215: The Rainforest Blueprint: Biodiversity, Belonging, and Ancient Wisdom with Summer Koester

In this powerful and vulnerable episode, I am joined by Summer Koeste, an award-winning writer, artist, cultural anthropologist, 20-year Alaskan educator, and mother. Summer describes herself as a "nonconformist" who has lived many lives, navigating everything from life-threatening health challenges to living abroad in the high mountains of Argentina and the dancehall reggae world of Jamaica.

We explore Summer’s unique perspective on deprogramming the cultural scripts that no longer serve us, a theme she explores deeply in her newsletter, The Feral Stack. She shares how her background in anthropology and her experiences outside of white American culture have given her a "tourist gaze" on our society's values and behaviors, allowing her to question why we adhere to systems that don't help us thrive.

Summer also introduces us to the concept of being an "artivist", combining art and activism, which she embraced through songwriting to process her deep "justice sensitivity". From the separation of families at the border to the challenges of mothering a neurodivergent child in an underfunded education system, Summer’s work is a testament to the power of using one’s creative voice to demand collective liberation.

You'll also hear about:

1. (02:22) Summer’s "many lives" and how facing a fear of death through asthma and writing shaped her perspective.
2. (08:15) Her upbringing in 1980s Juneau, Alaska, where worth was defined by physical capability.
3. (14:40) Discovering "coded" gender expectations while living as an exchange student in Northern Argentina.
4. (21:10) How Summer used a more masculine persona to find freedom of movement in conservative spaces.
5. (28:55) Her time studying Latin American and Caribbean cultures and becoming immersed in the dancehall reggae world of Jamaica.
6. (35:20) The "Pura Arepa" business in Costa Rica and her experience navigating a dangerous, psychologically abusive relationship.
7. (42:45) Rebuilding a life in Alaska and researching why American culture repeats behaviors that don't lead to happiness.
8. (51:15) Defining the "Artivist": Using songwriting and performance to advocate for justice and collective liberation.

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Connect with Summer Koester:

1. Learn more on her Website
2. Follow her on Instagram