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 project
If you’d like to learn more about the people who shared their reflections, you can find them here.
Kyle Lamb
Viking Tactics
Website: https://www.vikingtactics.com
Instagram (Viking Tactics): https://www.instagram.com/vikingtactics
Amie Battams
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amie.flyfish/
Colin Dowler
Colin keeps a low public profile. His story was first shared here:
Silvercore Podcast – https://www.silvercore.ca/podcast/ep-09-now-youre-bleeding-too-bear
April Vokey
Anchored Outdoors
Website: https://anchoredoutdoors.com
Podcast: https://www.anchoredoutdoors.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilvokey
Jason Budd
Tantalus Mountain Guides
Website: https://tantalusmtnguides.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tantalusmtnguides/
Seb Lavoie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slavccmdr/
Kevin Kossowan
From the Wild
Website: https://www.fromthewild.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinkossowan/
Kelsi Sheren
Podcast, speaking, and writing
Website: https://www.kelsisheren.com
Instagram Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thekelsisherenperspective/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren/
Shaun Taylor
The Collective Podcast
Website: https://the-collective.ca
Instagram (podcast): https://www.instagram.com/the_collective_ig/
Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/shauntaylors1/
Chance Burrells
The Collective Podcast
Website: https://the-collective.ca
https://www.instagram.com/chance_burles
Tiffany Bader
Silvercore Outdoors
Website: https://silvercore.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bader.tiffany/
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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 lives
If 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/mattexplodesstuff
Website / Leadership Camp: https://www.impresariocamp.com/
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 The spark that starts a life in explosives
00:41 Travis welcomes Matt Barnett
01:00 Why humans are drawn to things that go boom
01:51 Order, chaos, and the intoxication of controlled destruction
02:42 Childhood experiments with fireworks and gunpowder
04:18 Matt learns to make black powder at seven
05:00 The obsession with creating without limits
06:07 Chemistry, invention, and the ADHD mind
07:27 Growing up with explosive hobbies
08:57 Talking openly about dangerous knowledge
10:41 Where the line sits between education and harm
11:49 Using explosives to make the world safer
13:01 Childhood accidents and lessons learned
16:04 Matt’s near fatal blast at fourteen
17:50 Seeing the reality of destruction up close
19:14 How the accident changed his view of war and life
20:00 Parents, dynamite, and early experiments
22:00 Raising kids around explosives and responsibility
24:00 How business in the energetics world really works
25:16 The surprising truth about social media and notoriety
26:00 What it is like to film explosive content
27:32 The camera confidence Matt learned as a kid
28:36 What Matt would tell his younger self
29:00 Building a business inside a maze of regulation
30:15 Travis compares the Canadian system
33:00 The cultural divide in how nations regulate freedom
36:00 Why local control matters
38:06 The challenges of trying to build in Canada
40:41 A firearms case that shaped Travis view of the system
43:18 Matt’s drive through Canada and observations
45:00 Understanding different legal cultures
46:27 The origin of Benetti
46:44 What impresario means to Matt
48:00 Why Matt teaches leadership
50:15 When leadership pushes people to leave the status quo
51:00 The clients who can afford it, and those who truly need it
52:00 What legacy really means
53:16 Why his children are his real contribution
54:00 Raising kids like frontier families
55:56 The human experience is not meant to be safe
57:00 Why some of us need risk to feel alive
58:00 Matt’s time in the hospital and what it taught him
59:37 The turtle that changed everything
01:00:20 The power of visualization
01:01:20 What Matt sees for his future
01:03:00 Why the world still needs wild men
01:06:00 Final thoughts on compassion, responsibility, and becoming better humans
01:08:45 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/GrayManActual
https://linktr.ee/Dougpatteson
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - CIA Case Officer Shares His Untold Story
00:27 - Hollywood, Field Ethos, and Experience in the Real World
01:01 - Hunting in Alberta and a Windstorm That Took Out the Camp
03:27 - Jet Lag, Knee Surgery, and Still Making the Hunt Happen
05:05 - Tents Collapse and a Middle of the Night Escape
06:40 - Learning Elk Country and the Strength of a Good Team
07:39 - Too Many Hunters in the Backcountry and Finding True Remote Ground
08:51 - Blaze Orange, Local Laws, and Staying Visible in the Field
10:52 - Doug’s Path Into the CIA
11:47 - Analysts vs Operators and Why Doug Was an Unlikely Recruit
13:34 - Thinking Differently in the Field
14:24 - Living Under Cover and What It Does to Family
16:34 - The Moral Weight of Secrecy
18:19 - Polygraphs, Personal Choices, and Agency Tests
20:53 - When Character Cracks Reveal Themselves
22:07 - Why Doug and His Wife Eventually Left the Agency
23:48 - How Spies Are Recruited and What That Relationship Looks Like
27:43 - Is Spycraft an Art or a Science
29:05 - Lessons From the Field That Still Matter Today
31:51 - Emotional Intelligence and Radical Self Awareness
34:31 - Failure as a Teacher and Raising Resilient Kids
35:34 - Faith, Family, and Keeping a Moral Compass Straight
37:07 - Losing His Wife to Early Onset Alzheimer’s
39:30 - What Hard Times Reveal About Character
41:28 - Choosing Love When Life Gets Hard
43:50 - Stopping, Regrouping, and Choosing a Better Path
45:24 - Being Human, Failing Forward, Resetting the Next Day
47:52 - Letting Go of Failure and Moving Ahead Clean
49:23 - Good, Better, Best and Remembering to Celebrate Wins
51:16 - Burnout, Friends, and Iron Sharpening Iron
55:23 - What Hollywood Misses About the CIA
57:30 - Conspiracies, Secrets, and What Actually Leaks
01:00:33 - Mistakes, Coverups, and How Narratives Twist
01:02:12 - The Explorers Club and DefenderX
01:04:35 - Amphibious Land Rovers and Journeys Nobody Has Done Before
01:06:21 - How Extraordinary Teams Form
01:08:03 - Leadership Lessons From a Life in the Field
01:09:20 - Capacity vs Capability and Hiring for Character
01:11:27 - The Hardest Thing You Have Ever Done
01:13:03 - Ethical Failures and What They Reveal
01:18:22 - Hiring, Firing, and Getting People on the Right Bus
01:22:32 - Necessary Endings and Knowing When Paths Diverge
01:24:12 - 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
🎧 Brought to you by the Silvercore Podcast
Hosted 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.
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Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: From the Alps to Africa
Meet Florian Wagner, helicopter pilot, paragliding instructor, and adventure photographer for National Geographic, Playboy, and Leica.
01:28 – Escaping the Boarding School Walls
Florian shares how a restrictive childhood sparked his obsession with freedom and flight.
02:40 – Self-Taught Paragliding and the Camera That Started It All
How a forgotten camera and a hunger for the sky began a lifelong creative journey.
04:59 – From Playboy to Pilot: Adventures Behind the Lens
Florian’s unlikely path from photographer to helicopter pilot and adventure storyteller.
06:29 – Wine Tasting by Helicopter — the Playboy Assignment That Changed Everything
How one bold pitch turned into a dream project.
07:56 – Freedom and Risk Management
Florian reflects on what boarding school taught him about independence and why adventure is his true classroom.
08:10 – Riding Through Africa: Healing Through Safari
A moving story of loss, recovery, and rediscovering purpose on horseback in Kenya.
09:56 – The Power of Self-Hypnosis
How Florian used autosuggestion to overcome adversity, rebuild confidence, and enhance creativity.
13:40 – Elk Hunts and Broken Ribs: Stories From the Outback
Florian recalls his Australian motorcycle crash and what it taught him about limits.
16:29 – When the Supermarket Closes
A profound reflection on self-reliance and what it truly means to live close to nature.
19:32 – Learning to Hunt: From Photographer to Provider
How Florian went from capturing wildlife to understanding his place in the natural cycle.
22:01 – Hunting as Connection, Not Competition
Why he never carries both a camera and rifle, and what that choice means.
23:22 – Bridging Old Traditions and Modern Hunting
Florian contrasts European elitism with the hands-on North American model.
24:46 – Using Every Part: The Ethics of Sustainable Hunting
From chamois leather lederhosen to Defender seats — nothing goes to waste.
26:16 – Emotional Storytelling and Authentic Failure
The Norwegian hunt that didn’t go as planned — and why that honesty matters.
31:04 – Showing the Struggle: Why Failure Connects Us
Travis and Florian discuss how real stories can shift perceptions around hunting and the outdoors.
33:36 – Respect for Life: Trophy Hunting and Conservation
A deeper conversation about ethics, balance, and how hunting can protect wildlife.
36:22 – Inside Africa’s Complex Reality
From elephants to poachers — why Florian believes perspective matters more than judgment.
42:54 – Rhino Poaching and the True Cost of Demand
Florian shares what he saw firsthand in Kruger National Park and how misinformation fuels destruction.
46:39 – Tourism, Trophy Hunting, and Balance in Africa
How ethical hunting can support communities and restore ecosystems.
47:05 – Horseback Safaris and Staying Alive Among Lions
Why riding through Africa is as humbling as it is exhilarating.
52:30 – How to Prepare for a Horseback Safari
What kind of training you actually need — and why honesty with your skill level matters.
56:21 – The Waters Project: Capturing the World’s Lifeblood
Florian’s global mission to document water through aerial photography and storytelling.
59:54 – The Hidden Stories of Water
From sinking Venice to vanishing glaciers — how water connects us all.
1:01:47 – Precision, Focus, and the Art of Helicopter Photography
Why preparation and discipline keep him alive and creative in the sky.
1:02:40 – Inside the Explorers Club
The legendary organization behind the first North and South Pole, and first Moon expeditions.
1:04:49 – City Overload: Finding Calm Through Nature
Florian and Travis discuss overstimulation, mindfulness, and why cities can drain the soul.
1:08:58 – Sharp Senses, Wild Minds
Florian’s take on ADHD, awareness, and why he sees sensitivity as a survival advantage.
1:11:53 – Disconnected from Nature
The story of students who couldn’t walk in a forest — and what that says about modern life.
1:13:23 – The Call of the Wild
Why Africa’s rawness keeps pulling Florian back, and how adventure makes us feel alive.
1:13:45 – Evolving Adventures
How his career is shifting toward guiding and storytelling, keeping curiosity alive.
1:16:23 – Stay in Motion
Florian’s philosophy for life and creative longevity — never stop learning, never stop moving.
1:19:23 – Closing Thoughts
Future collaborations, a dream of hunting in Canada, and the adventures yet to come.
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.
______
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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:
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Follow Rick and Dori at Chrome Chasers Lodge:
https://www.instagram.com/chromechaserslodge
https://www.chromechasers.com/
https://www.instagram.com/wildgamechef
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⏱️ Timestamps / Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Armament Technology sponsor
01:00 – Welcome to Alaska and Chrome Chasers
03:00 – The reality of Wrangell and life in a temperate rainforest
07:15 – From valedictorian to fishing guide: the moment everything changed
10:45 – Trading med school for a life of wild purpose
13:00 – Generations of hunters, trappers & foragers
16:30 – Cooking as a survival skill turned artform
19:55 – From field to fine dining and global recognition
21:00 – Guiding style and the pursuit of perfection
23:15 – Working with MeatEater and sharing the love of food
26:00 – Guiding is psychology: reading people in the wild
28:50 – Failure as a teacher and the importance of letting clients learn
33:40 – The perfect guest and embracing discomfort
36:00 – Bears, storms & real Alaskan wildlife
40:20 – Growing up skiing, racing, and learning risk
42:25 – Reloading, precision rifles & finding calm in focus
45:30 – Why he guides today and what he’s truly chasing
48:20 – Favorite fish to catch and client stories
55:00 – The future of Chrome Chasers and ethical harvest
1:01:00 – 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/normaammo
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/normaammo/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ArzX0LPgGfkmdmZyVJZoQ
Factory Tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRRrf67XT7M
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Timestamps:
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 Montana
How OnX became an essential hunting tool
Elk hunting strategies during the rut
Balancing technology with tradition
Family hunting and raising kids with a connection to food
The 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.dowson
https://www.instagram.com/onxhunt/
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro – Montana roots and OnX beginnings
06:00 OnX growth, marketing, and storytelling
12:00 Rangefinders, tech, and the ethics of hunting technology
17:30 Elk hunting strategies and advice
27:00 Calling elk vs. spot-and-stalk tactics
37:00 Family hunting and raising kids with food awareness
44:00 Axis deer in Hawaii & the “Scuba Moose” story
1:04:00 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:
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/
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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🕒 Timestamps
00:00 – Silvercore Club giveaways & guest intro
01:54 – David MacDonald returns to the podcast
02:35 – Beretta Defense Technologies explained
04:23 – Beretta’s 500-year legacy & family ownership
06:46 – Beretta group brands: Benelli, Sako, Tikka, Steiner & more
09:15 – Behind the scenes at the Tikka & Sako factories
13:46 – Barrel life myths & factory standards explained
17:58 – Human error vs equipment failure in firearms
20:55 – Gun customization, training, and marketing
25:05 – The Canadian handgun freeze & firearms politics
31:00 – Buyback programs, registries & advocacy challenges
36:50 – The firearms community’s internal conflicts
40:50 – Educating the public about Canadian gun laws
47:00 – Navigating bureaucracy & firearms policy
55:00 – Fatherhood, change, and raising kids differently
01:01:13 – Postpartum depression, PTSD & men’s mental health
01:15:30 – Social media, loneliness & the need for men’s groups
01:28:00 – Suicide, warning signs & supporting friends
01:43:00 – Nature, hunting & outdoors as therapy
01:49:00 – Service, veterans, and reclaiming identity
01:52:07 – 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/theroguelawyer
https://www.instagram.com/thirdeyeinsights.ca/
https://millarslaw.com/
https://thirdeyeinsights.ca/
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
____
Timestamps
0:00 – Intro – Soldier to Lawyer
3:42 – Lessons from the Military
10:15 – Speaking Truth to Power
18:07 – The Price of Challenging the System
26:55 – Stories from the Courtroom
35:20 – Media, Spin, and Public Perception
44:12 – Standing Up When It Costs You
53:05 – Why Courage Matters More Than Comfort
1:03:10 – 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-gap
https://www.instagram.com/letmedielearning/
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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Timestamps of Key Moments:
Ron Spomer has hunted wild terrain across six continents, tested elite gear, written thousands of articles, and shaped how generations think about the outdoors. But none of that explains the man behind the rifle.
In this rare and deeply personal conversation, Travis Bader sits down with the legendary outdoorsman to ask what no one else does: What’s he really been chasing?
Ron opens up about the quiet moments that changed him, the ego traps of the industry, and why the biggest threat to hunting today isn’t anti-gun activists, it’s our own disconnection from nature, each other, and ourselves.
They dive into legacy, ethics, spiritual frequency, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t need a trophy photo to matter. This episode will change how you see the wilderness, and your place in it.
What do elite performers, world-class cops, and Olympic athletes have in common? They train the mind as hard as the body. In this mind-expanding conversation, Travis Bader is joined by Jeff Johnsgaard, veteran police officer, Force Science Institute consultant, and founder of Training on Purpose by Design.
Jeff has taught use-of-force and high-stakes performance across four continents and multiple tier-one units. But in this conversation, he pulls back the curtain, not just on tactics, but on the mental software upgrades that determine who thrives in danger and who shuts down.
You’ll learn:
This one isn’t just for shooters or law enforcement. It’s for anyone who wants to perform better when it counts.
🔗 Learn more about Jeff’s work: https://www.onpurpose.training and follow him at https://www.instagram.com/jeff_johnsgaard/
🎣 Silvercore Club members: Don’t miss 40% off Skeena Spey Lodge (act quick limited space) and Tiffany’s bacon recipe!
👉 Not a member yet? Visit Silvercore.ca/club
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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.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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00:00 – Silvercore Club updates & member perks
02:00 – Jeff Johnsgaard introduction: Who he trains and why
06:45 – “I’m a software guy”: Why mindset beats gear
10:15 – Threat vs. Challenge: The mindset that rewires your physiology
14:00 – The turning point: When Jeff realized words were weapons
20:30 – Mental rehearsal saves lives: The traffic stop study
26:00 – Michael Phelps, Wayne Gretzky, and world-class visualization
32:30 – The trap of post-performance rumination
34:45 – Failure is feedback, not a flaw
37:15 – Motivation: The forgotten force multiplier
41:30 – Why “slow trigger press” ruined Travis’s shooting
45:45 – Own your grip, own your trigger
48:45 – The most dangerous training scar in law enforcement
52:00 – How Jeff taught his daughter to drive like a tactical thinker
56:45 – Translating this to business and leadership
01:01:00 – The power of pre-experiencing critical moments
01:06:30 – Feed-forward vs. feedback: Escaping toxic rumination
01:12:00 – Using emotion, breathing, and body anchors to perform
01:17:00 – Visualizing for peak performance vs. anxiety
01:23:30 – “Prehabilitation”: Training like a combat veteran—before the fight
01:27:00 – One truth Jeff would pass on if he had to start over
01:33:00 – The Circle of Excellence: Anchoring performance states
01:36:00 – Wrap-up and resources
Canada bans suppressors. But in the U.S. and Europe, they’re considered essential safety tools. In this episode, Travis Bader sits down with Kyle Grob of KGM Technologies, a leading U.S. suppressor manufacturer, to dismantle the myths, politics, and science behind silencers.
Kyle shares how suppressors became wrongly vilified, how health and safety data is driving legal reform in the U.S., and what Canadians are missing due to outdated, emotion-driven laws. From engineering accuracy to military adoption, Travis and Kyle dive into real-world implications, regulatory nightmares, and what it would take to make change in Canada.
This is not about stealth. It’s about safety, hearing protection, and common sense.
🔗 Share this episode. Tag Silvercore. Let’s elevate the conversation.
https://kgm-tech.com/suppressors/
https://www.instagram.com/kgmsuppressors
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3erC59YOTKQV028ehe_BoA
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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.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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🕒 Key Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:00 Suppressors in Canada and why they’re banned
05:45 U.S. history: suppressors & the NFA
09:00 Canada copied U.S. law without evidence
11:00 Health & safety driving U.S. suppressor reform
14:00 The Hearing Protection Act & federal deregulation
17:00 Travis's DIY suppressor story
21:00 Engineering precision: EDM & gas dynamics
28:00 POI shift and suppressor consistency
31:00 Travis’s baffle strike experience
35:00 Volume vs. baffle design for noise reduction
38:00 ATF regulation and KGM’s compliance
44:00 Canadian held in U.S. prison for barrel trace
47:00 Logic vs. emotion in firearms policy
59:00 Step-by-step approach to Canadian reform
01:06:00 Future of integrally suppressed rifles
Discover the elite insights of former JTF2 Operator, world-champion endurance athlete, and high-performance coach, Shaun Taylor. In this exclusive conversation, Shaun shares powerful lessons from decades of trial and error, guiding you on the path to superior sleep, effective stress management, optimal nutrition, hormonal optimization, and an unbreakable mindset. Whether you're a performance-driven athlete or simply seeking to live your best life, learn the strategies Shaun employs daily to maintain peak performance and personal fulfillment.
https://www.instagram.com/shauntaylors1/
https://www.instagram.com/the_collective_ig/
https://www.youtube.com/@the_collective_yt/streams
https://open.spotify.com/show/51fDAvBeENd0ANZhkw2pww
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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.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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Timestamps:
What makes a product truly stand the test of time in a world of disposable everything?
In this episode, Travis Bader flies to Montreal to go behind the scenes with Nanuk, a Canadian company building ultra-durable cases trusted by first responders, hunters, military, and outdoor professionals around the world. But this isn’t just a story about rugged gear. It’s about values, vision, and how leadership and culture shape what we build and how we live.
Nanuk’s VP of Marketing, Charles Benoit, joins Travis to explore the evolution of gear that lasts a lifetime, the balance between work and family, and the deeply human moments that remind us what really matters. From gear innovations and recycled materials to a canoe rescue that saved a life, this conversation covers it all.
If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind the gear you trust or how to build something meaningful in your own life, this episode delivers.
https://www.instagram.com/nanukcases
https://www.youtube.com/@NANUKGearProtection
To join the Silvercore Club, check out https://www.silvercore.ca/club
Malcolm Wood’s Relentless Quest for Life
In this captivating episode of the Silvercore Podcast, Travis Bader sits down with Malcolm Wood, a man who has built a life that straddles the worlds of high-stakes adventure and global impact. From producing award-winning environmental documentaries praised by David Attenborough to launching successful restaurants and high-end fishing lodges.
Malcolm’s story is one of passion, resilience, and relentless drive. He recounts paragliding off Himalayan peaks, navigating near-fatal accidents, and building businesses from napkin sketches by campfires. Malcolm opens up about facing adversity, overcoming the mental challenges of extreme sports, and using setbacks as fuel for future success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a man who refuses to back down.
To follow Malcolm: https://www.instagram.com/malcolmgwood/
Learn more and connect: https://www.malcolmgwood.com/
To watch his latest film: https://m.olyn.com/7dec924269c4c5a7a89c7a90746af0eeb1118e67ccb0b87ad3d019295b2fc1ed
To learn more about sharing content directly with your audience, monetizing on your terms, and owning your data, visit the game-changing platform: www.olyn.com
Skeena Spey Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/skeenaspeyfishing/
Skeena Spey Lodge - https://www.skeenaflyfishing.com/
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Mentorship Through the Silvercore Club
01:00 – Why Malcolm Wood Was Travis Bader’s Inspiration to Start Paragliding
03:00 – Paragliding in the Himalayas: Aerial Sports and Mental Chess
04:00 – How Steelhead Fishing and Business Go Hand in Hand
07:00 – The Napkin Business Plan: Building a Lodge on a Whim
08:00 – Planning and Strategy: Malcolm’s First Rule of Business
10:00 – Adversity and Resilience: Losing Everything in the 2007 Recession
13:00 – Dyslexia and the Power of Turning Weaknesses into Strengths
15:00 – The Victim Mindset vs. Self-Motivation: Lessons from Entrepreneurship
17:00 – Homeschooling, Education, and the Value of Failure
19:00 – Extreme Sports as Meditation: The Mental Highs and Lows
21:00 – UN Mountain Hero of the Year: Malcolm’s Work on Climate Documentaries
24:00 – The Last Glaciers: Capturing Climate Change Through Extreme Sports
27:00 – Near-Death Experiences: Crashes, Injuries, and PTSD
32:00 – Teaching NIMS Purja to Paraglide: Breaking Records in the Himalayas
34:00 – Manaslu Massacre: Walking Away from Dangerous Expeditions
36:00 – The Rule of Threes: Assessing Risk in Business and Extreme Sports
38:00 – Business Lessons Learned from Paragliding and Climbing
40:00 – Malcolm’s Daily Routine: Time Management and Family Priorities
45:00 – Skeena Spay Lodge: More Than Just a Fishing Business
50:00 – Malcolm Would: A T-Shirt Slogan Born from Boldness
52:00 – The Last Glaciers: A Must-Watch Film for Outdoor Enthusiasts
55:00 – What Legacy Does Malcolm Want to Leave Behind?
After the dust settles from Canada’s federal election, what does it all mean for gun owners? In this episode of the Silvercore Podcast, I sit down with Daniel Fritter from Calibre Magazine to talk about why it’s not all doom and gloom.
We dig into the missed opportunities, surprising shifts, and overlooked reasons for optimism. From navigating political tactics to finding ways to make your voice heard, we break down actionable steps that every firearms owner can take right now to stay in the fight and keep pushing forward.
Plus, for Silvercore Club members, there's a private episode packed with even more practical advice on how to turn frustration into real, impactful action. If you’re frustrated or feeling stuck, this episode is packed with insights to help you turn that frustration into positive action.
https://www.youtube.com/@calibremag
https://www.instagram.com/calibremagazine/
https://www.facebook.com/calibremagazine
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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Timestamps:
Chris Hunt forged Code of the West from the ashes of loss, burnout, and a mind that wouldn’t quit. In this unvarnished talk, he digs into suicide’s scars, sleepless nights, and a brain scan that flipped the script—plus a dark laugh or two. It’s not motivation, it’s discipline that pulls you through, he says. From rodeo plans to gear drops, he’s building a lifeline for the heavy-hearted. This hits deep, but if you’re lost, it might just point you home.
https://www.youtube.com/@the_codeofthewest
https://www.instagram.com/thecodeofthewest
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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00:00:13,170 - Intro & Silvercore Club - Welcome to the Podcast
00:00:40,860 - Meet Chris Hunt - Introducing Chris Hunt
00:01:55,275 - Impact of Code of the West - Changing Lives
00:02:23,745 - Messages from Followers - Voices of Resilience
00:04:59,355 - Happiness as Process - The Pursuit of Happiness
00:06:16,695 - Chris’s Struggles & Origins - From Loss to Purpose
00:08:02,804 - Friends’ Deaths Story - Facing Mortality
00:10:07,500 - Aftermath of Loss - Cascading Grief
00:11:13,140 - Reframing Life & Death - Living and Dying Well
00:12:17,325 - Suicide’s Ripple Effect - Pain Transferred
00:13:09,045 - Building Code of the West - Crafting a Philosophy
00:14:24,345 - Brain Scan Revelation - Understanding the Mind
00:16:46,035 - Movement Equals Life - Forward Momentum
00:17:07,425 - Sleep Strategies - Mastering Sleep
00:19:55,095 - Managing Data Overload - Taming the Brain
00:21:50,145 - Early Career Moves - Chasing Ambiguity
01:16:45,360 - Generational Reflections - Bridging Worlds
01:19:20,265 - AI and Modern Change - A New Era
01:20:41,174 - Thoughts on Legacy - Beyond Statues
01:22:03,690 - Death as Exploration - Embracing the Inevitable
01:22:35,415 - Future of Code of the West - What’s Next for Code of the West
01:24:06,960 - Documenting Stories - Show, Don’t Tell
01:25:16,245 - Rodeo Plans - Code of the West in Action
01:27:01,635 - Huckberry Collaboration - Gear with Purpose
01:30:12,480 - Zane Gray Influence - Roots of the West
01:33:31,170 - Willingness to Fail - Authentic Grit
01:34:53,310 - Wrapping Up - Leaving a Legacy
01:35:29,219 - Closing & Thanks - A Lighter Farewell
What do you get when you mix raw adventure, music tours in war zones, bowhunting in Africa, and building one of the most respected survival gear companies in North America? You get Christian Schauf.
In this episode, we go far beyond the typical founder story. From recording with Prince to launching survival kits that save lives, Christian opens up about what drives him: faith, fitness, hunting, entrepreneurship—and doing something meaningful with this short time we’re given. We talk about moose hunting in BC, building gear that’s actually reliable when things go sideways, learning from failure, and the mindset needed to push forward when most people quit.
Whether you’re into the outdoors, business, or just trying to live a more intentional life, this one’s for you.
https://unchartedsupplyco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/unchartedsupplyco https://www.instagram.com/christianschauf
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Host Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.trav
Silvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors
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00:00 – Podcast intro, Silvercore Club mention, and Christian’s bio
01:15 – How Christian came onto Travis’s radar: Half Face Blades and pack rafts
03:00 – Origin of the pack raft: military request, product design challenges
04:30 – Material development, Outdoor Retailer debut, slow early adoption
05:00 – Rafts used for hauling moose in Yukon and Alaska
07:00 – Living near elk and moose in Idaho/Park City, gratitude for the outdoors
08:00 – Reflection on time, legacy, and trying to do something meaningful
09:00 – Balancing ambition and faith; feeling overwhelmed; personal introspection
09:30 – Touring Iraq with a band, 39 trips for troop entertainment
12:26 – Using Prince’s sound guy, building portable sound systems for Blackhawks
14:43 – Making the shows about the troops, not the band
17:00 – Transitioning from touring to building new ventures
20:00 – Founding Crispin Cider, selling to MillerCoors
21:00 – Working with GoPro, Harley, and other brands post-touring
22:00 – Moving to SoCal, culture shock, and the roots of Uncharted
23:00 – Hard lessons in entrepreneurship, trusting the wrong people
24:30 – Importance of endurance, triage mindset, and grinding through obstacles
25:30 – Being taken advantage of, learning to manage yourself
26:45 – Facing new tariff issues, adapting with mindset
27:45 – You have to get comfortable with the pressure—it’s not going away
29:00 – Believing in your idea when others don’t
30:00 – Responding to doubters and building resilience
31:10 – Quality vs. garbage survival kits, building trust in the Uncharted brand
32:35 – Real-life use cases: jump starters, storm kits, hurricane response
36:00 – Designing gear that prevents emergencies before they escalate
37:00 – Color-coded, instructional layout of kits to reduce panic and improve usability
39:00 – Making gear intuitive even for non-experts
40:00 – No formal training offered yet, but strong content and future plans
41:00 – Most popular products: jump starters, first aid kits, survival kits
43:00 – Essentials Christian always carries, layering gear in “concentric circles”
44:30 – Saving his dog’s life with the Triage Kit
45:00 – Future of the company: growth, wholesale expansion, tariffs disrupting progress
47:00 – Transparent supply chain talk, China, FDA rules, and pricing realities
48:30 – Importance of American manufacturing and balancing affordability
49:30 – Drawing business parallels to survival mindset
50:00 – Upcoming hunts in South Africa (for school meat programs) and New Zealand
52:00 – Christensen Arms rifle use in mountainous terrain
54:00 – Travis’s Molokai access deer story and equipment mismatch
56:00 – Reaffirming the value of knowing your gear deeply
57:00 – Touching on faith, legacy, and leading by example
58:00 – Christian’s approach to faith: live it, don’t preach it