Summary of "From Avalanche to Addiction: Cory Richards on Trauma, Survival, and Rewriting His Life"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dr. Hyman Show
• Host: Dr. Mark Hyman
• Guest: Corey Richards, World-Renowned Photographer, Professional Athlete, Climber, and Bestselling Author
• Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In this profound episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, Dr. Mark Hyman engages in an in-depth conversation with Corey Richards, a celebrated photographer and extreme climber. Corey shares his extraordinary journey of battling internal turmoil while conquering some of the world's most formidable peaks. Their discussion delves into themes of trauma, mental health, survival, and the transformative power of rewriting one's personal narrative.

Corey Richards’ Background and Early Life

Corey Richards opens up about his challenging childhood, marked by violence and instability. Growing up with a brother two years his senior, Corey describes a tumultuous relationship where violence and rage were prevalent. This environment fostered a sense of isolation and internal chaos.

Corey Richards [14:13]: "There was a sense of isolation where I was almost trapped in my own mind and thus engaging with the external world felt difficult."

His struggles led to institutionalization and periods of homelessness during his teenage years, experiences that deeply impacted his mental health and set the stage for his lifelong battle with bipolar disorder and PTSD.

Climbing and External Challenges as Coping Mechanisms

Corey discusses how climbing became a pivotal outlet for managing his internal struggles. Initially, engaging in extreme physical challenges provided him with an anchor and a means to counteract negative self-perceptions developed during adolescence.

Corey Richards [07:27]: "Climbing was very much a way to anchor. And then photography, as a sidecar to it, sort of gave me a voice."

However, he acknowledges that while these external pursuits offered temporary respite, they did not fully resolve his internal turmoil. Over time, the pursuit of extreme achievements became maladaptive, serving more as a distraction than a solution.

Trauma and Mental Health

The conversation shifts to the broader topic of trauma and its pervasive impact on mental health. Corey emphasizes that trauma is not just about the events themselves but the meanings we ascribe to them.

Corey Richards [13:55]: "We reinforce it by telling, oh, this happened to me. This is. And now this is my new story."

He argues that while acknowledging trauma is essential, merely labeling oneself as a victim can perpetuate the stigma and hinder true healing. Instead, Corey advocates for reframing one’s narrative to move beyond victimhood toward empowerment and growth.

The Avalanche Experience

Corey recounts a harrowing experience during a winter ascent of Gasher Brum II in Pakistan, where he and his climbing partners were caught in an avalanche. This life-threatening event exacerbated his existing PTSD and internal struggles, despite the external success of summiting the peak.

Corey Richards [35:23]: "Your mind goes absolutely crazy trying to make sense of what to do, how to make it stop, how to not die."

The avalanche serves as a pivotal moment in Corey’s life, highlighting the complex interplay between external achievements and internal psychological battles.

Rewriting Personal Narrative

In the aftermath of the avalanche, Corey embarked on a journey to rewrite his personal story. Through introspection, writing, and psychedelic therapy, he began to transform his relationship with trauma and self-perception.

Corey Richards [64:29]: "I realized that I could reframe the stories. I could abandon the narratives. I could literally rewrite them on the page."

This process involved moving away from identifying as a victim and instead embracing a narrative of growth and resilience. Corey draws parallels with Viktor Frankl’s philosophy from Man’s Search for Meaning and Nelson Mandela’s compassionate transformation, illustrating the profound impact of agency over one’s narrative.

Strategies for Mental Wellness

Corey shares practical strategies that have helped him maintain mental wellness, emphasizing the importance of consistency and holistic practices:

1. Journaling: He practices "mind dumping" every morning to clear his internal dialogue.

   Corey Richards [53:05]: "It's like having shit, literally shit inside you. Instead of being constipated mentally, you literally get it out."

2. Meditation: Adapted to fit his lifestyle, Corey ensures meditation is accessible and avoids unnecessary rigidity.

3. Community: Engaging in men's groups and building supportive relationships provides accountability and mutual growth.

4. Creativity: Allocating time for creative expression, whether through photography or other means, fosters emotional release and self-expression.

5. Diet and Supplements: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in proteins, vegetables, and managing inflammation through supplements like Vitamin D and Omega-3s supports both physical and mental health.

6. Physical Health: Regular exercise and maintaining physical fitness are integral to his overall well-being.

Corey emphasizes that these pillars not only support mental health but also reinforce a sense of agency, allowing him to respond to life’s challenges proactively rather than reactively.

Corey Richards [57:16]: "Being consistent with things in your life in general creates a foundational sense of stasis because it's reliable agency and not being at the effect of the world, but being in charge of your world agency."

Conclusion

Corey Richards’ story is one of immense struggle and remarkable triumph. Through his experiences, he underscores the importance of agency, the power of reframing personal narratives, and the necessity of integrating mind, body, and community for holistic wellness. His journey from surviving avalanches to overcoming addiction serves as an inspiring testament to the human spirit's resilience and capacity for transformation.

Dr. Mark Hyman concludes the episode by highlighting Corey’s contributions to understanding the intricate connections between trauma, mental health, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to explore Corey’s books and continue their own journeys toward healing and empowerment.

Notable Quotes

• Corey Richards [07:45]: "Survival is reaction-based versus resilience, which is a response."

• Corey Richards [25:15]: "Photography was really a way for me to try to interpret and understand the world that I was moving through."

• Corey Richards [40:28]: "Trauma is not the event itself. It's the mind storing the memory in the hippocampus."

• Corey Richards [57:28]: "Being consistent with things in your life in general creates a foundational sense of stasis because it's reliable agency."

• Corey Richards [68:28]: "In the hermetic teachings... the idea is that every truth is simply a half-truth."

Resources Mentioned

• Books by Corey Richards:

  • Bipolar Photographs from an Unquiet Mind
  • The Color of Everything

• Related Literature:

  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

• Organizations:

  • Corey's membership community: The Hyman Hive
  • Function Health for real-time lab insights

This episode serves as a powerful exploration of how external achievements and internal healing can intersect, offering valuable insights for anyone grappling with their own challenges and seeking pathways to resilience and self-empowerment.