We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Becker and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Austin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
For a long time, I focused heavily on traditional success: school, career, and supporting others’ dreams (often as an employee). My health and well-being came second. But life is short – the average American lifespan is 77.5 years. That realization prompted a shift. I stopped simply trading time for money and embraced “working smarter.” The result? A surge of happiness.
We’re often told the path to success is linear: excel in school, land a secure job, contribute to someone else’s vision, and endure a typical workweek for limited vacation time.
But what if there’s another way?
If you have dreams, pursue them actively. Don’t settle for building someone else’s empire from a cubicle. Don’t wait for a distant “retirement” to finally enjoy life.
Embrace the present. Savor each day – we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. Do you really want your final act to be within the walls of an office?
Of course, hard work is important. But find a balance. Make time for the things that bring you joy. Design a life that feels fulfilling, not just successful.
This is your time. Live it on your terms.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As mentioned, I have a littered past, and I realized that my past is not something to dwell on and be secretive about. I decided to lean into it and use my story to help and inspire others. Following my ski injury, I never thought it would be possible to get back into the world of skiing, let alone get to the point I am at today. I spend my winters traveling, filming ski content, and working with brands from around the globe. I am an athlete for Majesty Skis, Zeal Optics, Stio, Akova Gear, Look Bindings, Dahu Ski Boots, Pret Helmets, and Poseidon Bikes. It is a dream come true following an injury that I thought had ended my career. When I am not skiing, I am the host of the Falling Off the Floor Podcast and am the Co-Founder & Creative Director at Mtn. Born Media. We take an against-the-grain approach to content creation. We lean into creativity over “trendy” and found our niche creating content for brands and individuals within the outdoor industry. If you think our creative agency goes against the grain, take a listen to our podcast. I’ve found that honesty, being unapologetically myself, and telling my raw story have given our listeners inspiration, hope, and understanding that you can get past anything life throws at you. I highlight outdoor industry professionals, Olympians, mental health professionals, substance use disorder experts, and much more. The content we as a society receive daily is tailored to fit a certain mold, and it’s a mold I will never fall into. My success has come from being me, unapologetically me, whether you like it or not.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Denver, and love talking about it even more!
Favorite food spots: El Five (incredible and authentic Spanish/Mediterranean tapas. Book early, its a hot spot), Kikes Red Tacos for the best Mexican food in the city, Daughter Thai for the most scrumptious Thai dishes, and Little Man’s Ice Cream in the Highlands (the line is long, but it’s so worth it and the line is entertaining on warm summer evenings)
Outdoor Activities: Hiking/Climbing at Eldorado Canyon State Park, Mountain/Gravel Biking on Green Mountain in Golden, take a float down Clear Creek, and grab some incredible Nepalese food at Serpa House after the float.
If you want to jump out of the city and get to the mountains for skiing, hop on the train from Union Station to Winter Park and enjoy breathtaking views on your way to the mountains without the hassle of driving!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Joseph “Woody” Hayward. This is the man who saved my life and gave me everything. March 22nd, 2016 was a day that changed my life forever. A routine ski day in Park City, UT, landed me at the University of Utah Trauma Unit where I found out I had several broken vertebrae in my spine, and I began thinking the worst. Skiing will never be the same, walking will never be the same, and I will never be the same. This was also where I was introduced to opiate painkillers which took a grip on my life in ways you can only imagine. Years of addiction and heartache led me to Woody’s office in Portland, ME at a program called Foundation House. Woody taught me how to live again. Woody pushed me to pursue my passions in creative media and skiing. He gave me a will to live, and I am beyond grateful for everything he did for me.
That is not all. There have been many people who have shaped who I am and given me the building blocks to jump-start my entrepreneurial journey. My parents, Brad and Celia Becker instilled a strong work ethic in me from a young age. My oldest brother Nathan has been the biggest inspiration, mentor, and best friend I could ever ask for. Nathan is the Co-Founder/CEO of a major international PR agency, NJI Media. His insight, mentorship, and inspiration have given me the firepower and courage to take on anything life throws at me and I am incredibly grateful for his unconditional love and support throughout my journey.
Website: https://www.mtnbornmedia.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskierguy/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-becker-5b9449111/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/austin.becker27/
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fallingoffthefloorpodcast?si=fktSKCMDoDSLwrGI
Other: Falling Off The Floor Podcast:
(Spotify): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/falling-off-the-floor-pod
(Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/falling-off-the-floor/id1722373943
(Youtube): https://youtube.com/@fallingoffthefloorpodcast?si=fktSKCMDoDSLwrGI
Image Credits
Mtn. Born Media
Kristen Emily Law Photographer