Anthropology Episodes

April 24, 2024

The Power and Manipulation Behind Free Platforms and Search Engines

In this compelling episode of This Anthro Life, we engage with filmmaker David Donnelly, delving into the depths of his documentary "Cost of Convenience." Donnelly's exploration uncovers the intricate web of consequences spawned by technology, spotlighting the covert toll of social media and search…

Listen to the Episode
April 17, 2024

Polyamory, Fidelity, and the Transforming Landscape of Sexual Norms W…

In this insightful episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into transforming the landscape of Sexual Norms with Dr. Leanna Wolfe. We delve into the intricate connections between love, anthropology, and human desires. Dr. Wolfe’s memoir, "177 Lovers," serves as a catalyst, challenging conventional vie…

Listen to the Episode
April 10, 2024

Disrupting Venture Capital and Government for Global Good

In this enlightening episode of This Anthro Life, inspired by "Venture Meets Mission," we engage with author Gupta to unravel the transformative potential of entrepreneurship. Gupta advocates for a nonlinear career path, urging individuals to become "dual citizens" in multiple sectors. He emphasize…

Listen to the Episode
April 3, 2024

Reimagining Career Trajectories: Insights from Anthropology, UX, and …

In this insightful episode of career anthropology, we speak with Amy Goldmacher and Amy Santee, professionals who seamlessly blended anthropology into their careers. Amy Goldmacher shares her journey from UX research to career coaching, using anthropology to empower individuals in communication. Am…

Listen to the Episode
March 27, 2024

The Anthro Poet: How Adrie Kusserow Weaves Stories with Science

In this captivating episode of This Anthro Life, we engage with Adrie Kusserow, an esteemed anthropologist who brings a unique poetic perspective to her work. We delve into the essence of anthropology, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and its role in shaping cultural narratives.…

Listen to the Episode
March 20, 2024

The Ethics of Influence and Conversation with Michael Reddington

In this insightful episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the intricate dynamics of communication, emphasizing the pivotal role of context. Drawing from his expertise in forensic interviewing, he illuminates how decoding body language, facial cues, and power dynamics can reveal deeper truths. R…

Listen to the Episode
March 14, 2024

An Anthropologist's Perspective on Nonviolent Communication Through A…

In this compelling episode of This Anthro Life, the discussion delves into the multifaceted world of anthropology, academia, and personal development. Nethra Samarawickrema shares her perspective on topics ranging from the origins of anthropology to the challenges of fieldwork and knowledge product…

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 22, 2024

The Impact of Community-Centered Preservation on Micronesian Culture

In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the intricate duties of a cultural anthropologist in Micronesia. Using ethnographic approaches, cultural heritage is documented and safeguarded while meeting community requirements.

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 16, 2024

The Fight To Save Cultural Memory With Charles Henry

In this episode of This Anthro Life, we talk with Charles Henry, President of the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), about protecting our cultural heritage during challenges like climate change. Charles explains how CLIR supports institutions with resources and funding to make the…

Listen to the Episode
Feb. 9, 2024

Is Tech the Future of Funeral Services?

In this episode of The Anthro Life, we delve into the intersection of technology and compassion in the field of end-of-life care. Faisal Abid, founder of Eirene Cremations, shares his journey from working in AI to revolutionizing the funeral industry by combining technology and empathy. We explore …

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 31, 2024

Black Grief, White Grievance: Power, Loss, and Political Mobilization…

In this insightful episode, we unravel the intricate dynamics of racial politics in the U.S. Democracy's inherent tension and the intersection of black grief and white grievance take center stage, shaping political activism. We explore the personal costs of activism through figures like Mamie Till-…

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 25, 2024

How Ethnographic Research is Shaping the Future of Insight in Busines…

How can businesses effectively integrate insights from social sciences like psychology and anthropology to gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, and how might this integration impact decision-making and innovation within the corporate world?...

Listen to the Episode
Jan. 17, 2024

From Taboo to Understanding: Carol Queen's Advocacy for Sex-Positive …

Have you considered the untold stories in our perceptions of sexuality? How do community strength, the role of play and toys in sexual exploration, and the promotion of sex positivity, as seen through Carol's insights, contribute to fostering a more...

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 13, 2023

The Trillion Dollar Plan to Transform Waste: Dan Nienhauser’s Vision …

Imagine a world where garbage isn't just thrown away, but reborn as energy and valuable materials. No more overflowing landfills, no more plastic choking our oceans. This isn't science fiction, it's the bold vision of Dan Nienhauser and his "Trillion Dollar Plan" on This Anthro Life. Dan's weapo…

Listen to the Episode
Dec. 6, 2023

How to Ensure Human Autonomy in the Age of Algorithms and AI with Bri…

This episode of This Anthro Life explored the intricate relationship between human autonomy and the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. The discussion highlighted the crucial need for diverse voices to champion human well-being, flourishing, and autonomy in the face of technologi…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 29, 2023

Everyday War: How Small Intimate Moments Shape Wartime Realities in U…

In this episode of This Anthro Life, Greta Uehling delves into the intricate dynamics of civilians' experiences during the Ukraine conflict. The exploration centers on the nuanced interplay between conflict and the pursuit of everyday peace, challenging the conventional belief that war disrupts dai…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 22, 2023

The Future is Speaking: Unveiling the Power of Voice Technology with …

In this episode of This Anthro Life, Tobias Dengel, a leading expert in digital transformation, explores the transformative power of voice technology. Dengel discusses how integrating voice tech into existing platforms offers a safer approach, emphasizing the familiarity and trust already establish…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 15, 2023

The Power of Collective Identity: Brad Deutser on Building Human-Cent…

Brad Deutser, an organizational psychologist, conducted research involving over 15,000 employees to examine the significance of belonging in the workplace. He identified five essential "Belonging Rules" that contribute to employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Deutser also emphasizes …

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 8, 2023

Interstellar Dreams vs. Earthly Realities: Rethinking Space Explorati…

This new episode explores the motivations and implications of humanity's pursuit of space exploration. It asks if reaching for the stars should be our top priority. Our guest Savannah Mandel shares her journey from a space enthusiast as a child to a more critical anthropologist studying the space i…

Listen to the Episode
Nov. 1, 2023

Wisdom from the Edge: Writing Ethnography in Turbulent Times With Pau…

In this episode of This Anthro Life, I am joined by cultural anthropologist and author Paul Stoller. Paul shares his extensive fieldwork experiences among the Songhai people in Niger and Mali, as well as West African migrants in New York City. Through his research on magic, sorcery, and spirit poss…

Listen to the Episode
Oct. 25, 2023

From Automation to Revolution: Exploring the Future of Conversational…

This episode of This Anthro Life delves into the transformative impact of conversational AI, hyper automation, and composable software systems with UX pioneer Robb Wilson. It explores how these technologies are reshaping human interactions with machines, going beyond familiar voice assistants like …

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 27, 2023

Understanding Tribal Signals: A Conversation with an Evolutionary Ant…

Humans have an innate drive to cooperate and identify with groups, even strangers. This drive, known as tribalism, is essential for building trust and cooperation in large-scale societies. However, in the modern world, tribalism can also lead to division and conflict. In this podcast episode, Da…

Listen to the Episode