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

Mark Hyman

May 7, 2025

Episode description

Cory Richards has summited Everest without oxygen, survived avalanches, and photographed some of the world’s most remote regions. But his most grueling expeditions didn’t happen on a mountain—they happened within. In this revealing episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, you’ll hear how a life shaped by mental health struggles, institutionalization, and homelessness led Cory to push the limits of endurance—and how those experiences can offer powerful lessons on healing and self-discovery.

We explore:

• Why big achievements don’t guarantee fulfillment—and what actually does

• How spending time in nature and solitude can help you reconnect with yourself and find clarity

• What Cory’s journey through trauma and recovery can teach you about your own capacity to heal

• Why creativity, purpose, and self-reflection are essential tools for building a meaningful life

Don’t miss this powerful conversation about what it really takes to overcome adversity.

View Show Notes From This EpisodeGet Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hymanhttps://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcastSign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journalhttps://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcastJoin the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Healthhttps://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detoxJoin the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Resultshttps://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive

This episode is brought to you by Seed, BON CHARGE, Paleovalley, and Pique.

Visit seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Go to boncharge.com and use code DRMARK to save 15% on your PEMF mat today. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Head to piquelife.com/hyman to get 20% off + a free beaker and frother today.


Episode description

Cory Richards has summited Everest without oxygen, survived avalanches, and photographed some of the world’s most remote regions. But his most grueling expeditions didn’t happen on a mountain—they happened within. In this revealing episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, you’ll hear how a life shaped by mental health struggles, institutionalization, and homelessness led Cory to push the limits of endurance—and how those experiences can offer powerful lessons on healing and self-discovery.

We explore:

• Why big achievements don’t guarantee fulfillment—and what actually does

• How spending time in nature and solitude can help you reconnect with yourself and find clarity

• What Cory’s journey through trauma and recovery can teach you about your own capacity to heal

• Why creativity, purpose, and self-reflection are essential tools for building a meaningful life

Don’t miss this powerful conversation about what it really takes to overcome adversity.

View Show Notes From This EpisodeGet Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hymanhttps://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcastSign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journalhttps://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcastJoin the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Healthhttps://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detoxJoin the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Resultshttps://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive

This episode is brought to you by Seed, BON CHARGE, Paleovalley, and Pique.

Visit seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Go to boncharge.com and use code DRMARK to save 15% on your PEMF mat today. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Head to piquelife.com/hyman to get 20% off + a free beaker and frother today.


Mindsip insights from this episode:

Utilize infrared PEMF for deep muscle recovery

The Bon Charge Infrared PEMF collection combines infrared heat to increase blood flow with PEMF pulses to stimulate cellular repair for deep muscle recovery.

Rewire brain from trauma through intense experience or repetition

There are only two ways to rewire the brain out of trauma loops: through intense experience or through repetition of new neural patterns.

Move beyond trauma narratives to facilitate healing

Believing that simply knowing and voicing your trauma is healing can be a trap, as it can become a new narrative that stops people from moving forward.

Recognize that achievement doesn't resolve internal turmoil

Seeking salvation in great achievements of human endurance gives internal turmoil a vehicle to express itself, but it doesn't necessarily resolve it.

Embrace discomfort to foster curiosity and growth

As soon as you become certain of your stories or anything else, you kill curiosity and stop growing, so you must embrace discomfort and lose certainty.

Release survivor identity to break free from trauma

Claiming to be a 'survivor' can keep you chained to a traumatic event because your identity is still in reference to the thing that happened.

Establish a morning routine for emotional regulation

A daily morning routine of journaling to purge thoughts, meditating, and exercising can set a powerful foundation for emotional regulation throughout the day.

Integrate mind, body, and heart for holistic wellness

Holistic wellness is the integration of the mind, body, and heart, as the heart contains mirror neurons and is not just a metaphor for emotion.

Develop resilience through value-driven responses

Survival is a reaction-based state that is not based on values, whereas resilience is a response-based state that is slower and underwritten by your values.

Utilize probiotics to enhance mitochondrial energy production

New research found that Seed's DS-01 probiotic supports the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are crucial for mitochondrial energy production and healthy aging.

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