In this episode of What’s the Rusch, Rebecca sits down with world-renowned photographer, adventurer, mental health advocate, and storyteller Cory Richards for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, identity, and the power of letting go.

Cory has been on the highest peaks in the world and captured some of the most breathtaking images. But his greatest expedition has been the journey within. From surviving an avalanche to navigating childhood trauma, bipolar disorder, and personal loss, Cory has spent his life confronting the depths of the human experience and outlines them in his stunning book, The Color of Everything.

Together, we discuss the difference between survival and true resilience, why crisis can be the greatest catalyst for transformation, and how leaning into discomfort often leads to the biggest breakthroughs. Cory opens up about identity shifts, the weight of expectations, and redefining his purpose. This conversation is an invitation to examine the stories we tell ourselves, to strip away the labels that no longer serve us, and to embrace the messy, beautiful process of becoming.

Transformative Insights

1. True resilience comes from releasing instead of holding on
2. Crisis as a catalyst for growth
3. The difference between survival and resilience
4. Defining purpose internally versus externally

1. Cory opens up about his lifelong journey with mental health, including his bipolar diagnosis and childhood struggles.
2. He shares the emotional toll of recently losing his father and navigating identity shifts
3. Cory discusses the importance of the intentional community he has built and the deep gratitude he feels for those people.

1. Leaning into curiosity as a directional tool
2. Reframing trauma as a teacher
3. Embracing and cultivating the power of community
4. The practice of Imago therapy in communication and relationship
5. Daily acts of giving and kindness

1. Cory’s evolving identity and current purpose: to connect people to themselves
2. Cory’s journey of learning to trust, rather than thrust, his way forward.
3. Letting go of old survival scripts and developing new resilience tools
4. Viewing pain and hardship with gratitude for their lessons
5. Roadmap for resilience: agency, endurance, curiosity, and adaptation

CORY RICHARDS Website

"The Color of Everything" - by Cory Richards

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Rebecca Rusch

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