Falling Off The Floor

Falling Off The Floor Podcast

Adventure junkies, listen up! Falling off the Floor is your passport to the outdoors, with a side of introspective chats about addiction, mental health, and figuring out what comes after major life changes. We'll talk gear, travel tips, hilarious banter, recovery, the ski industry, the outdoor industry, creative media, and finding the courage to get back on the saddle and handle anything life throws your way!

  1. How Losing My Sight Led Me to Create Award-Winning Films and Find My Voice with Lee Pugsley

    18. Juni

    How Losing My Sight Led Me to Create Award-Winning Films and Find My Voice with Lee Pugsley

    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 IdahoHis journey with glaucoma and the impact on his artistic pursuitsOvercoming mental health challenges including depression, suicidal ideation, and self-harmEmbracing disability and finding empowerment through resources and self-acceptanceHis filmmaking journey: from short films to festival recognition and upcoming projectsThe importance of community, shared experiences, and storytelling in healing and connectionThe evolving industry landscape, including the role of AI and authenticity in filmAudio Description by Lee Pugsley Winter Park Film FestivalEaster 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 Idaho02:13 - Discovering a passion for animation and theater03:08 - Facing glaucoma and declining vision in college04:07 - Moving to LA and overcoming early career setbacks05:04 - Winning at the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge06:25 - The significance of audio description and advocacy07:15 - Navigating mental health: identity, vulnerability, and perseverance08:03 - Growing up in Idaho with traditional gender norms09:26 - Bottling emotions and the protective role of helping others10:48 - College struggles and the emotional toll of vision loss12:25 - Overdose episodes and the journey toward seeking help13:51 - Self-harm as a coping mechanism and the importance of support17:43 - Finding confidence and purpose in Hollywood filmmaking20:08 - Embracing visual impairment and breaking stigma22:01 - Building self-worth and the power of confidence23:28 - Creating impactful films that speak to accessibility and authenticity27:41 - Upcoming projects: new films and the evolving story29:09 - The creative process behind future projects31:46 - The role of film festivals and shared experiences in community building36:03 - The importance of cinemas and live storytelling in a digital age38:00 - Celebrating cultural icons and personal passions39:23 - Lee’s advice on mental health resilience: acceptance, rhythms, and community41:49 - 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.

    43 Min.
  2. 12. März

    The Unexpected Power of Authenticity in Ski Culture and Business Success with Ski Town All Stars Founder, Chris Bivona

    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 businessThe importance of authenticity in content creation and brand partnershipsHow sobriety and mental health advocacy are reshaping mountain town cultureProviding personalized, exceptional customer service in the ski industryBuilding a loyal community through storytelling and genuine connectionsThe impact of social media in shaping ski culture and business growthNavigating industry challenges: competition, authenticity, and brand loyaltyThe significance of supporting small brands and staying true to your valuesTimestamps: 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

    46 Min.
  3. From Addiction to Empowerment: Stevie Mayer's Journey

    12. Feb.

    From Addiction to Empowerment: Stevie Mayer's Journey

    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

    51 Min.
  4. Breaking the Boys Club in Skiing with Lizzie Shilko

    28.11.2025

    Breaking the Boys Club in Skiing with Lizzie Shilko

    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! Black Friday Deals are LIVE in the FOTF store: https://www.fallingoffthefloor.com/store Protect your noggin', and upgrade that old helmet: https://revigear.com/ 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

    57 Min.

Info

Adventure junkies, listen up! Falling off the Floor is your passport to the outdoors, with a side of introspective chats about addiction, mental health, and figuring out what comes after major life changes. We'll talk gear, travel tips, hilarious banter, recovery, the ski industry, the outdoor industry, creative media, and finding the courage to get back on the saddle and handle anything life throws your way!