Only Friends on a Pow Day

In this episode, we sit down with Coen Bennie-Faull - freeride skier, coach, and founder of a next-generation freeride program.Coen shares his journey from a non-skiing family in Melbourne to building an international career in skiing, including: Early exposure to skiing and progression through Hotham  Seasons spent chasing snow across Canada, Japan, and Europe  The impact of skiing in Jackson Hole and stepping into big mountain terrain  The role of mentorship and community in accelerating progression  The evolution of freeride skiing in Australia  Building a pathway for young athletes to compete globally This is an honest and insightful conversation about passion, risk, and building a career outside traditional pathways.#onlyfriendsonapowday #freeski #freeride #australianskiing #jacksonhole #skiinglife #snowlife #mountainculture #skiaustralia #skicoach #nextgeneration #powderday #sendit #skiingcommunitySupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

Olympian Valentino Guseli joins Only Friends on a Pow Day to unpack one of the most talked-about moments of the Winter Olympics.From a last-minute entry into Big Air, to stomping a switch back 19 and going viral, Val shares the full story behind the chaos, pressure and decisions that defined his Olympic campaign.We dive into: The reality of competing at Olympic level The mindset behind risking it all vs playing it safe Injury, recovery and mental battles Halfpipe progression and the future of the sport Life outside competition: surfing, balance and longevityPlus, insights into sponsorships, filming with Meta glasses, and building a career beyond the podium.This is raw, real, and one of the most honest conversations in snowboarding right now. #snowboarding #olympics #valentinoguseli #bigair #halfpipe #wintersports #australianathlete #actionsports #podcast #torquay #surfandsnow #sendit #athletemindset #highperformance #viralSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

Season 2 of Only Friends on a Pow Day begins with a deep dive into how X Games performance sets the tone for Olympic success.Austin & Lachy break down the athletes, events, and storylines shaping the road to the Winter Olympics — from Scotty James’ legacy run to the next generation of Aussie and Kiwi talent making waves across snowboarding and freestyle skiing.This episode explores the real systems behind elite winter sport: funding, sponsorship, performance pathways, and the pressure of peaking when it matters most.❄️ Winter Olympics Series — New episodes incoming🎧 Stay frothy#WinterOlympics #XGames #Snowboarding #FreestyleSkiing #SnowCulture #OnlyFriendsOnAPowDaySupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

This week we sit down with Imi Scott, the designer and founder behind Pimp My Poles — the custom ski-pole wrap brand changing the look, feel, and fun of the snow industry.What started as a spontaneous leopard-print bike wrap has become a global side-hustle-turned-business, now seen on mountains across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and beyond. Imi joins Austin live from the trade show to talk creativity, building a brand with personality, and why ski poles deserve as much style as jackets and skis.We get into: 🎿 How Pimp My Poles started (by total accident) ✨ Sustainability + giving scratched poles a second life 🔥 Wrapping poles at après parties (yes, really) 👀 Disability-friendly cane wraps 🤝 Collabs with Nobody’s Princess + future artist projects 🌏 Going global: Whistler, NZ, Japan, Europe 😂 Trade show chaos, TikTok fame, and the “Fairy Pole Mother” energyIt’s equal parts founder story, snow culture, and pure creativity — with plenty of laughs and ski-bum honesty along the way.If you love skiing, design, or people building fun things from scratch… this one is an instant favourite.#pimpmypoles #skiseason #australiansnow #snowpodcast #skiaustralia #customgear #sustainablegear #snowsportslife #womeninsnowsports #apresski #snowculture #fallscreek #hotham #perisher #queenstownnz #whistlerblackcomb #snowmachine #skiinglife #leopardprintlife #skiindustry #snowcommunity #mountainsarecalling #wintervibes #aussieskiers #snowvibes #snowcrew #skifashion #onlyfriendsonapowday #poldaddy #fairypolemotherSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

From a lost wallet in Hawaii to a global lifestyle brand — Thread Wallets joins Austin live from the Snow Sports Industry Tradeshow to share one of the best founder stories you’ve ever heard.Austin chats with Trevor and Mark from Thread Wallets, diving into how a simple elastic wallet inspired by surf culture grew into a worldwide accessories brand stocked in surf, skate, snow, and boutique stores around the globe.This episode covers: • The Hawaii moment that sparked the brand 🌊 • Turning minimalism into expression through colour + design • Collabs with The North Face, Brixton & Cotopaxi • Entering the Australian market for the first time 🇦🇺 • Why quality + intention + culture build the strongest brands • And… the great “fanny pack” vs “bum bag” cultural revelation 👀A feel-good, high-energy conversation about creativity, business, and building something meaningful.🎧 Listen now and meet Thread Wallets — the brand built on simplicity, expression and a whole lot of love.#onlyfriendsonapowday #threadwallets #lifestylebrand #brandstory #surfskatesnow #australiansnow #skiindustry #snowindustryaustralia #wallets #outdoorstyle #brandbuilding #globalbrand #entrepreneurlife #australianpodcast #powdayvibesSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

From rental shop to marketing boss — Lachy Keevers has done it all.Live from the Snow Sports Industry Tradeshow, Austin and Matty sit down with long-time mate and XTM Marketing Manager Lachy Keevers to unpack his 20-year career in snow, from Falls Creek beginnings to managing Olympians with Oakley and leading one of Australia’s biggest winter brands.🎙️ Recorded on-site at SIA Tradeshow 2025, this episode dives into: • Lachy’s 20+ seasons and how he turned passion into a career • The evolution of the Aussie snow industry — and the comeback post-COVID • From Oakley goggles to Olympic glory — managing athletes like Scotty James • Why mateship and community keep this industry alive • Plus, concussions, golf simulators, and a lot of laughs🎧 Listen now, leave a review, and back your local snow legendsSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

Australian ski royalty meets pub-story gold. Steve Lee and Pete Forras join Austin and Matty for an unfiltered deep dive into World Cup glory, near-death powder days, and how XTM and ROJO shaped the snow scene from Falls Creek to Japan.Recorded live at the SIA Australia Tradeshow, Episode 17 of Only Friends on a Pow Day celebrates the legacy of Australian skiing legends Steve Lee and Pete Forras — two mates whose friendship carved the path for generations of snow lovers.From racing in Europe and jumping the infamous Camel Humps in Val Gardena, to launching ROJO, XTM, and mentoring the next wave of Aussie skiers, this is a masterclass in grit, guts, and good humour.💥 Highlights include:Steve’s wild World Cup memories — and the day he defied his coach and jumped the Camels.Pete’s transition from Olympian to building one of Australia’s biggest snow brandsHow ROJO and XTM became household namesLegendary Japan powder missions, darts in Verbier, and that one tow-surf gone wrong at BellsAn unforgettable yarn about courage, mateship, and the golden era of Aussie snow.🎧 Subscribe & follow the stoke: https://www.youtube.com/@OnlyFriendsonaPowDay#OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #SteveLee #PeteForras #XTMPerformance #ROJOOuterwear #SkiAustralia #FallsCreek #HakubaJapan #SkiLegends #SnowIndustry #SIAAustralia #SkiCulture #PowDayPodcastSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

In Episode 16 of Only Friends on a Pow Day, recorded live at the SIA Australia Tradeshow in Canberra, Austin sits down with Liv, Morgs, and Sophie — three women who’ve carved out inspiring careers in snow sports.From Rhythm Japan roots to repping brands like Nitro, Blacklight Distribution, and Smith, plus leading retail at Perisher and beyond, these women share the highs, challenges, and lessons from the snow industry.We cover:🎿 Sophie’s path from housekeeping to Rep of the Year for Nitro🏔️ Morgs’ journey from Hotham retail to leading with Vale/Perisher🌊 Liv’s shift from surf to snow, running Rhythm guest services, and now Smith Optics💪 Female leadership, representation, and building careers in snow sports🍜 Trade show chaos, ramen dinners, and what keeps the froth aliveA celebration of women in snow, culture, and community — with plenty of laughs and trade show energy.🎧 Full episode → https://www.onlyfriendsonapowday.com.au/episodes/ep16🔥 Subscribe → https://www.youtube.com/@UCssIXwWwt9e_wVsj5UOZNfQ Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

Recorded live at the SIA Tradeshow in Canberra, Only Friends on a Pow Day sits down with Tommy “Tomba” Costa — Falls Creek local, mogul competitor, freestyle pioneer, and Niseko guide to Shaun White, Tanner Hall, and some of the biggest names in skiing.From cork 3s to iconic film segments, gear talk (K2 Reckoners, Pettitors), and decades of influence on Australian and Japanese ski culture, Tomba’s story is raw, inspiring, and hilarious.👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube & moreSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

In Episode 14 of Only Friends on a Pow Day, Austin sits down with Clayton Kernaghan - Canadian shredder, founder of Black Diamond Lodge, and one of Hokkaido’s most respected guides.Clayton shares:His early days arriving in Japan during the snowboard boom 🌊Building Black Diamond Lodge and guiding the world’s best pros 🎿The rise of heli & cat skiing in Niseko 🚁Why Japan’s real estate market feels more like crypto 💰How Niseko shifted from powder chasers to status seekers 📸The future of ski culture in Japan and beyond 🌏Clayton takes us deep into the history of Niseko, starting with his first trip in the mid-90s when snowboarding exploded in Japan. He shares how he built Black Diamond Lodge, grew a guiding business that attracted the world’s best pros, and eventually pioneered heli and cat-skiing operations in Hokkaido.But Clayton isn’t just here for nostalgia. He’s brutally honest about the real estate chaos gripping Niseko - where agents legally flip properties within a day, driving prices through the roof and reshaping local culture. From wild bubble years to today’s luxury-focused scene, Clayton explains how Niseko has changed and what that means for staff, locals, and visiting riders.This is an episode about snow, business, culture, and the fine line between progress and profiteering. Whether you’re a powder hound, a snow industry insider, or just curious about Japan’s ski boom, this one’s for you.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment & subscribe for more ski stories!Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

In this episode of Only Friends on a Pow Day, Austin sits down with New Zealand snowboard royalty, Will Jackways. From humble beginnings in Wanaka to competing on the world stage, Will shares his journey through competition, sponsorship, film trips, and the deep love that kept pulling him back to Japan.They dive into:Growing up in Wanaka and swapping rugby for snowboardingCompeting at Junior Worlds and the transition from comps to filmingLife as a sponsored athlete with Volcom and BurtonMemorable film trips to Alaska, Europe, Japan, and beyondThe personal side — coping with the loss of his sister Francie, and finding balance in family, work, and snowboarding todayWill’s story is one of passion, resilience, and carving a life true to the mountains.Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

From Falls Creek lifty to founding one of the world’s most iconic ski brands, Tony McWilliam’s story is the definition of resilience and creativity in action.In this ep, Austin and Matty sit down with Tony - founder of Faction Skis, Ghost Apparel, now director of Forward Apparel and Candide Skis - to talk about:Starting a ski company in Switzerland with no permits or business trainingThe rise (and hard lessons) of Faction SkisWhy resilience, community, and luck matter in building a brandThe realities of VC money, debt, and growth in outdoor industriesThe future of Candide Skis, Forward Apparel, and snow sports globallyIt’s raw, honest, and essential listening for anyone who loves skiing, branding, or just a good underdog story.#OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #SkiPodcast #FactionSkis #CandideSkis #ForwardApparel #SnowSportsIndustry #SkiCulture #PowderDaySupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

From dry slopes in the UK to ski bumming in Canada and tuning thousands of skis in Japan, Josh and Sassy have done it all. These two legends embody what it means to be core lords - shredding pow by day, tuning skis by night, and living their best lives in Niseko.In this ep, Austin dives into:How Sassy became Rhythm Japan’s workshop weaponJosh’s journey from freestyle rails to running the boot gameLife lessons from COVID powder daysTouring, microclimates, and chasing Hokkaido’s endless powWhisky-fueled mornings, sellotape pranks, and why they’ll never buy a season pass againWhether you’re a gear nerd, powder fiend, or just love a good whisky-fueled yarn, this one is pure mountain gold.#OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #SkiPodcast #Snowboarding #SkiingJapan #PowderDay #BackcountryLife #Niseko #Hakuba #SkiTuning #SkiCultureSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

Olympian. 2x World Champion. X Games gold medallist. Filmmaker. Backcountry skier. Mentor. Mum. Anna Segal has done it all – and she’s still charging.In this episode of Only Friends on a Pow Day, Anna joins us to talk: 🏔 From comp highs to backcountry adventures 🎥 The 3-year journey of Finding The Line (and how Red Bull saved the day) ⚖️ Why women’s skiing still needs change 🎿 K2 Mindbenders, mount points, and gear hacks 🌍 Life in Pemberton, BCWhether you’re here for the ski inspo, the behind-the-scenes film stories, or the gear talk – this one’s packed with gold.🎧 Listen now and watch the full episode on YouTube#OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #AnnaSegal #SkiPodcast #SkiLife #BackcountrySkiing #WomenWhoSki #FindingTheLine #SnowAustralia #PowCast #SkiAdventure #FreshFrothyAndConsistentSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

In this soul-fueled Episode 9, we sit down again with Liam Glass - surfboard shaper, backcountry frother, and all-round board culture tragic - to dig a little deeper into what drives his connection to boards, snow, and surf.From his roots in Ulladulla in a family of surfboard shapers, to shaping snowboards in Japan and chasing 100+ days a year in both snow and surf, Liam’s passion for the craft is palpable.We talk: 🌊 Surf-inspired snowboard shapes 🏔️ Splitboarding the Aussie Alps 🗻 AST training & guiding in Japan, NZ, and Canada 🧠 Risk, reflection, and staying frothy in the mountains 🎬 His dream to make a film on shapers + ridersOne for the dreamers, riders, and soul sliders.🎧 Listen now and stay frothy.#OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #SnowPodcast #LiamGlass #BackcountrySnowboarding #SurfboardShaping #Splitboarding #BoardCulture #TorquayToHakuba #FrothCultureSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

From hand-painted headbands in the ‘80s to a global snowwear legacy, ROJO has redefined what it means to be bold, female-led and fiercely independent. In this episode, we chat with Jassie Salveson about growing up inside a snow dynasty, her powerhouse mum Jo (yes, that Jo), and the behind-the-scenes hustle it takes to run a family brand with purpose.We cover: Dopamine dressing and the retro snowwear comeback ROJO’s sustainability goals without the greenwashing fluff Supporting women in the snow industry Real talk on pressure, perception and proving yourself Dream collabs, underrated gear and… turtles?🎙️ Recorded in our garage in Torquay 🎧 Listen now – Apple, Spotify, YouTube & more. 🌐 onlyfriendsonapowday.com.au#OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #ROJOOuterwear #TorquayLocals #WomenInSnow #SnowIndustry #RetroSnowStyle #SkiFashion #PodcastAustralia #FemaleLed #FamilyBusinessSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of Only Friends on a Pow Day – your go-to podcast for snow culture, unfiltered stories, and the people who make it epic.In this episode, Austin sits down with Hakuba legends Liam and Mikey to dive deep into Japan's backcountry scene. From avalanche safety to the thrill of untouched powder, they share the raw truths of what it’s like to ride off-piste in one of the most dynamic snow destinations on Earth.⛷️ Topics Covered:- Navigating risk in the backcountry- Respecting terrain & snowpack- Mental preparation & safety culture- Community vibes in Hakuba- What Japan does differently🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you get your audio fix.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––🔗 EPISODE LINKS:🎧 LISTEN: https://www.onlyfriendsonapowday.com.au/episodes/ep7  📸 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyfriendsonapowday/  🌐 Visit the website: https://www.onlyfriendsonapowday.com.au–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––🗻 TAG a friend who lives for the backcountry  👍 LIKE if you’ve ever dreamed of Hakuba  📥 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes every week–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––📌 Hashtags:#HakubaBackcountry #JapanSnowboarding #BackcountrySafety #AvalancheAwareness  #PowderCulture #OnlyFriendsOnAPowDay #OFOAPD #SnowboardingPodcast  #FreerideLife #SplitboardingJapan #AdventureCulture #SnowCommunitySupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

Parenting + snow? Chaos, hacks, spew stories, and real advice.In this laugh-filled, practical takeover episode, Elyshia Toner is joined by her longtime friend and fellow ex-seasonaire Kate Buchan, founder of Retreat Yourself. The two snow mums swap hilarious, honest stories of snow trips with kids — covering everything from car snacks and spew-proof hacks to ski school tantrums and packing tips.If you're a parent heading to the snow (or thinking about it), this is your episode.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or your favourite podcast app. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube. 🌨️ Follow for more snow season tips & chaos.Special thanks to @retreatyourself_box 💙Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

When the terrain park didn’t show up at Falls Creek, the locals did.In this episode, Kean Hudon joins Matty and Austin to unpack how one Monday night at The Man turned into a full-blown community movement. From nostalgic memories to mental health and the power of social media, we dive into why terrain parks matter and what happens when the people demand more.This isn’t just about jumps and rails—it’s about identity, culture, and keeping the spirit of Falls alive.🎿 Featuring: Kean Hudon 🎙️ Hosts: Matty, Austin 🏔️ Location: Falls Creek, VIC 📆 Recorded: Winter 2025 🔥 Topics: Terrain parks, community action, snow industry, mental health, nostalgia, Vail Resorts, Australian alpine cultureSupport the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

In this episode, Buff Diss' joins us to explore how snowboarding, street art, and impermanence collide in the most unexpected ways. From Melbourne to Berlin, from powder turns to geometric tape murals - this one is a ride. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, or your fave podcast app. 📍 Show notes + extras: [onlyfriendsonapowday.com]Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

🎧 THIS EP IS JUST ABOUT YOUR HOSTS…Apologies — we thought background was important before we get into our guests… YEWWW!Next ep, guests will feature!Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

This ep is just a explanation of why we here and what the plan is! Please listen in and stay tuned to here our stories coming next to help paint the picture... THEN we start interviewing core lords, entrepreneurs, legends and business owners! Stay frothy and enjoy! YEWWW!Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

This episode kicks off with the story of Elyshia (Lysh) and Austin (Aus) – from where it all began to where the snow has taken them now.🎧 Expect personal stories, mountain memories, and some real talk. We’re stoked you’re here. Let’s go! YEW!Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun! 

Just a taste. What we’re launching, who we are, and the weird/wonderful mix of conversations coming your way.If you like pow days, art, community, and chaos – you're in the right place.Support the showThanks for listening, stay frothy and have fun!