn how to stay safe, prepared, and confident in the backcountry—no matter the terrain or weather.Olympian, biathlete, firearms instructor, and trick shooter Lanny Barnes joins host Adrian to share real‑world safety insights from decades of high‑stress shooting, extreme cold exposure, and deep‑country hunting.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 most common dangers in backcountry huntsHow to prepare for rapid weather changes, terrain hazards, and cold exposureWhat should be in every day‑pack, including med gear and survival itemsHow to prevent (and recognize) dehydration, bonking, and hypothermiaWhy pack checks, mapping tools, and backup plans save livesThe training approach Lanny recommends for high‑altitude huntsSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

Learn how to prepare for your next hunt with a partner—without stress, confusion, or mismatched expectations. Host Erin Crider, founder of Uncharted Outdoors Women, sits down with her hunting buddy, Caroline Yielding. Together, they share what they’ve learned through years of upland, waterfowl, turkey, and big‑game hunts across Wyoming and Colorado.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:How to set expectations and goals with a new hunting buddyEssential etiquette for upland, waterfowl, and big‑game huntsHow to coordinate gear, dogs, food, roles, and transportationWhy communication prevents conflict, accidents, and disappointmentWhat to discuss about shot distance, calling, shooting lanes, and safetyHow to support each other emotionally during first harvestsSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

Discover how women find belonging, mentorship, and confidence by stepping into the outdoors together.Host Bethany Beathard sits down with Jess Rice, founder of WildHERness, a women‑centered outdoor community built to empower beginners and seasoned outdoorswomen alike.Together, they explore what community really means for women entering the outdoor world—breaking down barriers, building skills, and creating friendships that change lives. From learning to hunt or kayak to embracing homesteading and conservation, Jess shares how shared experiences help women grow stronger, braver, and more connected.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why women thrive when they learn outdoor skills togetherHow Wilderness creates accessible, authentic adventure for every womanWhat mentorship looks like beyond huntingHow shared first‑time outdoor experiences deepen confidenceThe role of conservation, motherhood, and mental health in outdoor lifePractical ways women can find or build their own outdoor communityWildHERness - INSTAGRAMWildHERness - WEBSITESubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

Learn how women navigate outdoor “icks,” confidence pressure, and community expectations without losing the joy of hunting.Hosted by Julia Stallings, this episode features DU Ascend host Erin Crider and Arkansas hunter and storyteller Maggie Williams—two voices known for empowering new women hunters and redefining what outdoor culture looks like. Together, the three break down the unspoken norms, awkward moments, and judgment women face in the field—from makeup debates to photo etiquette, gear struggles, and safety concerns. More importantly, they offer a welcoming, honest perspective on how women can support each other, grow in confidence, and reshape conservation culture through intention and encouragement.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why certain hunting “icks” show up online and in the fieldHow women can reduce gatekeeping and improve outdoor community cultureSafety considerations for solo female hunters on public landReal experiences of learning new skills, making mistakes, and building confidenceThe importance of good gear, youth access, and mentorshipHow intention, encouragement, and example shape the next generationSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

Learn what it really takes to train and hunt with your first duck dog—without pressure or perfection. Adrienne is joined by Addison Walker, an 18-year-old dog trainer assistant at Mossy Pond Lodge studying wildlife conservation, with hands-on experience training hunting and competition retrievers.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:What early duck dog training actually looks like step by stepHow to know when a dog is ready for its first huntCommon beginner mistakes when hunting with a new dogDifferences between hunting dogs and competition dogsHow to stay safe and focused when a dog is in the blindWhy patience matters more than perfection in trainingSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Staying authentic as success growsBeing visible for the next generationBalancing creativity and real lifeFinding grounding outdoorsFollow Priscilla Block @PriscillaBlock on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Green and red flags when booking huntsHow to check legality and insurancePricing transparencyFinding reputable women’s outdoor groupsAvoiding scams and unsafe situationsTexas Womens Outdoors, LLC - INSTAGRAMTexas Womens Outdoors, LLC - WEBSITESubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Gear and setup mistakesJudgment calls gone wrongLearning from bad huntsHow mistakes build confidence over timeSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Recoil management for womenGun fit mistakes beginners makeClay drills that translate to huntingWhy instruction matters earlyEquipment tips that actually helpFollow Brandy Elrodhttps://ladyoutdoorlifestyles.com/(FB) https://www.facebook.com/LadyOutdoorLifestyles/(IG) https://www.instagram.com/ladyoutdoorlifestyles and https://www.instagram.com/brandy.elrod1Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Introducing kids to hunting and wildlife ethicallyTeaching conservation through shared outdoor experiencesBalancing busy family life with time outsideWhy small moments matter more than big harvestsAmy's Social Media: HerWildOutdoors(FB) https://www.facebook.com/herwildoutdoorspodcast/(IG) https://www.instagram.com/herwildoutdoors/?hl=enSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:How weather influences migration timingThe four U.S. flyways explainedWhy “limits” aren’t a fair expectation for beginnersHow to hunt ethically and safely as a new waterfowlerBecoming a better “marsh birder” before pulling the triggerWATERFOWL 360 Migration UpdatesFowlWeather.co - Migration ForecastsSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Choosing a handgun responsiblyFinding quality trainingConcealed carry considerationsSituational awareness and conflict avoidanceAlternatives to firearms for personal protectionSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend.Find Beth Alcazar:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beth619/X (Twitter): https://x.com/beth619Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacifiersandpeacemakers/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethalcazarYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mrsbeth619About the Host: Adrian JessenAdrian Jessen is a reviewer, writer, and adult-onset hunter best known as co-founder and on-camera host of the YouTube channel Review This Thing. Instagram: @reviewthisthing. TikTok: @reviewthisthing. Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReviewThisThingYouTube: www.youtube.com/c/ReviewThisThingWebsite: https://www.reviewthisthingtv.com The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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:Choosing the right breed for your lifestylePuppy training basics that actually transfer to the fieldIntroducing dogs to gunfire safelyBudget-friendly training alternativesFinding community and mentorship in dog trainingDestiny's Social Media: Hund + Soul (FB) https://www.facebook.com/share/1GgjxBLFfU/?mibextid=wwXIfr(IG) InstagramSubscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

Do you need to grow up hunting to belong outdoors?The women of Ascend say no.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.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Taurus Firearms.Visit taurusUSA.comOklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off your order.Springfield Armory.Visit springfield-armory.com

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.Presented by Ducks Unlimited.Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.Join the Ascend Instagram community at @duascend and http://www.ducks.org/ascend. (00:02) - Marker 1