Culture Episodes

Discovering the transformative power of global community at UC Berkeley's International House What if your academic journey at the UC Berkeley International House was more than just studying abroad—what if it was a profound personal transformation? This episode of This Anthro Life, hosted by Dr. Adam Gamwell, delves into the vibrant, dynamic world within I-House, exploring the deep cultural, social, and intellectual exchanges that redefine student experiences. We sit down with Sean Confer, CEO o...

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 true healing and self-discovery required breaking the boundaries between science and spirituality? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell sits down with Austin Mao, a serial entrepreneur turned spiritual leader, to explore the transformative power of psychedelics, trauma healing, and personal enlightenment. Austin shares his profound journey—from tech entrepreneurship to founding Ceremonia, a modern sanctuary that blends ancient shamanic practices with cutting-edge neuros...

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 ...

Are you a parent navigating the overwhelming world of modern motherhood and parenting myths? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to explore the cultural narratives shaping our...

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.

How do our physical spaces shape the way we live, connect, and thrive? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into how design and the built environment impact today’s biggest challenges—climate change and social division. Featuring Vishaan...

Have you ever thought about the power of questions in shaping your relationships? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore how Emmy-winning filmmaker Topaz Adizes uses questions to create connection, trust, and clarity in relationships.

Hey everyone! In this episode of This Anthro Life, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, founder of Nest Labs, and author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World.

Today, we’re excited to bring you something a little different. Recently, we've been sharing a lot of episodes and shorts inspired by the work I’ve been doing alongside my colleague, Phil Searles, for Cultural Capitalist. In this special episode,...

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.

Discover what sets the Michigan Wolverines apart in college football. In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell explores the innovative cultural strategies implemented by head coach Jim Harbaugh that led to the Wolverines' 2024 National...

In this episode of This AnthroLife, host Adam Gamwell dives deep into the concept of "cultural moats" and how tech giants like Apple leverage design, technology, and cultural influence to cultivate an intensely loyal customer base. Adam examines the...

In this episode of Anthro Life host Adam engages in a fascinating discussion with Chris Carter, a geoscientist-turned-design-educator, and Scott Dorely, a filmmaker-turned-design-educator. They explore how design and anthropology intersect to shape...

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...

Join us on "This Anthro Life" podcast for an enlightening episode titled "How to Heal Through Ayahuasca" with special guest Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia and entrepreneur. Dive into the resurgence of psychedelic therapies and modern spiritual...

Join us for a captivating conversation on neurodiversity in the workplace with Ludmila Praslova the author of 'The Canary Code.' I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we delve into the cultural and societal implications of neurodiversity,...

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 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 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 views on sexuality and relationships. They navigate the complex narratives surrounding virginity and parental sexual history, highlighting the discrepancies between societal expectations and lived realities. The conversation extends to the evolving landscape of sexual norms, including the rise of polyamory and its implications for intimacy and commitment. Dr. Wolfe’s insights on sexual tourism and changing attitudes toward sexual assault underscore the importance of cultural understanding and consent. Ultimately, they emphasize the necessity of embracing diverse experiences and truths in navigating the realm of sexuality.

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.