Acceptance, developing confidence and skiing the world with Michael Whipps.

Michael Whipps left Australia as a naive teenager and travelled the world skiing and learning to accept how life is. By looking at life a little differently he has gone on to create a unique business in designing and sculpting firepits.

About Michael

Michael Whipps describes himself as a 16 year old trapped in a 42 year old body. Michael is a multi-passionate individual who set out to see the world as a naive teenager. By following his passion for skiing and snowboarding he opened his mind to discover so many different places around the world. He fostered relationships and broadened his mindset to approach life from a unique perspective.

Michael first travelled overseas in 1998 when he was 20. He went to Japan for a snow season back when there were very few Aussies there. At this time Michael couldn't speak Japanese and was thrown in the deep end. That started a ten year run of international snow seasons in Japan, Canada, France and America.

Michael has now created a unique metal sculpting business in Mount Beauty, Australia. Together with his wife, he crafts custom hand-cut firepits, furniture and art from concrete, steel and timber He hosts two podcasts. The Metal Sculpture Show and the Classic Pickup Podcast.

“Everyone has their own little story and it’s great to share them.”

— Michael Whipps

In the episode...

How Michael discovered he wanted to travel.
The story about his first trip to Japan (via Ayers Rock/Uluru) of all places.
The moment he realised how important it was to be open to other cultures and start learning their language.
How he found a job in a place where he didn’t speak the local language and knew no one.
Experiencing Niseko in the early days when there were only around 11 other foreigners at the resort.
Being in Whistler during the millennium 1999-2000.
How being naive then lead Michael to France.
Learning about acceptance through his travels.
Michaels 180 mindset shift when he returned to Ayers Rock.
Michaels biggest tip for travellers going to a place with a foreign language.
How Michael believes you build confidence.
The unique metal sculpting business Michael and his wife Rachel set up.

Why Michael continues to seek out travels and adventures…exploring his own backyard and the beautiful places in Australia.

“You have got to accept people for who they are and what they are. If someone has a disability you don’t look at them like they have a disability it’s just that they have got to do things a bit different.”

— Michael Whipps