Alex Lowe was considered one of the best climbers in the world in the 1990s. His feats in the mountains were as legendary as his infectious stoke for getting out and loving life on the edge every minute of every day. In October 1999, he and the cameraman David Bridges were killed in an avalanche on Shishipangma in Tibet. Their third partner, Conrad Anker, however, was miraculously spared the same fate and ended up surviving the avalanche.

Alex left behind a wife, Jenni, and three young boys: Max, Sam, and Isaac. In the wake of Alex’s death, Conrad, racked by survivor’s guilt, stepped into the role of dad for the Lowe boys, and he ended up falling in love with and marrying Jenni.

Today, Max Lowe has become a renowned National Geographic photographer and filmmaker. His new film, TORN, explores his family’s complex relationships in the wake of father’s death. The film is a haunting and unsparing look at how death can tear a family apart, and what it takes to heal.

Next, our favorite lyricist and climbing trainer Kris Hampton treats us to a final bit.

Show Notes

Watch the trailer for TORN

Find a screening for TORN near you.

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