Culture Episodes

Delve into the complexities of cultural identity and expression, examining how culture influences human experiences and societal structures.
The Ethics of Influence and Conversation with Michael Reddington
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…

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An Anthropologist's Perspective on Nonviolent Communication Through Art of Listening
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…

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Investigating Superorganisms and The Collective Intelligence of Humans
March 7, 2024

Investigating Superorganisms and The Collective Intelligence of Humans

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.

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Turning Wounds into Wisdom: The Power of Storytelling with Sussi Mattsson
Feb. 28, 2024

Turning Wounds into Wisdom: The Power of Storytelling with Sussi Matt…

Have you ever pondered how acknowledging and reframing past trauma could be transformative?In this riveting episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the profound impact of acknowledging and reframing past trauma as the initial step toward healing....

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The Impact of Community-Centered Preservation on Micronesian Culture
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.

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The Fight To Save Cultural Memory With Charles Henry
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…

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Is Tech the Future of Funeral Services?
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 …

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

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How Ethnographic Research is Shaping the Future of Insight in Business and Technology
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?...

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

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Redefining Accessibility, Inclusion, and Human Rights with Victor Pineda
Jan. 11, 2024

Redefining Accessibility, Inclusion, and Human Rights with Victor Pin…

In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the intersection of big systems-level questions and fundamental human inquiries in accessibility, disability rights, and human potential. Join us for a captivating conversation with expert Victor Pineda, who sheds light on the fusion of macro-level…

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The Path to Long-term Happiness: A New Theory on Mental Health and Neurodiversity
Dec. 27, 2023

The Path to Long-term Happiness: A New Theory on Mental Health and Ne…

This Anthro Life ditches the "no illness, no happiness" model, embracing neurodiversity and unique strengths as paths to long-term fulfillment. Ryan Bush, author of "Become Who You Are," blends ancient wisdom and modern psychology, proposing "virtue signaling" as the key to well-being. He offers pr…

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The Search for Dignity and Respect: An Exploration of Human Universals
Dec. 20, 2023

The Search for Dignity and Respect: An Exploration of Human Universals

In this episode, we discover how stories shape our understanding of shared human desires for dignity and respect. Michele Lamont argues that narratives focusing on "ordinary universalism," our common human experiences, can bridge cultural divides and fulfill these fundamental needs. Through Gen Z's…

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

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Everyday War: How Small Intimate Moments Shape Wartime Realities in Ukraine with Greta Uehling
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…

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Interstellar Dreams vs. Earthly Realities: Rethinking Space Exploration With Savannah Mandel
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…

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

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Navigating the Labyrinth of Perception: Wisdom, Language, and Post-Trauma Growth
Oct. 10, 2023

Navigating the Labyrinth of Perception: Wisdom, Language, and Post-Tr…

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…

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Understanding Tribal Signals: A Conversation with an Evolutionary Anthropologist
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…

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Bridging the Gap: Bringing Science to the Public Imagination
Sept. 21, 2023

Bridging the Gap: Bringing Science to the Public Imagination

Science is a dynamic process of discovery and revision. This means that scientists are constantly learning new things and updating their understanding of the world. This can be challenging for the public to keep up with, but it is important for people to be engaged with science so that they can mak…

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Anthropology Meets Journalism: How Two Fields Can Save Each Other
Aug. 1, 2023

Anthropology Meets Journalism: How Two Fields Can Save Each Other

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 journalis…

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This Anthro Life 2023 trailer
May 26, 2023

This Anthro Life 2023 trailer

Just a little trailer for 2023 new listeners to This Anthro Life!Learn more about the podcast here: https://thisanthrolife.org

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How Disability Teaches Us to Change the World with Brooke Ellison
May 16, 2023

How Disability Teaches Us to Change the World with Brooke Ellison

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.

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The Complex Roots of Patriarchy with Angela Saini
May 2, 2023

The Complex Roots of Patriarchy with Angela Saini

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…

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