S2 Ep25. Unexpected Connections and Intentional Presence: Outdoor Hygiene, Mountain Music & Daily Movement with Anastasia Allison

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Join host Aderonke Bademosi Wilson for an inspiring and heartwarming episode as she welcomes Anastasia Allison, an entrepreneur, musician, dancer and passionate lover of the outdoors. In this uplifting conversation, Anastasia opens up about her extraordinary journey, weaving together innovation, resilience and a deep connection to nature.

The episode begins with a dive into Anastasia’s entrepreneurial spirit and her creation of Kula Cloth, an innovative antimicrobial pee cloth designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts who squat to pee. 

Drawing on her experience as a park ranger and backpacking instructor, Anastasia saw an opportunity to improve hygiene on the trail while reducing toilet paper waste in delicate alpine environments. She shares the story of how this eco-friendly, reusable product came to life, how it works and how it unexpectedly gained traction during the 2020 toilet paper shortage. Her journey reflects clever problem-solving and a passion for protecting the wild places she loves.

From there, Aderonke and Anastasia transition into the breathtaking world of the Musical Mountaineers, a project born from Anastasia’s lifelong love of music. Having played violin since the age of four, Anastasia now brings her music to some of the most awe-inspiring places on earth, remote mountain summits at sunrise. 

Alongside pianist Rose, she performs impromptu wilderness concerts that blend music with nature’s beauty, raising funds for national parks and trail conservation. Their story is a reminder of how unexpected collaborations and quiet acts of creativity can echo far beyond the mountains.

Movement is another powerful thread in Anastasia’s life. Since January 1, 2021, she has committed to dancing every single day, a joyful ritual that has transformed her outlook and fostered a vibrant online community. Through her daily Zoom dance program, Anastasia brings together 25 to 50 participants from around the globe, blending meditation and music to uplift spirits and promote connection. She reflects on how the simple act of dancing has become a source of healing, expression and unity.

As the episode unfolds, Anastasia shares a few delightful and unexpected facts about herself: she can ride unicycles, including towering five-foot-tall ones, was (almost) in the 1980s movie Betsy’s Wedding, and once majored in Latin, able to translate classical Roman texts. These fun facts add an interesting layer to her multifaceted personality and underscore her zest for life’s curiosities.

Before signing off, Aderonke and Anastasia highlight an event: the Musical Mountaineers’ benefit concert on June 14th at the Northwest Stream Center in Mill Creek, Washington. The concert will support stream restoration efforts and promises to be a magical evening of music and purpose.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that celebrates creativity, adventure, and the profound power of daily rituals to transform our lives. Whether you’re a hiker, a musician, a dancer or simply someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers a beautiful reminder that small steps can lead to extraordinary journeys.

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