The Silvercore Podcast with Travis Bader
Travis Bader
Recent Episodes
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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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
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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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
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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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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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 guide
- What it takes to thrive in the Alaskan backcountry
- Lessons from years of hunting, trapping, and foraging
- Working with MeatEater and building a business rooted in conservation
- How food becomes the bridge that connects people to nature
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🎧 Listen to The Outpost—Silvercore Club’s private members-only podcast—for deeper, personal stories and tips.
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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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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 / 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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Stoeger Canada 40% off clothing, 20% everything else and free shipping on orders over $150 (unit October 14 2025) - https://www.stoegercanada.ca/
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Armament 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-sight
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