Academic Editing w/ Katherine Wiley
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Katherine Wiley, a cultural anthropologist and the owner of Goldenrod Editorial, an academic editing business. Together, we explore the unique world of academic editing—work that goes far beyond fixing grammar. Katherine shares how she support writers throughout the drafting process, helping them clarify their ideas and reduce academic jargon to make their work more accessible. We also dive into the strong, collaborative relationships Katherine builds with the writers she supports. Katherine’s experience in cultural anthropology, along...
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Human Rights & Global Health w/ Cameron Kays
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Cameron Kays, Associate Director of Programs at the World Shoe Fund, to explore the intersection of human rights, global health, and anthropology. The World Shoe Fund is an important and impactful organization that helps different communities by supplying them with resources they don’t have access to, like footwear that provides a barrier against deadly disease. Cameron shares how her background in anthropology shaped her path in international affairs, offering fresh insights into the evolving challenges of global health. She reflects on how...
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Multisensory Museum Exhibits w/ Cheryl Fogle-Hatch
AnthroPuzzled
In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Fogle Hatch, a trailblazer who talks about how she has navigated the world as a totally blind individual. Cheryl shares her personal experiences and insights into how she expertly navigates both her daily life and her work using technology like screen readers, VoiceOver, and TalkBack to access grants, research documents, and other essential information. Cheryl also discusses her journey through archaeology and museum work, where she found joy in connecting with artifacts in the collections area through touch. However, she noticed that public museum...
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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 its methods—from surveys to ethnographic approaches—and how it differs from UX research. Jena also shares the challenges of audience research, where data often doesn't provide the expected or hoped-for answers. Sometimes, this means rethinking approaches or pivoting to new methods entirely. We also explore linguistic anthropology, with Jena offering insights into how it...
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Content Design w/ Gaby Lapera
AnthroPuzzled
On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we’re thrilled to chat with Gaby Lapera, the lead content designer at Parafin and the host of the AnthroBiology Podcast. In her role at Parafin, Gaby combines her expertise in content design and UX to craft clear, engaging written experiences for everything from in-app text and FAQs to loan applications and automated email templates, all with the aim of enhancing user engagement and making complex processes more accessible. Outside of her professional work at Parafin, Gaby is also deeply committed to the anthropology community. To stay connected to the...
info_outlineIn this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Fogle Hatch, a trailblazer who talks about how she has navigated the world as a totally blind individual. Cheryl shares her personal experiences and insights into how she expertly navigates both her daily life and her work using technology like screen readers, VoiceOver, and TalkBack to access grants, research documents, and other essential information.
Cheryl also discusses her journey through archaeology and museum work, where she found joy in connecting with artifacts in the collections area through touch. However, she noticed that public museum displays were often behind glass, making it difficult for others to engage with the exhibits in the same way. Seeing an opportunity to make museums more inclusive, Cheryl founded MuseumSense, a business that creates tactile replicas of artifacts, allowing individuals of all abilities to interact with and experience history in a more hands-on way.
In our conversation, we also explore the different kinds of tactile experiences that can be used to make museum exhibits more accessible, including braille, sculptures, 3D prints, and even patchwork. Cheryl offers insights into how each approach can enhance the hands-on experience for visitors, making it more inclusive for people with diverse needs. She would love to do more research in tactile design.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about accessibility, innovation, and creating more inclusive spaces for everyone.