The idea of living in the wilderness and surviving off the land may not appeal to everyone, but for survivalist Donny Dust, it’s a dream come true. Donny has spent years exploring the great outdoors and relying on basic necessities to sustain himself. Interestingly, his off-the-grid lifestyle has led him to the entertainment industry, starring in the new USA series Mud, Sweat and Beards. Alongside co-star Ray Livingston, Donny uses his survival skills to transform remote locations into habitable spaces. Here are 10 fascinating facts about Donny Dust that you probably didn’t know.
1. Colorado Roots
Hailing from Colorado, Donny still considers the picturesque state his home base. With its abundant natural beauty, Colorado offers the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately, not much is known about his upbringing or personal life.
2. A Proud Veteran
Donny is a United States Marine Corps veteran, and his military experience played a significant role in nurturing his passion for survivalism. In an interview with The Ultimate Predator, he shared, “I served 12 years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps…The Corps, and more importantly the Marines around me during my time in the service, fostered my pursuits into survival and bushcraft. While serving, I attended several survival courses in numerous locations, to include high deserts; deep, remote jungles; mountainous peaks; completely waterlogged swamps; and open seas/waters.”
3. Survival School Owner
Donny’s passion for survivalism extends beyond his own experiences; he’s also dedicated to educating others. He owns a survival school in Colorado called Paleo Tracks Survival. According to the school’s website, “Paleo Tracks Survival School is a Wilderness Self-Reliance School located in beautiful Colorado that teaches people from different walks of life the essential and necessary skills to survive and thrive in any situation.” Students from around the globe come to learn from Donny.
4. A Private Personality
Despite being a reality TV star, Donny prefers to keep his personal life under wraps. He’s a private individual who chooses to focus the spotlight on his brand rather than his personal affairs.
5. Public Speaking Engagements
Donny’s survival expertise has opened doors for him, including opportunities to speak publicly. He has traveled to various locations to share his knowledge and experiences, inspiring and empowering countless individuals.
6. Not His First TV Rodeo
While Mud, Sweat and Beards may be the first time many viewers encounter Donny, it’s not his television debut. He previously competed on the History Channel series Alone, but had to withdraw early due to a heart attack.
7. Published Author
In addition to his survival skills and reality TV appearances, Donny is a published author. In 2018, he released a book titled Scavenger: A Primal Approach To Lifestyle Change, which delves into his life as a survivalist and recounts his near-fatal heart attack experience.
8. Social Media Savvy
Contrary to what one might expect from someone who enjoys living off the land, Donny is quite active on social media and has amassed a substantial following. On Instagram alone, he boasts 235,000 followers—a number that’s likely to grow as Mud, Sweat and Beards gains popularity.
9. A Lifelong Love for the Outdoors
Donny’s affinity for the outdoors isn’t a recent development; it’s been an integral part of his identity since childhood. He told The Ultimate Predator, “I’ve always been involved in the outdoors, living a little bit wilder and more free than most. As a young boy I was always outside, fishing, hiking, building shelters, and exploring the world around me. My pursuits were wild and still are today.”
10. Devoted Family Man
As previously mentioned, Donny is a private person who doesn’t divulge much about his personal life. However, it’s known that he’s a husband and father to two sons. His wife and children have managed to avoid the limelight, keeping their lives away from public scrutiny.
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