The Silvercore Podcast with Travis Bader

Get the free bear guide Casey Braam and Travis Bader made, and enter to win an SAI Optics red dot, at : Silvercore.ca/bear

Every download is a contest entry. Silvercore Club members are entered for free automatically, and can earn a second entry by downloading the guide.

Wildlife artist Casey Braam hikes into wild places, paints what he finds, posts clues online, and gives the painting to the first person who figures out where he is and hikes out to meet him. He calls it the Art Outside Project. In his second time on...

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Blair Hagen has spent 30 years fighting Canada's firearms laws, and now, days after the National Firearms Association lost its president Rick Igercich, he is the one holding it together.
In this episode of the Silvercore Podcast, Travis Bader sits down with Hagen, executive vice president and now acting president of the NFA, for a clear-eyed look at where Canada's gun fight actually stands in 2026: the assault-style firearm confiscation, the Order in Council (OIC) bans, the handgun freeze, and the amnesty that keeps getting...

Jeff Evely served 20 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, with deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He came home, retired to his hometown in Cape Breton, and within months found himself arrested at a war memorial he was trying to guard, then later fined nearly $29,000 for walking in the woods during a Nova Scotia fire ban.

He fought back. And he won.

In this conversation, Travis sits down with Jeff to unpack the $29,000 ticket, the court win against the Nova Scotia government, the trucker convoy and Rolling Thunder arrests, and what it actually takes for one...

Last Friday, the Pentagon released 162 declassified UFO files through a brand-new portal called PURSUE. The first formal federal release in 80 years. Some are calling it disclosure. Some are calling it a nothing burger.
Rocky Swanson has spent his life inside the kind of system that handles this material. Joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadets at twelve. Served a full career in the Canadian Armed Forces, including a NORAD posting. Came home and became deputy fire chief in the town he grew up in. He was approached by the federal government to advise on a Canadian UAP initiative...

Dr. Noah Schwartz is the political scientist who decided he could not write honestly about Canada's gun community without going through the licensing system himself. He took the PAL. He took the RPAL. He sat at 84 kitchen tables across this country. What he found is a story most Canadians have never heard.

In this episode we cover the largest deliberate mass casualty event in Canadian history that almost nobody remembers, why the handgun freeze was announced after a shooting in Texas, the policy framework Czechia used after a university massacre that did the opposite of what Canada...

George Bumann can hear a coyote two miles away and tell you there's a wolf on
 the ridge. He's watched ravens rat out approaching eagles before they're visible. He's tracked a mountain lion by thinking like one until the birds around him started treating him like a predator.

The uncomfortable truth? Every time you step into the woods, the entire landscape is already talking about you. Your location, your mood, your intentions. All of it, broadcast across hundreds of yards before you see a single animal.

George spent four decades decoding animal language f...

Torkel Norling does 200 to 300 wounded game recoveries a year. He gets called by Swedish police in the middle of the night to track traffic-hit wildlife, hunts brown bears and lynx with dogs he's bred himself, and just wrote the book on modern blood tracking. Literally.
In this episode, we cover the massive differences between Swedish and North American hunting culture, what happens during a real police tracking callout at 2 AM, a brown bear charge that stopped two meters from his face, the mental framework that separates good trackers from great ones, and why the "never quit" attitude...

Nathan James, known online as Sir Drifto, holds the world altitude record for the highest electric paramotor flight and has flown hundreds of miles in a vintage open cockpit biplane with his dad. He's also the kind of guy who once tried to fly a paramotor under a bridge and lost his sponsorship in the process.

In this conversation, we talk about what happens when the risk-to-reward ratio flips, why real adventure can't be bought through a booking agent, the Camel Trophy / Defender Trophy comeback, growing up on dirt bikes and two-strokes, what every young person should...

Josh Botha showed up to his first precision rifle match with a blind-magazine .204 Ruger and no idea what he was doing. A decade later, he's a four-time Team Canada World Championship competitor, senior designer at MDT (Modular Driven Technologies), founder of the BC Precision Rifle League, and the man behind North Star Precision Training.

In this episode, Josh shares his journey from South Africa to England to BC, how archery led him into the precision rifle world, what it's really like inside MDT's culture, and the massive news about MDT acquiring Lone Peak Arms. We dig into...

This episode introduces something new inside the Silvercore Club.

It’s called The Outpost.

A private weekly podcast for members where I share reflections from the field, lessons that stay with me, and thoughts that don’t always fit the format of the public show.

In this episode, I explain what The Outpost is and why I created it, and then share one of those private recordings titled Bear With Me.

Some experiences change how you see preparedness, responsibility, and awareness.

This is one of them...

This was supposed to be a hot wing challenge.
It turned into something else.

We sat down to take on a melt your face off hot wing challenge and ended up in a real conversation about food, marriage, work, ambition, comfort, and the choices that shape a life over time.

The heat ramps up fast. Talking becomes harder. Filters disappear.

We talk about building something from scratch, walking away from paths that look good on paper, raising kids with intention, food as memory, food as connection, and why comfort has a way...

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...

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...

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

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.<...

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...

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, co...

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
Onl...

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:

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...

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...

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 li...

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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Silvercore Club...

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...

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 n...

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:

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...

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/

<...

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 lifeti...

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 extr...

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 memb...

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://thecodeofthewest.us

https://www...

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 failur...

He rode freight trains across America, lived with nomadic reindeer herders in Siberia, and became a household name after winning Alone in the Arctic. But Jordan Jonas is more than a survivalist—he's a philosopher forged by hardship.

In this episode, Travis Bader sits down with Jordan for a raw and real conversation on solitude, family, faith, failure, and the uncomfortable truths we face when stripped of distraction.

They explore the mental battles of being truly alone, the lessons from Siberian trappers and prison-hardened mentors, and the generational strength passed down through adversity.

Wh...

Heath Jackson was moments away from taking his own life. In this powerful conversation, he bravely shares his gripping journey through intense trauma, depression, and near-fatal decisions, ultimately rediscovering purpose and rebuilding his life. Heath’s story is raw, honest, and profoundly inspiring—a must-listen for anyone facing tough times or seeking strength through adversity.

*(Listener discretion is advised as this episode discusses suicide and self-harm.)

Learn more about Heath Jackson:
https://www.instagram.com/mbada_

https://www.truehaven.ca

If you or someone you kno...

Recorded live at the Wild Sheep Society of BC's Western Hunting Expo, this episode brings together industry leaders and passionate outdoorsmen to discuss the evolution of hunting, firearms policy, and conservation efforts. Join Travis Bader, Sean Zubor, and Joe Eppele as they explore the deeper meaning of hunting beyond the harvest, the importance of unified advocacy, and the shifting societal views on outdoor traditions. From grizzly bear conservation to firearms legislation and the camaraderie of the hunting community, this conversation pulls no punches. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the outdoors, this episode will change the way...

For over 1,775 episodes, Stéphane Monette has spoken his mind. An extremely positive, and passionate lifelong hunter, entrepreneur, and CEO of Fermé Monette, he built a business around the outdoors—only to find himself on a government watchlist for speaking out.

This episode dives into the hard truths behind social media censorship, the battle over hunting rights, and the real impact of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) on the industry.

🔥 What’s inside this episode:

Jesse Griffiths isn’t just a chef—he’s a hunter, butcher, and James Beard award-winning author who’s on a mission to reconnect people with their food. From tracking feral hogs to teaching butchery and conservation, Jesse brings a no-nonsense approach to ethical hunting and cooking.

In this episode, we dive into the truth about wild hogs, why Jesse is committed to hunting locally, the surprising impact of invasive species, and the deeper connection between hunting, conservation, and food. We also swap stories about overcoming school struggles, the MeatEater crew, and the primal draw of hunting, its proc...

Join me as I sit down with one of the world’s top survival experts, Megan Hine, for a raw and thought-provoking conversation. Megan is an expedition leader, the author of Mind of a Survivor, and a key figure behind some of the most extreme survival TV shows in the world. In this episode, we explore survival psychology, the power of human connection, and how the outdoors can heal and transform.

Megan opens up about her personal experiences with burnout, the lessons she’s learned from decades in high-risk environments, and the mental toughness it takes to thriv...

This raw and unfiltered episode of the Silvercore Podcast features a deeply personal conversation with Jody Mitic, a decorated Canadian Armed Forces sniper, author, and veterans' advocate. Jody opens up about his struggles with addiction, his battles with flawed veterans' policies, and the challenges of finding purpose after life-altering injuries.

This episode is unlike any other—a mix of powerful insights, hard truths, and moments of vulnerability. While Jody's resilience shines through, the conversation also highlights the ongoing struggles he faces. This is a candid look at how personal and professional challenges intersect, and a reminder of th...