Radical vulnerability: Max Lowe

Max Lowe is a filmmaker whose father was Alex Lowe – the greatest mountain climber of his generation. Days before Max’s 11th birthday, his father Alex was killed in an avalanche while on expedition in the Tibetan Himalaya. Alex Lowe’s best friend and climbing partner Conrad Anker escape from the avalanche with his life – but was left wracked with survivor’s guilt. He headed back to the States, compelled to help look after Alex’s three sons. Conrad then ended up failing in love with - and eventually marrying - Alex’s widow, Jennifer. He also adopted Alex's three boys, the eldest of whom is Max. 17 years later, two climbers attempting the same route in the Tibetan Himalaya discovered Alex’s body. Max, Conrad and the rest of the family flew out to recover his remains. That journey was hugely impactful, and the trauma that had laid buried in Max – and his younger brothers - for all those years also rose to the surface. Max then set out to make a documentary film about what happened – called Torn, in which he and the rest of his family examine those long buried feelings. It turns out to be a painful but ultimately cathartic experience that clearly illustrates the power of radical vulnerability. Max recognised that to release his trauma – he first needed to face it and share it. It’s a lesson so many people can learn from… and it was a pleasure talking to Max about it. ** Follow me: on instagram https://www.instagram.com/simonmundie/ on twitter https://twitter.com/simonmundie And for the 'Mundie on Monday' newsletter - featuring three of the best Life Lessons from three years and 200 of these conversations - head to simonmundie.com Please do share this episode with anyone who may benefit, and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts. It makes a big difference and is hugely appreciated. *** Finally, a huge thanks to my sponsors, Puresport. Their range of CBD and Nootropics supplements have had a significant impact on how I sleep, manage stress, and focus throughout the day. I can’t recommend them enough. CBD has been shown to have benefits for anxiety, inflammation, aches and pains - and it may even be good for long term brain and heart health. And anything that helps keep me well in the long-term rather than having to fix lots of niggles once they arrive gets the thumbs up from me. Combined with their supplements range, Puresport are paving the way in the natural wellness market. Frankly, if nothing else, you have to try their Unwind Oil before bed. You’ll sleep like a baby. The good news is that you can get 20% off with code Life20 at checkout. Head to puresportcbd.com and enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices