Communications w/ Cilla Lowen
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we sit down with screenwriter and applied anthropologist Cilla Lowen to explore how anthropology shapes her storytelling and drives her passion for social impact. Cilla shares how her fieldwork in diverse and often challenging environments has informed her ability to craft authentic, multidimensional characters and narratives. We discuss her groundbreaking projects, including On Uneven Paths, a documentary series highlighting the challenges faced by disabled individuals in African townships, and The Wages of Sin, a feature film exploring generational alcoholism among South...
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Career Opportunities in Business w/ Robert Morais
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we sit down with Robert Morais to explore the world of Business Anthropology and how you can break into this unique field. We dive into what business anthropology is, its growing relevance in today’s business landscape, and practical tips on how to start a career in it. We also delve into the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in business and how it can serve as a powerful tool for generating fresh ideas, perspectives, and even questions you may not have considered before. Additionally, Robert shares insights on the importance of connecting with individuals currently...
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Multimodal Ethnography w/ Carrie Perkins
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we sit down with Carrie Perkins to explore her innovative VR project, Art of Exile. Using multimodal ethnography, this immersive platform documents and shares the experiences of displaced individuals from Myanmar, showcasing the creative resilience of refugee artists through video, audio, and virtual reality. Carrie discusses the challenges of using technology to represent marginalized communities while ensuring accessibility, offering a thought-provoking look at the intersection of art, technology, and cultural storytelling. Carrie also provides valuable advice for aspiring...
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Academia & Biological Research w/ Haley Ragsdale
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Haley Ragsdale, a biological anthropologist and postdoctoral research associate, whose fascinating research explores how life experiences influence reproductive investment and the development of offspring during pregnancy. Dr. Ragsdale explains the complex factors that shape fetal development and how these insights can inform our understanding of human biology. We also dive into the world of academia and research careers, discussing the differences between a postdoctoral research associate and a postdoctoral research fellow, including the critical factors...
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Public Archeology w/ Mike Thomin
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we dive into the world of public archaeology with museum manager Mike Thomin. We explore the benefits of working in smaller museums, where you can learn a variety of roles, compared to larger institutions that often focus on more specialized positions. We also discuss the ethical side of archaeology, including the key differences between grave robbing and legitimate archaeological work, as well as the legal importance of leaving artifacts in place, especially on state lands in Florida. Mike shares his involvement with the Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for...
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Audience Research w/ Jena Barchas - Lichtenstein
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we’re joined by Jena Barchas-Lichtenstein, an expert in audience research, who works closely with museums to understand and engage their visitors. We dive into the world of audience research, exploring what it is, the methods used to collect data (from surveys to ethnographic approaches), and how it differs from UX research. We also touch on a key challenge in audience research: sometimes, surveys and data collection methods don’t provide the answers researchers expect—or even the answers they hope for. Jena shares that it’s not uncommon for the data to be less...
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Content Design w/ Gaby Lapera
AnthroPuzzled
On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with fellow podcaster Gaby Lapera, the lead content designer at Parafin and host of the AnthroBiology Podcast. Gaby shares her insights into a role that defies easy categorization; her title spans various labels, including content designer and UX designer. Essentially, she crafts the written experience for products, developing everything from in-app text and FAQs to loan applications and automated email templates that enhance customer engagement. To stay connected with the anthropology community while pursuing her career, Gaby launched the...
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Strategic Initiatives w/ Daniel Ginsberg
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we host Daniel Ginsberg, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the American Anthropological Association (AAA) who shares their insights on collaborating with an elected executive board of anthropologists and their role in shaping the organization's future. They emphasize the importance of advocacy in promoting anthropology to the general public and addressing pressing societal issues. Daniel also discusses their journey as a career changer from researching anthropology careers to developing educational programs, culminating in their current position. They also candidly...
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Space Anthropology w/ Savannah Mandel
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we sit down with Savannah Mandel, a pioneering space anthropologist and author of the thought-provoking book Ground Control: An Argument for the End of Human Space Exploration. Join us as we explore Savannah's ethnographic work at Spaceport America and what it means to study the human experience in space. Savannah shares her insights on the ethical dimensions of space exploration, emphasizing the social and economic implications of the growing commercial space industry. She highlights how access to space is increasingly limited to the wealthy, raising critical questions about...
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Anthropology Career Readiness Network w/ Elizabeth Briody
AnthroPuzzled
In this enlightening episode of Anthropuzzled, we sit down with Elizabeth Briody, a renowned anthropologist and consultant, to explore the evolving landscape of anthropology careers. Elizabeth, co-founder of the Anthropology Career Resource Network (ACRN), sheds light on how this network supports budding anthropologists and enhances career development within the field. We dive into her latest work with ACRN, including their new book, Career Tools for Anthropology: A Workbook, which provides invaluable resources for navigating and excelling in anthropological careers. Elizabeth also shares her...
info_outlineIn this episode, we sit down with Savannah Mandel, a pioneering space anthropologist and author of the thought-provoking book Ground Control: An Argument for the End of Human Space Exploration. Join us as we explore Savannah's ethnographic work at Spaceport America and what it means to study the human experience in space.
Savannah shares her insights on the ethical dimensions of space exploration, emphasizing the social and economic implications of the growing commercial space industry. She highlights how access to space is increasingly limited to the wealthy, raising critical questions about who is left behind and how this inequality shapes our vision for the future. Advocating for a more inclusive approach, she urges us to consider the ethical responsibilities that come with these advancements.
We also discuss the evolving landscape of academic publishing, examining whether academics should enlist agents or publicists to navigate the complexities of sharing their work. Savannah notes that while traditional researchers may not need publicists, those aiming for a general audience could greatly benefit from their expertise.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that challenges conventional views on space exploration and underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping our future among the stars.