Falling Off The Floor

Host, Austin Becker, sits down with the founder of Revi, Lizzie Shilko, for a conversation that delves into the challenges faced by the ski industry, particularly the entrenched boys club mentality that hinders innovation and product development. They highlight the slow pace of change in ski gear, such as the four-buckle ski boot and helmets, contrasting it with rapid advancements in technology in other sectors. The two dive into Lizzie's story, what it's like being a first-time entrepreneur, and being a woman founder in a male-dominated industry. Lizzie has an incredible story that you will not want to miss!

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Takeaways:

The ski industry has a long-standing boys club culture.

There is resistance to new product innovations in skiing.

The four buckle ski boot is an outdated standard.

Ski gear development is lagging behind other industries.

Technology in skiing is not evolving as quickly as in other fields.

The speaker questions the rationale behind not updating ski helmets.

Innovation is crucial for the future of the ski industry.

The market is ready for new ideas and products.

Skiing needs to embrace change to attract new customers.

The conversation emphasises the need for a shift in mindset within the industry.

Keywords:

ski industry, innovation, boys club, ski gear, technology, helmets, market challenges, product development

In this episode of the Falling Off the Floor podcast, host Austin Becker speaks with photographer Justin Krompier about his journey from being a UPS driver to pursuing his passion for photography while navigating recovery from addiction. They discuss the importance of mindset, community support, and the power of personal stories in healing. Justin shares his experiences of overcoming fear, embracing change, and finding purpose beyond his profession. The conversation highlights the impact of social media in recovery and the significance of living authentically to avoid regrets.

Justin's Links:

https://www.justinkrompier.com/

https://www.instagram.com/just_passinthrough

Mental Health Matters, FOTF Merch:

https://www.fallingoffthefloor.com/store

The best creative marketing collective in the biz:

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Keywords:

mental health, recovery, photography, addiction, personal growth, community, storytelling, mindset, social media, inspiration

Key points:

Justin Krompier shares his journey from UPS driver to photographer.

The importance of taking risks for personal fulfillment.

Mindset shifts can lead to significant life changes.

Community support is crucial in recovery from addiction.

Personal stories can inspire and connect people.

Social media can be a powerful tool for sharing experiences.

Living authentically can prevent feelings of regret.

The journey of recovery is ongoing and requires constant effort.

Finding purpose beyond one's profession can lead to greater happiness.

Embracing change can open new opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Justin Krompier

01:19 The Leap to Photography and Recovery

04:33 Preparing for Change: Financial and Mental Readiness

09:04 The Power of Mindset and Overcoming Fear

13:33 Facing Regrets and Living Authentically

16:32 The Journey of a Traveling Photographer

21:08 The Importance of Community in Recovery

26:39 The Role of Personal Stories in Healing

32:13 The Impact of Social Media on Recovery

38:30 Finding Purpose Beyond Photography

43:28 The Connection of Shared Experiences

49:10 Embracing Change and New Beginnings

In this episode of the Falling Off the Floor podcast, host Austin Becker speaks with Noelle Jean Seward, an accomplished outdoor adventurer and social media creator. They discuss Noelle's journey through the Pacific Crest Trail, her experiences with vulnerability and mental resilience, and the impact of social media on her life. Noelle shares her insights on setting boundaries, the importance of routine, and the courage to pursue one's passions despite the fear of failure. The conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity in the outdoor community and the need for more people to embrace their adventurous spirit.

Anthros Chairs, the science-backed magic desk chair:

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Noelle's Jean Seward's Links:

https://www.instagram.com/noellejeanseward/

Takeaways

Noelle emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in outdoor adventures.

She shares her experience of gaining a large following through raw and authentic storytelling.

Mental resilience is crucial when facing challenges on the trail.

Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with social media.

Noelle discusses the privilege of having a backup plan while navigating her creator career.

She highlights the importance of saying no to opportunities that don't align with personal values.

Routine can enhance mental capacity and productivity for creators.

Courage is about trying new things, even when the outcome is uncertain.

The contrast of experiences in nature can lead to profound personal growth.

Noelle encourages everyone to spend more time outside for better mental health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Noelle Jean Seward

08:14 Navigating Public Attention and Personal Growth

14:57 Life After the Trail: Balancing Social Media and Authenticity

26:01 Navigating Brand Collaborations and Monetization

32:54 Establishing Routines for Success

37:43 Evaluating Opportunities and Staying True to Values

In this episode, Austin Becker interviews Claire Smallwood, the executive director and co-founder of SheJumps, an organization dedicated to helping women and minority communities access outdoor activities. They discuss the importance of grassroots efforts, the impact of SheJumps' programs, and the role of volunteers in expanding access to the outdoors. Claire shares insights on overcoming barriers to outdoor participation and the significance of community and connection in mental health and personal growth.

Anthros Chairs:

https://www.anthros.com/

SheJumps:

https://www.instagram.com/clairesmallwood_/

https://www.instagram.com/shejumps/

https://www.shejumps.org/

Keywords:

SheJumps, outdoor activities, women empowerment, community, mental health, grassroots, volunteers, outdoor access, Claire Smallwood, Austin Becker

• Claire Smallwood emphasizes the importance of grassroots efforts in expanding outdoor access.
• SheJumps provides programs for women and minority communities to engage in outdoor activities.
• Volunteers play a crucial role in the success and expansion of SheJumps' initiatives.
• The organization offers a range of programs from introductory events to advanced courses.
• Claire shares her personal journey and the founding story of SheJumps.
• The episode highlights the mental health benefits of outdoor activities and community connection.
• Austin Becker discusses the impact of social media on outdoor participation and perception.
• Claire talks about the challenges and rewards of running a nonprofit organization.
• The conversation touches on the importance of inclusivity and diversity in outdoor spaces.
• Listeners are encouraged to get involved with SheJumps and support their mission.

Best Bits:

"Empowering women through outdoor adventures." "Volunteers are the heart and soul of SheJumps." "Breaking barriers to outdoor access." "Community and connection are key to mental health." "Inclusivity and diversity in outdoor spaces." "From grassroots to great heights." "The power of community in the outdoors." "SheJumps: A movement for change." "Building bridges to the outdoors." "Claire Smallwood's vision for inclusivity."

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 Introduction to SheJumps
• 00:03:00 Claire's Journey and Founding Story
• 00:09:00 The Role of Volunteers
• 00:15:00 Programs and Initiatives
• 00:21:00 Mental Health and Community Connection
• 00:27:00 Inclusivity and Diversity in the Outdoors
• 00:33:00 Challenges and Rewards of Nonprofit Work
• 00:39:00 Encouragement to Get Involved

In this episode, Austin Becker and Greg Louie discuss the intersection of skiing and physical therapy, focusing on injury prevention, year-round training, and the mental aspects of skiing. Greg shares his journey in helping skiers stay fit and avoid injuries, emphasizing the importance of off-season training and mental resilience. They also touch on nutrition and hydration strategies for skiers and the value of community in supporting each other in the sport.

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Keywords

skiing, physical therapy, injury prevention, skiing training, mental resilience, nutrition, hydration, skiing community, off-season training, skiing injuries

Takeaways

Greg Louie helps skiers avoid injuries and stay fit year-round.

There is a gap in physical therapy for skiers during the off-season.

Preseason training is crucial for maintaining ski fitness.

Mental resilience is key for both recreational and professional skiers.

Hydration and nutrition play a significant role in performance.

Squats are a fundamental exercise for ski training.

Consistency in training is more important than intensity.

Community support can enhance motivation for skiers.

Compartmentalizing fear is essential for high-level skiing.

Recovery strategies are vital for long-term skiing enjoyment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Skiing and Physical Therapy

01:39 Greg's Journey in Ski Physical Therapy

02:50 Skiing Experiences in the Pacific Northwest

07:43 The Importance of Off-Season Training

12:00 Bulletproofing Your Knees for Skiing

15:26 Working with the US Ski Team

18:12 The Mental Game in Skiing

24:47 Navigating Injury and Mental Resilience

27:41 Rehabilitation and Recovery Strategies

30:20 Training for High Altitude Performance

38:23 Hydration and Nutrition for Mountain Sports

42:08 The Key to Longevity in Skiing

In this episode of the Falling Off the Floor podcast, host Austin Becker sits down with Sydney Brandon, a former naval officer who traded her military career for a life of world travel and entrepreneurship.

Sydney shares her incredible story, from why she joined the Navy, the profound life lessons she learned on a ship, and the moment she realized she needed a different path. This conversation goes deep, exploring:

• Gratitude and perspective gained from working with a diverse group of people.

• The surprising parallels between military routine and addiction recovery.

• How to find a sense of purpose and build a life that is truly your own.

• The difference between a vacationer and a traveler and the value of immersive cultural experiences.

• Why it's crucial to find the courage to face the unknown and take that first scary step toward change.

Sydney discusses her new business, Blue Latitude, and her mission to empower others to live more aligned, purpose-driven lives. Whether you're a veteran transitioning to civilian life, someone feeling stuck in a 9-to-5 job, or simply looking for inspiration to make a big change, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Sydney:

• Instagram: @bluelatitudee

Connect with Austin:

• Website: www.fallingoffthefloor.com

• Instagram: @theskierguy @fallingoffthefloor

  
  

#Navy #Veterans #Military #Entrepreneurship #Travel #SelfDiscovery #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Purpose #Inspiration #Podcast #mentalhealth

In this powerful episode of the Falling Off the Floor podcast, host Austin Becker interviews returning guest Connor Nelson, a filmmaker, mental health activist, and skier extraordinaire. They dive deep into men's mental health, a topic often left unspoken, and the importance of open conversations.

Connor shares the incredible story of how a devastating wildfire (Palisades Fire) in LA became a life-changing opportunity. He was at the forefront, one of the very few people directly in the fires, capturing the chaos with high-end cinema cameras for outlets like the New York Times and even producing a feature-length documentary for PBS. This experience, while providing a living, also forced him to confront the complex emotional toll of making a career from others' worst days.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in:

• The raw reality of wildfire filmmaking and the education it provides.

• The surprising role of adrenaline sports like cliff jumping in addiction recovery.

• The critical link between diet, lifestyle changes, and mental health.

• Why it's so important for men to check in on their friends and talk openly about their struggles.

• The challenges and unexpected blessings of finding your purpose in life after overcoming addiction and mental health issues.

Connor and Austin also share some harrowing, but ultimately redemptive, stories of their own, from broken bones to near-death experiences, highlighting the dangers of their past choices and the gratitude they now have for their lives.

Join us as we explore the intersection of extreme sports, filmmaking, and mental health, all while emphasizing the power of open, honest conversations.

Follow Connor Nelson:

• Instagram: @connornelson.dop

Falling Off the Floor Podcast

• Instagram: @fallingoffthefloor

• Website: www.fallingoffthefloor.com

#MentalHealth #MensMentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Wildfire #Filmmaking #CliffJumping #Skier #Podcast #FallingOffTheFloor #Sobriety #Purpose #LAWildfires #Adrenaline #Inspiration #Recovery #PBS #wildfires #palisadesfire

Hey everyone! Austin Becker here, host of the Falling Off the Floor podcast. This week, I had an incredibly honest and inspiring conversation with Matt Kovatchis, a mental health speaker, life coach, and a true example of what personal growth really looks like. Matt's journey from a high-stakes corporate job to helping others navigate their own struggles is nothing short of amazing, especially how coming out of his shell fundamentally transformed his entire life.

If you've ever wondered about how coming out transformed me or thought about giving up my career for my dreams, Matt's story offers powerful insights. Let's dive into some key takeaways from our chat.

Matt started our conversation by openly sharing his struggle with high-functioning depression. From the outside, he seemed to have it all: a lucrative banking career, a great social life, and a seemingly perfect background. But internally, he felt "miserable and alone," burdened by the societal expectations of success. This internal conflict created immense guilt, as he felt he should be happy but simply wasn't.

He realized this internal battle stemmed largely from a deep insecurity and a struggle with self-acceptance, particularly concerning his identity as a bisexual man. Growing up, he internalized homophobic messages that made him believe being anything other than straight was "wrong." This deeply ingrained shame led him to try and deny who he truly was, resulting in unhealthy behaviors and being perceived as "the dick" in college. It’s a powerful example of how external pressures and a fear of not fitting in can manifest in unexpected ways, especially within bro culture environments.

The turning point for Matt was the courageous act of coming out to his closest friends and family. He described sending a long text to his sisters, who initially thought he was joking because he'd hidden his true self so well. Their "incredibly supportive" response, along with a close friend's words of "pride and respect," flipped his world upside down. This marked the beginning of his painful but ultimately liberating journey towards self-acceptance and healing.

His story resonated deeply with me. I shared my own experiences with struggling while presenting a perfect facade, and the journey of realizing that true strength comes from authenticity. It reminded me of professional skier Gus Kenworthy's story of coming out in the very "bro" world of skiing, and the love he received for being true to himself. These stories truly highlight how coming out transformed me and countless others, leading to profound personal peace and freedom.

Matt's personal transformation directly fueled his career shift. He realized he was living "totally unauthentically" in the corporate banking world and couldn't stay. He became passionate about personal growth and self-help, hiring coaches and diving into learning about coaching and mindfulness.

His decision to leave corporate banking, a move he described as the "second hardest thing" after coming out, is a testament to his commitment to his passion. He weighed the "worst-case scenario" – returning to corporate life – and found his appetite for risk was different after his personal journey. This willingness to take a chance on his dreams, despite the uncertainty, is a common theme for many looking to become a mental health professional or life coach. It speaks to the courage required to pursue a career that aligns with your true self, especially when it means stepping away from comfort and privilege.

Hey everyone! Austin Becker here, host of the Falling Off the Floor podcast. This week, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Connery Lundin, a true legend in the big mountain skiing scene from Palisades Tahoe, California. Our chat was a deep dive into what it takes to be a professional skier, the evolution of the sport, and some really honest talk about the life of a professional athlete and mental health.

Connery and I connected through the ski world, sharing roots in California skiing. Hearing his story, from the competitive circuit to navigating the complexities of a pro career, was truly inspiring. Let's get into some of the highlights from our conversation!

Connery and I bonded over our similar paths, both starting in ski racing. He's a classic "weekend warrior" from the Bay Area who moved to Palisades Tahoe at 16 to pursue ski racing. He quickly realized that the discipline and fundamentals learned in ski racing are incredibly valuable for tackling big mountains.

I can totally relate! Growing up in Southern California's Big Bear area, ski racing was my foundation too. When I transitioned into the freestyle scene after an injury, those race techniques surprisingly prepared me for the daunting world of big mountain skiing. It’s wild how those early skills can be so versatile later on!

Connery made a significant mark early in his career, winning the American Freeskiing World Tour in 2015. Back then, there were actually two separate global tours, but his victory was a huge stepping stone. He openly shared how that win became a pivotal moment, shaping the trajectory of his career as a big mountain skier.

This kind of early success often raises the question: What does it take to be a professional skier at that level? It's not just talent; it's dedication, intense training, and a willingness to push boundaries.

One of the most fascinating parts of our chat was discussing how the life of a professional athlete in skiing has drastically changed. Connery reflected on how when he started, success was measured by magazine features, major ski movie appearances (think MSP, TGR, Warren Miller), and competition wins.

Fast forward to today, and while those avenues still matter, the game has fundamentally shifted. Social media and content creation have become massive platforms. Connery and I agreed that this change has opened up new ways for skiers to sustain their careers, even well into their 30s and 40s, offering a second wind for many outside the traditional competition circuit. It’s cool to see how athletes are adapting and finding new ways to connect with fans and sponsors.

Connery Lundin showcasing his big mountain skills.

After his big win, Connery faced a common dilemma for many athletes: What's next? He candidly admitted that competitive skiing, especially big mountain, is incredibly dangerous. He chose to step away from competition to pursue his dream of filming with major production companies.

This transition wasn't easy. Despite being a world champion, Connery found himself working two restaurant jobs in Jackson, Wyoming, just to make ends meet. He was "stressed" and "blowing it" – feeling like he wasn't filming or competing. It highlights the often unseen financial pressures of the life of a professional athlete. His big break came with a trip to film "Monumental" for Powder Magazine, leading to more opportunities with Matchstick Productions. This really shows that success isn't always a straight line; it's often a winding road with unexpected challenges.

Connery's recent season saw him splitting time between Canada and various film projects, including a Toyota commercial that aired during the Super Bowl – a pretty massive achievement! At 35, his focus is on staying healthy and finding the fun in skiing, even when motivation might dip.

Back by popular demand, Annabelle Santerre. Following her part 1 episode, many of you reached out in excitement about her episode, and we decided to continue the conversation and record a part two! We dive deep into her recent travels to my hometown in CA, more Arctic expedition stories, more info about her fashion brand, and so much more! This one was fun! We were both exhausted after a long day but made the pod happen! Thank you FOTF fam!

#fashion #clothing #street22 #skiing #mentalhealth #adventures #expeditions #arctic #ski #snowboard #bigbearca #bigbearski #bigbear #bearmountain