Ep. 171: He Left Med School to Live Wild in Alaska | Rick Matney of Chrome Chasers

Ep. 171: He Left Med School to Live Wild in Alaska | Rick Matney of Chrome Chasers

1:02:58 Oct 21, 2025
About this episode
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.caFollow Rick and Dori at Chrome Chasers Lodge:https://www.instagram.com/chromechaserslodgehttps://www.chromechasers.com/https://www.instagram.com/wildgamechefhttps://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 / Chapters00:00 – 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 Mea
Select an episode
0:00 0:00