Falling Off The Floor

Ben from Soberski shares his inspiring journey of overcoming alcohol dependence through skiing and how he's creating a community for sober ski trips that promote personal growth and healthier lifestyles. Ben is using his platform and story to push against the grain in the world of action sports and this is an episode you do not want to miss!

Find Ben here:

https://www.soberski.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/s0berski/

Ben is hooking the audience up with a discount on his January trip in France!

Code: FOTFPODCAST and that will get you $130 off at checkout!

5 spaces left for our January retreat 22nd - 29th. https://www.soberski.co.uk/book-retreats/2027-retreats/2027-retreats

keywords

sober skiing, alcohol-free travel, personal development, Soberski, ski trips, mental health, community, lifestyle change, sobriety, wellness

key topics

Ben's personal journey from heavy drinking to sobriety

The inspiration behind Soberski and its mission

The first sober ski trip experience and its impact

The cultural shift around alcohol and skiing

How Soberski is expanding with different communities and trips

The benefits of sober travel for mental health and personal growth

The role of community and accountability in sobriety

The future plans for Soberski and its offerings

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

174:57:34 Ben's journey into skiing and early experiences

383:17:40 The challenges of ski culture and heavy drinking

6861:04:25 Realization of personal agency and decision to change

8333:17:50 Attempting sobriety in the ski resort environment

10611:04:34 The birth of Soberski and its mission

12222:11:15 First sober ski trip and participant experiences

15361:04:39 Transformative stories from trip participants

19333:18:08 Details of the first trip and its success

22916:38:19 Diverse motivations of trip attendees

25055:31:46 Activities and mindset sessions during the trip

28777:45:13 The impact of Soberski on participants' lives

32888:52:03 Upcoming trips and expansion plans

37888:52:11 The importance of community and choice in sobriety

42444:25:35 How to sign up and join Soberski trips

745277:46:31 Closing remarks and appreciation

Austin Becker & Haley Schiek: Community, Identity & Why You're Not Defective, Just Dysregulated | Falling Off the Floor (Part 2)

Part 2 of my conversation with Haley Schiek, picking up from Telluride Bluegrass Festival. We go deep... community, mental health, identity, and what it actually takes to keep showing up for yourself.

We talk about the risk of opening your heart to new people, the loneliness that comes with being highly driven, and why real healing means stepping out of the roles you've outgrown. This one's a reminder: you're not defective. You might just be dysregulated. And connection is one of the most powerful tools we have for change.

If you're navigating recovery, burnout, identity shifts, or just trying to figure out who you are outside of what you do — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen to Part 1 here: [link]

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Opening the Telluride weekend and the Zeal Optics setup
01:00 – How the unexpected part two with Haley Schiek came together
02:24 – Why taking social risks can create real friendship
03:47 – Choosing connection through values alignment
04:46 – Puerto Rico, mainland culture, and what community can feel like
06:07 – Why the best opportunities usually require discomfort
07:07 – Burnout, entrepreneurship, and learning to tolerate uncertainty
10:02 – Men's mental health and the pressure to be the provider
11:58 – Patriarchy, power shifts, and what men still need
12:53 – Sexual objectification and Haley's recovery from body image issues
15:19 – Austin's childhood therapy experience and shame around help
18:41 – Owning addiction, recovery language, and staying honest
20:26 – Identity, yoga, and why labels do not have to define you
21:22 – Athletic identity shifts and the void they can create
22:49 – Loneliness at the top and why status can isolate people
24:24 – Fear of exile and Haley's eagle energy story
25:31 – Choosing liberation over other people's expectations
26:57 – Leaving Portland, sobriety, and the decision to fly
28:49 – Healing together and rejecting extreme individualism
30:17 – Finding your people while living a nomadic life
31:15 – Haley's burning desire: you are not defective, you are dysregulated
32:27 – What love looks like when it is not controlling or conditional
33:25 – Closing thoughts and the joy of the festival weekend

NOTABLE QUOTES
"If you're wired for protection, you are not wired for connection."
"You are not defective. You're just dysregulated."
"Love is seeing a human being in their fullness and just genuinely wanting the best for them."

FOLLOW THE PODCAST & Our Guest
🎙️ @fallingoffthefloor
📱 @theskierguy

@haleyschiek

@cosanacoaching

ABOUT FALLING OFF THE FLOOR
Real conversations on redemption, recovery, action sports, mental health, and travel. Hosted by Austin Becker.

Falling Off the Floor Podcast — Live at Telluride Bluegrass Festival with Haley Shiek. In this special live episode of Falling Off the Floor Podcast, Austin Becker sits down with Haley Shiek, a certified professional coach, trauma-informed yoga teacher, and peer educator, for a powerful conversation about mental health, recovery, trauma, shame, community, and connection. Recorded on location at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, this episode explores how healing happens in relationship—with ourselves, our bodies, and the people around us. Haley shares the story behind Cosana, her holistic mental health and consciousness-liberation practice, and explains why “healing together” is more than a slogan—it’s the foundation of real change. Together, Austin and Haley dive into topics like eating disorder recovery, CPTSD, nervous system regulation, emotional intelligence, self-trust, and the role of community in long-term healing.

They also talk about the power of getting uncomfortable, choosing connection over isolation, and building a life that feels more present, joyful, and authentic. From festival energy to real-life recovery lessons, this episode is an honest look at what it means to keep showing up for yourself.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Why community and connection are essential for mental health
• How shame can keep people stuck in cycles of isolation
• The connection between trauma, eating disorders, and self-abandonment
• What “healing together” means in practice
• How to trust yourself and reclaim your own path in recovery
• Why presence matters more than rigid programs or one-size-fits-all advice

Finding Haley:

https://www.instagram.com/haleyschiek/

https://www.instagram.com/cosanacoaching/

https://cosanacoaching.com/

Keywords: mental health podcast, recovery podcast, eating disorder recovery, trauma-informed healing, CPTSD, nervous system regulation, community healing, shame and recovery, self-trust, holistic mental health, addiction recovery, emotional intelligence, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, live podcast, healing together.

About this episode:

If you’re looking for a podcast about mental health, recovery, sobriety, trauma healing, and community, this episode is for you. Austin and Haley bring a grounded, human perspective to topics that are often treated too clinically or too narrowly, making this a meaningful listen for anyone seeking hope, honesty, and practical insight.

Subscribe/Follow: Falling Off the Floor Podcast for more conversations about recovery, connection, and living more fully.

From Darkness to Light: Lee Pugsley's Journey in Film & Mental Health

Join us in this impactful episode where Lee Pugsley shares his inspiring story of overcoming visual impairment, mental health struggles, and finding purpose in filmmaking. Discover how vulnerability and authenticity can fuel creativity and drive positive change in the industry.Main Topics Covered:

• Lee's early life, adoption, and childhood in Idaho
• His journey with glaucoma and the impact on his artistic pursuits
• Overcoming mental health challenges including depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harm
• Embracing disability and finding empowerment through resources and self-acceptance
• His filmmaking journey: from short films to festival recognition and upcoming projects
• The importance of community, shared experiences, and storytelling in healing and connection
• The evolving industry landscape, including the role of AI and authenticity in film

• Audio Description by Lee Pugsley
• Winter Park Film Festival
• Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge
• [NIH - Glaucoma Information](https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/ glaucoma)
• Connect with Lee here:
• https://www.instagram.com/leepugsleyla/

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction and Lee’s early life in Idaho
02:13 - Discovering a passion for animation and theater
03:08 - Facing glaucoma and declining vision in college
04:07 - Moving to LA and overcoming early career setbacks
05:04 - Winning at the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge
06:25 - The significance of audio description and advocacy
07:15 - Navigating mental health: identity, vulnerability, and perseverance
08:03 - Growing up in Idaho with traditional gender norms
09:26 - Bottling emotions and the protective role of helping others
10:48 - College struggles and the emotional toll of vision loss
12:25 - Overdose episodes and the journey toward seeking help
13:51 - Self-harm as a coping mechanism and the importance of support
17:43 - Finding confidence and purpose in Hollywood filmmaking
20:08 - Embracing visual impairment and breaking stigma
22:01 - Building self-worth and the power of confidence
23:28 - Creating impactful films that speak to accessibility and authenticity
27:41 - Upcoming projects: new films and the evolving story
29:09 - The creative process behind future projects
31:46 - The role of film festivals and shared experiences in community building
36:03 - The importance of cinemas and live storytelling in a digital age
38:00 - Celebrating cultural icons and personal passions
39:23 - Lee’s advice on mental health resilience: acceptance, rhythms, and community
41:49 - Closing thoughts and encouragement to support human stories in film. Resources & Links: Connect with Lee Pugsley:

This episode offers a powerful testament to resilience, purpose, and the healing power of storytelling. Whether you're pursuing a creative career, battling mental health, or seeking inspiration, Lee’s journey underscores that authenticity and community matter most.

In this episode of the Falling Off The Floor Podcast, Jess Hotter, a professional freeride skier from New Zealand, shares her journey through injury, mental resilience, and life beyond skiing. We explore her recovery process, passions outside of skiing, and her perspectives on sobriety and mental health in action sports. Jess has an awesome story and is an INCREDIBLE skier.

Find her on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/jesshotterski/

From Ski Town to Mental Health Advocate: The Journey of Chris Bivona

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Bavona, founder of Ski Town All Star and owner of a thriving ski shop in Vail. Chris shares his inspiring story of transformation—balancing entrepreneurship, sobriety, and advocating for mental health—all within the mountain town culture we all love. Key topics covered:

• Chris's transition from construction management to starting a ski apparel and equipment business
• The importance of authenticity in content creation and brand partnerships
• How sobriety and mental health advocacy are reshaping mountain town culture
• Providing personalized, exceptional customer service in the ski industry
• Building a loyal community through storytelling and genuine connections
• The impact of social media in shaping ski culture and business growth
• Navigating industry challenges: competition, authenticity, and brand loyalty
• The significance of supporting small brands and staying true to your values

Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and podcast intro with Chris Bavona
02:30 - Chris's background: from construction to ski business
05:00 - Founding Ski Town All Stars: the story behind the brand
08:15 - The evolution of ski apparel and retail in Colorado
11:00 - Creating authentic content and build loyalty
14:45 - Embracing sobriety and mental health advocacy in mountain culture
17:30 - The importance of personal connection in customer service
20:15 - How social media influences ski industry trends
23:20 - Supporting small brands and staying authentic
26:45 - Industry challenges: competition and brand loyalty
30:00 - Chris’s passion outside of skiing and giving back to youth
33:25 - The power of storytelling and community impact
36:50 - Final thoughts: mindset, authenticity, and pursuing passion

In this episode of the Falling Off the Floor podcast, host Austin Becker speaks with Stevie Mayer, a reinvention and fitness coach who helps women transform their lives through hiking and outdoor experiences. Stevie shares her personal journey from struggling with addiction and mental health issues to finding healing and purpose in the outdoors. She discusses the importance of authenticity in content creation, the launch of her coaching program, and her goals for the future, emphasizing the need for connection and presence in life.

Stevie's Social Media Handles:

https://www.instagram.com/stevieewander/

Tons of new Falling Off The Floor Merch available. Every purchase supports mental health non-profits!

https://www.fallingoffthefloor.com/store

Takeaways

Stevie Mayer is a reinvention and fitness coach.

She helps women transform their lives through hiking.

Stevie struggled with addiction from a young age.

A turning point in her life was a suicide attempt.

She found healing through hiking and outdoor experiences.

Stevie lost 150 pounds through hiking and backpacking.

She launched Mountain Beast Performance to empower women.

Authenticity in content creation is crucial.

Setting realistic goals and being present is important.

Stevie plans to try freediving and explore new activities.

Keywords

addiction recovery, hiking, fitness coaching, mental health, personal growth, women empowerment, outdoor therapy, authenticity, content creation, reinvention

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stevie Mayer and Her Journey

01:16 Stevie's Early Struggles with Addiction

04:00 Turning Point: From Addiction to Recovery

07:43 Embracing the Outdoors: Hiking as Therapy

09:41 Launching Mountain Beast Performance

12:01 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation

14:12 The Mountain Beast Program: Empowering Women

16:28 Personal Growth Through Outdoor Challenges

20:19 Finding Balance: Running and Addiction

36:49 Setting Goals for 2026: Embracing the Present

45:25 Final Thoughts: Learning Through Experience

In this episode of the Falling Off the Floor podcast, host Austin Becker hosts Cooper Johnson as he shares his journey of creating Outpst, a brand focused on making fleece beanies while promoting inclusivity in the ski community. After facing multiple injuries during his pursuit of becoming a professional skier, Cooper found solace in sewing and decided to create a product that not only catered to his needs but also addressed the barriers many face in the ski industry. He emphasizes the importance of community and accessibility, aiming to inspire others to break into the skiing world despite financial and social challenges.

Throughout the conversation, Cooper discusses the evolution of Outpst, from its humble beginnings to its current mission of fostering a supportive environment for aspiring athletes. He highlights the significance of collaboration within the community, sharing how he has built an athlete program and a platform for storytelling through the brand. The episode also touches on the challenges of the ski industry, the importance of mental health, and the need for inclusivity, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in skiing, entrepreneurship, or community building.

How to learn about Coop and Outpst:

https://outpst.co/

https://www.instagram.com/mr.coopj/

https://www.instagram.com/outpst.co/

In this episode, Chris Ernst, "Uncle E", a legendary figure in the ski world, shares his journey from being the voice of the X Games to overcoming personal challenges and finding sobriety. The conversation delves into the evolution of skiing culture, the impact of the X Games, and the importance of integrity and personal growth.

Uncle E, X Games, skiing culture, sobriety, personal growth, ski industry, integrity, recovery, ski cross, freestyle skiing, cortina olympics, 2026 olympics

• Uncle E's journey from X Games announcer to sobriety.
• The evolution of skiing culture and its impact.
• The role of integrity in personal and professional life.
• The challenges and triumphs of recovery.
• The influence of the X Games on modern skiing.

• "Integrity: No Right Way to Do Wrong"
• "The voice of the X Games"
• "Skiing's evolution through my eyes"
• "From addiction to recovery"
• "Ski culture's impact on life"

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 Introduction to Uncle E
• 00:03:00 The X Games Era
• 00:09:00 Skiing Culture Evolution
• 00:15:00 Personal Challenges and Recovery
• 00:21:00 Lessons in Integrity and Growth

The best outerwear in the GAME:

https://akovagear.com/

The best outdoor and fitness watch of 2025 goes to the Polar Grit X2:

https://www.polar.com/us-en/grit-x2?srsltid=AfmBOorIT9IWohYbAaczhZsEv4sBc-tj-ne3865XSBBa-s9jth7274s4The Story Behind the Birth of Skier Cross

In this episode of the "Falling Off the Floor" podcast, host Austin Becker sits down with Becca Headley, a cancer survivor and flight nurse, to explore the transformative power of community and the outdoors. Becca shares her journey from battling breast cancer to becoming a passionate advocate for backcountry safety with Friends of Berthoud Pass. Discover how Becca's experiences in the backcountry and her work in healthcare have shaped her perspective on life, resilience, and the importance of mental health. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with personal stories, insights on avalanche safety, and the healing power of nature. #BackcountrySafety #MentalHealthAwareness #Inspiration

This weeks episode is brought to you by Polar! The best outdoor watches in the game, ive tried them all, Polar is hands down the GOAT.

https://www.polar.com/us-en/

Takeaways:

1. Becca Headley shares her journey as a cancer survivor and how it has shaped her advocacy for backcountry safety.
2. The importance of community and support in overcoming personal challenges, as highlighted by Becca's experiences.
3. Becca's insights on the healing power of nature and how it has been a refuge during her recovery.
4. The role of Friends of Berthoud Pass in promoting avalanche safety and education.
5. An emotional recount of Becca's proposal story, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

https://www.berthoudpass.org/