Episode #5
Cory Richards
Resilience and The Art of Letting Go
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.
Show Notes
Transformative Insights
True resilience comes from releasing instead of holding on
Crisis as a catalyst for growth
The difference between survival and resilience
Defining purpose internally versus externally
Vulnerable Moments
Cory opens up about his lifelong journey with mental health, including his bipolar diagnosis and childhood struggles.
He shares the emotional toll of recently losing his father and navigating identity shifts
Cory discusses the importance of the intentional community he has built and the deep gratitude he feels for those people.
Practical Wisdom
Leaning into curiosity as a directional tool
Reframing trauma as a teacher
Embracing and cultivating the power of community
The practice of Imago therapy in communication and relationship
Daily acts of giving and kindness
Personal Growth
Cory’s evolving identity and current purpose: to connect people to themselves
Cory’s journey of learning to trust, rather than thrust, his way forward.
Letting go of old survival scripts and developing new resilience tools
Viewing pain and hardship with gratitude for their lessons
Roadmap for resilience: agency, endurance, curiosity, and adaptation
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Become a Partner: Interested in reaching an engaged audience of leaders, athletes, creatives, and purpose-driven individuals? What's the Rusch is the place to align your brand with authentic conversations about performance, purpose, and personal growth. For sponsorship inquiries and media kit information, please contact Aerah@RebeccaRusch.com