276: Bi-Polar with Cory Richards
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276: Bi-Polar with Cory Richards
Episode 276: Show Notes
In this episode of The Light Watkins Show, adventure photographer and storyteller Cory Richards takes us on a journey through his extraordinary life—one filled with raw honesty, unexpected pivots, and hard-earned wisdom. From a childhood marked by undiagnosed bipolar disorder and turbulent family dynamics to living in abandoned buildings and dropping out of school, Cory's path was anything but conventional.
But it was that unconventional journey that led him to some of the highest peaks in the world—both figuratively and literally. After borrowing a simple point-and-shoot camera, Cory discovered a passion for photography that would eventually land him on assignment with National Geographic, capturing some of the most remote and treacherous landscapes on the planet. He became one of the most sought-after adventure photographers in the world, climbing Everest twice and documenting human resilience in extreme conditions.
Yet, despite the accolades and success, Cory made a shocking decision: he walked away. In the middle of an expedition, at the peak of his career, he left. Not just the climb, but the entire identity he had built as a photographer and mountaineer. In this deeply introspective conversation, Cory opens up about why he chose to step away, how he navigated personal demons, and what it means to truly listen to your inner voice.
We discuss the tension between passion and burnout, the struggle of defining oneself beyond external validation, and the courage it takes to let go of a version of yourself that no longer serves you. Cory also shares insights into storytelling, the power of imagery, and how his life experiences shaped the way he sees the world—both through a camera lens and beyond it.
If you've ever felt trapped by success, struggled with mental health, or wondered when it's time to walk away from something you've outgrown, this episode will resonate deeply. Cory's story is a testament to the beauty of exploration—not just of the world, but of oneself.
Tune in for a candid, unfiltered, and inspiring conversation about what it truly means to embrace change, redefine purpose, and find meaning in the unknown.
Key Points From This Episode:
A Tumultuous Childhood: Cory opens up about growing up with undiagnosed bipolar disorder and the impact of his family’s struggles.
Hitting Rock Bottom: From dropping out of school to living in abandoned buildings, Cory shares how he found himself at his lowest.
Discovering Photography by Accident: How a simple point-and-shoot camera changed the trajectory of his life.
From the Streets to National Geographic: The journey from homelessness to becoming one of the most sought-after adventure photographers.
Climbing Everest—Twice: What it took to summit the world's tallest mountain and the unexpected lessons from the journey.
Surviving an Avalanche: A near-death experience that changed his perspective on risk and mortality.
The Dark Side of Success: Cory speaks on the hidden costs of his career, including burnout and identity struggles.
Walking Away at the Peak: Why he chose to leave his career as a photographer and the emotional turmoil behind that decision.
Reinventing Himself: How he’s learning to embrace uncertainty and redefine his purpose beyond external validation.
The Art of Storytelling: Insights into the power of imagery and how experiences shape the way we see the world.
Mental Health and Healing: Cory shares his journey with therapy, self-discovery, and learning to manage his bipolar disorder.
Lessons in Letting Go: Why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is to release what no longer serves you
Quotes:
"We tend to think of ‘lost’ as a negative, but what if it’s just a prerequisite for discovery?" — Cory Richards
"Gratitude isn’t about what you have. It’s about how deeply you’re willing to see what’s already there." — Cory Richards
"We celebrate people who take leaps of faith, but sometimes the bravest thing is simply standing still." — Cory Richards
"Surviving an avalanche didn’t wake me up. It just gave me a louder alarm clock for a life I was already drowning in." — Cory Richards
"I spent years running from my own mind, only to realize the real adventure was learning to sit still with it." — Cory Richards