Season 10 Episode 1: Stalked by a Mountain Lion – Lessons from the Hunt

Welcome to Season 10 of the Soul Summit Podcast, presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, and onX Maps.

In this episode, host Courtney Prete, founder of Her Outdoor Journey, sits down with returning guest and HOJ Ambassador Kim Palmer-Nicks to unpack one unforgettable season in the field. From chasing Montana elk to being stalked into 15 yards by a mature mountain lion, this episode is packed with lessons learned, field-tested tips, and real stories from the wild.

Episode Highlights:

• Kim’s 2025 hunting season recap

• Highlights from the Women’s Wilderness Summit and other HOJ events

• The Montana elk hunt and the close encounter with a mountain lion

• Favorite gear, snacks, and field takeaways

• What’s ahead for 2026 – upcoming HOJ retreats, hunts, and events

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just beginning your outdoor journey, this episode brings inspiration, education, and adventure straight from the field.

Connect with Us: Instagram: @heroutdoorjourney_ @spearstrengthwellness Podcast: @soulsummitpod_ YouTube: youtube.com/@HerOutdoorJourney

Season 10 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast

MAVEN OPTICS From long glassing sessions to quick scans, Maven optics deliver unmatched clarity straight to your hands without the markup. Visit www.mavenbuilt.com and use code SOULSUMMIT-GIFT to save.

BAKCOU E-BIKES Get deeper into the backcountry with Bakcou’s powerful E-bikes built for serious outdoor adventure. See more at www.bakcou.com and use code SSP200 at checkout.

HOYT ARCHERY Designed to perform when it matters most. Hoyt’s bows are built tough for hunters who go the distance. Explore your options at www.hoyt.com.

SAWYER PRODUCTS Trusted gear for clean water, insect protection, and outdoor safety, plus global impact initiatives. Learn more at www.sawyer.com.

onX MAPS Know where you stand, every step of the way. From public land boundaries to topo details, onX Maps keeps you informed. Try it free at www.onxmaps.com.

INVADER CONCEPTS Precision-engineered tools and gear built for serious hunters, shooters, and outdoor professionals who demand performance in the field. Explore their products at www.invaderconcepts.com and use code HOJ10 to save at checkout.

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share what resonated with you or what you’d love to hear more of. Thanks for being part of the Soul Summit community. Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your field-to-freezer moments.

Tags: Soul Summit Podcast, Her Outdoor Journey, Women Hunters, Montana Elk Hunt, Mountain Lion Encounter, Outdoor Education, Women’s Wilderness Summit, Big Game Hunting, Field to Fork, Hunting Podcast, Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, Sawyer Products, Outdoor Adventure, Women in Hunting, Courtney Prete, Kim Palmer-Nicks, 2026 Outdoor Retreats, Masterclasses with the Pros, Her Outdoor Journey Events

Welcome back to the Soul Summit Podcast – Presented by Her Outdoor Journey and proudly sponsored by Maven Optics, Bakcou E-Bikes, HOYT Archery, onX Maps, and Sawyer Products!

Key Takeaways:

• Amanda Rose, founder of Athena Tactics, shares her mission to empower women through personal protection training.
• Education and proper training are essential before purchasing a firearm—knowledge builds confidence.
• Many women face misconceptions about their capability to safely handle firearms, which Amanda works to break down.
• Developing situational awareness is a foundational skill in personal safety and self-defense.
• Amanda explains how fear of firearms often stems from a lack of exposure and education, not the tool itself.
• “Guns are inanimate; people are the variable.” The danger lies in human behavior, not the object.
• Women can remain feminine and powerful, embracing both style and self-reliance.
• Training helps women overcome the flinch response, improving accuracy and control at the range.
• It’s crucial to choose a firearm based on personal comfort and individual needs—there is no one-size-fits-all.
• Amanda emphasizes the value of community and support among women, especially in male-dominated spaces like firearms training.

🗓️ Join Us: Check out the Women’s Wilderness Summit coming up in Lewistown, Montana! 👉 https://www.heroutdoorjourney.com/product-page/women-s-wilderness-summit

Season 9 Sponsors – Thank You for Supporting the Soul Summit Podcast!

🔭 MAVEN OPTICS From long glassing sessions to quick scans, Maven optics deliver unmatched clarity straight to your hands—without the markup. 👉 Visit www.mavenbuilt.com and use code SOULSUMMIT-GIFT to save!

🚴‍♀️ BAKCOU E-BIKES Get deeper into the backcountry with Bakcou’s powerful E-bikes built for serious outdoor adventure. 👉 See more at www.bakcou.com and use code SSP200 at checkout!

🏹 HOYT ARCHERY Designed to perform when it matters most. Hoyt’s bows are built tough for hunters who go the distance. 👉 Explore your options at www.hoyt.com

💧 SAWYER PRODUCTS Trusted gear for clean water, insect protection, and all-around outdoor safety—plus global impact initiatives. 👉 Learn more at www.sawyer.com

🗺️ onX MAPS Know where you stand, every step of the way. From public land boundaries to topo details, onX Maps keeps you informed. 👉 Try it free at www.onxmaps.com

Enjoyed the episode? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review and share what resonated with you—or what you’d love to hear more of. Thanks for being part of the Soul Summit community.

Now go get after it—and don’t forget to tag us in your glass-to-harvest moments!

Tags: women and firearms, self-defense training, Amanda Rose, Athena Tactics, situational awareness, women empowerment, firearm safety, personal protection, gun training for women, overcoming fear of guns, feminine and fierce, women in self-defense, firearm education, Soul Summit Podcast, women who hunt, outdoor skills for women, tactical training, female firearm instructors, gun confidence, women's outdoor community