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
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:
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.
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
What's up, FOTF audience? This week, I traveled down to SLC, UT, to chat with my friend Annabelle Santerre. This woman has a RAD story. She's done everything from arctic expeditions to world travels and competing in X-Games! She is also a fashion designer and clothing brand owner, Street 22. Annabelle is a third-generation seamstress and has an eye for creating one-of-a-kind & unique outerwear that the ski world has been desperately needing. We also discuss her journey of being an immigrant and the struggles she has faced there. This was one of my favorite episodes that I have done in a while, and it was a pleasure having Annabelle on the Falling Off The Floor Podcast..
You can connect with her here:
https://www.instagram.com/annabscooby/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/streetwentytwo/?hl=en
https://streetwentytwo.com/
This week I traveled down to SLC to chat with an old friend of mine, JM Fabrizi. JM and I go way back! We grew up skiing together and competing together back in Big Bear and have stayed close ever since. JM was there the day I broke my back and we dive into the full story behind that day. JM is an incredible mountain athlete from skiing, to trail running and cycling, this dude excels in it all. He recently completed an awesome achievement of skiing every line in the Wolverine Cirque in one day and Backcountry made an awesome doc about the project, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3ha46RfUgY
Join us for this awesome episode where we get into the weeds of the canyon crisis in Utah, our past/present achievements/downfalls, and more!
https://www.instagram.com/mistafabrizi/?hl=en
This week, Austin traveled down to Salt Lake City, UT, and sat down with Dan, the founder of "Hug Your Homies" for an awesome discussion. Dan has created an incredible movement with Hug Your Homies and is helping to continue the conversation of mental health awareness and hugging your homies! We dive deep into his story, background, and how he got to where he is today. Hug Your Homies has some awesome merch as well and it goes to an amazing cause! You can find more info, merch, and socials in the links below! Love you all, see ya next week!
https://www.instagram.com/hug.yourhomies/?hl=en
https://www.hugyourhomiesworldwide.com/
#podcast #mentalhealth #skiing #ski #mentalhealthawareness #hugyourhomies
Summary
In this episode of the Falling Off the Floor podcast, host Austin Becker welcomes back Noah Dines, who recently set the world record for the most human-powered vertical feet skied in a year. Noah shares insights into his incredible journey, including the preparation, nutrition, and community support that fueled his success. He reflects on the mental challenges faced during the year and discusses his future plans in the skiing world, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the experience and the connections made along the way. In this conversation, Noah Dines shares his experiences and insights from his skiing journey, discussing the challenges and joys of ski touring, memorable moments, and the importance of mindset and goal setting. He emphasizes the significance of enjoying the process and encourages listeners to pursue their passions without hesitation.
Noah Dines, skiing, world record, mental health, community, nutrition, preparation, adventure, athlete, vertical feet, skiing, ski touring, mindset, goal setting, outdoor adventure, personal growth, motivation, memorable experiences, skiing journey, backcountry skiing
takeaways
Back by popular demand, solo episodes with host Austin Becker. In this episode we start where we left off, Austin's horrible, and worst run that nearly took his life in Boston, MA. We begin with his story of resilience, recovery, and overcoming life’s hardest challenges. Through hard work and focus, you can overcome any of life’s hardships… If Austin can do it, so can you. We also reveal information about the film, “Streets to Peaks” which begins production later this month. A mental health and action sports documentary aimed at driving awareness towards long ignored topics, featuring Austin Becker, Jenna Henry, Alex Schlopy, Drew Petersen, Connor Nelson and many guest stars. We can't wait to share this project with the world!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"How to overcome life's hardest challenges"
This week Austin travels to Vail, Colorado to sit down for an interview with Sadie Cohen. Sadie is a former college field hockey player, founder of the Longwood Morgans Message, and mental health advocate. We dove deep into her story, her struggles, and her awesome achievements. Morgans Message is an amazing organization aimed at giving college athletes the mental health resources they need to succeed. Sadie founded the Longwood Morgans Message chapter and was able to connect with tons of college athletes and create a safe space to talk about mental health. It was a joy to host her on this week's episode! Enjoy my friends!
https://www.instagram.com/sadiejcohenn/?hl=en
https://www.morgansmessage.org/
Join us on an inspiring journey with ultramarathon runner, mother, veteran, and filmmaker Dreama Walton! Dreama's story is one of overcoming adversity and pushing boundaries. We delve deep into her challenging upbringing, exploring how she navigated adversity and emerged as the resilient woman she is today.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking:
Fresh off the release of her critically acclaimed film "Dreama Team" (available on major streaming services!), Dreama shares her experiences on and off the trail. Don't miss this powerful conversation!
Dreama's Links:
Keywords: ultramarathon, running, motherhood, veteran, resilience, overcoming adversity, mental toughness, motivation, inspiration, life lessons, diversity, film, documentary, Dreama Team, Dreama Walton
Hello everyone! This week I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Chris Thompson, also know as “Supdaily” on socials. Chris is a long-time content creator, life coach, and mental health activist who has garnered the attention/following of millions across the globe for his ability to be vulnerable, and give incredible life and mental health tips. We dive deep into our past, present, and future plans. Chris and I dove deep into our mental health struggles and got very vulnerable on this pod. We plan to continue making content together, so be on the lookout in the coming months. As always, thank you to the incredible audience of FOTF and we hope you enjoy this week's episode!
This man single-handedly saved Austin's life. Woody has been the guiding light in Austin's recovery since day one. Woody has a wild story! From his whole life being in New York city to being shipped up to Portland Maine where he ultimately got his life together and began helping countless individuals in their own recovery. This is was a very special episode to record and I truly hope you enjoy this man's knowledge, wittiness, and humor!
This week we talk TRAVEL. Austin just got back from spending a month in Europe road-tripping to all of his bucket list destinations. Switzerland is up first in this travel series. Sitting alongside Nick Bates we dive deep into the majestic country of Switzerland and everything it has to offer. We uncover Zermatt, Geneva, the Swiss Alps, and Zurich. In part 2 we will jump into all of the smaller towns, hidden gems, where to stay, and how to explore this beautiful country.
Also, we will have been posting tons of video content on the Instagram deep diving into all of our favorite spots in Switzerland!
https://www.instagram.com/theskierguy/?hl=en
In this episode, Austin Becker interviews Brody Broderick, a skier from Utah who shares his inspiring journey following a life-altering spinal cord injury from a skiing accident. Brody discusses the details of his accident, the challenges he faced during rehabilitation, and his transition to sit skiing. He highlights his achievements in the adaptive sports community and emphasizes the importance of connection and support in overcoming adversity. The conversation also touches on Brody's family life, work, and the emotional growth that comes from navigating life's challenges. Keywords:
adaptive sports, skiing, spinal cord injury, rehabilitation, community, mental health, resilience, Brody Broderick, sit skiing, family life
Austin Augustus, one of the founding members of Pink7, shares his recovery journey and the mission of the Sober Curious lifestyle brand. He discusses the importance of finding joy in sobriety and building a community of like-minded individuals. Austin emphasizes the need for a supportive and fun environment in early recovery, as well as the challenges of sober living and the importance of finding happiness in sobriety. He also talks about the transition of Pink7 from a recovery-focused brand to a health and wellness brand, catering to the 48 million sober individuals who don't have a community. Austin shares his personal recovery story, including his struggles with alcohol and drugs, his near-death experience, and his journey to sobriety and finding purpose in life. In this conversation, Austin Augustus and Austin Becker discuss their experiences with recovery and sobriety. They talk about the importance of finding balance in life and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. They also emphasize the significance of community and support in maintaining sobriety. Austin Augustus shares his journey of recovery and how he has found happiness in activities he enjoyed as a child. They also touch on the challenges of dating and relationships in sobriety. Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of sobriety and the importance of self-care and connection. recovery, sobriety, community, joy, Pink7, Sober Curious, health and wellness, lifestyle brand, alcohol, drugs, mental health, support, relationships, dating, recovery, sobriety, balance, activities, community, support, dating, relationships, self-care, connection
Arch Wright, a former US ski team racer and recovery advocate, shares his journey of addiction, recovery, and becoming a therapist. He discusses his experience with substance abuse, the impact it had on his ski racing career, and his path to sobriety. Arch emphasizes the importance of emotional sobriety and recovery from unresolved trauma. He also highlights the significance of connection, community, and spirituality in the healing process. The conversation touches on topics such as the 12-step program, trauma, shame, fear of abandonment, and the cutting edge of therapy and addiction treatment. In this conversation, Arch Wright and Austin Becker discuss the importance of emotional sobriety and the role of trauma in addiction and recovery. They explore the connection between addiction and various forms of trauma, such as emotional neglect and pressure to perform. They also touch on the illusion of control and the need to let go and trust in the process of recovery. The conversation emphasizes the ongoing nature of recovery and the constant learning and growth that comes with it.
addiction, recovery, ski racing, sobriety, emotional sobriety, trauma, connection, community, spirituality, 12-step program, shame, fear of abandonment, therapy, addiction treatment, emotional sobriety, trauma, addiction, recovery, illusion of control, letting go, trust, learning, growth
Addiction is an intimacy disorder that stems from unhealed shame and fear of abandonment.
Connection and community play a crucial role in recovery and healing.
Emotional sobriety and spiritual awakening are essential aspects of the recovery journey.
Trauma, both overt and subtle, can have a profound impact on a person's life and contribute to addiction and mental health issues.
The 12-step program provides a framework for healing and finding a higher power.
The cutting edge of therapy and addiction treatment involves understanding neurobiology, attachment theory, and the importance of connection.
Complex PTSD is a diagnosis that addresses the impact of trauma on mental and emotional well-being.
Recovery is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, healing, and building healthy relationships. Emotional sobriety is a crucial aspect of recovery, and it involves being present, connected, and in touch with one's emotions.
Trauma, both big T and little t, plays a significant role in addiction and can manifest in various forms, such as emotional neglect and pressure to perform.
Recovery is an ongoing process that requires constant learning and growth. It is important to let go of the illusion of control and trust in the journey.
Freedom and psychic expansion are available in recovery, and it is essential to embrace the idea that there is always more freedom to be experienced.
Recovery is not just about abstaining from substances or addictive behaviors; it is about developing a deeper sense of self, connecting with others, and finding meaning and purpose in life.
