E113: The Color of Everything: Quieting the Mind for Mental Wellness with Cory Richards

Happy, happy Thanksgiving Week! 🦃

I just had the best conversation with Cory Richards, renowned National Geographic photographer, mental health advocate, and professional climber on Episode 113 of the Opportunity Knocks Podcast 🎧

As I sit here sharing this episode, I just have to share that I’m constantly blown away with gratitude for the opportunities I have to meet amazing people like Cory—who transform and inspire the lives they touch (very possibly without them knowing it). 

From the day we met, I knew we had a kindred connection, and I am so excited to share that here with you today. 🌟

Here’s a little bit about the episode ❣️

After being the first and only American to climb the 8000m Gasherbrum II in Pakistan, Cory soon received the designation of National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in recognition for his documentation and photography work on his summit. This eventually led to him summiting Mount Everest with his partner, Adrian Ballinger. ⛰️

These accomplishments are just the tip of the iceberg, however. Cory is a mental health advocate that has been breaking barriers and starting conversations for thousands around the world, prompted by his bipolar diagnosis at 14 to the recent release of his new book: The Color of Everything: A Journey to Quiet the Chaos Within. 📖

 Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14, Cory has navigated the challenges and triumphs of hypomania while building a career that reflects his passion for authenticity and curiosity. He cuts to the core of the toughest mental health discussions we’re facing to date, detailing his experience as he broke free from the “brokenness” he felt at the time of diagnosis. 🧠

Cory has discovered that the diagnosis is just the start of the journey, rather than its endpoint. Rather than live in that definition of our bodily “data,” he believes that we can learn to thrive and rise above it—finding supportive tools and inspiration of our own making on our individual journeys…and that we can become better people as a result. 💪

Our conversation touched on several other powerful topics and questions, including: 

💡 The cultural patterns that could be limiting our views about the potential to thrive in the aftermath of a mental diagnosis 
🛑 The dangers and opportunities that come from black-and-white thinking—and the freedom that comes from going deeper into “shades of gray.” 
🌍The satisfaction that comes from a quiet rebellion of NOT chasing “more,” across contexts 
👏 The power of experiential learning and of reframing personal contexts and stories 
💗 The fact that we simply are enough, as we are—and the power that comes from holding this belief as a core value in our lives
…and much, much more. 🔎

Cory’s can’t-miss reflections on living authentically, breaking free from your limitations, and mental health are now available and LIVE on Episode 113 of Opportunity Knocks—now streaming! 🎙️