How Contemplation and Activism Work Together | Carroll Dunham | Anthropologist, Explorer, Author

Carroll Dunham is an anthropologist, author, producer, and National Geographic explorer who's spent the last three decades living between Nepal and Mongolia. She’s studied traditional medicine, worked with women in rural economies, raised foster children, and partnered with indigenous communities to champion environmental conservation. In this episode, Carroll shares the life experiences that shaped her, and why there’s no single script for living with purpose. She and Kara discuss: How curiosity can lead to unexpected, life-defining paths Why Buddhist philosophy can reshape our relationship to nature and ourselves What powerful women can teach us about resilience, leadership, and collaboration The future of sustainable fashion through Carroll’s work on Around the World in 80 Fabrics If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to live your values out loud, this is the episode. Chapters: (00:00:00) Growing up curious in New Jersey (00:05:40) Life in Nepal: prisons, herbs, and entrepreneurship (00:10:55) Polyandry and making documentaries with National Geographic (00:15:10) Choosing Nepal over Sri Lanka: how a war rerouted her life (00:18:40) Inner vs outer expeditions and Buddhist mind science (00:23:15) Creating beautiful inner worlds: contemplative practice explained (00:27:00) Losing it all and rebuilding in Mongolia (00:31:30) Mongolia’s power, horses, and windhorse energy (00:36:20) Powerful women across cultures, from Mongolia to Nepal (00:40:20) Shakti, patriarchy, and reclaiming feminine power (00:45:00) What we wear: a post-petroleum textile revolution (00:50:10) What Carroll is manifesting next The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices