Sponsored, Episode 3: Andy Mahre

On this special episode of the "Sponsored" podcast, presented by Powder Radio, host Mike Powell interviews Andy Mahre—who, alongside Seth Morrison, was recently let go from longtime sponsor K2. This summer, Mahre also had a baby with his new wife, Shannon, and he speaks openly about the context of K2's decision for both himself and the company. "The timing right now is not ideal," says Mahre, "but it is what it is."

K2 has a history of letting go of legendary skiers, including Glen Plake, not to mention Andy's father and uncle, Steve and Phil Mahre, two of the best American ski racers of all time. Still, Andy Mahre handles the situation with grace and an understanding that, even if the brand felt like family, it's still just business

Mahre also talks about skiing the national parks with POWDER's Monumental project. He is also candid about fatherhood. "It makes you feel like a real man... you're a real man doing cool stuff in the mountains, but create this new life and watch it grow and learn, it's pretty amazing," he says.