In this episode, I talk with Joanne Patti Munisteri (Jo), a fearless explorer, educator, and independent field researcher whose work has spanned the globe. Jo has served as a contractor for the US Department of State, USAID, IREX, and the US DOD, working in regions often at the centre of geopolitical and humanitarian crises. She completed specialized training at Ft. Leavenworth with the US Army’s Human Terrain System. She has worked on the ground in diverse locations including China, Kurdistan, Iraq, Israel, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Ukraine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and more.

Jo’s academic background is equally impressive, with degrees from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and Massey University in New Zealand. In addition to her work in global conflict zones, she is a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner specialising in post-trauma care, completing rotations in Israel, Northern Ireland, and New York City.

As a mother of two, Denali and Sequoia Schmidt, and the former wife of the late USAF PJ and mountain guide Martin W. Schmidt—who tragically died while ascending K2 with their son Daniel—Jo’s personal life has been marked by deep resilience and adventure.