Ep. 737 - ASCEND: Finding Confidence, Creativity, and the Outdoors with Priscilla Block

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 grows
• Being visible for the next generation
• Balancing creativity and real life
• Finding grounding outdoors

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 @PriscillaBlock on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and X.

Subscribe and join this exciting journey to explore, learn, and grow together in the outdoor world.
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Creators and Guests

Guest

ASCEND HOST

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VO: 00:40

Can we do a mic check, please? Everybody, welcome back to the Ducks Unlimited podcast.

VO: 00:45

Attention, listeners. We're interrupting your regularly scheduled DU podcast for something big. Introducing the Ascend podcast by Ducks Unlimited.

VO: 00:57

Welcome to the Ascend podcast, a podcast by and for women in the outdoors. Every episode delivers real stories, practical how to's, and a welcoming community to help you start, sharpen, or rediscover your passion for the outdoors. Authentic women, real stories, outdoor adventures, Ascend. Presented by Ducks Unlimited, the leader in wetlands conservation. Your next adventure starts here, the Ascend podcast.

Bethany Beathard: 01:33

Welcome back to the Ascend podcast, guys. I'm your host today, Bethany Bethard. And today, we have a special guest. I'm super excited. Priscilla Block, known for her powerhouse vocals, but also her secret life in the outdoors.

Bethany Beathard: 01:47

And I just I'm so excited to dive into everything. Priscilla, can you introduce yourself to our guest?

Priscilla Block: 01:53

Hi, guys. I'm Priscilla. I'm so happy to be here. I've been looking forward to hanging and talking with you. Yeah. Let's dive in.

Bethany Beathard: 02:03

Yeah. So, obviously, we're talking about women in the outdoors, so give us kind of a rundown about how you got started, what your outdoor story looks like. Were you hunting as a kid? Was that like a progression?

Priscilla Block: 02:17

Yeah. So I didn't grow up hunting. I kind of got into it over the past, I don't know, maybe, like, years. I had grown up around people that did hunt. One of my best friends, she had always hunted her whole life, but I never really got into it until I moved to Nashville.

Priscilla Block: 02:37

And, you know, my with my life just being so busy, it's kind of been this newer thing that I found, like, as a way to just shut off. And my boyfriend is a big hunter, so it's something that, like, we can do together. And, you know, I feel like the first time you you luck out, it's like either you're in it or you're like, okay. This isn't for me. And, like, luckily, it's something that I've really grown to love, and it's been a really great great thing for me and my mind and mental space and all the things.

Bethany Beathard: 03:10

Yeah. So when you think Nashville, you think, like, the lights and the glam, but you have kind of retreated to this, you know, like you said, where you can just, like, turn everything off. Are you duck hunting? Are you deer hunting? Kinda everything.

Priscilla Block: 03:22

I kinda do it all. If someone calls me and they're like, hey, girl. You wanna come out? I'm like, I'm down. You know, I I think, like, my first hunt was probably I wanna say I was deer hunting and then turkey hunting.

Priscilla Block: 03:37

And then not long ago, I really got into duck hunting. And that's just so fun because, like, going with friends and, you know, it's just it's it's nice. Like, I feel like I am the girl that, like, you can see, like, all done up and in the sparkly thing, but also, like, throwing on a pair of muck boots and just, like, going out and hunting is, like, totally my vibe. And it's funny because, like, every time, like, I tell people that, they're like, wait. Hold on.

Priscilla Block: 04:03

Like, I would have never known that.

Bethany Beathard: 04:05

Yeah. I love that. I'm I'm definitely the girl. I'll have makeup on here. I'm gonna have makeup on the duck blind too. I love, you know, getting down and dirty, though. So when you are in the field, is that, like, influencing your songwriting? Do you feel like your time in the field?

Priscilla Block: 04:19

Yeah. I feel like whenever I have a minute to just shut off my mind to everything else that I have going on, and, like, that tends to be, like, when I am hunting, like, just when my mind mind can be, like, quiet for a second, I feel like I come up with, like, so many different ideas. And, you know, whether I'm in the woods, like, deer hunting, like, by myself, I love that. But even if I'm in the blind with, like, a bunch of friends, like, just listening to people talk, like, there's so many things. Like, I'll write that up that down.

Priscilla Block: 04:49

I'll be like, oh, that's a good that's a good one. I'm gonna write it I'm gonna write it down. And everyone in the blind is like, oh, Priscilla's gonna write a song and bring it back next year, like, just off of something dumb that somebody says. And yeah. So I I feel inspired, you know, kind of everywhere, but I definitely do think whenever I can, like, give myself, like, a moment away from everything that I get to do in my career, I feel I start to feel inspired again.

Bethany Beathard: 05:17

You know, being in the public eye, have you gotten any, like, negative feedback for hunting? Do you feel like you have to kinda advocate for that lifestyle, or has it been accepted by your following?

Priscilla Block: 05:28

You know, I think at the end of the day, like, people will always have an opinion about what you do, whether you're hunting or whether you're wearing a dress that I don't even know that you really loved and then the Internet hates it. Like, it's yes, there's definitely people that don't understand it or aren't really educated on hunting and being able to, you know, eat what you kill and all of that. So, yeah, I mean, there's obviously there's always, like, some negative comments that come with it. But for me, like, it's a part of my life, and it's something that I'm proud to do. And so that's why I I'm not afraid to post about it and own this part of my life too.

Priscilla Block: 06:14

And I think that, like, with girls and guys, there is a little bit of a double standard because, like, most dudes in country, they hunt. But I do think it, like, sometimes will throw people for a loop, whether it's be me being a female in the country space hunting or if it's just hunting in general. I think that there's always gonna be people that that won't get it, and that's okay. I don't think everyone has to get everything. You know what I mean?

Bethany Beathard: 06:38

For sure. And, you know, it's really awesome that you have the platform that you do. And it also, for all of us other girls that are, you know, like you said, there's a kind of like this double standard, but you are kind of paving the way for, you know, like, women are out here. Like, we are doing this. And I and I love that about it.

Bethany Beathard: 06:57

Okay. I thought we would do a fun question. If you could have any country, any singer from any time sit in the duck blind with you, who would it be?

Priscilla Block: 07:09

Oh my gosh. That's a really good question. I feel like I feel like there's so many people, but I I would love to sit in the duck blind with Lainie. I feel like we would just have us a time. Her boyfriend hunts.

Priscilla Block: 07:24

So I feel like getting our boyfriends together hunting and then us just being able to do our own thing, I think, would be really fun.

Bethany Beathard: 07:30

I love that. Yeah. Despite being with people that are, like, into the same thing that you're into, some of my best friends are women that hunt, but we have the same interests outside of the hunting, and, you know, our spouses have interests the same, so that's awesome. I just thought that would be fun to ask. Also, are you grabbing an energy drink or coffee?

Priscilla Block: 07:48

Oh, that's Okay. I'm a coffee girl through and through. Like, when I'm in the blinds, like, I need I I really do enjoy a cup of coffee, but some of the places that we're hunting, we just don't have that, you know, luxury. So I typically, I'll be grabbing, like, a Monster Energy.

Bethany Beathard: 08:07

Yeah. I love my coffee. And do you hunt alone sometimes, or are you always with somebody?

Priscilla Block: 08:13

It kinda just depends. Yeah. If I'm deer hunting, like, sometimes I'll be by myself. Sometimes somebody will come with me. It it really just depends. I I love, like, I love doing both, like, being with people or just, like, being by myself. It's it's just it's awesome.

Bethany Beathard: 08:31

Yeah. You didn't grow up hunting, but is your family a hunting family? Like, they do they eat wild game? Did you see that growing up?

Priscilla Block: 08:38

So my mom's side of the family, they're, like, big into hunting. They're all, like, the family is, like, the Wild West. I mean, my uncles and my aunts, they hunt horseback, which is kind of crazy. So, like, yeah, it's definitely, like, in my family, but my mom and my dad really didn't grow up like they weren't big hunters, but we definitely eat, like, wild game and stuff like that whenever we can. But, yeah, no.

Priscilla Block: 09:10

I didn't I didn't really grow up doing it.

Bethany Beathard: 09:13

Yeah. I grew up it's kinda similar. My mom's family is the Wild West family. They're the ones that hunted, and my mom was one one of three girls, so there was no, like, I guess, boy of the time to, like, carry that on. So she kind of you know, we knew about it, but I didn't really grow up doing it.

Bethany Beathard: 09:31

I grew up more like Mark's than I. I grew up in the country and all those things, but really, like you, found myself in the outdoors more as an adult. And, yeah, I love it. Now I've seen some of the pictures of the bucks that you kill, and, like, girl. Do you have a favorite hunt story that you're like, I'll never forget that?

Priscilla Block: 09:51

Oh my gosh. I mean, god, like, I feel like that's also, like, what I love about hunting. I feel like every single time you're out, like, you create new memories, and there's always just stories to go on forever. The first deer that I killed, I was with my boyfriend, and we were on his family's land.

Priscilla Block: 10:14

And that was really exciting. Like, we you know, he was really excited and just like we're just jumping up and down and like I you know, it's moment where you're like, okay. Like, it's finally paid off. You know? I didn't spook the deer or anything like that.

Priscilla Block: 10:31

I think that that's like one of my favorites. I get to go out to Halifax, Virginia, and there's a family that I hunt with out there, and we've just created so many memories. It's hard to, like, pinpoint my favorite one, but it really is hard to beat, like, your first year.

Bethany Beathard: 10:45

Yeah. Yeah. Your first year for sure. And there's so many lessons that you learn in the outdoors. Do you feel like that translates into your music career, like patience or, you know, challenging or vice versa, things that you learn in music career that's, like, helped you in the outdoors?

Priscilla Block: 11:00

Yeah. I mean, I think patience is, like, one of the biggest, like, similarities, you know? Like, you're working really hard. If you're hunting, whether you're prepping for the season or, just everything that kind of goes into, a successful hunt, there's a lot that goes into it. And patience and waiting and kind of like waiting your turn and waiting the waiting for it to happen.

Priscilla Block: 11:25

And that's similar, like, with my career too, like, being a new artist. Like, there's a lot of work that goes into it and way more work than what people see. You know? They see, like, the big, you know, the trophy deer, but you see, like, all the work that you put into to that. And and same with, like, my music and just, you know, like, there's always there's other people that are gonna luck out maybe before you, and that's okay.

Priscilla Block: 11:54

But when it all happens, like, I definitely think, like, it just makes it all sweeter. When there's hunts that you're not super successful with, and then a couple weeks later or whenever then you are successful, like, that makes that moment so much better. And I think it's like life lesson in general, you know, no matter what you do. I think there's similarities with hunting and just every day. Yeah.

Bethany Beathard: 12:16

For sure. Well, this would be a good time to take a break and listen to our sponsors, and we'll be right back.

VO: 12:29

Stay tuned to the Ducks Unlimited podcast, sponsored by Purina Pro Plan and Bird Dog Whiskey. After these messages.

Bethany Beathard: 13:26

Alright, guys. We're back and I wanna talk about, you know, you're really just like authentic, you're raw, you're bold, I love listening to your lyrics, you're just like relatable to like the everyday girl. How has that been, you know, in the industry and changing from just being an everyday girl to like this superstar that you are now? Like, has that transitioned?

Priscilla Block: 13:46

It's been really awesome, you know. I I moved to Nashville when I was 17 years old with $50 to my name, and like, this is all I've ever wanted to do is country music. And I started writing songs when I was 15 and it's it's been a journey. It's been like something that, again, back to, like, you just have to work really hard to get to where you want in life. And, that is so true when it comes to music and, you know, kind of just, like, taking every step to kind of, like, get to where I'm at now.

Priscilla Block: 14:21

And there's been really hard times. There's been moments where it feels like, oh, yes. Like, it's finally working, but it's definitely like a journey. And you have to trust the process and, like, just stay in it and, like, remember the why. You know?

Priscilla Block: 14:38

I think it's it's been cool for me to, like you know, I I got discovered via social media. And, you know, being kind of discovered that way, like, I was just being me real raw on the Internet. Like, I didn't have to step into a personality. I was just kind of being me, and that's kind of when my career really changed overnight, and I was sharing my music. So, like, I kinda feel like the same girl that, like, you see up on stage is the same girl, like, sitting here.

Priscilla Block: 15:06

Like, I just try to stay, like, real and relatable, and it's it's what my fans have kind of raised their hand for since the beginning. So it's like, it's nice. Like, it's nice being able to be the same Priscilla up on stage than I am at home. That being said, you know, I think, like, I'm even still trying to figure out, like, you know, how do I take moments for myself considering there isn't a full shutoff. You know?

Priscilla Block: 15:33

Like, where is my time that I can just kind of, like, be not the Priscilla that everyone knows and and, you know, expects, like, big energy and all this stuff from. And, honestly, like, that is why I love hunting. It's kind of like my shutoff. And yeah. So it's been really fun.

Priscilla Block: 15:51

Really fun, and it's something that I'm really thankful that I get to do because not a lot of people get to where I'm at in my career.

Bethany Beathard: 15:58

Yeah. How does it look like right now when you're releasing an album? It's the middle of hunting season. Are you gonna be able to get out this year, or how are you working that into what you're doing?

Priscilla Block: 16:08

I'm hoping that I'm gonna be able to get out this year. Right now, I am touring nonstop. Like, I just put out an an album, in October month, like, literally, like, two weeks ago. I put out an album, and I started my tour, like, the week after, which is kind of crazy because a lot of people will put out an album and then tour it, like, after a little while, and we're kind of just going straight into the tour, which has been really fun. I was a little worried about going straight into the tour after the record.

Priscilla Block: 16:39

I'm like, what if people don't know the songs? Like but it's been really, really awesome. You really see how, like, diehard people are. So right now, I'm in, like, full tour mode, tour mode, album mode, just kind of, like, promoting my record. So I'm hoping that I'm gonna be able to get some time to go hunt.

Priscilla Block: 17:00

I don't really like, I don't have anything on the books right now because, again, it's just like I come home for, like, a day or two, and then I'm back on the road. And, like, my day or two that I'm home, I'm cleaning my clothes. So it's a little chaotic right now. I'm sure that there's gonna be some time, like, hopefully, around Christmas where I can, like, just take some time and, like, be able to, you know, get out there and get it done.

Bethany Beathard: 17:27

Yeah. So you're you're off working, and your boyfriend's in the stand. Exactly. Don't kill my ear.

Priscilla Block: 17:32

Right? Yeah. He's sending me pictures. I'm like, okay. Cool.

Bethany Beathard: 17:35

Love that. That's awesome. Yeah. Do you find you know, you said, like, social media, I feel like, has changed so much about our generation. I mean, even, you know, with music, people are being discovered, with hunting in general, like, sharing this the lifestyle. Do you feel, like, pressure to, like, keep that going, or are you just kinda like it's organically just sharing what happens?

Bethany Beathard: 18:00

Yeah.

Priscilla Block: 18:01

I mean, so for sure. I think with social media, there you know, before I signed my record deal and, like, I started, like, touring full time and all of that, like, social media was, like, it was fun. It was my like, it almost kinda was my full time job. Like, I was just posting videos every single day, showing my life because I had the time to do that. But, like, when you're out touring, recording, writing, all of the things that kind of comes along with this career.

Priscilla Block: 18:32

It's very, like, demanding of time. So, like, I definitely think there is part of me that's like, oh my gosh. Like, I I need to post online. You know what I mean? Because social media really is the way that people hear about what you're doing these days.

Priscilla Block: 18:49

Unless if it's, like, right in front of them, you know, it's it's a great marketing strategy. So I definitely, like, I struggle with it sometimes, like, because I I think it's important by staying relevant. There's a lot that, you know, goes into into that, and I think social media is, like, very, very important. So I'm I'm trying to, like, find the balance. You know?

Priscilla Block: 19:16

Like, there will be days I'm like, okay. I I need to post on TikTok, and then I'll go post, like, 17 times. You know? Yeah. Yeah, it's it's awesome, and I'm I'm thankful for it because there's there's a lot of good with social media, and then there's, you know, some neg some negatives with it. But for me, it's been really beneficial to my career.

Priscilla Block: 19:36

So I try and share as much as I can without feeling, like, super overwhelmed.

Bethany Beathard: 19:41

Yeah. I I agree with that. And I think there's more benefits that are coming out of it than negatives. Like, you're always gonna have the naysayers, like you said. But I feel like people just wanna follow just real people.

Bethany Beathard: 19:53

They wanna see what you're doing. They're inspired. What advice would you give to a girl that's 17 years old with $50 in her pocket? You know, what would you what would you say to encourage her?

Priscilla Block: 20:04

I would say, girl, make sure this is really what you wanna do because it is hard, and there are days that, are even harder. You know? It's it's really just, like, making sure like, figuring out your why again. Like, country music is like, I truly feel like that's my purpose. I felt like God put this on my heart when I was, like, a little girl, and I feel like I was born to do this.

Priscilla Block: 20:28

But it's like figuring out your why. Like, if you're, like, like, I wanna be a superstar. If you're not in it for, like, the love of music and, like, really the like, connecting with people, I think it it it can make the hard days really, really hard. But, also, you know, I would I would also say, like, you gotta work for it. You know?

Priscilla Block: 20:49

The everyone's journey is different. When I moved to Nashville, like, they were like, oh, it's a ten year town. And, like, I'm living proof that Nashville is ten year town. I've been here for eleven years. And not long ago, I I celebrated my first number one.

Priscilla Block: 21:03

And it's just, you know, there's blood, sweat, and tears, but if you just continue going and, like, don't take you know, I've always heard this, like, if you if you hear the word no, you're asking the wrong person, and I I believe that. Like, I feel like you just have to be fearless on knocking on doors, and I think you can get to wherever you want in this life if you work really, really hard.

Bethany Beathard: 21:26

Yeah. And that's, I mean, the American dream, you know, really. And I'm sure there's do that follow you, and they're like, man, like, she's so inspiring. I love that. So we have you might be heading in December, which is probably gonna be like, dear, probably some deck.

Bethany Beathard: 21:40

I know you guys are gonna be doing some stuff with the SEN later next year, so that's so exciting. I can't wait to see what you guys put together. What is your favorite wild game recipe?

Priscilla Block: 21:50

Oh my goodness. That's a good question. Man, I love okay. I love goose. A lot of people don't, but I like, whenever we go out to Arkansas, like, we're duck hunting. If we can go, like, you know, during the day and go on a goose hunt, like, I I really I enjoy goose.

Priscilla Block: 22:10

So I love doing, like, goose fajitas. That's really fun. I I love duck poppers. I mean, I'm like a wild game girl. Like, we eat wild game almost every night here.

Priscilla Block: 22:22

So kind of anyway, I I really do love some goose fajitas.

Bethany Beathard: 22:27

That's awesome. Yeah. Goose, I feel like it's an acquired taste. Not everybody loves it. Like you said, like, that's something that's it's funny that that's your favorite thing.

Bethany Beathard: 22:35

Yeah. My kids like goose. They really like goose jerky. Like, that's, like, their thing. Like, they'll, like, if I can smoke it, I think any jerky is really good, but they will eat that.

Bethany Beathard: 22:45

But I know people eat goose burgers. So

Priscilla Block: 22:48

Oh, interesting.

Bethany Beathard: 22:48

Grind it up.

Priscilla Block: 22:49

And yeah.

Bethany Beathard: 22:50

And, like, that's really, like, the number one recommendation. Like, every time we had go goose, they're like, oh, grind it into burgers. So that's interesting.

Priscilla Block: 22:57

I need to try that.

Bethany Beathard: 22:58

Where are you touring right now? Like, where are you what's your tour look like?

Priscilla Block: 23:03

So I'm on my headlining tour. I just wrapped up the Coles Windell tour, which is really awesome. So I'm kind of touring a little bit everywhere. We just got back from Florida, and we we did South Carolina. This next weekend, we're going to Milwaukee doing the Midwest.

Priscilla Block: 23:24

And so, yeah, it's probably gonna be cold out there. So Iowa, I think, kind of all over. I'm headlining the Ryman in Nashville, March 4. So that's gonna be my first time ever headlining the Ryman. I'm very excited for that.

Priscilla Block: 23:41

My tour will end there. So kind of like all over. But, yeah, we're touring pretty hard until until March.

Bethany Beathard: 23:48

Yeah. That's like nonstop. And so you are you bused? Like, do you have a bus Yes.

Priscilla Block: 23:52

That goes around? Thank god. I do. Like, you know, I Yeah. I spent years in the van, and that man, when I tell you the the the hard times, not sleeping through the night and and traveling and touring, you know, nonstop is it's it's difficult.

Priscilla Block: 24:14

So thank god I'm in a bus with a whole crew, and we get to travel all over and, you know, play shows every night. That's awesome. So translating that to the outdoors, are you hunting in, like, rough

Bethany Beathard: 24:29

in it stands, or do you have, like, nice, like, you know, Taj Mahal duck blind, or, like, what is that? Because I've hunted both. Yeah. And whenever you get to experience it, you're like, man, this is so nice. Like, what's your

Priscilla Block: 24:40

The the ones that you're like, dang. They got a heater in here. That's really nice. Yes. No.

Priscilla Block: 24:46

I it's kind of a little bit of everything. I'm not a bougie hunter at all. I I'm, like, cool roughing it. Like, honestly, like, I I mean, I would love a heater in the blind when it's, like, freaking, you know, January and you're freezing. But I I kinda do it all, like, whatever.

Priscilla Block: 25:07

If if, like I said, if there's somebody that's like, hey. Let's go hunt, like and this is the situation, like, I'm I'm game. No pun intended. But it's a little bit of everything. Little bit of everything.

Bethany Beathard: 25:18

Yeah. I think the first time, like, I was you know, when I started Duck Hunting just a couple years ago, that was kinda like my later pickup. I was doing big game before that. And we always, like, pawnsats. Like, the first time that I got, like, actually drove a boat onto, like, a floating, like, you know, a floating blind, and they, like, cooked us breakfast and stuff, I was like, wow.

Bethany Beathard: 25:38

This is like, heck, have I even been duck hunting before? Because I've been doing it for years. I'm not like this. So it was it was awesome. So, you know, there's a lot of girls that would look up to you too in the outdoors, you know.

Bethany Beathard: 25:53

I feel like it's a place of vulnerability for a lot of women because they're not used to it. They didn't grow up doing it. A lot of us didn't get invited to deer camp as kids. You know, what is your advice to women that are starting their outdoor journey later in life? And, you know, what are some lessons that you've learned that you could, you know, help them a little, I guess, further along in their their beginning journey?

Priscilla Block: 26:18

I think it's really awesome. Any women that, you know, wanna get into the outdoor space, like, think, you know, I've always kind of been the girl that's like, I can do what the guys do, and my parents have always, like, made me feel like that since I was a little girl. Like, they never made me feel like, oh, you can't do that because you're a girl. You know what I mean? You know, I I I would say to any girl that's, like, wanting to start hunting, like, do it and ask the questions.

Priscilla Block: 26:45

And just because you didn't grow up hunting doesn't mean you can't go or can't take it on or really grow a passion for it. So I I think, like, you know, I think it's really awesome when you see people trying new things. You might fall in love with it, or you might be like, actually, I really hate this. Like, it's freezing. It's not a vibe.

Priscilla Block: 27:06

It's not what I think it is, and that's okay. That's Yeah. Totally You're gonna suffer. But, yeah, I I think it's really awesome whenever I see, you know, women in the outdoor space and that own it and have a love for it. I think it's it's not a dude's world.

Priscilla Block: 27:22

Like, the hunting does not just because you're a girl, that doesn't mean you can't hunt. You know what I mean? And that goes with anything in life. Like, anything that you wanna do, like, if it's, like, typically a dude thing, like, I'd say

Bethany Beathard: 27:36

go for it even more. Show the boys what's up. Yes. I I am for that, and I love seeing some of these young girls out there just kill it. And I'm like, yes.

Bethany Beathard: 27:44

They're doing it. They're carrying the torch toward. Do you bow hunt too, or are you just rifle hunting?

Priscilla Block: 27:50

I don't bow hunt. Like, I'm trying to, like, really dial it in. Yeah. Mainly, like, rifle, but I want to. Like, I I feel like maybe this season, like, maybe I try.

Priscilla Block: 28:05

Yeah. I that's also like, kind of back to your last question. Like, is there anything that I've learned or, like, anything that feels a little intimidating? Like, bowhunting to me has felt a little intimidating, but that's also why I wanna do it and be like Yeah. I want I wanna be a bow hunter.

Priscilla Block: 28:21

Like, that is so sick. And, so, no, I have not successfully hunted with a bow or anything. I'm really just, like, kinda target target practicing right now.

Bethany Beathard: 28:32

Yeah. No. I'm right there with you. I, for years, didn't really pick up a bow. I had, like, a shoulder injury, and I was like, I don't know if this is something for me.

Bethany Beathard: 28:40

So I feel like this also is, like, my first season to, like, go out there with a compound. I've done crossbow. I've done rifle and stuff. But, yeah, I love that there's always something I feel, like, challenging. Like, there's always, like, another step that you can go in the outdoors.

Bethany Beathard: 28:55

I'm sure it's the same thing in the music industry. There's always something that you can achieve and keep striving for. What is your, like, dream hunt? If you could go anywhere, any any species.

Priscilla Block: 29:08

Oh my goodness. I mean, I would love to do an elk hunt. Like, I it's it's a lot. There's a lot that goes into it. You know, you gotta be, like, pretty strong and active.

Priscilla Block: 29:22

And I don't know. I think, like, the whole, like, training for it and hike it, like, all of I don't know. I think it would be really, really awesome. That would be cool. I'm I'm like I said, I'm kind of, like, down for whatever.

Priscilla Block: 29:35

You know? If I if I ever do that, great. If I, like, stick to turkey, deer, and duck, and goose, like, I'm cool with that too. Yeah. But I would love to do an elk hunt one day.

Bethany Beathard: 29:45

Yeah. I think there's there's something just beautiful about North American game in general, like moose, elk. They're just, like they're just I love everything about North America. So when people ask me, I'm like, yeah. Like, I would go somewhere crazy, like exotic, I guess, but I really would just like to, you know, hit the bucket list of America.

Bethany Beathard: 30:03

Like, there's just so many amazing species here. Do you find that you're mostly hunting with men, or do you see that there's other women out there? Like, do you have gal pals that you hunt with too?

Priscilla Block: 30:14

I I mean, I would say, like, majority of them are guys, but I do have a lot of friends that are females that hunt. Like I said, one of my best friends growing up, she she's always hunted. And so, like, I've kind of, like, gotten, she'll she'll put on some girl hunt sometimes, and they've invited me out. And that's been really fun just like being around like a bunch of girls that that do it. But, yeah, I mean, I definitely do think there's a lot more dudes kind of around me that hunt.

Priscilla Block: 30:45

And, again, it's kind of like whenever people hear like, oh, yeah. Priscilla Priscilla hunts too. They're like, wait. What? Like, hell yeah.

Priscilla Block: 30:52

We need a girl in the blind with us. So that's why

Bethany Beathard: 30:54

I always

Priscilla Block: 30:55

say, like, the girls need to hop in. And

Bethany Beathard: 30:58

I think that's, like, you know, there's a lot of us girls out there, but we're all, you know, like you. What the you're the only girl going or one of two girls. And, you know, that's what I love about the Ascend community is that we're really bringing all these women from all walks of life together and saying like, hey. Yeah. Like, we do do this.

Bethany Beathard: 31:18

You know? Where are you? And we're not alone. You're like, you're not the only girl that's hunting. And that's like, I grew up I felt like I was the only country girl for, a long time.

Bethany Beathard: 31:27

You know? Yeah. Like, you know, is there other girls out there? And I love that, you know, we can be not only inspiring for other people, but also just, like, community because I feel like women just don't have that much community. Like, even, you know, Erin's one of the other podcast hosts on here, and she's like one of the only women outfitters out West, like, for elk and all those things.

Bethany Beathard: 31:50

And so it's really interesting to see, you know, women paving their way in the outdoors. As, like, a newer hunter, I feel like we kinda talk about conservation and, like, you know, preserving our wildlife. And, you know, what do you feel like the next step is for you in the outdoors? You know? It's it's just part of your lifestyles.

Bethany Beathard: 32:07

Like, how are you seeing this, like, I guess, evolve? You know? Are you advocating for it? And, you know, do you do you feel like people are kinda pressuring you to do that?

Priscilla Block: 32:18

Yeah. I mean, I would love to, like, step into it a little bit more. I think it's important to I think conservation is super important, and I I definitely think that there's a space at some point for me to kind of, like, dive in a little bit more and just educate people. You know? There's so much that I didn't know and that, like, even people around me don't know.

Priscilla Block: 32:40

But, you know, spreading the word more and, like, being somebody that can advocate for the advocate for that, like, I think it's important.

Bethany Beathard: 32:49

Yeah. For sure. And I don't think that necessarily you have to be, you know, with, like, a sign at, like, a, you know, like, activism. But, like, you living the lifestyle, people are like, oh, you know, and, you know, it might open the door for people. Like you said, like, there's just a lot of people that are unaware of the lifestyle and what conservation is and, you know, preserving this resource for the next generation.

Bethany Beathard: 33:14

And, you know, women play a big part in that. Like, you know, the numbers the influx of women that are entering the outdoors is is awesome, but we're also leaving the outdoors just as fast. So, you know, trying to, like, put a slow to that and, like, retain the women and, like, help them find community. Does that resonate also in, like, the country industry? Because I don't feel like there is as many women singers as there are men.

Bethany Beathard: 33:37

Yeah. Do you feel like it's kind of the same thing over there, or do you feel like it's a little bit easier?

Priscilla Block: 33:42

I you know, it's it's it's similar in in ways. I do think that there's you know, it's a very male dominant genre country is. You know? But I I think that's starting to change. There's so many amazing country artists that are females, that are kinda changing the game.

Priscilla Block: 34:01

Same with the outdoor space too. Like, I think that, like, more girls are getting into it. It's it's not becoming again, like, this only thing that, like, dudes can do or whatever. And I and I think, like, when people, like, kind of just open up their mind more to it, you start to see a lot more women, like I said, in the outdoor space and in country, and it's awesome. It's it's really cool.

Priscilla Block: 34:24

You know? I there was, like, like, a time like, think, like, back in the nineties, there were so many women just, like, dominating, and it's kind of been, like, a male dominant space for a little while, especially like with country radio and so many things. But like now, I really do think they're we're seeing a shift to where more women are getting played, and the music's just great, like from girls and guys.

Bethany Beathard: 34:49

Yeah. I love country music. Grew up on nineties country. Like, I have five kids. And Wow.

Bethany Beathard: 34:54

They can all sing. Like, yeah, they can all sing nineties country. Like, like, that's our favorite, you know, songs. I remember going to, like, Brooks and Dunn concerts when I was little. Like, my parents definitely were country music advocates, and I love that.

Bethany Beathard: 35:08

And I do I do see, like, the shift to more women, and maybe it is because of the social media too. Mhmm. Like, now they're seeing it more, you know, I guess represented and available to them. Because that's really I feel like social media has really changed a lot because now, like you said, you can get discovered on, you know, TikTok and not necessarily have to do everything. Yeah.

Bethany Beathard: 35:31

You know? And you kinda did both, TikTok and moved to Nashville. Yeah. You know? So you've you've kinda took old school, I guess, mythology and also new school, and, like, I've seen more women recently than and kinda like you said back to, like, that nineties representation of all the ladies that were out there.

Bethany Beathard: 35:51

How do you feel like you know, you said the outdoor kinda brings you clarity and time to pause. How are you finding that also in the music industry?

Priscilla Block: 35:59

I mean, I think it's easy to feel burnt out sometimes, you know, when you're and and whatever. Like, whatever your job is, I think if you're if that's like you eat, sleep, and breathe it at all times, like, you can feel burnt out. And it's something that I'm trying to figure out, like, of, like, making time for myself and, like, figuring out, like, when to recharge and when to say no to the things. You know what I mean? I'm just getting started.

Priscilla Block: 36:27

So I'm at a point, you know, where I I feel like I've been doing this forever, but I'm also I, you know, I haven't. I'm still in the grand scheme of things like a new artist. And so I am saying yes. You know, I I do say yes to, like, almost everything because I want all the opportunities, and I I wanna do everything. But at some point, you know and and you hope that you have a really strong team in place that can say, hey.

Priscilla Block: 36:51

Like, she needs a minute. You know what I mean? And they can make those decisions when when needed. And I I feel really thankful to have, like, the strong team that I do. Yeah.

Bethany Beathard: 37:01

I think that goes back to what you said about having your why. Like, that's what keeps the fire burning is your why. Yeah. And, yeah, I I love that. And I think, you know, what do you do to remind yourself on those days of your why?

Bethany Beathard: 37:18

Like, you know, you you get so bogged down. Like, I mean, life is busy. You're touring. You know, you're picking up extra things and maybe hunting on the side and all your other hobbies. How do you remember that?

Bethany Beathard: 37:31

Like, how do you find yourself just like, you know, this is what we worked for, you know, all these years?

Priscilla Block: 37:36

I think it's just like, you know, it's I my faith is, like, something that's really strong to me, and it's something that I lean on during, like, hard times. And just, like, kind of going back to, like, I think of the the young Priscilla that moved to Nashville with this dream, and I try to, like, try to put myself in check whenever I need to. Like, hey. Like, you know, you might be going through it right now, but, like, a lot of people dream of being in the position that you're in. And you include you know, myself included.

Priscilla Block: 38:11

Like, I I dreamed of getting here. So, like, I think it's just important to, like, always go back to, like, the why and staying, like, in a state of gratitude. You know? Like, stuff can be taken from you just as quick as it's given to you. And holding on to that of being like, man, like, I'm very thankful, and I'm in a really, really good place and at a place that some people work their whole lives to get to this spot.

Priscilla Block: 38:40

You know? And I I go out in Nashville, and I see so many artists, just young young girls just, like, playing their guitar, like, one day to be where I'm at. So I really just, like, try

Bethany Beathard: 38:52

to think about that as as much as I can. You know? Yeah. And I think that's just all of us too. At this stage in life, you know, I wanna be also, you know, a light for the the little girls that are coming up.

Bethany Beathard: 39:05

And and I've like you said, you know, social media has changed that. Like, now they can see that. They see other other women that are doing those things, and we can be inspiring and pulling them up. Is there anything that you want the audience to know about you that they might not know?

Priscilla Block: 39:23

Oh my goodness. I feel like I'm kind of an open book. I mean, I'm so lucky that I get to do this. And I feel like I'm a prime example for anybody watching that, like, you can do whatever you want, you know, in in this life as long as you work hard and I I don't know. I think that's kind of it.

Priscilla Block: 39:44

Yeah.

Bethany Beathard: 39:45

Alright. Well, Priscilla, thank you so much for coming on today and sharing your life and just a little bit behind the scenes and getting to know you a bit more personally. I know we can find you everywhere, but just let our followers know where they can find you, where they can find your music, and yeah, we'll let so they can go follow you.

Priscilla Block: 40:05

Everything is under Priscilla Block. You can find me on all social media platforms. Yeah. I Like I said, I just put out an album two weeks ago. It's called Things You Didn't See.

Priscilla Block: 40:16

So brand new music out. Y'all can go listen to it and dive in a little deeper to get to know me more, and this was so much

Bethany Beathard: 40:24

fun. Well, thank you for for joining us, and I hope you guys were inspired by not only her glitz and glam life, but a little bit behind the scenes and her outdoor life. This is what Ascend is all about, connecting women to the community that's out there, inspiring, encouraging you to get out in the outdoors, and start your Ascend journey. We'll see you guys next time.

VO: 40:46

Thank you for listening to the Ascend podcast. New every week, the conservation driven podcast one week and our adventure video series the next. Watch the Ascend adventure episodes on the Ducks Unlimited YouTube channel, and be sure to like, share, and subscribe. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect those of Ducks Unlimited. Until next time, follow your outdoor story wherever it leads you. Ascend.

VO: 41:17

Thank you for listening to the DU podcast, sponsored by Purina Pro Plan, the official performance dog food of Ducks Unlimited. Purina Pro Plan, always advancing. Also proudly sponsored by Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails. Whether you're winding down with your best friend or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

VO: 41:39

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe to the show and visit ducks.org/dupodcast. Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect those of Ducks Unlimited. Until next time, stay tuned to the Ducks.