ASCEND by Ducks Unlimited

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...

Duration: 00:41:22

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 outdoors

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Duration: 00:42:19

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 situations

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Duration: 01:26:44

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 time

Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.
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Duration: 00:58:13

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 help

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Duration: 00:59:51

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 harvests

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Duration: 00:57:30

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 ethicall...

Duration: 01:14:20

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 protection

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Duration: 00:56:40

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...

Duration: 00:50:09

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.

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Duration: 00:51:28

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.

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Duration: 00:00:31