AnthroPuzzled
In this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Michael Thomas, Senior VP at Space Doctors, a cultural consulting firm. Michael shares how his background in cognitive anthropology shapes his work, first designing trucks at Ford, then applying ethnographic methods to global branding and consumer insight. His first experience with fieldwork, interviewing truck drivers, revealed just how wrong industry assumptions can be, and ignited his passion for anthropology. We explore how anthropology helps consultants better understand human behavior, cultural signals, and how products can communicate...
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On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Shane Townsend, a storyteller, diplomat, and lifelong public servant whose career has been guided by a deep commitment to helping others. His advice? Write down what you truly want, not what others expect of you. Then go after it with intention. Shane says he feels most alive when he's listening to or sharing stories—and he's built a career doing exactly that. Growing up in a close-knit community that valued storytelling and mutual support, Shane developed strong values that carried him into college, where studying anthropology gave him a...
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In this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we’re joined by Andrea DiGiorgio, a lecturer in both the Writing and Anthropology departments at Princeton University, a postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University, and a conservation marketer. Andrea brings a unique blend of academic insight and real-world advocacy to our discussion, which focuses on the ethics of wildlife imagery and the diverse roles within academia. Andrea teaches courses that bridge writing, anthropology, sustainability, and conservation. She is passionate about educating and learning from the next generation of scholars while...
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In this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Shauna Mundt, a senior historical archaeologist at Pacific Legacy Inc. and lead archaeologist for the Martinez Cemetery Preservation Alliance. Shauna specializes in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), where she works to identify, preserve, and document historical artifacts—often under challenging field conditions and strict legal guidelines. Shauna shares how CRM differs from academic archaeology, including the ethical responsibilities, unpredictable project locations, and the reality of looting. She also explains how tools like GIS mapping...
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On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Angela VandenBroek, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology and Business at Texas State University. Angela shares her winding path into anthropology and how she’s applied it in unexpected places—from archaeology to retail—showing that anthropology is a versatile mindset and toolkit, not just a career. Angela explains how anthropology can improve business practices by helping companies better understand people—both consumers and employees. She highlights its role in strategy, culture, and innovation, especially for entrepreneurs....
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On today’s episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Edher Zamudio, Student Services Specialist at UC Davis and part-time Ethnic Studies Instructor at Cosumnes River College. We dive into how anthropology can inform and improve student support work in higher education. Edher grew up in Peru and moved to the U.S. near the end of high school. His journey through college and graduate school was shaped by mentors who helped him find his path—an experience that now motivates him to be that guide for others. In his work, Edher acts as both a mediator and mentor. He helps students—especially those...
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On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we were honored to interview Nirupama Hayden, a Certified Diversity Executive and Associate Consultant. We discuss how anthropological knowledge is vital in jobs with diversity components and in negotiation. Companies today face a multitude of challenges, among the most pressing being issues related to belonging and inclusion. These challenges lead to inefficiencies in client services and create unhealthy work environments. As a diversity executive, Nirupama works with companies to identify the best solutions to these problems and ensure they do not arise...
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In this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Mujtaba Hameed, an anthropologist and Associate Director at Stripe Partners, a technology consulting firm. Together, we explore what it means to be a consultant and how anthropology plays a crucial role in this field. Mujtaba, an applied anthropologist, specializes in ethnography and user research, tracking the shifts and changes in modern technology and culture. By staying up to date with the ever-evolving world of technology, he formulates strategies that help clients like Apple, Google, and Instagram stay ahead of the curve. His deep...
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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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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...
info_outlineIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Mujtaba Hameed, an anthropologist and Associate Director at Stripe Partners, a technology consulting firm. Together, we explore what it means to be a consultant and how anthropology plays a crucial role in this field.
Mujtaba, an applied anthropologist, specializes in ethnography and user research, tracking the shifts and changes in modern technology and culture. By staying up to date with the ever-evolving world of technology, he formulates strategies that help clients like Apple, Google, and Instagram stay ahead of the curve. His deep curiosity about human behavior allows him to translate complex insights into actionable plans, ensuring his clients can best utilize technology to benefit themselves.
Mujtaba also draws on his linguistic skills to present these insights in an accessible and understandable way for clients, making his advice both practical and impactful. His work has taken him from LA to Tokyo and beyond, offering a global perspective and a unique anthropological lens for understanding and influencing the tech industry.
Tune in now to uncover how anthropology is shaping the world of technology consulting!