Shows
AnthroPuzzledAnthropology in & out of Big Tech w/ Dawn NafusOn the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Dawn Nafus, a social anthropologist who spent over twenty years working as a research scientist and leader at Intel. Trained at the University of Cambridge, Dawn built a career bringing ethnographic thinking into technology research, product strategy, and corporate governance. Much of Dawn's work focused on understanding how people actually use, and often struggle with, technologies like personal computers, wearables, and emerging digital systems. Through user research and applied ethnography, she helped guide decisions about product design, market strategy, and innovation across global contexts. As her role...
2026-02-0649 min
AnthroPuzzledArt to Anthropology w/ Miles B. JordanOn the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Miles Jordan, a photographer and PhD student in anthropology at Louisiana State University whose work bridges visual arts, ethnography, and place-based research. Miles is currently developing an intergenerational ethnography of the New Orleans music scene in the decades following Hurricane Katrina. Drawing on his lifelong connection to the city, and his background as a nationally exhibited photographer, he examines how musicians across generations have experienced cultural, spatial, and economic change in a post-Katrina landscape. As both an insider and researcher, Miles reflects on the opportunities...
2026-01-2400 min
AnthroPuzzledExpert Witnessing w/ Leila RodríguezOn the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Leila Rodriguez, an anthropologist and demographer and associate professor at the University of Puerto Rico who works as a cultural expert witness in legal cases. Leila's expertise is frequently called upon in criminal, immigration, and asylum, where she provides courts with cultural context to help judges better understand behavior, identity, and social dynamics across different societies. Rather than determining guilt or innocence, her role is to explain how cultural and social factors shape lived experiences, particularly in cases involving migrants and marginalized communities. Her work...
2026-01-0948 min
AnthroPuzzledReal Estate w/ Alex KingOn the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled we sit down with Alex King who has built a career in real estate, showing how anthropological thinking shapes the way people buy, sell, and understand homes. After leaving academia, he began working as a real estate agent and later became the owner of a home transition and estate services business, often supporting seniors and families navigating major life changes. Through his work, he applies anthropology in everyday practice, listening closely to clients, understanding their values, and asking deeper questions about why they want a home and how they plan to...
2025-12-2641 min
AnthroPuzzledCommunications & Archaeology w/ Dina RiveraOn the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled we sit down with Dina Rivera, a communications director for the Register of Professional Archeologists. Through her job Dina promotes the standards and ethics of archeological practice. The organization she works at makes resources with these guidelines available for archeologists in the field. She personally handles all the internal and external communications within the Register of Professional Archeologists and she interacts with a variety of individuals in this job, including conspiracy theorists. Dina has also spent time working on the Archeological Ethical Database. She began this work as an in...
2025-12-1235 min
AnthroPuzzledEnvironmental Anthropologist in Rural Development w/ Diane RussellOn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, I speak with Diane Russell, an ecological and environmental anthropologist working in international conservation, climate change, and natural resource management. Diane focuses on the social factors that shape how communities understand and interact with biodiversity. Her work shows how anthropology can illuminate the drivers of environmental challenges and help design conservation strategies that are both effective and culturally grounded. She shares insights from her global fieldwork, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Philippines, Fiji, Jamaica, and Cameroon, where she collaborates with communities navigating complex environmental and economic realities...
2025-11-2847 min
AnthroPuzzledConsumer Research w/ Patti SunderlandOn the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we speak with Patti Sunderland, founding principal of Cultural Research and Analysis Inc. Patti discovered anthropology in college, a perspective she says continues to shape her work in consumer research. After early projects in luxury markets and time at a nonprofit research institute, she eventually built her own firm. Anthropology, she notes, helps her look beyond individual behaviors to the broader cultural patterns driving them. Today, Patti conducts consumer and cultural analysis to support branding and product development, using interviews, observation, and focus groups. Her process includes crafting proposals...
2025-11-1436 min
AnthroPuzzledSickness & Biocultural Anthropology w/ Eric ShattuckOn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we speak with Dr. Eric Shattuck, Assistant Professor of Biological Anthropology at Florida State University. Initially drawn to cultural anthropology, Eric discovered his passion for evolutionary medicine and the ways pathogens can influence host behavior. Today, his teaching and research explore human variation, adaptability, and especially the social dimensions of health and disease. Eric's work in social immunology examines how culture and social connections shape immune function and responses to illness. He discusses how social interaction can both strengthen immune health and facilitate disease spread, insights that underscore the complex...
2025-10-3150 min
AnthroPuzzledBioarchaeology & Forensic Anthropology w/ Paulina MeléndezOn this episode of Anthropuzzled, we speak with Paulina Meléndez, an independent scientist and researcher whose work bridges the fields of bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. Her expertise lies in understanding how the study of human remains can illuminate both past societies and present-day issues. Bioarchaeology helps us interpret how people once lived, ate, and interacted with their environments, insights that continue to inform our understanding of humanity today. Forensic anthropology, meanwhile, applies these methods to identify missing persons and assist in criminal investigations. Her passion lies in uncovering the connections between archaeological sites, their h...
2025-10-1830 min
AnthroPuzzledVisual Anthropology & Ethnography w/ Michael HicksIn this episode of Anthropuzzled, we talk with Michael Hicks, an Anthropology Practitioner and Documentary Photographer, about how visual anthropology can illuminate pressing social and political issues. Michael has studied across all four fields of anthropology, but his work centers on cultural and political dynamics. He believes that to understand any system, whether a business or nonprofit, you must look at its interconnections. This perspective guides his varied career, which spans academic research, applied fieldwork, and nonprofit work. Recently, as a Data Analytics Manager, he analyzed strategies for reducing generational poverty in Philadelphia. Before transitioning...
2025-10-0337 min
AnthroPuzzledOutreach & Public Engagement w/ Guven WitteveenIn today's episode, we sit down with Guven Witteveen, Web Manager of East Asia Anthropology at the American Anthropological Association and an experienced professional in outreach and public engagement. Guven's career has centered on building connections across languages and cultures. He worked with Title IX programs to promote foreign language study, coordinated grants for colleges, and discovered his main anthropological focus in Japan. While at a museum there, he helped introduce translation technologies for exhibits, ensuring English versions reflected the intent of their Japanese originals. His passion for languages has been a lifelong guide—beginning wi...
2025-09-1949 min
AnthroPuzzledTechnology & Innovation in Cultural Heritage Management w/ Michael TomiakOn the latest episode of Anthropuzzled we talk with Michael Tomiak the head of digital programming at the new museum of West African Art and a consultant at Quercus Heritage. Michael discusses how new technology could benefit the world of cultural heritage management. Michael shares how emerging technologies are transforming cultural heritage management, a field dedicated to safeguarding land, objects, and knowledge of cultural significance. With roots in history, physics, and technology, his journey has been shaped by diverse internships and fieldwork, leading him to innovative ways of preserving heritage. Viewing cultural heritage as an e...
2025-09-0529 min
AnthroPuzzledOne Year of AnthroPuzzledAnthroPuzzled turns one! In this special anniversary episode, host Abby Letsinger reflects on a year of curious conversations, unexpected discoveries, and the winding path that brought this podcast to life. What began as a personal search for direction has grown into a space for real stories, honest questions, and diverse perspectives on what anthropology can look like beyond the classroom. Tune in as we celebrate one year of puzzling through anthropology—and look ahead to what's next. Your input matters! Please take a few minutes to complete our listener survey linked below. Your feedback will help shape th...
2025-09-0103 min
AnthroPuzzledExploring Words and Worlds w/ Grace PenryOn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we're joined by Grace Penry, a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Arkansas. With a bachelor's in anthropology and creative writing, she is now pursuing a master's in translation and creative writing. Grace shares how her lifelong passions for storytelling and connecting with people drew her into both anthropology and writing, and how the observational skills she gained as an anthropologist continue to shape her creative work. Her interests also extend into languages, she minored in Spanish, spent time studying abroad in Argentina, and now works on translating stories across languages...
2025-08-2234 min
AnthroPuzzledConsumer Insights w/ Mary-Caitlyn ValentinssonIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Mary-Caitlyn Valentinsson, Manager of Ethnographic Research for Universal Destinations and Experiences in Orlando, Florida. Mary-Caitlyn explains how anthropology and UX research come together in her work to understand the guest experience from a truly holistic perspective. Using interviews, focus groups, and structured observations, she studies leisure and tourism with the knowledge that a vacation begins long before visitors arrive at the park gates. Her research sometimes explores different things like the "sociology of cool," guest beliefs and ideologies, and the breadcrumb-style questions that can lead to product-focused insights. Mary-Caitlyn...
2025-08-0845 min
AnthroPuzzledResearch Consultant w/ Eleanor SnowdenIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, I speak with Eleanor Snowden, a research consultant whose work is deeply rooted in applied anthropology. Eleanor specializes in "story surveys," a method that invites people to share everyday experiences and interpret the meaning of their own stories—challenging traditional research models that often remove this agency. Her approach focuses on unearthing small, often hidden narratives that emerge naturally in conversation, especially those that reveal how people make sense of the world around them. By working alongside changemakers and socially conscious organizations, Eleanor uses anthropological thinking to support projects that aim to create meaningful, hu...
2025-07-2538 min
AnthroPuzzledCultural Resource Management w/ Kevin GiduskoIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Kevin Gidusko, a Cultural Resource Manager at Ardurra with a background in anthropology. Kevin explains how anthropology informs his work in cultural resource management (CRM)—a field focused on preserving and protecting historical and archaeological sites during modern development. He breaks down what CRM looks like in practice, from navigating legal frameworks to working with communities and developers. Kevin also shares how studying human history and culture helps him advocate for the past in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. He reflects on how, when he entered the field, most universities di...
2025-07-1242 min
AnthroPuzzledCognitive Anthropology w/ Michael ThomasIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Michael Thomas, Senior VP at Space Doctors, a cultural consulting firm. Michael shares how his background in cognitive anthropology shapes his work, first designing trucks at Ford, then applying ethnographic methods to global branding and consumer insight. His first experience with fieldwork, interviewing truck drivers, revealed just how wrong industry assumptions can be, and ignited his passion for anthropology. We explore how anthropology helps consultants better understand human behavior, cultural signals, and how products can communicate meaning. Michael explains how culture shapes perception, from what we value to...
2025-06-2750 min
AnthroPuzzledService & Story w/ Shane TownsendOn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Shane Townsend, a storyteller, diplomat, and lifelong public servant whose career has been guided by a deep commitment to helping others. His advice? Write down what you truly want, not what others expect of you. Then go after it with intention. Shane says he feels most alive when he's listening to or sharing stories—and he's built a career doing exactly that. Growing up in a close-knit community that valued storytelling and mutual support, Shane developed strong values that carried him into college, where studying anthropology gave him a...
2025-06-1335 min
AnthroPuzzledConservation Marketing and Writing w/ Andrea DiGiorgioIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we're joined by Andrea DiGiorgio, a lecturer in both the Writing and Anthropology departments at Princeton University, a postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University, and a conservation marketer. Andrea brings a unique blend of academic insight and real-world advocacy to our discussion, which focuses on the ethics of wildlife imagery and the diverse roles within academia. Andrea teaches courses that bridge writing, anthropology, sustainability, and conservation. She is passionate about educating and learning from the next generation of scholars while continuing her own research and writing. Her academic work explores the intersections of...
2025-05-3152 min
AnthroPuzzledPreserving the Past w/ Shauna MundtIn this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we talk with Shauna Mundt, a senior historical archaeologist at Pacific Legacy Inc. and lead archaeologist for the Martinez Cemetery Preservation Alliance. Shauna specializes in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), where she works to identify, preserve, and document historical artifacts—often under challenging field conditions and strict legal guidelines. Shauna shares how CRM differs from academic archaeology, including the ethical responsibilities, unpredictable project locations, and the reality of looting. She also explains how tools like GIS mapping support site preservation and how anthropology skills—like recognizing patterns in human behavior—are central to her wo...
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't...
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 mediator an...
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 shaped he...
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 her...
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 with...
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 look...
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 stru...
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 launched...
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 and...
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 Readiness 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 t...
2024-09-2039 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, skills...
2024-09-0642 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, or beyond.
2024-09-0203 min