The Silvercore Podcast with Travis Bader
Travis Bader
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Ep. 171: He Left Med School to Live Wild in Alaska | Rick Matney of Chrome Chasers
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
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