AnthroPuzzled
AnthroPuzzled is designed with the goal to help recent graduates and curious minds discover the exciting opportunities that a degree in anthropology can offer, even in the most unlikely of places. Each episode, we’ll sit down with professionals from all four branches of anthropology—cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological—as they share their stories of how they carved out unique and fulfilling careers. We’ll hear firsthand how they apply their anthropological training in surprising ways, whether they’re working in corporate environments, non-profits, education, or even creative industries. Let’s embark on this journey together and uncover the endless possibilities that await you in the world of anthropology. Tune in, get inspired, and start piecing together your own career puzzle.
info_outline
Communications w/ Cilla Lowen
01/24/2025
Communications w/ Cilla Lowen
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 African farm workers. Cilla also dives into the intersection of anthropology and screenwriting, showing how storytelling can foster empathy, understanding, and action on issues like urbanization, patriarchy, and cultural erosion. Tune in to discover how Cilla uses her expertise to address systemic inequalities, balance ethical storytelling with artistic expression, and bring impactful narratives to life. Whether you’re a storyteller, anthropologist, or advocate for social change, this conversation will leave you inspired.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/34917120
info_outline
Career Opportunities in Business w/ Robert Morais
01/10/2025
Career Opportunities in Business w/ Robert Morais
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 working in the field you're interested in. While learning from someone with decades of experience is invaluable, talking to peers and those actively engaged in the field today can offer even more practical and up-to-date knowledge. Tune in to hear about the intersection of anthropology, business, and AI, and gain a deeper understanding of how these elements can shape your career and approach to innovation.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/34776795
info_outline
Multimodal Ethnography w/ Carrie Perkins
12/27/2024
Multimodal Ethnography w/ Carrie Perkins
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 academics, highlighting the competitive nature of the academic job market and the importance of starting the interview process up to a year in advance. She emphasizes the need to search broadly for positions that align with individual expertise and goals. Additionally, Carrie underscores the significance of grant-writing skills for scholars. She recommends taking courses to build expertise, as these skills not only enhance research opportunities but also strengthen academic applications. Tune in for insights on immersive storytelling, navigating academia, and essential skills for academic success!
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/34631385
info_outline
Academia & Biological Research w/ Haley Ragsdale
12/13/2024
Academia & Biological Research w/ Haley Ragsdale
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 of funding and salary. Dr. Ragsdale shares her journey into academia, offering an honest look at the ups and downs of the path to becoming a researcher. In addition, we explore the question of whether pursuing a master’s or PhD is necessary for a career in research and academia. Dr. Ragsdale highlights how much this depends on the specific field and career goals, providing a nuanced perspective on higher education in the sciences. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the intersection of reproductive biology, academic careers, and what it really takes to succeed in research!
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/34430510
info_outline
Public Archeology w/ Mike Thomin
11/29/2024
Public Archeology w/ Mike Thomin
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 Preservation (MLAP) and efforts to secure a National Heritage Area designation for northwest Florida, which would be the first of its kind in the state. Finally, we talk about the role of public archaeology in educating and engaging local communities—from schools to local businesses, nonprofits, and even state legislators—about the importance of preserving cultural heritage for future generations. This insightful conversation underscores the value of public engagement in archaeology and the crucial work being done to safeguard our historical and cultural resources for future generations.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/34194675
info_outline
Audience Research w/ Jena Barchas - Lichtenstein
11/15/2024
Audience Research w/ Jena Barchas - Lichtenstein
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 conclusive or useful than anticipated, requiring researchers to dig deeper, rethink their approaches, or pivot to new methods entirely. Jena also shares insights on the various titles applied researchers can hold—such as audience research, visitor research, impact research, and program evaluation—and what to look for when seeking principal researcher positions in these fields. We also explore the fascinating field of linguistic anthropology, with Jena offering insight into how it differs from general linguistics. While linguistics primarily focuses on the structure and mechanics of language—such as syntax, phonetics, and semantics—linguistic anthropology shifts the focus to the ways language is intertwined with culture and society. It’s about understanding how language shapes, and is shaped by, human behavior, social relationships, and identity. Jena explains that at the heart of linguistic anthropology is the study of people—their lived experiences, the contexts in which they communicate, and how language reflects and reinforces cultural norms. Whether you're an aspiring researcher or simply curious about how museums connect with their audiences, this conversation has something for everyone!
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/33939157
info_outline
Content Design w/ Gaby Lapera
11/12/2024
Content Design w/ Gaby Lapera
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 AnthroBiology Podcast as a fulfilling hobby. Through the podcast, she engages with biological anthropologists to explore their work and its broader implications. From our evolutionary past to the nuances of bone analysis and the intriguing behaviors of chimpanzees, Gaby covers a diverse array of topics. If it's connected to humans and anthropology, she dives into it. Join us for a fascinating conversation as Gaby reflects on her unique path, the intersection of anthropology and technology, and how she’s making the field more accessible and engaging for everyone.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/33891532
info_outline
Strategic Initiatives w/ Daniel Ginsberg
10/18/2024
Strategic Initiatives w/ Daniel Ginsberg
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 reflects on their graduate school experience, emphasizing the need to approach the application process as a job search, and shares the challenges of navigating life as a PhD student. We also feature World on the Move exhibition, a project Daniel contributed to that showcases the extensive history of migration. We explore how migration has always been a fundamental aspect of human existence, well before the advent of modern documentation. This traveling exhibition will be on display in public libraries until mid-2025 and has resonated with communities since its launch in 2023, as many individuals connect with various migration stories. Listeners are invited to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the crucial role of anthropology in contemporary society and the diverse opportunities for making a meaningful impact in this evolving field.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/33512492
info_outline
Space Anthropology w/ Savannah Mandel
10/04/2024
Space Anthropology w/ Savannah Mandel
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 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.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/33274267
info_outline
Anthropology Career Readiness Network w/ Elizabeth Briody
09/20/2024
Anthropology Career Readiness Network w/ Elizabeth Briody
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 insights on consulting with university anthropology departments to enrich their programs, emphasizing the need to blend theoretical knowledge with practical methods to better prepare students for real-world challenges. Additionally, we discuss the importance of educating students, parents, and businesses about the significance of anthropology and what it has to offer. Tune in to discover how practical experience, strategic planning, and broader awareness can shape a successful path in the field of anthropology.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/32951807
info_outline
Distribution Marketing w/ Hanna Stram
09/06/2024
Distribution Marketing w/ Hanna Stram
In this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we chat with Hanna Stram, Coordinator of Distribution Marketing at Fox Entertainment. Hanna delves into her role in orchestrating marketing strategies and the crucial role networking has played in her success. She shares how building a strong professional network has been key to her career growth and offers practical tips for effective networking. We also explore Hanna’s unique background in anthropology and how it has influenced her approach to marketing. Her experiences studying anthropology have equipped her with a deeper understanding of human behavior and a knack for asking thought-provoking questions, skills that have proven essential in her marketing career. Join us for an engaging discussion that blends marketing insights with a fresh perspective on how diverse experiences can enhance professional development.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/32943702
info_outline
Introducing AnthroPuzzled
09/01/2024
Introducing AnthroPuzzled
Welcome to AnthroPuzzled, where we explore the many career paths available with an anthropology degree. I’m your host, Abby Letsinger, and every two weeks, we’ll uncover how the skills and insights from studying anthropology can lead to fascinating opportunities. I hold degrees in Business Management and Cultural Anthropology from the University of West Florida. Four years after graduation, I’m still finding my own career path and want to help others do the same. This podcast aims to share my journey and assist you in discovering various career options in anthropology, whether in academia, museum work, or beyond. Anthropology is the study of humans—our past, present, and everything in between. It includes four main branches: Cultural, Archaeological, Biological, and Linguistic Anthropology. Each offers unique perspectives and career possibilities. In each episode, we’ll talk to professionals from these fields to see how they’ve applied their anthropological training in diverse careers, from business and technology to government and the arts. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or simply curious, AnthroPuzzled is here to guide and inspire you as we explore the world of anthropology together.
/episode/index/show/494b16fc-1e9b-4c05-858e-51893a6d5878/id/32856977