Love of a Mountain vs. Love of a Father | Alex Lowe Case Analysis 

Sometimes grief brings people together. My dad's sister's husband was killed in an accident. They were both in a terrible car crash, which killed my uncle and left my aunt in the hospital for 5 months. Her husband's brother was really there for her in this awful time, and they eventually got together. He adopted his brother's 2 children, and they had 1 more together. A strange situation, for sure, but everyone was happy and taken care of in the end.

I love the fact that the son Max directed the film of his father’s life and death and that Alex’s friend came into the grieving family, “giving the hope.”

It's crazy how the father's mountain climbing was like an addiction; when he wasn't active, he got withdrawals, and became irritable.

I became friends with Alex when he was climbing one of the Trango Towers in Pakistan. The sponsors of the climb had set up a way for Alex and his climbing partner to communicate with people interested in the climb in real time. They carried small units like palm pilots that let them converse with people around the world. As they were climbing a storm came in and didn’t let up for two weeks. They were stuck. There were only a couple of us who had registered to converse with the climbers. I spent an hour a day or so chatting with Alex. We became friends. Not long after this, a year or so I believe, Alex perished. Alex and Conrad are great people. Conrad is not only a great dad and climber, he is also a very accomplished high altitude videographer and photographer. I have so much admiration for both men and this family.

I am so glad to hear a follow up on Alex’s boys. I had wondered what happened to them. As a mother of a climber, I can tell you they are a different breed. The mothers and wives don’t sleep well at night

this reminded me so much of my grandpa. he too was a mountaineer, whose love for his mountains used to compete a little too much with the love for his family. regardless his lacking as a husband and a father, to me he's always been an amazing grandpa, and I miss hiking and climbing with him. he taught me a lot, and showed me some of the most beautiful peaks here in Italy. sadly, he had to stop climbing when I was a teenager, due to a muscle degenerative issue. he passed a few years ago, in his late 90s, but he never stop longing for his mountains.

That was a REALLY good closing statement. 👍 well done , Dr Grande 🎉

Ha! Made me tear up, there, Dr… My dad taught me, “There are old climbers, and there are bold climbers, but, there are no old bold climbers.” I hike and climb and often this floats around my head… especially since I solo hike.

This was such a wonderful analysis of both the situation and movie. I’d not heard of it but am eager to watch it now. Thanks, Dr. G! Have a fabulous Friday!

I especially appreciated your final thoughts in this case. The message seems obvious, but yet is rarely considered by people in the moment...or sometimes ever.

Very informative and sad view on a sad boy. Thank you, Dr. Grande.

I see it more as Alex performing a heroic act when he helped saved the three climbers. As far as being a hero, it’s too bad he didn’t care about being the most important type - that of being a hero to his sons by being an awesome father.

I use to climb mountains. Smaller ones up to 14,000 feet. Alex Lowe's physical abilities were shocking. To carry a man at those elevation on his back!

I have now watched all your videos in a span of two weeks! They're very entertaining and informative, I haven't touched Netflix since I found your channel Edit - as everyone wants to point out and calculate the hours and be petty, it has been a little over 3 weeks to watch them. If you're doing the math calculating the amount of minutes and hours that's petty. I just wanted to complement Dr grande and this channel, it is a good escape for my depression. I lost Dr grandes like from editing the post :(

As an mountaineer myself I fully understand how Alex felt. I hear the call of the mountains 24/7. When it takes every ounce of my energy to make it up to the summit and stand there that’s when I truly feel alive. I don’t get that feeling anywhere else. Nothing or no one is going to stop me from climbing. I’m not nor have I ever been married, I don’t have kids, and my parents and brother know that I’ll probably die somewhere on a mountain. My family knew early on, that I was going to be a climber. When I was just 3 years old, I climbed up the fence, and then onto the roof of our duplex, and I never stopped climbing. I’m 54 now and I still climb everyday. Is it selfish? Maybe, but I believe everyone has a right to do what they want to do, and no one has a right to tell you no. I climb, my mother quilts everyday, my dad help veterans because he’s a vet, and my brother hangs out at cigar shop with friends after work. Everybody doing what they love and everyone is happy.

If this thing that you have going of analyzing various matters involving psychology and behavior falls apart, I think you’ll be able to fall back on being a film critic. Just an outstanding analysis of a very complex emotional film. Very very well done!

Great analysis, I remember this story. Adrenaline or exercise junkies are similar to drug addicts regarding getting their serotonin/dopamine/adrenaline fix...very sad. Thanks Dr G😊💛💛

Wow I'm in tears and I haven't even seen the movie. But I think I might check it out. Life and all the emotions that come with it can be so complicated. How amazing when anything positive can come out of such a tragedy. Thank you for sharing this story with us and as always your thoughts ❤️

Your timing is impeccable. I find this analysis to be very metaphorical for a situation I've been going through and feelings I've been dealing with lately. My feelings like the title of the movie have been torn. I really needed the perspective you've now given me. Thank you, truly. Have a wonderful weekend, doctor.

Thank you Dr. G for watching this for us! It seems that Alex was a gifted athlete, but apparently he wasn't "Torn." Actions speak louder than words.His priorities were clear, and his wife had to know that from the jump. I'm sure they miss him, but his family and friend can't have been surprised. Excuse me, going to climb a hill now.

Great analysis Dr. G! Way back when I was a teenager, I read a Tony Robbins book where he said figure out your top priorities. For some, adventure would be tops, for others, security and safety. And lots of stuff in between. I never realized what I valued most until I read that. It's very good to know thyself.

Wonderful example for a development of empathy. I think this is my favourite Video of Dr. Grande. And I Iisten to this channel for a long time now. Thank you, Dr. Grande!

Thank you for your prospective of the interactions of a family after such a tragedy.

I never saw the movie but it sounds like it was a fitting tribute to the two most important men in a boys life. Great analysis as usual.

I had not heard of this story or movie, but definitely want to watch it now. My dad became a step father to my two older sisters and I have always been grateful to him that he was so good at it that in my family there is no distinction between who had which dad. It sounds like Conrad did a similarly wonderful job. Makes my heart smile

Thank you Dr. Grande especially for this one. There are so many life lessons we can all benefit from in the lives of these two extraordinary men.

As someone with acrophobia I avoid watching mountain climbing videos but may make an exception after seeing your analysis.

I'm looking forward to watching this documentary now. Thank you for doing this analysis which I thoroughly enjoyed

This is why I love Americans so much...I was brought up by exchange students because my parents were always working and hardly ever around...they tought me about chasing your dreams but also the family values. This story really got to me just because of having those Americans in my life.

Hello Dr. Grande - would you do an analysis on the Jussie Smollett's verdict (fair vs unfair)? Also his outburst in court about not being suicidal...any personality behaviors you see (narcissism, sociopathy, psychopathy, etc)? Thanks!

This was really good Dr. Grande! 💕

Beautiful. Brought me to tears, I think you explained it perfectly.

What an incredible story. Sad and uplifting at the same time.

Oh my god. To carry someone uphill at 19000 feet is an absolutely Herculean feat of strength, courage, and endurance. I've never even heard of this guy, what an incredible specimen of humanity, I find mountain climbing an insane profession and sketchy hobby, but I can not help but feel admiration, not for his strength, but for his commitment to the persuit of skill and strength. How insecure does someone need to be to want to be #1 in the world at anything?

Quite a touching story, one best friend’s love to another and his family, to take on all of them and be a second parent to them, despite not being the one to have started the family. Jennifer not having to grief and be sad for too long, and the children having a loving stepdad. Thank you Dr Grande for one of your most wholesome videos.

Thanks for the great overview of the scenario, and a very learned analysis. I'd like to say thank you to the documentarian Max as well, he is very brave for putting such a personal and delicate issue in front of the camera.

I look forward to your videos everyday, I really love listening to your point of view on things

Thank you Dr. Grande! Absolutely Love your final thoughts on this!

Just glad it’s not one of those stories where children are hurt by a parent. It makes angry and breaks my heart. This one is sad but at least the children are ok.

Beautiful analysis, Dr. Grande. Thank you ♥️

I love this review so much. Thoughtful analysis of a touching situation .❤️

Beautiful analysis, Dr. Grande.💖

A lot of people trauma bond. The person means a lot to both of them and they end up falling for each other while mourning together

Bravo to you and all in that family for working through to a good place! I love your compassion and that of all in the family.

All of the Dr. Grande videos are interesting, most are thought-provoking and some, like this one, are compassionate and elevating. Thanks Dr. G, keep up the good and much appreciated work.

Hi there Dr. Grande! You’re here early this morning. You’re going to commute with me to San Francisco today. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

That was actually really beautiful, Doctor. Thank you.

Hello Dr. Grande, this was a very interesting video to listen to. I find the way you approach cases professionally and sincerely. Amazing presentation. Thank You and Best Regards. 👍❤

When Into Thin Air came out, for some reason I really got into reading all the mountain climbing books I could afford. Touching the Void was an experience in itself. At the time my father asked why I was so into it and all I could come up with was: You read about these people and like them and a lot of them die by the time you finish reading the book. My kids got into it, even my mother-in-law. When you talked about Alex Lowe, the next thing I did was watch the movie. I liked everybody in the movie and especially the ending where they are giving back to the native community. I did not care for the mom, but it might just be my own bias of being a widow and raising kids. I really loved the fact that the kids showed their appreciation in the end for their step-father. Thank you for steering me towards the movie, I had not heard about it before.

This was a good one Dr. Grande, I enjoyed this different kind of analysis... with love, compassion, and lessons learned within the family... Thanks for sharing.

I really enjoyed this episode. Nice change from murders. Thanks!

Excellent analysis Dr. Grande. I love you’re Insight and your perspectives. You really added so much to this story. Thank you so much.

This is my first cry at one of the stories u went over, that’s so sad and beautiful

Excellent, Dr. Grande. Perspective does change over the years of our lives. We do see things from a different point of view sometimes at a much later time. We can appreciate the nuanced nature of people and their contributions. Great video!

Great video Dr Grande, thanks!

A very thought provoking analysis. Thank you.

Thanks, Dr. Grande. Happy Friday! I hope you and everyone else has a lovely weekend!!! 💙💙💙💙

I really enjoy this video. Thank you dr Grande!

I had not heard of Torn. TY Dr. Grande. I loved Meru and look forward to seeing this too.

Good morning, Dr. Grande!

I have always thought that those who have the drive to be "the best in the world" at something, such as sports people need to be selfish to achieve their dreams. It is the nature of time and timing of physical perfection that precludes day to day stuff like us mere mortals! What an insightful analysis, thanks Dr.G.

Great analysis Doc. I appreciate the ability to see the bias and recognize it's importance while still seeing the whole picture. Thank you.

Read the title as "Love of a Mountain Lion vs. Love of a Father" ...was waiting the whole video for the mountain lion to show up.

Dr Grande, I am going to watch this documentary soon because since I watched your video I keep thinking about it. Please cover more documentarys! Think this was a hit☺️

Such a beautiful ending to a sad situation...... thank you for sharing Dr. Grande........🥰💕💕

What a sad and very emotional story, and so beautifully told by you! Alex went to incredible lengths to save people's lives, so I think you were so right in saying he and Condrad were both heroes in different ways. Thank you again for the incredible videos you so thoughtfully put together! ♡♡

I Dr Grande, I've missed some of your videos and I love your soft voice. Love from down under xo

Thank you for this vid sir 👍🏿

Now I have to go watch it. Thank you my favorite RU-vid Dr.!

What a sad story with a twist of a happy ending. Excellent and compassionate analysis, Dr. Grande! ❤️

I love your approach to both men and son Max. ❤ Just life and it's waves, many colors are there, and many different angles and approaches too. Just life and its waves, colors and sounds.

A lot to chew on in this analysis, I actually watched it twice to make sure I got it all (shout out to my ADHD here, lol). Still processing it, and initially difficult for me not to make judgements for Alex's choice of the mountains over his family, but I do understand. Very moving story, going to have to watch the documentary soon.

One of your top ten. Thanks, Dr. G.

I have never heard about this before. Excellent analysis. I will definitely be watching this documentary.

Thanks for bringing this documentary to my attention. I just watched it and cried my eyes out - in a good way.

This impressed me. Well done!

Good afternoon. 11:11 is a very meaningful & insightful final thought in closing of this analysis. Thank you, Dr. Grande.. 💗 ..May you have a wonderful Friday! 🌵😊

I’m definitely going to watch this documentary. Thanks Dr. Grande!

Thank you DG!

Thank you Dr, I have admired Alex for years.

Always interesting. Thank you. Peace,💕🇺🇲

I think Dr Grande summed it up very well.

Love this one Dr. Grande!!! (I Love them ALL) However with ‘THIS’ being ‘Everest Season’ ❄️ The detailed analysis of emotions & ramifications is exceptionally appropriate❤️

Outstanding analysis doctor!

Wonderful video.

Best analysis ever

Thanks for sharing, I have to see it.

Good morning, Dr Grande! At an appointment! See you in a bit! Thank You!

Great video ! Dr Grande dropping more videos than an influencer trying to push some scam crypto. You should do the story of that Morman guy who got stuck and eventually died and sealed in the Nutty Putty cave system near Utah. Awful and traffic story. And for someone who's like me, claustrophobic, that whole story gives me the heebie-jeebies

Great analysis as always. It’s nice to see a situation where normal people have normal feelings and emotions. There are certainly a spectrum of normal responses to any situation. This seems a very good example depending on your place and perspective in the story. Unfortunately, so many who need that lesson will be impervious to it! Thanks again.

Will watch the movie! Thanks for your thoughtful analysis 🙂

I wonder what’s wrong with an emotional bias, when emotions are part and parcel of the human experience!

Makes me think of the phrase: There are old climbers, there are bold climbers but there are no old, bold climbers. Sad.

Please, Dr. Grande, make a video on Captain Ernest Shackleton. Thank you!!

Sorry I'm late, had too go to a dinner party last night. This man sounds like a remarkable man, who accomplished so much in his life. My sympathy goes to the wife, father and family. Thank you Dr Grande, for the great content you upload daily. That was a brilliant analysis and sad topic.

With Family Dynamics, there are Always Perspectives that will Differ! This was a valuable Lesson for me - To strive for MORE understanding & Empathy for Others in my Family! Thank You, Dr Grande! I needed this Lesson, currently, in a Family Challenge! There are Scriptures - Saying, “Be Reconciled to Your Brother (Family), before WE, can personally be Reconciled to God.” As well as the first Two Commandments: (Simply), To Love GOD & Our Neighbor! On these... HANGS ALL of the LAW & the PROPHETS! In, “TORN,” it sounded to me, that “ALEX, was ADDICTED” to the activity of “Mountain Climbing.” It makes me wonder, WHAT was ALEX’s Psychological Need for this ESCAPE, by a Thrill Seeking ACTIVITY? Like Drugs & Alcohol, a person, ESCAPES the Pain of their Life’s Reality... Into the HIGH, of the ADDICTION. I have heard, that it takes a certain type of “Damaged Person” to be susceptible to the Weakness of Addictions of any Kind. Contrasted, to a person with a Strong Sense of Self, & Healthy Family Foundation, etc., that May delve into Drugs or Alcohol, but, will more Quickly, RESENT, that Very Activity of the Drugs/ Alcohol Overshadowing their TRUE SELVES! In Other Words, the Person that is Psychologically Healthy in the First Place, tends to MISS their CORE-SELF/The Self, that is FIRM & Resolute in Character & Likes Being in CONTROL of Self! Dr Grande’s Evaluation, struck a Cord w/My Empathy Button... And I really would like to know what Alex’s CORE DEFICIT was Born From... Thanks Kindly! 🙏🏻

Looking forward to the documentary now

A surprise to have an uplifting story. But a welcome one!

Very interesting. I now want to watch this film torn.

what a lovely video!