Episodes

  • Uncle E: The Voice Behind Skiing's Evolution | A story of resiliency and growth
    Dec 12 2025

    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


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

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Healing Through Nature: Becca Headley's Story of Triumph
    Dec 5 2025

    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/

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    52 mins
  • Breaking the Boys Club in Skiing with Lizzie Shilko
    Nov 28 2025

    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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    Protect your noggin', and upgrade that old helmet:

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    https://www.instagram.com/revigear/


    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





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    57 mins
  • Mindset shifts can lead to significant life changes with Justin Krompier
    Nov 21 2025

    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:

    https://www.mtnbornmedia.com/


    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


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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Resiliency Redefined: Turning Challenges into Opportunities with Noelle Jean Seward
    Oct 30 2025

    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




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    53 mins
  • From Grassroots to Great Heights: The SheJumps Story with Claire Smallwood
    Oct 23 2025

    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


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    48 mins
  • Preparing Your Body For Ski Season with "The Ski PT"
    Oct 17 2025

    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




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    57 mins
  • 42. From Navy Officer to Nomad: How a Former Officer Found Purpose Through Travel & Self-Discovery with Sydney Brandon
    Sep 4 2025

    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

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    1 hr and 19 mins