Ep. 173: From the Alps to Africa: Photographer Florian Wagner on Wild Living, Helicopters, and the Meaning of Freedom
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____Timestamps00:00 – 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.
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