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Ducks Unlimited is proud to announce the launch of Ascend, an innovative new web series and podcast celebrating women in the outdoors. This groundbreaking initiative highlights women's contributions to outdoor activities and conservation, featuring inspiring stories, expert insights, and mentorship opportunities across hunting, fishing, foraging, hiking, conservation efforts and more

The Ascend podcast will debut on Sept. 7, followed by the web series premiere on September 14 with a Texas dove hunt on opening day, hosted by Jordyn Bisbee. New episodes will be released weekly, building a growing community of outdoor enthusiasts.

"Ascend represents our commitment to expanding access and opportunities for women in the outdoors," said Ducks Unlimited Senior Media Director Clay Baird. "This series not only celebrates the incredible women already making their mark in conservation and outdoor recreation but also provides a platform for mentorship and community building that will inspire the next generation of female outdoor enthusiasts."

The series features four dynamic hosts, each bringing unique talents and experiences:

Julia Stallings is a Tennessee-born shotgun athlete, creator, and coach known for making clay-target sports approachable and fun. A USA Shooting trap athlete who has represented Team USA internationally, she captured two collegiate national titles, Women's American Trap and Women's International Trap, at the 2019 ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championships while at Lindenwood University. She also hosts the Guns and Gear segment for Ducks Unlimited Television. Today, Julia blends coaching with high-energy trick-shot content and brand ambassadorship to help more women and new shooters enter the sport. She has partnered with Remington Ammunition and regularly shares practical, safety-minded tips for the range and the field.

Bethany Beathard is an avid sportswoman, outdoor writer and content creator based in Georgia whose work champions conservation and hunting heritage. A military spouse and homeschooling mother of five, she contributes gear guides and how-tos to outlets including Field & Stream, MeatEater, and HuntingLife. Bethany grew up on 55 rural acres in Oklahoma and holds a bachelor of science degree in Kinesiology (California Baptist University, 2015). In 2024, the National Bowhunter Education Foundation named her an education advocate, reflecting her commitment to ethical, informed participation in the outdoors and to helping new hunters find a path into the field.

Adrian 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. Since 2020, she and her husband, Robbie, have published thorough, real-world reviews and tutorials on optics, firearms, archery and outdoor gear, built around a promise to be complete, honest and unbiased. Adrian also contributes to titles such as North American Deer Hunter and Crossbow Magazine. When she isn't testing new gear, she's likely chasing spring gobblers or helping new hunters choose reliable gear and build safe, ethical skills.

Erin Crider is the founder and owner of Uncharted Outdoorswomen, a woman-owned, woman-guided outfitter creating safe, welcoming spaces for women to learn hunting, fishing and fieldcraft. Based in Colorado, Erin guides fly fishing and waterfowl and leads clinics designed to break down barriers for adult beginners. An adult-onset hunter who moved to Colorado from Missouri, she turned her own search for mentors into a mission to mentor others. She’s recognized as one of the very few female waterfowl guides in the West and an outspoken advocate for inclusion and conservation. Her work and story have been profiled by regional outlets and across Uncharted’s education blog.

Ascend aligns with Ducks Unlimited's core mission of wetland and waterfowl conservation while expanding outreach to encourage more diverse participation in outdoor activities and conservation work. The program is designed to provide mentorship opportunities and build community among women interested in various outdoor pursuits, extending beyond waterfowl hunting to encompass the full spectrum of outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.

The series is available as a web series and a podcast, ensuring easy access across platforms for viewers and listeners. Each episode will explore different aspects of outdoor life, from practical skills and gear recommendations to conservation success stories and personal journeys in the field.

For more information about Ascend or to access episodes, visit www.ducks.org/ascend or follow Ducks Unlimited on social media.