This Anthro Life

How does poetry help us understand people better, using words that touch our hearts and reveal hidden feelings? In this captivating episode of This Anthro Life, we engage with Adrie Kusserow, an esteemed anthropologist who brings a unique poetic perspective to her work. We delve into the essence of anthropology, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and its role in shaping cultural narratives. Adrie Kusserow shares her profound journey in Kathmandu, recounting how it shifted her worldview at a tender age. The conversation navigates through the intricacies of fieldwork, drawing parallels between anthropologists and refugees, and exploring the impact of language, emotion, and technology on cultural understanding. Adrie Kusserow's book, "The Trauma Mantras," becomes a focal point, highlighting the significance of authentic personal narratives in reshaping dominant discourses. The episode culminates in a reflection on the potency of poetry in anthropology and the ongoing endeavor to confront and re