In this powerful MTNTOUGH Podcast episode, host Dustin Defenderfer sits down with filmmaker, actor, writer, and producer Steven Grayhm to unpack his 14-year journey creating Sheepdog—a human drama about a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran confronting the long aftermath of war and finding post-traumatic growth through community, faith, and purpose. Steven shares the raw origin story sparked by a tow-truck driver’s confession, nationwide road trips collecting veterans’ testimonials, heartbreaking losses to suicide, Hollywood resistance, and the relentless mission to get the film right. He discusses the film’s focus on healing over PTSD, the importance of brotherhood, Gold Star families, mental health professionals, and civilian understanding—plus firsthand testimonials proving the film is already saving lives. A must-watch conversation on resilience, obedience to calling, spiritual warfare, and why Sheepdog could be one of Hollywood’s greatest success stories if it saves even one veteran. Out now!
Join Dustin Diefenderfer, Founder of MTNTOUGH Fitness Lab and creator of the MTNTOUGH+ Fitness App in the top podcast for Mental Toughness and Mindset. (P.S. 🐏 Get Your First Month of MTNTOUGH Free Use Code "MTNPOD" @ https://mtntough.com/.) On this show, we delve into guests' purpose, mentality, and mental toughness so you can learn from the best of the best. Whether you're a seasoned backcountry hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply someone who wants to level up your mindset, this is your go-to source for inspiration, expert insights, campfire tales, entrepreneurship, and stories of perseverance and triumph.
Presented by Sig Sauer.
⚠️The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of our company, its owners, or affiliates.
V I D E O S TO W A T C H N E X T
🎙️ More MTNTOUGH Podcast Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdAelJZ1bZWr5v6K_-IPix0tq8b7xH1ms
S U P P O R T O U R S P O N S O R S:
💊 Get 20% off MTNTOPS Supplements, Use Code "MTNTOUGH" Here at checkout: https://mtn-ops.sjv.io/LXkPEo
__________________________________________
W H A T I S M T N T O U G H F I T N E S S?
MTNTOUGH is The #1 Fitness App Trusted By The DedicatedOur premier functional fitness programming is conveniently packaged for hunters, first responders, military, and mountain athletes. Train at home, at the gym, or on the go.
Since 2016, MTNTOUGH has been dedicated to helping individuals achieve their personal goals by creating a foundation for physical and mental toughness. The brand’s best-in-class programs are developed, tested, and proven by former Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and renowned physical trainers. MTNTOUGH+ programs are used by elite groups and operators, including special ops forces, wildland firefighters, backcountry hunters, professional mountain athletes, and more. The MTNTOUGH fitness lab is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, surrounded by some of the world’s top mountain athletes.
00:00:00 - Intro: Sheepdog Film & 14-Year Journey00:07:00 - Tow-Truck Driver Spark & Road Trips00:14:00 - Veterans' Stories & Emotional Weight00:21:00 - Hollywood Resistance & Never Quit Grit00:28:00 - Faith, Losses & Staying the Course00:35:00 - Cast Transformations & Authenticity00:42:00 - Mountain Ops Supplements & Promo00:49:00 - Post-Traumatic Growth vs. PTSD00:56:00 - Saving Lives: Testimonials & Impact01:03:00 - Closing: Why Sheepdog Matters + Golden Nugget
