Ted Hesser on “Chains of Habit” & Destigmatizing the Conversation Around Mental Health

As an adventure photographer and videographer, Ted Hesser spends most of his professional life behind the lens, shooting some of the world’s top mountain athletes for major outdoor brands and publications. His eye for capturing dramatic scenes in the high alpine and willingness to immerse himself in extreme conditions to do so has garnered him success in an otherwise precarious industry. But success isn’t always synonymous with happiness. 

Ted’s latest project, a short film called Chains of Habit (released by Mountain Hardwear last month), focuses on his lifelong battle with depression in an effort to destigmatize conversations around mental health. So, we spoke to Ted about the story behind his film; the role trail running plays in keeping him aloft; steps to take if you’re struggling; and much more.

TOPICS & TIMES

• Ted’s background (3:34)
• When he first picked up a camera (9:02)
• The realities of #vanlife (13:01)
• Photography tips for beginners (15:22)
• Chains of Habit (21:19)
• Training for the WURL (25:56)
• How depression hits him (29:19)
• The double meaning behind Chains of Habit (40:00)
• Running, psychedelics, & depression (41:56)
• “Taking mental anguish and putting it into a form of your own choosing” (47:14)

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• Blister Podcast
• GEAR:30
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