Shows
AnthroPuzzledPreserving the Past w/ Shauna MundtIn this episode, we're joined by Shauna Mundt, a historical archaeologist specializing in Cultural Resource Management (CRM). Shauna shares what CRM work really entails, why it's essential for preserving history, and how anything over 50 years old can be considered a cultural resource. We explore the ethical responsibilities archaeologists carry as stewards of the past—ensuring cultural resources are protected in line with local, state, and federal laws. Shauna also sheds light on the unpredictable challenges CRM professionals face in the field, from harsh weather and wildlife to the ongoing threat of looting. Plus, we dive in...2025-05-1634 min
AnthroPuzzledInnovative Anthropologies w/ Angela K. VandenBroekOn the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Angela VandenBroek, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology and Business at Texas State University. Angela shares her winding path into anthropology and how she’s applied it in unexpected places—from archaeology to retail—showing that anthropology is a versatile mindset and toolkit, not just a career. Angela explains how anthropology can improve business practices by helping companies better understand people—both consumers and employees. She highlights its role in strategy, culture, and innovation, especially for entrepreneurs. In her teaching, Angela emphasizes that human behavior is complex and can...2025-05-021h 00
AnthroPuzzledAcademic Advising 101 w/ Edher ZamudioOn today’s episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Edher Zamudio, Student Services Specialist at UC Davis and part-time Ethnic Studies Instructor at Cosumnes River College. We dive into how anthropology can inform and improve student support work in higher education. Edher grew up in Peru and moved to the U.S. near the end of high school. His journey through college and graduate school was shaped by mentors who helped him find his path—an experience that now motivates him to be that guide for others. In his work, Edher acts as both a medi...2025-04-1850 min
AnthroPuzzledResolving Intersectional Challenges Within Organizations w/ Nirupama HaydenOn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we were honored to interview Nirupama Hayden, a Certified Diversity Executive and Associate Consultant. We discuss how anthropological knowledge is vital in jobs with diversity components and in negotiation. Companies today face a multitude of challenges, among the most pressing being issues related to belonging and inclusion. These challenges lead to inefficiencies in client services and create unhealthy work environments. As a diversity executive, Nirupama works with companies to identify the best solutions to these problems and ensure they do not arise again. Nirupama applies her understanding of anthropology to...2025-04-0450 min
AnthroPuzzledAdventures in Ethnography w/ Mujtaba HameedIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Mujtaba Hameed, an anthropologist and Associate Director at Stripe Partners, a technology consulting firm. Together, we explore what it means to be a consultant and how anthropology plays a crucial role in this field. Mujtaba, an applied anthropologist, specializes in ethnography and user research, tracking the shifts and changes in modern technology and culture. By staying up to date with the ever-evolving world of technology, he formulates strategies that help clients like Apple, Google, and Instagram stay ahead of the curve. His deep curiosity about human behavior allows...2025-03-2143 min
AnthroPuzzledAcademic Editing w/ Katherine WileyIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Katherine Wiley, a cultural anthropologist and the owner of Goldenrod Editorial, an academic editing business. Together, we explore the unique world of academic editing—work that goes far beyond fixing grammar. Katherine shares how she support writers throughout the drafting process, helping them clarify their ideas and reduce academic jargon to make their work more accessible. We also dive into the strong, collaborative relationships Katherine builds with the writers she supports. Katherine’s experience in cultural anthropology, along with her time in the Peace Corps, has shap...2025-03-0743 min
AnthroPuzzledHuman Rights & Global Health w/ Cameron KaysIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Cameron Kays, Associate Director of Programs at the World Shoe Fund, to explore the intersection of human rights, global health, and anthropology. The World Shoe Fund is an important and impactful organization that helps different communities by supplying them with resources they don’t have access to, like footwear that provides a barrier against deadly disease. Cameron shares how her background in anthropology shaped her path in international affairs, offering fresh insights into the evolving challenges of global health. She reflects on how travel and cultural immersion influenced he...2025-02-2136 min
AnthroPuzzledMultisensory Museum Exhibits w/ Cheryl Fogle-HatchIn this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Fogle Hatch, a trailblazer who talks about how she has navigated the world as a totally blind individual. Cheryl shares her personal experiences and insights into how she expertly navigates both her daily life and her work using technology like screen readers, VoiceOver, and TalkBack to access grants, research documents, and other essential information. Cheryl also discusses her journey through archaeology and museum work, where she found joy in connecting with artifacts in the collections area through touch. However, she noticed that public museum displays were often behind glass...2025-02-0744 min
AnthroPuzzledCommunications w/ Cilla LowenIn this episode, we sit down with screenwriter and applied anthropologist Cilla Lowen to explore how anthropology shapes her storytelling and drives her passion for social impact. Cilla shares how her fieldwork in diverse and often challenging environments has informed her ability to craft authentic, multidimensional characters and narratives. We discuss her groundbreaking projects, including On Uneven Paths, a documentary series highlighting the challenges faced by disabled individuals in African townships, and The Wages of Sin, a feature film exploring generational alcoholism among South African farm workers. Cilla also dives into the intersection of anthropology and screenwriting...2025-01-2451 min
AnthroPuzzledCareer Opportunities in Business w/ Robert MoraisIn this episode, we sit down with Robert Morais to explore the world of Business Anthropology and how you can break into this unique field. We dive into what business anthropology is, its growing relevance in today’s business landscape, and practical tips on how to start a career in it. We also delve into the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in business and how it can serve as a powerful tool for generating fresh ideas, perspectives, and even questions you may not have considered before. Additionally, Robert shares insights on the importance of connecting wi...2025-01-1048 min
AnthroPuzzledMultimodal Ethnography w/ Carrie PerkinsIn this episode, we sit down with Carrie Perkins to explore her innovative VR project, Art of Exile. Using multimodal ethnography, this immersive platform documents and shares the experiences of displaced individuals from Myanmar, showcasing the creative resilience of refugee artists through video, audio, and virtual reality. Carrie discusses the challenges of using technology to represent marginalized communities while ensuring accessibility, offering a thought-provoking look at the intersection of art, technology, and cultural storytelling. Carrie also provides valuable advice for aspiring academics, highlighting the competitive nature of the academic job market and the importance of starting the...2024-12-2741 min
AnthroPuzzledAcademia & Biological Research w/ Haley RagsdaleIn this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Haley Ragsdale, a biological anthropologist and postdoctoral research associate, whose fascinating research explores how life experiences influence reproductive investment and the development of offspring during pregnancy. Dr. Ragsdale explains the complex factors that shape fetal development and how these insights can inform our understanding of human biology. We also dive into the world of academia and research careers, discussing the differences between a postdoctoral research associate and a postdoctoral research fellow, including the critical factors of funding and salary. Dr. Ragsdale shares her journey into academia, offering an honest lo...2024-12-1355 min
AnthroPuzzledPublic Archeology w/ Mike ThominIn this episode, we dive into the world of public archaeology with museum manager Mike Thomin. We explore the benefits of working in smaller museums, where you can learn a variety of roles, compared to larger institutions that often focus on more specialized positions. We also discuss the ethical side of archaeology, including the key differences between grave robbing and legitimate archaeological work, as well as the legal importance of leaving artifacts in place, especially on state lands in Florida. Mike shares his involvement with the Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for Preservation (MLAP) and efforts to...2024-11-2953 min
AnthroPuzzledAudience Research w/ Jena Barchas - LichtensteinIn this episode, we’re joined by Jena Barchas-Lichtenstein, an expert in audience research, who works closely with museums to understand and engage their visitors. We dive into the world of audience research, exploring its methods—from surveys to ethnographic approaches—and how it differs from UX research. Jena also shares the challenges of audience research, where data often doesn't provide the expected or hoped-for answers. Sometimes, this means rethinking approaches or pivoting to new methods entirely. We also explore linguistic anthropology, with Jena offering insights into how it differs from general linguistics. While linguistics focuses on the st...2024-11-1536 min
AnthroPuzzledContent Design w/ Gaby LaperaOn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we’re thrilled to chat with Gaby Lapera, the lead content designer at Parafin and the host of the AnthroBiology Podcast. In her role at Parafin, Gaby combines her expertise in content design and UX to craft clear, engaging written experiences for everything from in-app text and FAQs to loan applications and automated email templates, all with the aim of enhancing user engagement and making complex processes more accessible. Outside of her professional work at Parafin, Gaby is also deeply committed to the anthropology community. To stay connected to the field, she la...2024-11-1245 min
AnthroPuzzledStrategic Initiatives w/ Daniel GinsbergIn this episode, we host Daniel Ginsberg, the former Director of Strategic Initiatives at the American Anthropological Association (AAA) who shares their insights on collaborating with an elected executive board of anthropologists and their role in shaping the organization's future. They emphasize the importance of advocacy in promoting anthropology to the general public and addressing pressing societal issues. We dive into Daniel’s journey as a career changer going from an English Second Language (ESL) teacher to researching anthropology careers to developing educational programs, culminating in their current position. Daniel also reflects on their graduate school experience an...2024-10-1838 min
AnthroPuzzledSpace Anthropology w/ Savannah MandelIn this episode, we sit down with Savannah Mandel, a pioneering space anthropologist and author of the thought-provoking book Ground Control: An Argument for the End of Human Space Exploration. Savannah shares her insights on the ethical dimensions of space exploration, emphasizing the social and economic implications of the growing commercial space industry and she is advocating for a more inclusive approach, and urges us to consider the ethical responsibilities that come with these advancements. We also discuss the evolving landscape of academic publishing, examining whether academics should enlist agents or publicists to navigate the complexities of...2024-10-0437 min
AnthroPuzzledAnthropology Career Readiness Network w/ Elizabeth BriodyIn this enlightening episode of Anthropuzzled, we sit down with Elizabeth Briody, a renowned anthropologist and consultant, to explore the evolving landscape of anthropology careers. Elizabeth, co-founder of the Anthropology Career Resource Network (ACRN), sheds light on how this network supports budding anthropologists and enhances career development within the field. We dive into her latest work with ACRN, including their new book, Career Tools for Anthropology: A Workbook, which provides invaluable resources for navigating and excelling in anthropological careers. Elizabeth also shares her insights on consulting with university anthropology departments to enrich their programs, emphasizing the need...2024-09-2040 min
AnthroPuzzledDistribution Marketing w/ Hanna StramIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we chat with Hanna Stram, Coordinator of Distribution Marketing at Fox Entertainment. Hanna delves into her role in orchestrating marketing strategies and the crucial role networking has played in her success. She shares how building a strong professional network has been key to her career growth and offers practical tips for effective networking. We also explore Hanna’s unique background in anthropology and how it has influenced her approach to marketing. Her experiences studying anthropology have equipped her with a deeper understanding of human behavior and a knack for asking thought-provoking questions, sk...2024-09-0643 min
AnthroPuzzledIntroducing AnthroPuzzledWelcome to AnthroPuzzled, where we explore the many career paths available with an anthropology degree. I’m your host, Abby Letsinger, and every two weeks, we’ll uncover how the skills and insights from studying anthropology can lead to fascinating opportunities. I hold degrees in Business Management and Cultural Anthropology from the University of West Florida. Four years after graduation, I’m still finding my own career path and want to help others do the same. This podcast aims to share my journey and assist you in discovering various career options in anthropology, whether in academia, museum work, o...2024-09-0203 min