Culture Episodes

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 ca…

Join us in this dynamic episode of This Anthro Life as we sit down with Shaun Carver, CEO of International House at UC Berkeley, to explore the art of building inclusive and vibrant campus communities.

Join us for a discussion on raising boys in today's world with a renowned journalist and author. I'm Adam, your host. In this episode, we explore masculinity, gender roles, and societal changes. Ruth Whippman explores the challenges of nurturing boys...

Join us for an intriguing discussion on the connection between law and human behavior with Dr. Mark, a distinguished forensic psychiatry specialist. I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we explore forensic psychiatry—a medical field that bridges...

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 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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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 delve into the intricate duties of a cultural anthropologist in Micronesia. Using ethnographic approaches, cultural heritage is documented and safeguarded while meeting community requirements.

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…

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 …

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-…

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?...

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...

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…

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…

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…

in this new exciting episode, we explore the profound influence of language on our perception of experiences. We also tackle the intricate process of navigating trauma and uncovering growth in the face of adversity. Our guest, Amrita Subramanian, an esteemed expert in cultural contexts and relation…

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…

People with disabilities often face accessibility issues in physical environments, such as a lack of ramps, narrow doorways, and inaccessible transportation. Every barrier is a reminder that designs are choices, ones made without people with disabilities at the decision-making table.

In this episode, Angela Saini, award-winning science journalist and author of “The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule,” traces the material and social roots of patriarchy with host Adam Gamwell. The duo explores how anthropology can help us better understand the patriarchy and patriarchal power by co…