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Ep. 173: From the Alps to Africa: Photographer Florian Wagner on Wild Living, Helicopters, and the Meaning of Freedom
Season 6 Episode 173
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
🎧 Brought to you by the Silvercore Podcast
Hosted 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.
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Timestamps
00:00 – Intro: From the Alps to Africa
Meet Florian Wagner, helicopter pilot, paragliding instructor, and adventure photographer for National Geographic, Playboy, and Leica.
01:28 – Escaping the Boarding School Walls
Florian shares how a restrictive childhood sparked his obsession with freedom and flight.
02:40 – Self-Taught Paragliding and the Camera That Started It All
How a forgotten camera and a hunger for the sky began a lifelong creative journey.
04:59 – From Playboy to Pilot: Adventures Behind the Lens
Florian’s unlikely path from photographer to helicopter pilot and adventure storyteller.
06:29 – Wine Tasting by Helicopter — the Playboy Assignment That Changed Everything
How one bold pitch turned into a dream project.
07:56 – Freedom and Risk Management
Florian reflects on what boarding school taught him about independence and why adventure is his true classroom.
08:10 – Riding Through Africa: Healing Through Safari
A moving story of loss, recovery, and rediscovering purpose on horseback in Kenya.
09:56 – The Power of Self-Hypnosis
How Florian used autosuggestion to overcome adversity, rebuild confidence, and enhance creativity.
13:40 – Elk Hunts and Broken Ribs: Stories From the Outback
Florian recalls his Australian motorcycle crash and what it taught him
Published on 4 weeks ago