First Things THRST E112 - Become Mentally Strong & Train Your Mind To Overcome Anything | Cory Richards
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Oct 16, 2025 
Cory Richards, a National Geographic photographer and professional climber turned author, opens up about his journey of overcoming mental health challenges after leaving the mountains. He discusses the importance of rewriting your life story and how media consumption can impact happiness. Cory shares insights on bipolar disorder, emphasizing it as a behavior pattern rather than a deficit. He also explores self-sourcing love, the healing potential of psychedelics, and the role of compassion in defining purpose. His candidness about vulnerability sparks powerful discussions on identity and connection.
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Visualizing Death Broke His Nervous System
- While training for a new Everest route, Cory constantly visualized dying and that chronic proximity-to-mortality broke his nervous system. The stress forced him to change careers and lifestyle.
Ketamine As A Hard Reset For Depression
- Cory used ketamine IV therapy during a deep mixed episode and described it as a 'hard reset' that re-lit neural pathways and restored gratitude. Two days after treatment he felt markedly different and continued exploring psychedelics carefully.
Summarize Purpose With One Word
- Define your purpose in one word and list your values to guide decisions and live with integrity. Use that single-word compass to align actions toward fulfillment over chasing happiness alone.
