The Silvercore Podcast with Travis Bader

Get your FREE Authorization to Carry guide: https://www.silvercore.ca/authorization-to-carry 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 extended because almost no one is complying.Hagen survived two armed robberies behind the counter of a Vancouver gun store, then was refused a permit to protect himself. He explains why firearms in Canada get banned for how they look rather than what they do, why a serious gun charge is the first thing a prosecutor drops, why the numbers behind the confiscation do not add up, and the one thing every gun owner can actually do that works.What we get into:Why "assault-style firearm" is a political marketing term, not a legal oneThe "comply or become a criminal" trap inside the current buybackEstates, the handgun freeze, and how a widow loses a collection's valueThe NFA Save Firearms program and storing prohibited firearms legallyWhether you can still buy and transfer a handgun in Canada, and where an Authorization to Carry fits inWhether you have owned firearms your whole life or have never touched one, this is a conversation about property, rights, and who decides what is yours.Find the NFA: https://nfa.caNFA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/national_firearms_association/NFA on Facebook: https://facebook.com/NFACANADANFA on X: https://x.com/CanadasNFA_____Silvercore Club - https://www.silvercore.ca/clubOnline Training - https://www.silvercore.ca/Other Training & Services - https://www.silvercore.ca/course/categoryMerchandise - https://www.silvercore.ca/collections/all-merchandiseBlog Page - https://www.silvercore.ca/blogHost Instagram - @Bader.Trav https://www.instagram.com/bader.travSilvercore Instagram - @SilvercoreOutdoors https://www.instagram.com/silvercoreoutdoors____Timestamps:00:00 Cold open00:46 Remembering NFA president Rick Igercich02:28 How Blair got into the fight: the registry and David Tomlinson08:38 Canada's gun culture, and a global audience listening12:49 Two armed robberies behind the counter17:00 Denied a carry permit in a store full of guns20:19 "What can I do?" and the early '90s political wasteland26:00 Property rights and the slippery slope30:35 The amnesty extension and the courtroom no-win34:32 Why gun charges get dropped first, and "assault-style" spin40:49 Estates, the widow problem, and the caliber ban48:24 "We do not make mistakes": the inheritance test case50:44 Magazines, deactivation, and rules you can't comply with57:03 OIC chaos and the meaningless word "variant"1:03:15 Aesthetics over ballistics: why guns really get banned1:09:41 Talking guns with someone who fears them1:13:22 The handgun freeze and the Save Firearms program1:22:00 The toll of 30 years on the line1:24:45 Cooking the numbers: only 4,000 Mini-14s?1:29:00 The quiet plan to put gun stores out of business1:33:31 The Conservative Outdoors Committee and revolving-door courts1:37:57 Which org to support, and what you can actually do1:45:08 Closing, and Blair's goodbye to Rick

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

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____

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

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

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

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