Business Episodes

Are you curious about the incredible versatility of an anthropology degree? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell breaks down the many paths available to anthropologists beyond studying ancient cultures. From tech and healthcare to nonprofits, business, and even solving crimes, Adam explores how anthropology equips professionals to tackle real-world challenges. Discover how anthropologists use their unique skills to bridge cultural gaps, analyze human behavior, and create impact...

What if the future isn’t something we predict, but something we design? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley to dive into the hidden forces shaping our world—from speculative fiction to emerging technologies and the ripple effects of design. They explore mammoth de-extinction, AI, and the unintended consequences of innovation, challenging us to rethink how we approach progress. How do the stories we tell influence what’s possible? W...

What if work isn’t just about what we do, but how we think about it? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by Claudia Strauss to unravel the myths and realities behind today’s shifting work culture. They explore the viral claim that “nobody wants to work anymore,” uncovering the hidden forces driving changes in labor, passion, and productivity. From the history of the Puritan work ethic to the rise of AI and gig work, this conversation challenges us to rethink what it ...

Have you ever felt successful on the outside but empty on the inside? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Dr. Nethra Samarawickrema about the struggles of modern work-life, the tension between authenticity and belonging and why many of us feel disconnected from our careers.

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist Claudia Strauss about how #AI, #technology, and the #postpandemic world are reshaping the nature of work in America. They explore crucial topics such as the impact of...

In this episode of This Anthro Life, we’ll dive into how anthropology is reshaping tech investment by examining human culture and its influence on innovation. You'll discover how the deep study of culture helps forecast market trends, understand AI...

Join me in a captivating new series on This Anthro Life as I explore the diverse career paths for anthropology graduates, emphasizing the immense value of anthropological skills in consulting roles. In this episode, "Careers in Anthropology: Corporate...

Delve into the world of software development, work culture, and the philosophy of 'good enoughness,' with Paula Bialski. I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse...

In this podcast episode, Adam hosts Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave, to discuss his journey with psychedelics, microdosing, and the intersection with leadership and personal development. Paul shares his personal background, from growing up in a...

In this insightful episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the transformative power of the COVID-19 pandemic on the shift to online work. We discuss the potential of remote work to create a more equal playing field in the job market, Fredrik sharing his experience of building Superside, a platform that helps marketing and creative teams overcome design bottlenecks. Through this insightful discussion, we explore how this transition not only enhances productivity but also levels the playing field for individuals worldwide. From the importance of speed and quality in creative endeavors to the pivotal role of values and psychological safety in organizational success, we unravel the keys to building a future where talent knows no bounds. Join the conversation as we explore how remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, is reshaping industries, amplifying creativity, and paving the way for inclusive and innovative organizations.

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 engine usage. Through a narrative woven with two years of intensive interviews and research, Donnelly unveils the unseen impacts of our digital age. The conversation traverses the power dynamics inherent in data collection, emphasizing the imperative of transparency. We advocate for a cultural shift, calling for an evaluation of our relationship with technology and its pervasive influence on modern society. Explore the intricate repercussions of technology through David Donnelly's lens in "Cost of Convenience." Delve into two years of intensive research revealing unseen impacts.

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 emphasizes trust-building between government and business, highlighting personalized entrepreneurship's role in creating meaningful impact. Gupta explores the synergy between venture capital and government collaboration to drive innovation and social entrepreneurship. His insights inspire a reimagining of traditional boundaries, focusing on mission-driven ventures. Join us in embracing this mindset for a brighter, more sustainable future. Join us in this enlightening discussion as we uncover the transformative potential of anthropology in shaping meaningful careers and fostering innovation in today's dynamic professional landscape.

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. Amy Santee discusses transitioning from academia to industry, highlighting anthropology's adaptability in diverse settings. We explore the evolving perception of anthropology in the business world, advocating for increased visibility and mentorship to support aspiring anthropologists in carving out fulfilling career paths. Our dialogue underscores the invaluable contribution of anthropology to various fields and inspires listeners to embrace the multifaceted possibilities within the discipline.

In this episode, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Byron Reese about the concept of superorganisms. Reese draws parallels between the structure and behavior of bees in a hive and the potential for humanity to function as a superorganism.

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 their projects more impactful globally. We stress the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural memory and the need for cooperation to tackle climate change. We also discuss how competitive models between business and academia fall short and how digital technologies can help bridge these gaps.

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 how Irene Cremations uses innovative tools like Funeral OS and Obituary Writer to streamline processes and empower families during the grieving process. Additionally, we discuss shifting cultural norms in end-of-life care and the potential future advancements in the industry.

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?...

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 the importance of addressing underlying power structures and norms to promote lasting change. He highlights the need to embrace diverse perspectives without requiring complete agreement, acknowledging that true belonging stems from accepting and valuing differences.

In this episode of This Anthro Life podcast, Dr. Jon Cohen shares invaluable insights gained from leading the nation in COVID-19 diagnostics testing. He emphasizes the importance of building a robust diagnostic infrastructure for future crises, drawing on lessons learned from the pandemic. The collaboration between healthcare providers and the sports industry also emerges as a noteworthy success, shedding light on the benefits of cross-sector partnerships during emergencies. Furthermore, Jon highlights the pressing need for enhanced mental health support. He underscores the limitations of traditional therapy methods and champions the accessibility and flexibility offered by telemedicine. With mental health challenges on the rise, he advocates for the expansion of telemedicine services to ensure accessible care for all.

In this episode, Joe Schaeppi, an entrepreneur and leader in the gaming and psychology fields, dives into the realm of designing experiences centered around humans. He explores the complex interplay of AI, design, and technology. He shares his personal journey in creating experiences that nurture mindfulness and self-awareness. The conversation covers challenges in assessing outcomes, the importance of community and constructive feedback, and the limitations of over-personalization. The focus is on understanding the audience and crafting experiences with genuine significance. The episode also delves into the limitations of relying solely on big data for comprehending consciousness, highlighting the crucial role of language in shaping thoughts. The discussion extends to the impact of AI on creativity and successful strategies in the gaming industry. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of self-discovery through psychological assessment, with a consideration of AI's potential role…

Intro: In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with Emily Kennedy about the intersection of journalism and ethnography. They explore how ethnographic methods can help address challenges faced by journalists, such as trust, online harassment, and the business model of journalism. They discuss the importance of empathy, rapport building, and the evolving concept of objectivity in interviews. Kennedy also shares insights on the benefits and drawbacks of AI, and the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration in storytelling. In this conversation we discuss: 👉 Challenges in journalism 👉 The importance of ethnographic methods 👉 Balancing advocacy and bias in reporting Here are a few of our favorite quotable moments: 1. "Ethnographic methods can help journalists conduct more in-depth, empathetic interviews and allow people to tell their own stories from their perspective." 2. "Journalists can benefit from learning to recognize and code abbreviations used in in…

In a world where technology is advancing at an exponential pace, we can already see that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a profound impact on our lives. But AI is far from perfect. Too often, we end up grappling with a variety of problems when we bring AI into the real world, from increasing mental health issues in young girls and boys to anxiety for workers whose jobs are changing.

Contemporary AI systems are typically created by many different people, each working on separate parts or “modules.” This can make it difficult to determine who is responsible for considering the ethical implications of an AI system as a whole — a problem compounded by the fact that many AI engineers already don’t consider it their job to ensure the AI systems they work on are ethical.

When we think of robots, we tend to think of things like R2-D2, the Terminator skeleton, or a piece of machinery that automates the construction of goods in an assembly line. But that’s not all there is to robots — something anthropologist and roboticist entrepreneur Lora Koycheva understands perfectly well.