The Silvercore Podcast with Travis Bader

Nathan James, known online as Sir Drifto, holds the world altitude record for the highest electric paramotor flight and has flown hundreds of miles in a vintage open cockpit biplane with his dad. He's also the kind of guy who once tried to fly a paramotor under a bridge and lost his sponsorship in the process.In this conversation, we talk about what happens when the risk-to-reward ratio flips, why real adventure can't be bought through a booking agent, the Camel Trophy / Defender Trophy comeback, growing up on dirt bikes and two-strokes, what every young person should experience at least once, AI and predictive surveillance, and why the simplest eras might have produced the most capable people.Nathan is heading to British Columbia for the Defender Trophy, the successor to the legendary Camel Trophy, and this conversation captures exactly the kind of person they'd want behind the wheel.Silvercore Podcast 182 Nathan James - Sir DriftoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirdrifto/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SirDrifto_____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps:00:00 Intro and the Sir Drifto origin01:34 Life is short and the risk-to-reward ratio03:03 When risk stops falling only on you05:20 Dirt bikes at eight and the berm that changed everything08:33 Counting birthdays you didn't expect to reach10:13 Regret as the real balancing act11:50 Contrived hardship vs. real challenge14:23 What every young person should experience once17:36 The Wall-E problem and the softening of capability22:01 Technology, instant gratification, and lost patience24:06 Face-to-face connection as the future commodity27:21 Photoshopping a report card and the sinking jet boat30:29 The world record electric paramotor flight40:42 The altitude and would he do it again42:12 Why winter was the only option43:22 Flying a Piper Cub cross-country with his dad47:15 The broken fuel gauge and cornfield contingencies52:11 The Defender Trophy (Camel Trophy successor) in BC57:56 Whether it'll be televised01:00:23 Safety third01:01:17 Flying a paramotor under a bridge01:04:12 The helicopter laser incident and federal consequences01:12:28 AI, facial recognition, and pre-crime prediction01:16:54 Favorite movies and books01:22:06 Write down your bucket list and challenge every excuse

Josh Botha showed up to his first precision rifle match with a blind-magazine .204 Ruger and no idea what he was doing. A decade later, he's a four-time Team Canada World Championship competitor, senior designer at MDT (Modular Driven Technologies), founder of the BC Precision Rifle League, and the man behind North Star Precision Training.In this episode, Josh shares his journey from South Africa to England to BC, how archery led him into the precision rifle world, what it's really like inside MDT's culture, and the massive news about MDT acquiring Lone Peak Arms. We dig into the mental game of competitive shooting, the NRL Hunter format, wind reading, barriers to entry for new PRS shooters, the role of faith in business and life, and why one person stepping up can change everything.🎁 This month we're giving away a SAI Mini Red Dot to an active Outpost listener - Silvercore Club members, activate the Outpost in your member portal to enter!🔗 Connect with Josh:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbotha_/ North Star Precision Training: [email protected] and https://www.instagram.com/northstarprecision/ BC Precision Rifle League: https://www.instagram.com/bcprecisionrifle/MDT Sporting Goods: https://www.instagram.com/mdttac21/Optics - https://armament.com/ Ammo - https://www.norma-ammunition.com/ _____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps:0:00 Intro & SAI Mini Red Dot Giveaway1:30 Meet Josh Botha: Competitive Shooter & MDT Designer2:16 Knocking Over Josh's Rifle at a PRS Match4:24 Growing Up in South Africa & Moving to England7:00 Family Moves to Canada: Landing on Canada Day 20068:33 BC as the Best of South Africa and England Combined10:00 From BCIT Mechanical Engineering to "Pretensioneer"11:55 MDT's People-First Culture and Hiring Philosophy13:16 MDT's Origin Story: From Rooster33 to Martin's Vision14:28 MDT Acquires Lone Peak Arms: What It Means16:50 Passion vs. Career: Drawing the Line18:48 How Archery Led Josh Into Precision Rifle21:00 First PRS Match: A .204 Ruger and No Idea22:00 The BC Sniper Match & Why the PRS Community Is Different27:00 PRS Attracts "Weird Gear Math Nerds" — And That's Great28:00 The Mental Game: Almost All of It Is Mental Now29:13 Conscious Competence to Subconscious Mastery30:06 Wind Reading: The Great Equalizer30:50 Barriers to Entry: Cost, Fear & PRS .22 Matches33:50 Launching North Star Precision Training37:00 Training Venues & The BC Long Range Problem38:00 Biggest Mistakes New Precision Rifle Shooters Make39:27 Dealing with Match Pressure & First-Stage Jitters41:00 NRL Hunter: The Most Fun Match Format Explained46:00 Gear vs. Skill: LRF Binos, Tripods & Weight Limits48:03 MDT's Content & Media Strategy: Becoming a Media Company52:00 Education as Marketing: Magpul, Glock & MDT54:50 AI in the Firearms Industry: Spanish & French YouTube Channels57:37 Suppressors: Will MDT Get In the Game?59:00 Fighting for Suppressor Legalization in Canada1:02:49 The Power of One Person to Create Change1:07:55 Leveraging Mentors & Asking for Help1:08:46 Faith at MDT: A Quiet But Real Foundation1:11:05 Josh's Faith Journey & Losing His Mom1:13:29 A Transformative Six Months: Growth Through Trials1:16:27 What's Next: 4th World Championship & Rimfire in Lithuania1:19:00 Building a World Championship Rimfire Rig1:20:14 Product Design: When "Done" Meets "Perfect"1:23:21 MDT's Most Popular Products (Magazines & Chamber Flags)1:24:38 CAPRA: The Canadian Precision Rifle Association Board1:26:39 Addressing Conflict of Interest Criticism1:30:28 Growth of PRS in Canada: From 75 Members to National Teams1:32:12 Where to Find Josh & Final Thoughts

This episode introduces something new inside the Silvercore Club.It’s called The Outpost.A private weekly podcast for members where I share reflections from the field, lessons that stay with me, and thoughts that don’t always fit the format of the public show.In this episode, I explain what The Outpost is and why I created it, and then share one of those private recordings titled Bear With Me.Some experiences change how you see preparedness, responsibility, and awareness.This is one of them.https://www.silvercore.ca/club _____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____

This was supposed to be a hot wing challenge.It turned into something else.We sat down to take on a melt your face off hot wing challenge and ended up in a real conversation about food, marriage, work, ambition, comfort, and the choices that shape a life over time.The heat ramps up fast. Talking becomes harder. Filters disappear.We talk about building something from scratch, walking away from paths that look good on paper, raising kids with intention, food as memory, food as connection, and why comfort has a way of slowly pulling people off course.This episode also introduces The Wild Kitchen Podcast, a show about food, authors, hunters, foragers, and people who still know how to make things with their hands and feed the people they love.Nothing here was planned. Nothing was cleaned up to make it tidy.If you’re into honest conversations, good food, and doing things the hard way on purpose, this one will land.Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-wild-kitchen/id1871562316Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IVrTjpZePPuoKprNkgZx6?si=afb700ee09994cf4Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thewildkitchenpodcast/_____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps00:00 We commit to the hot wing challenge01:45 Why the first attempt failed04:10 What The Wild Kitchen is really about07:30 Starting something and sticking with it10:50 Food, memory, and why meals matter14:40 The meals that never leave you18:20 Heat kicks in and thinking gets harder21:45 Comfort food and emotional attachment24:50 Death row meals and what they reveal30:15 What we wanted to be as kids35:05 Leaving the path you were expected to follow39:40 Work that feels honest45:30 Food, family, and presence50:00 Heat level check and regret53:10 Old skills in a modern world58:20 Belief, curiosity, and asking better questions01:03:45 Pushing through discomfort01:07:40 Failure, momentum, and self trust01:12:20 Dealing with criticism01:16:10 Grandparents, food, and inherited habits01:20:40 Preservation, fermentation, and patience01:24:10 Processing animals and community01:28:10 What the future actually looks like01:32:30 Final wing and closing thoughts

What looks obvious on video often tells the least important part of the story.Chris Butler has spent decades inside high consequence decision making, as a search and rescue technician, a police inspector, a force science instructor, and an expert witness called into hundreds of use of force cases. In this conversation, we dig into how stress bends perception, why traditional training often fails under pressure, and how video evidence can mislead investigators, leaders, and the public.We explore the difference between performance and learning, why mistakes are essential for real skill acquisition, how decision making degrades under stress, and what trainers, coaches, and leaders across any field can learn from force science.This episode is for anyone responsible for training others, leading teams, or forming opinions based on partial information.Key themes and takeawaysWhy performance during training is not the same as learningHow retention and transfer actually work under stressThe danger of linear, checkbox driven training modelsDecision training vs technique trainingWhy video evidence feels convincing but can be wrongFrame rates, fisheye distortion, and perceptual gapsLeadership responsibility when public emotion is highMoral courage and restraint in the age of instant judgmentWho this episode is forLaw enforcement and military trainersCoaches and instructors in any high pressure domainLeaders responsible for public trustCivilians who want better frameworks for evaluating viral footageLinks to Chris Butler’s workTrainer’s Bullpen Podcast - https://www.trainersbullpen.comTrainer’s Bullpen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trainers-bullpen/id1661836359Trainer’s Bullpen on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2xxGiZkTlRlNh9NYl4AdGTChris Butler, Force Science Instructor - https://www.forcescience.com/author/chris/Linkedin - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/chris-butler-b330943a_____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps00:00 Pressure bends perception and memory01:10 Meeting Chris Butler before COVID shut everything down03:00 From search and rescue to policing05:10 When training mistakes nearly got people killed07:30 Why personal skill does not equal teaching skill09:45 The failure of linear, technique based training12:10 Why law enforcement training ignores learning science14:20 Performance vs learning explained16:45 Retention and transfer, what actually matters19:20 Why firearms qualification is meaningless22:00 How force on force training changes outcomes24:30 RCMP research and evidence based qualification changes26:40 Decision training vs technique training29:50 Why mistakes are essential for learning33:10 The danger of spoonfeeding solutions36:30 Why training under pressure works39:10 Can this apply outside law enforcement41:40 How experts analyze use of force incidents44:10 Why video never tells the full story46:50 Frame rates, missed actions, and false conclusions49:30 Body cameras distort distance and threat perception52:30 Leadership failure under public pressure55:10 Moral courage and protecting your people57:50 Final thoughts on training, leadership, and restraint

Violence arrives fast and leaves a long shadow.Former British SBS Special Forces veteran Sonny Smith returns to the Silvercore Podcast for a grounded conversation on awareness, personal safety, and the realities of physical confrontation.Drawing from experience in UK Special Forces, executive protection, surveillance work, and professional bare knuckle boxing, Sonny talks through how people are selected as targets, how situations escalate, and where confidence drifts ahead of capability. We discuss awareness as a practiced discipline, avoidance as a measure of competence, and the responsibility that comes with force.As the conversation deepens, it turns inward. We explore life after high risk work, mental health, identity, and the weight carried once the external danger fades. Sonny speaks openly about his personal experiences with ayahuasca as part of a broader reflection on trauma, accountability, and integration, without instruction or advocacy.This episode is a clear-eyed look at judgment, restraint, and what survival demands, both in moments of danger and across a lifetime.Buy Man Protect Here - https://a.co/d/2C4SVkxFollow Sonny - https://www.instagram.com/sixsightco/Six Sight Training Wing - https://www.instagram.com/sixsight.coSix Sight Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@SixSight_____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps00:00 – Why most people misunderstand violence03:45 – Bare knuckle boxing and reality versus fantasy08:55 – Confidence, competence, and dangerous gaps13:40 – Awareness without paranoia18:25 – How predators actually select targets23:10 – Situational awareness beyond buzzwords28:00 – Subtle cues people miss before violence starts33:15 – Why most self protection training fails38:05 – Avoidance as a trained skill43:20 – When violence becomes unavoidable48:10 – Knives, firearms, and uncomfortable truths54:30 – The psychological cost of physical confrontationMental Health and Psychedelics01:00:05 – Life after violence and high risk careers01:04:30 – Trauma, identity, and suppressed damage01:10:15 – Why some people turn to ayahuasca01:16:40 – Expectations versus reality01:22:30 – Integration, responsibility, and accountability01:28:10 – Mental health without shortcuts01:33:40 – What survival actually means long term

As the year comes to a close, I reached out to a small group of past guests and asked them one question.What do you want to be remembered for?Their answers, and my own, are shared here.This episode is chaptered. Listen straight through, or move to the voices that resonate most with you.Take your time with it.This is the final episode of the Silvercore Podcast for 2025 This Year End project is Silvercore Podcast Ep. 176### Thank you to the guests who took part in this projectIf you’d like to learn more about the people who shared their reflections, you can find them here.Kyle LambViking TacticsWebsite: https://www.vikingtactics.comInstagram (Viking Tactics): https://www.instagram.com/vikingtacticsAmie BattamsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amie.flyfish/Colin DowlerColin keeps a low public profile. His story was first shared here:Silvercore Podcast – https://www.silvercore.ca/podcast/ep-09-now-youre-bleeding-too-bearApril VokeyAnchored OutdoorsWebsite: https://anchoredoutdoors.comPodcast: https://www.anchoredoutdoors.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilvokeyJason BuddTantalus Mountain GuidesWebsite: https://tantalusmtnguides.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tantalusmtnguides/Seb LavoieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/slavccmdr/Kevin KossowanFrom the WildWebsite: https://www.fromthewild.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinkossowan/Kelsi SherenPodcast, speaking, and writingWebsite: https://www.kelsisheren.comInstagram Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thekelsisherenperspective/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren/Shaun TaylorThe Collective PodcastWebsite: https://the-collective.caInstagram (podcast): https://www.instagram.com/the_collective_ig/Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/shauntaylors1/Chance BurrellsThe Collective PodcastWebsite: https://the-collective.cahttps://www.instagram.com/chance_burlesTiffany BaderSilvercore OutdoorsWebsite: https://silvercore.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bader.tiffany/_____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____ (00:13) - Intro – What Will Remain (01:38) - Kyle Lamb (08:25) - Amie Battams (11:10) - Colin Dowler (14:13) - April Vokey (17:00) - Jason Budd (19:46) - Seb Lavoie (28:34) - Kevin Kossowan (39:13) - Kelsi Sheren (47:53) - Shaun Taylor (52:55) - Chance Burles (01:01:43) - Tiffany Bader (01:03:48) - Travis Bader – Reflection

Matt Barnett grew up dreaming about explosives. At fourteen he blew up his hand, looked death in the face, and kept going. Today he is one of the most fascinating figures in the world of high explosives, working with everything from avalanche control to government agencies and major media productions.This conversation goes far beyond blowing things up. Matt opens up about the accident that reshaped him, the philosophy that guides his life, the power of visualization, raising strong kids, and why danger and purpose are tied together for anyone who wants to live a real life.If you have ever wondered what drives someone to chase a childhood obsession into a career most people would never dare to try, this episode will pull you in. Explosives, chemistry, freedom, leadership, self reliance, personal growth, and the fire it takes to build something meaningful. It is all here.What you will hear in this episode:• How a kid with a chemistry set became an explosives expert• The accident that nearly took Matt’s life and what he learned from it• Why humans are wired to crave controlled danger• The mindset that separates dreamers from builders• Raising kids in a world that fears risk• What freedom, responsibility, and legacy really look like• Why modern society is starving for men who refuse to live small livesIf you love conversations about resilience, purpose, freedom, and the people who shape their own world instead of waiting for permission, this one will hit home.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattexplodesstuffWebsite / Leadership Camp: https://www.impresariocamp.com/_____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____TIMESTAMPS00:00 The spark that starts a life in explosives00:41 Travis welcomes Matt Barnett01:00 Why humans are drawn to things that go boom01:51 Order, chaos, and the intoxication of controlled destruction02:42 Childhood experiments with fireworks and gunpowder04:18 Matt learns to make black powder at seven05:00 The obsession with creating without limits06:07 Chemistry, invention, and the ADHD mind07:27 Growing up with explosive hobbies08:57 Talking openly about dangerous knowledge10:41 Where the line sits between education and harm11:49 Using explosives to make the world safer13:01 Childhood accidents and lessons learned16:04 Matt’s near fatal blast at fourteen17:50 Seeing the reality of destruction up close19:14 How the accident changed his view of war and life20:00 Parents, dynamite, and early experiments22:00 Raising kids around explosives and responsibility24:00 How business in the energetics world really works25:16 The surprising truth about social media and notoriety26:00 What it is like to film explosive content27:32 The camera confidence Matt learned as a kid28:36 What Matt would tell his younger self29:00 Building a business inside a maze of regulation30:15 Travis compares the Canadian system33:00 The cultural divide in how nations regulate freedom36:00 Why local control matters38:06 The challenges of trying to build in Canada40:41 A firearms case that shaped Travis view of the system43:18 Matt’s drive through Canada and observations45:00 Understanding different legal cultures46:27 The origin of Benetti46:44 What impresario means to Matt48:00 Why Matt teaches leadership50:15 When leadership pushes people to leave the status quo51:00 The clients who can afford it, and those who truly need it52:00 What legacy really means53:16 Why his children are his real contribution54:00 Raising kids like frontier families55:56 The human experience is not meant to be safe57:00 Why some of us need risk to feel alive58:00 Matt’s time in the hospital and what it taught him59:37 The turtle that changed everything01:00:20 The power of visualization01:01:20 What Matt sees for his future01:03:00 Why the world still needs wild men01:06:00 Final thoughts on compassion, responsibility, and becoming better humans01:08:45 Closing

Doug Patteson spent years overseas as a CIA case officer recruiting assets, running operations, and navigating a world built on secrecy and human psychology. After leaving the agency, he brought that experience into Hollywood, advising major studios on how the intelligence world actually works.In this conversation, Doug opens up about the realities of spycraft, the pressure of living a hidden life, the toll secrecy takes on families, and the lessons he carried forward into leadership, resilience, and emotional intelligence. We talk about failure, character, why good officers think differently, and how real fieldwork looks nothing like what you see on screen.This is a rare look at the human side of intelligence work from someone who lived it.https://www.instagram.com/texasspydad/ https://x.com/GrayManActualhttps://linktr.ee/Dougpatteson_____Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____TIMESTAMPS00:00 - CIA Case Officer Shares His Untold Story00:27 - Hollywood, Field Ethos, and Experience in the Real World01:01 - Hunting in Alberta and a Windstorm That Took Out the Camp03:27 - Jet Lag, Knee Surgery, and Still Making the Hunt Happen05:05 - Tents Collapse and a Middle of the Night Escape06:40 - Learning Elk Country and the Strength of a Good Team07:39 - Too Many Hunters in the Backcountry and Finding True Remote Ground08:51 - Blaze Orange, Local Laws, and Staying Visible in the Field10:52 - Doug’s Path Into the CIA11:47 - Analysts vs Operators and Why Doug Was an Unlikely Recruit13:34 - Thinking Differently in the Field14:24 - Living Under Cover and What It Does to Family16:34 - The Moral Weight of Secrecy18:19 - Polygraphs, Personal Choices, and Agency Tests20:53 - When Character Cracks Reveal Themselves22:07 - Why Doug and His Wife Eventually Left the Agency23:48 - How Spies Are Recruited and What That Relationship Looks Like27:43 - Is Spycraft an Art or a Science29:05 - Lessons From the Field That Still Matter Today31:51 - Emotional Intelligence and Radical Self Awareness34:31 - Failure as a Teacher and Raising Resilient Kids35:34 - Faith, Family, and Keeping a Moral Compass Straight37:07 - Losing His Wife to Early Onset Alzheimer’s39:30 - What Hard Times Reveal About Character41:28 - Choosing Love When Life Gets Hard43:50 - Stopping, Regrouping, and Choosing a Better Path45:24 - Being Human, Failing Forward, Resetting the Next Day47:52 - Letting Go of Failure and Moving Ahead Clean49:23 - Good, Better, Best and Remembering to Celebrate Wins51:16 - Burnout, Friends, and Iron Sharpening Iron55:23 - What Hollywood Misses About the CIA57:30 - Conspiracies, Secrets, and What Actually Leaks01:00:33 - Mistakes, Coverups, and How Narratives Twist01:02:12 - The Explorers Club and DefenderX01:04:35 - Amphibious Land Rovers and Journeys Nobody Has Done Before01:06:21 - How Extraordinary Teams Form01:08:03 - Leadership Lessons From a Life in the Field01:09:20 - Capacity vs Capability and Hiring for Character01:11:27 - The Hardest Thing You Have Ever Done01:13:03 - Ethical Failures and What They Reveal01:18:22 - Hiring, Firing, and Getting People on the Right Bus01:22:32 - Necessary Endings and Knowing When Paths Diverge01:24:12 - Wrapping Up and What’s Coming Next

Florian Wagner has lived a life that most people only dream about. A helicopter pilot, paragliding instructor, and celebrated adventure photographer, his work has appeared in National Geographic, Playboy, and Leica campaigns. From crossing Australia on a motorcycle to photographing Spirit Bears in Canada and flying through the Okavango Delta, Florian’s journey captures what it means to live close to nature.In this conversation, we explore how he turned risk into art, why he believes adventure is the truest teacher, and how hunting reshaped his connection with the land. Florian shares his experiences photographing for Leica, collaborating with Hornady and Savage Arms, and how self-hypnosis and mindfulness helped him rebuild after personal and physical setbacks.This episode is a window into the mind of a man who’s seen the world from above, from horseback, and through the lens of purpose.Learn more about Florian Wagner:🌍 wagnerphoto.de💧 worldwidewaters360.com🎧 Brought to you by the Silvercore PodcastHosted by Travis Bader - outdoorsman, entrepreneur, and storyteller.Silvercore Club members receive exclusive discounts, training, and access to The Outpost private podcast.🛠️ This episode is made possible in part by Armament Technology — providing world-class optics from Tangent Theta, SAI, and Tenebraex.Silvercore Club members save 10% on Tangent Theta, 15% on SAI, and 20% on Tenebraex.______Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps00:00 – Intro: From the Alps to AfricaMeet Florian Wagner, helicopter pilot, paragliding instructor, and adventure photographer for National Geographic, Playboy, and Leica.01:28 – Escaping the Boarding School WallsFlorian shares how a restrictive childhood sparked his obsession with freedom and flight.02:40 – Self-Taught Paragliding and the Camera That Started It AllHow a forgotten camera and a hunger for the sky began a lifelong creative journey.04:59 – From Playboy to Pilot: Adventures Behind the LensFlorian’s unlikely path from photographer to helicopter pilot and adventure storyteller.06:29 – Wine Tasting by Helicopter — the Playboy Assignment That Changed EverythingHow one bold pitch turned into a dream project.07:56 – Freedom and Risk ManagementFlorian reflects on what boarding school taught him about independence and why adventure is his true classroom.08:10 – Riding Through Africa: Healing Through SafariA moving story of loss, recovery, and rediscovering purpose on horseback in Kenya.09:56 – The Power of Self-HypnosisHow Florian used autosuggestion to overcome adversity, rebuild confidence, and enhance creativity.13:40 – Elk Hunts and Broken Ribs: Stories From the OutbackFlorian recalls his Australian motorcycle crash and what it taught him about limits.16:29 – When the Supermarket ClosesA profound reflection on self-reliance and what it truly means to live close to nature.19:32 – Learning to Hunt: From Photographer to ProviderHow Florian went from capturing wildlife to understanding his place in the natural cycle.22:01 – Hunting as Connection, Not CompetitionWhy he never carries both a camera and rifle, and what that choice means.23:22 – Bridging Old Traditions and Modern HuntingFlorian contrasts European elitism with the hands-on North American model.24:46 – Using Every Part: The Ethics of Sustainable HuntingFrom chamois leather lederhosen to Defender seats — nothing goes to waste.26:16 – Emotional Storytelling and Authentic FailureThe Norwegian hunt that didn’t go as planned — and why that honesty matters.31:04 – Showing the Struggle: Why Failure Connects UsTravis and Florian discuss how real stories can shift perceptions around hunting and the outdoors.33:36 – Respect for Life: Trophy Hunting and ConservationA deeper conversation about ethics, balance, and how hunting can protect wildlife.36:22 – Inside Africa’s Complex RealityFrom elephants to poachers — why Florian believes perspective matters more than judgment.42:54 – Rhino Poaching and the True Cost of DemandFlorian shares what he saw firsthand in Kruger National Park and how misinformation fuels destruction.46:39 – Tourism, Trophy Hunting, and Balance in AfricaHow ethical hunting can support communities and restore ecosystems.47:05 – Horseback Safaris and Staying Alive Among LionsWhy riding through Africa is as humbling as it is exhilarating.52:30 – How to Prepare for a Horseback SafariWhat kind of training you actually need — and why honesty with your skill level matters.56:21 – The Waters Project: Capturing the World’s LifebloodFlorian’s global mission to document water through aerial photography and storytelling.59:54 – The Hidden Stories of WaterFrom sinking Venice to vanishing gla

What happens when someone decides to stop dreaming and start doing?In this heartfelt episode, Travis reconnects with Jesse Reardon, former cameraman for Jim Shockey and now the creator of The Fishing With Dad Show. Jesse sold his house to follow his dream, traveling Canada with his son, learning from other anglers, and capturing the bond between fathers, families, and the water.Travis and Jesse talk about fear, imposter syndrome, and what it takes to pursue something meaningful even when it’s uncomfortable. ______Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____

When Rick Matney walked away from a medical career to build Chrome Chasers with his wife Dori, he wasn’t chasing money, he was chasing meaning.From guiding in the Alaskan wilderness to cooking world-class meals from what he catches and forages, Rick lives a life that blends science, survival, and soul. In this episode, Travis Bader travels to Wrangell, Alaska to discover what makes this place—and this guide—so special.They dive into:Rick’s drastic right turn from med-school valedictorian to bush guideWhat it takes to thrive in the Alaskan backcountryLessons from years of hunting, trapping, and foragingWorking with MeatEater and building a business rooted in conservationHow food becomes the bridge that connects people to nature👉 Subscribe for more conversations that explore the outdoors, mindset, and mastery.🎧 Listen to The Outpost—Silvercore Club’s private members-only podcast—for deeper, personal stories and tips.🎯 Silvercore Club members get discounts on top optics through Armament Technology and more: https://silvercore.caFollow Rick and Dori at Chrome Chasers Lodge:https://www.instagram.com/chromechaserslodgehttps://www.chromechasers.com/https://www.instagram.com/wildgamechefhttps://www.wildgamechef.com______Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – Intro & Armament Technology sponsor01:00 – Welcome to Alaska and Chrome Chasers03:00 – The reality of Wrangell and life in a temperate rainforest07:15 – From valedictorian to fishing guide: the moment everything changed10:45 – Trading med school for a life of wild purpose13:00 – Generations of hunters, trappers & foragers16:30 – Cooking as a survival skill turned artform19:55 – From field to fine dining and global recognition21:00 – Guiding style and the pursuit of perfection23:15 – Working with MeatEater and sharing the love of food26:00 – Guiding is psychology: reading people in the wild28:50 – Failure as a teacher and the importance of letting clients learn33:40 – The perfect guest and embracing discomfort36:00 – Bears, storms & real Alaskan wildlife40:20 – Growing up skiing, racing, and learning risk42:25 – Reloading, precision rifles & finding calm in focus45:30 – Why he guides today and what he’s truly chasing48:20 – Favorite fish to catch and client stories55:00 – The future of Chrome Chasers and ethical harvest1:01:00 – Final thoughts & closing

He’s the storyteller behind one of the most respected names in ammunition.Jonas Hellentin of Norma Ammunition joins Travis Bader for an inside look at how one of the oldest ammunition makers in the world continues to innovate while staying true to its roots.From the Swedish forests to the Norma factory floor, Jonas shares the brand’s 120-year legacy of craftsmanship, how their bullets are tested, and why Scandinavian hunting culture values precision, ethics, and community above all else.This episode explores the balance between tradition and technology, the ethics of hunting, the coming lead-ban challenges, and what it means to carry pride in every round.Follow Norma Ammo- https://www.norma-ammunition.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/normaammoFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/normaammo/Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ArzX0LPgGfkmdmZyVJZoQFactory Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRRrf67XT7M GET FREE - Silvercore stickers by leaving a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, screenshot that review and send it to [email protected] with your mailing address.Silvercore Club Promotion and Giveaways - Stoeger Canada 40% off clothing, 20% everything else and free shipping on orders over $150 (unit October 14 2025) - https://www.stoegercanada.ca/Nanuk Cases - 30% off all casesArmament Technology - Keep an eye on Silvercore Outdoors social media for your chance to win a 3moa Micro Red Dot sight by SAI!- https://armament.com/collections/sai-optics-riflescopes/products/sai-optics-mini-red-dot-sightTimestamps:00:00 – Intro & Silvercore Club discounts 02:00 – Welcome Jonas Hellentin: carrying Norma’s legacy forward 04:00 – Travis’ visit to the Norma factory in Sweden 07:00 – Inside the factory: automation meets human craftsmanship 09:00 – What makes Norma different from other ammunition makers 11:00 – The philosophy behind “It’s up to you” 13:30 – Swedish teamwork and the “hive mind” culture 17:00 – Hunting traditions: inclusivity and heritage in Sweden 21:00 – The origins of Norma Ammunition – from Norway to Sweden 27:00 – Multi-generational craftsmanship and pride in the factory 31:00 – From brass cup to finished cartridge: how ammo is made 34:00 – The overlooked secrets of ammunition accuracy 40:00 – Human error and humility in shooting 43:00 – Norma’s innovation in bonding technology 48:00 – The story behind Norma’s eco-friendly packaging 51:00 – Social media restrictions and reframing the outdoor message 55:00 – Education through Norma Academy and building trust 59:00 – The importance of unity in the hunting and shooting community 1:03:00 – Hunters as stewards of nature 1:05:00 – Testing and the science of ballistic gel 1:09:00 – Eureka moments and lessons learned in R&D 1:11:00 – Deciding which new calibers to develop 1:12:00 – The lead ban and its ethical implications 1:18:00 – The future of hunting and responsible innovation 1:20:00 – Closing thoughts and Norma Academy links

He grew up in the wide-open country of eastern Montana, chasing elk bugles and learning the outdoors with his dad. Today, Dylan Dowson has spent over a decade with OnX Hunt, shaping how hunters connect with the land through technology and storytelling.In this episode, we dive into Dylan’s journey from small-town Montana to the forefront of digital mapping, the secrets behind OnX’s explosive growth, and the tension between tradition and tech in hunting. Dylan also shares unforgettable hunting stories, from calling in elk to the legendary “Scuba Moose” adventure in British Columbia.Whether you’re an old-school map-and-compass hunter or a tech-savvy explorer, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and stories that remind us why we hunt.📌 Topics include:Growing up hunting in MontanaHow OnX became an essential hunting toolElk hunting strategies during the rutBalancing technology with traditionFamily hunting and raising kids with a connection to foodThe unbelievable “Scuba Moose” recovery story🎯 Don’t forget: Silvercore Club members get access to exclusive tips from Dylan and other industry leaders. Learn more at silvercore.ca.https://www.instagram.com/dylan.hunter.dowsonhttps://www.instagram.com/onxhunt/https://www.onxmaps.com/______Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps:00:00 Intro – Montana roots and OnX beginnings06:00 OnX growth, marketing, and storytelling12:00 Rangefinders, tech, and the ethics of hunting technology17:30 Elk hunting strategies and advice27:00 Calling elk vs. spot-and-stalk tactics37:00 Family hunting and raising kids with food awareness44:00 Axis deer in Hawaii & the “Scuba Moose” story1:04:00 Final thoughts and advice

David MacDonald’s story is one of survival, service, and strength. After surviving 47 broken bones from an IED blast in Afghanistan, he rebuilt his life, helped others with PTSD, and now manages Beretta Defense Technologies in Canada.In this powerful conversation, we explore:The legacy and future of Beretta and its global brands.The reality of firearm laws and politics in Canada.The overlooked mental health challenges men face, from veterans to fathers.The importance of brotherhood, community, and purpose.This episode goes far beyond firearms, diving into resilience, family, and what it means to live with meaning.👉 Share this with someone who needs to hear it.https://www.berettadefensetechnologies.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-macdonald-5693146a/https://www.stoegercanada.ca______Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____🕒 Timestamps00:00 – Silvercore Club giveaways & guest intro01:54 – David MacDonald returns to the podcast02:35 – Beretta Defense Technologies explained04:23 – Beretta’s 500-year legacy & family ownership06:46 – Beretta group brands: Benelli, Sako, Tikka, Steiner & more09:15 – Behind the scenes at the Tikka & Sako factories13:46 – Barrel life myths & factory standards explained17:58 – Human error vs equipment failure in firearms20:55 – Gun customization, training, and marketing25:05 – The Canadian handgun freeze & firearms politics31:00 – Buyback programs, registries & advocacy challenges36:50 – The firearms community’s internal conflicts40:50 – Educating the public about Canadian gun laws47:00 – Navigating bureaucracy & firearms policy55:00 – Fatherhood, change, and raising kids differently01:01:13 – Postpartum depression, PTSD & men’s mental health01:15:30 – Social media, loneliness & the need for men’s groups01:28:00 – Suicide, warning signs & supporting friends01:43:00 – Nature, hunting & outdoors as therapy01:49:00 – Service, veterans, and reclaiming identity01:52:07 – Closing thoughts & community challenge

Phillip Millar went from soldier to lawyer, and he’s never stopped fighting battles that matter. In this episode we get into the lessons he carried from military service into the courtroom, the cost of speaking out, and why telling the truth can make you a target.This is a raw, unfiltered look at courage, conviction, and the price of standing your ground.https://www.instagram.com/theroguelawyerhttps://www.instagram.com/thirdeyeinsights.ca/https://millarslaw.com/https://thirdeyeinsights.ca/______Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps0:00 – Intro – Soldier to Lawyer3:42 – Lessons from the Military10:15 – Speaking Truth to Power18:07 – The Price of Challenging the System26:55 – Stories from the Courtroom35:20 – Media, Spin, and Public Perception44:12 – Standing Up When It Costs You53:05 – Why Courage Matters More Than Comfort1:03:10 – Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Zach Hanson was thriving in the world of AI and big tech...until the layoffs came. Two mortgages, a family to support, and no job in sight, he did what few with a white-collar background ever dare: he turned to trapping to survive. In this raw and timely conversation, Zach reveals how losing the comfort of corporate life reconnected him to skills that most of society has forgotten, skills that may be our only hedge in an uncertain future.Travis and Zach explore what it means to be truly self-reliant in a world increasingly propped up by fragile systems. From welding school to wolf trapping, from modern brain rot to the mental health cost of career fragility, this is a conversation about grit, identity, and rediscovering the value of getting your hands dirty. Zach's new book, The Trade Gap, might just be the blueprint for how to stay human in an AI-powered world.Order Here: https://geni.us/the-trade-gaphttps://thetradegap.com/https://www.instagram.com/letmedielearning/______Silvercore Club - https://bit.ly/2RiREb4 Online Training - https://bit.ly/3nJKx7U Other Training & Services - https://bit.ly/3vw6kSU Merchandise - https://bit.ly/3ecyvk9 Blog Page - https://bit.ly/3nEHs8W Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps of Key Moments:00:01:42 – The nostalgic charm of Merits Café and small-town hospitality00:04:50 – Fishing in Idaho and the surprising joy of tenkara rods00:08:00 – Life in Atlanta, Idaho and Travis' transformative trip to the Hansons' cabin00:09:55 – From white collar to off-grid: Zach’s journey into trapping and trades00:10:45 – Laid off and out of options: how trapping paid the mortgage00:14:10 – Welding school, starting from zero, and why it matters00:15:30 – How America abandoned trades and built a fragile workforce00:18:45 – The great shift in education: STEM vs. self-reliance00:22:15 – Redefining general education and the modern renaissance person00:26:50 – The Venn diagram of AI and trades: where the winners will be00:30:05 – Brain rot, social media, and the cost of convenience00:34:45 – Travis' AI blunder with GSP and the perils of outsourcing sincerity00:39:00 – Should we disclose when AI helps us? Ethical lines in creativity00:44:20 – The power draw of AI and the trades crisis nobody’s ready for00:47:05 – Oklahoma’s model for reviving trades in high school00:52:25 – TVM vs. TVE: Why building it yourself will always matter more01:00:55 – What do you really do? Redefining identity outside of job titles01:04:00 – What success looks like when you stop chasing titles01:10:30 – A friend lost to suicide and the mental health cost of obsolescence01:15:15 – The Adobe example: fear of learning something new vs. choosing growth01:17:00 – Why The Trade Gap is ultimately about giving people more options