Episodes

Discover how ethnographic methods are reshaping engaged journalism and why understanding communities is vital for the next generation of impactful news.

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...

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 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...

How are America’s family farms disappearing at such a rapid rate, and what does this mean for the future of our food, families, and rural identity? In this episode of This Anthro Life, Adam Gamwell sits down with Brian Reisinger, author, journalist, and fourth-generation Wisconsin farmer, to explore the hidden struggles of rural America. Together, they discuss the mental health crisis, the pressures on farmers, and the economic despair fueling the loss of 45,000 farms annually.

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.

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist and design educator Michael Leube about how design, ethics, and anthropology intersect to shape the future of human behavior and culture.

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,...

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 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 on This Anthro Life podcast for an engaging discussion on The Future of Reading: AI and Literature with Vihar Desu, an entrepreneur and engineer at Tempus and the creator of summaries.co.  Vihar shares his expertise in cancer genomics and AI,...

Join us on This Anthro Life podcast for an enlightening conversation with Wynford Dore, a pioneering researcher in neuroplasticity. I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we explore Wynford's transformative journey, driven by a personal family...