Advertise on podcast: The Silvercore Podcast with Travis Bader

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 takeaways Why 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 for Law 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 work Trainer’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 ____ Timestamps 00:00 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/2C4SVkx Follow Sonny - https://www.instagram.com/sixsightco/ Six Sight Training Wing - https://www.instagram.com/sixsight.co Six 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 ____ Timestamps 00:00 – 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 confrontation Mental Health and Psychedelics 01:00:05 – 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 project If 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/vikingtactics Amie 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-bear April VokeyAnchored OutdoorsWebsite: https://anchoredoutdoors.comPodcast: https://www.anchoredoutdoors.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilvokey Jason 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_burles Tiffany 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 ____

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/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 ____ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 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 ____ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - 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 Field 10:52 - 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 Agency 23:48 - 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 Character 41:28 - 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 Iron 55:23 - What Hollywood Misses About the CIA57:30 - Conspiracies, Secrets, and What Actually Leaks01:00:33 - Mistakes, Coverups, and How Narratives Twist 01:02:12 - The Explorers Club and DefenderX01:04:35 - Amphibious Land Rovers and Journeys Nobody Has Done Before01:06:21 - How Extraordinary Teams Form 01:08:03 - 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 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 💧 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 ____ Timestamps 00:00 – 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 glaciers — how water connects us all. 1:01:47 – Precision, Focus, and the Art of Helicopter PhotographyWhy preparation and discipline keep him alive and creative in the sky. 1:02:40 – Inside the Explorers ClubThe legendary organization behind the first North and South Pole, and first Moon expeditions. 1:04:49 – City Overload: Finding Calm Through NatureFlorian and Travis discuss overstimulation, mindfulness, and why cities can drain the soul. 1:08:58 – Sharp Senses, Wild MindsFlorian’s take on ADHD, awareness, and why he sees sensitivity as a survival advantage. 1:11:53 – Disconnected from NatureThe story of students who couldn’t walk in a forest — and what that says about modern life. 1:13:23 – The Call of the WildWhy Africa’s rawness keeps pulling Florian back, and how adventure makes us feel alive. 1:13:45 – Evolving AdventuresHow his career is shifting toward guiding and storytelling, keeping curiosity alive. 1:16:23 – Stay in MotionFlorian’s philosophy for life and creative longevity — never stop learning, never stop moving. 1:19:23 – Closing ThoughtsFuture 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.  ______ 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.ca Follow Rick and Dori at Chrome Chasers Lodge: https://www.instagram.com/chromechaserslodge https://www.chromechasers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wildgamechef https://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 / Chapters 00:00 – 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/normaammo Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/normaammo/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ArzX0LPgGfkmdmZyVJZoQ Factory 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 cases 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

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.dowson https://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 ____ 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 – 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/theroguelawyer https://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 ____ Timestamps 0:00 – 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-gap https://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

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. ______ 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 – Silvercore Club & Outpost intro02:00 – Ron Spomer joins, and Travis shares why he’s inspired by him04:15 – The high school English teacher who changed Ron’s life06:00 – Discovering writing and the innate drive to be in nature08:00 – Early childhood, grouse hunting, and connection to the woods10:00 – “What am I really chasing?” – Beauty, vibration, and truth13:00 – Finding the tiniest flower: humility and connection15:00 – Vibrations, radios, and the unseen ways we connect to nature17:00 – What should people be asking Ron that they never do?20:00 – “Hunt honest, shoot straight”: ethics, integrity, and legacy22:00 – Urbanization, habitat loss, and hard truths hunters avoid25:00 – Modern media, YouTube, and sneaking conservation into ballistics27:00 – First-time elk hunters and rediscovering awe30:00 – Self-reliance, sourdough, and the post-COVID outdoor renaissance33:00 – Surprised to still be alive—and grateful35:00 – Land stewardship and making old dreams real37:00 – Type II fun and memorable hardship in the wild39:00 – Free beauty: the magic of seeing what’s unearned41:00 – The cost of a career away from home and fighting ego44:00 – German hunting traditions and communal values48:00 – Division in the hunting world and how storytelling bridges it50:00 – Social media negativity, comment sections, and fragile egos53:00 – Industry rivalry vs. respect: why competition helps56:00 – Optics innovation and price vs. value58:00 – The power of narrative branding in optics and firearms01:02:00 – Storytelling to survive censorship01:04:00 – Travis on rebranding to Silvercore Outdoors01:06:00 – Where did all the outdoor heroes go?01:08:00 – The Rifleman and restoring personal responsibility01:10:00 – Legacy: Passing on a love for wild places and honest hunting01:14:00 – Hunters as conservationists—and how to reclaim the role01:17:00 – Final reflections on legacy, mentorship, and shared joy01:18:00 – “Where are you taking me moose hunting next?”

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: How to reframe fear as fuel.Why most training creates failure under real pressure.The shocking truth about “slow trigger presses.”How elite operators pre-live critical incidents through mental rehearsal.Why your body can’t tell the difference between imagining and doing.What’s wrong with the way we teach cops, kids, and executives—and how to fix it.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 ______ 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 ____ 00:00 – Silvercore Club updates & member perks02:00 – Jeff Johnsgaard introduction: Who he trains and why06:45 – “I’m a software guy”: Why mindset beats gear10:15 – Threat vs. Challenge: The mindset that rewires your physiology14:00 – The turning point: When Jeff realized words were weapons20:30 – Mental rehearsal saves lives: The traffic stop study26:00 – Michael Phelps, Wayne Gretzky, and world-class visualization32:30 – The trap of post-performance rumination34:45 – Failure is feedback, not a flaw37:15 – Motivation: The forgotten force multiplier41:30 – Why “slow trigger press” ruined Travis’s shooting45:45 – Own your grip, own your trigger48:45 – The most dangerous training scar in law enforcement52:00 – How Jeff taught his daughter to drive like a tactical thinker56:45 – Translating this to business and leadership01:01:00 – The power of pre-experiencing critical moments01:06:30 – Feed-forward vs. feedback: Escaping toxic rumination01:12:00 – Using emotion, breathing, and body anchors to perform01:17:00 – Visualizing for peak performance vs. anxiety01:23:30 – “Prehabilitation”: Training like a combat veteran—before the fight01:27:00 – One truth Jeff would pass on if he had to start over01:33:00 – The Circle of Excellence: Anchoring performance states01:36:00 – Wrap-up and resources