This Anthro Life
214 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 17 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 67 ratingsThis Anthro Life is the premiere go-to Anthropology Podcast that fuses human insights with cultural storytelling. We equip you with a deep understanding of the human experience to revolutionize your decision-making strategies and social impact. Head over to https://www.thisanthrolife.org to learn more. Spearheaded by acclaimed Anthropologist Dr. Adam Gamwell, This Anthro Life equips leaders, individuals, and organizations to shape a more compassionate future. We aim to broaden perspectives and fortify decision-making skills by fostering a profound understanding of culture coupled with the transformative power of storytelling. With curated conversations and thought-provoking discussions featuring humanity's top makers and minds, prepare to have your perspective transformed. This Anthro Life delves into various facets of human society—from examining the complexities of cultural identity to understanding the influence of technology on our everyday lives.
🌍 Change Your Perspective
Explore the complexities of life in a simple and engaging way. From AI and robotics revolutionizing the nature of work to emojis changing how we communicate, we delve into the forces shaping our world. No topic is off-limits—fossil fuels and their impact on our planet, the race to find alternative energy solutions, and so much more.
🎙️ Captivating Conversations
Go beyond surface-level discussions with deep dives into fascinating topics. Dr. Adam Gamwell's interviews are thought-provoking, enlightening, and always entertaining. Carefully crafted questions ensure engaging conversations that are free from jargon, making them accessible to listeners of all backgrounds.
✨ Key Takeaways
Gain valuable insights from each episode that you can apply to your own life. Discussing wisdom gained from the edges of society, we extract impactful quotes and actionable ideas from our guests. Expand your horizons and develop a fresh perspective on the challenges we face as individuals and as a global community.
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Subscribe to "This Anthro Life" now for a weekly dose of eye-opening conversations. Share the podcast with friends and family who crave intellectual stimulation and diverse discussions. Be a part of the movement to change how we approach design, culture, business, and technology.
Beyond offering an engaging outlook on human experiences, This Anthro Life lends its anthropological expertise to businesses, organizations, and individuals. We help them navigate challenges with effective communication techniques and innovative problem-solving strategies rooted in a nuanced understanding of human behavior and social structures. Get in touch.
Join us on this captivating voyage of storytelling at the crossroads of culture, design, technology and business. We're excited to collaborate with you in shaping a more compassionate world through an enriched narrative of the human experience. Experience breakthrough perspectives on human experiences and come away equipped to make enriched decisions that contribute positively to your sphere. Join us as we shape a more connected, hopeful narrative - one human story at a time.
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Episodes
The Power and Manipulation Behind Free Platforms and Search Engines
April 24, 2024 20:34 - 54 minutes - 76.5 MBHow do the hidden costs of technology, like social media and search engines, shape our lives in unforeseen ways? 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...
Polyamory, Fidelity, and the Transforming Landscape of Sexual Norms With Leanne Wolfe
April 17, 2024 15:55 - 1 hour - 87 MBHow do societal norms and personal experiences intersect in shaping our understanding of love and sexuality? 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 virg...
Disrupting Venture Capital and Government for Global Good
April 10, 2024 20:11 - 53 minutes - 75.1 MBHow can entrepreneurial spirit redefine traditional career paths and drive societal change through innovative collaboration? In this enlightening episode of This Anthro Life, inspired by "Venture Meets Mission," we engage with author Gupta to unravel the transformative potential of entrepreneurship. Gupta advocates for a nonlinear career path, urging individuals to become "dual citizens" in multiple sectors. He emphasizes trust-building between government and business, highlighting personali...
Reimagining Career Trajectories: Insights from Anthropology, UX, and the Written Word
April 03, 2024 15:45 - 56 minutes - 79.1 MBReimagining Career Trajectories: Insights from Anthropology, UX, and the Written Word How can anthropology redefine traditional career paths and foster innovation in diverse professional landscapes? 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....
The Anthro Poet: How Adrie Kusserow Weaves Stories with Science
March 27, 2024 15:01 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBHow does poetry help us understand people better, using words that touch our hearts and reveal hidden feelings? In this captivating episode of This Anthro Life, we engage with Adrie Kusserow, an esteemed anthropologist who brings a unique poetic perspective to her work. We delve into the essence of anthropology, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and its role in shaping cultural narratives. Adrie Kusserow shares her profound journey in Kathmandu, recounting how it shifted ...
The Ethics of Influence and Conversation with Michael Reddington
March 20, 2024 17:57 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBHow does understanding the psychology behind lying enhance our ability to unravel the truth in conversations? 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. Reddington highlights empathy as a linchpin for fostering honesty, acknowledging that pe...
An Anthropologist's Perspective on Nonviolent Communication Through Art of Listening
March 14, 2024 19:30 - 56 minutes - 78.9 MBHave you ever wondered how anthropology intersects with personal growth and academia? 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 production. Key themes include the importance of active listening in fieldwork, navigating the tension between academi...
Investigating Superorganisms and The Collective Intelligence of Humans
March 07, 2024 21:38 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBWhat fascinating parallels exist between the structure of bees in a hive and the potential for humanity to function as a superorganism? 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. He explores the idea that a collective entity, which he calls "Agora," could emerge from the collaboratio...
Turning Wounds into Wisdom: The Power of Storytelling with Sussi Mattsson
February 28, 2024 16:00 - 41 minutes - 57.9 MBHave 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. Through the wisdom letter writing method, we uncover the process of identifying life lessons learned, enabling a deeper understanding of core values and beliefs. Discover how sharing our stories brings hope, fosters collective healing, and trans...
The Impact of Community-Centered Preservation on Micronesian Culture
February 22, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 90.2 MBHow is the delicate balance between recording Micronesian cultural heritage, addressing community needs, and gaining international acknowledgment for preservation endeavors managed? Ashley in Micronesia collaborates with communities to identify research topics, stressing adaptability during fieldwork. Navigating linguistic intricacies, ethical dilemmas, and community preferences is essential while also promoting global recognition. In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the int...
The Fight To Save Cultural Memory With Charles Henry
February 16, 2024 13:38 - 47 minutes - 66.3 MBHow can we use CLIR's help to protect our cultural heritage during climate change? Could telling stories be a big help in keeping our culture alive? Why must we work together to fight climate change and save our heritage? And can technology bring together businesses and academics to help with this? 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...
Is Tech the Future of Funeral Services?
February 09, 2024 15:00 - 56 minutes - 77.7 MBHow is technology transforming end-of-life care experiences, and why are AI and automation crucial in reshaping the funeral industry? In what ways are cultural norms around grieving shifting, and what does the future hold for personalized and meaningful ways to honor loved ones? 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 re...
Black Grief, White Grievance: Power, Loss, and Political Mobilization in America
January 31, 2024 16:11 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBWhy does democracy inherently involve loss, and how do black grief and white grievance shape the intricate landscape of contemporary racial politics in the United States? 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-Mobley and Erica Garner, c...
How Ethnographic Research is Shaping the Future of Insight in Business and Technology
January 25, 2024 13:50 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBHow 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? In this thought-provoking episode of This Anthro Life,Oliver explores the fusion of social sciences and business, sharing his journey from psychology to incorporating anthropology at Ipsos. He emphasizes the importance of merging disciplines for...
From Taboo to Understanding: Carol Queen's Advocacy for Sex-Positive Mindset
January 17, 2024 17:30 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBHave 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 inclusive society? In this captivating episode of This Anthro Life, we engage in a captivating conversation with Carol Queen, a renowned sexologist and advocate for sex positivity. Carol delves into her personal journey within the realm of sexolo...
Redefining Accessibility, Inclusion, and Human Rights with Victor Pineda
January 11, 2024 16:00 - 45 minutes - 64.7 MBHow does the interplay between big systems-level questions and fundamental human questions in accessibility, disability rights, and human potential? In this captivating episode of This Anthro Life, we embark on a profound exploration of accessibility, disability rights, and human potential through an enthralling conversation with a distinguished expert who has devoted his life to these pivotal issues. The discussion delves deep into the intricate fusion of macro-level concerns related to poli...
From Chaos to Clarity: How to Challenge Misinformation with James Mawhinney
January 04, 2024 20:30 - 49 minutes - 71.7 MBWhat are the consequences of misinformation on personal relationships, business operations, and regulatory decisions? And how does the spread of misinformation pose an existential threat to society as a whole? What role does artificial intelligence play in the creation and proliferation of misinformation? In this thought-provoking episode of This Anthro Life, we delve deep into the chaotic world of misinformation and its potential existential threats. Our guest, James Mawhinney, founder of M...
The Path to Long-term Happiness: A New Theory on Mental Health and Neurodiversity
December 27, 2023 19:18 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MBThe traditional view of mental health often focuses on the absence of mental illness, but a new theory is emerging that emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity and individual differences in the pursuit of long-term happiness. The question is, how can we reconcile the medicalization of mental health with the idea of neurodiversity and the unique strengths that come with different neurotypes? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we dive into a new perspective on mental health and well-bein...
The Search for Dignity and Respect: An Exploration of Human Universals
December 20, 2023 18:27 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBHow do narratives shape our understanding of shared human experiences like dignity and respect? And, in what ways can an emphasis on human universals through inclusive narratives help fulfill fundamental human desires for dignity and respect?In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore these questions through a discussion with sociologist Michele Lamont and her research on narratives and society. Lamont's concept of "ordinary universalism" focuses narrative frameworks on common aspects of ...
The Trillion Dollar Plan to Transform Waste: Dan Nienhauser’s Vision for a Cleaner Future
December 13, 2023 16:31 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBIn the episode of This Anthro Life, the dialogue investigates waste transformation and how waste can be converted into useful energy and materials. Dan explains his work with Stellar Three focusing on pyrolysis technology that uses heat in an oxygen-free environment to break down plastics and other waste into synthetic gas, oils and carbon black. This process allows waste to be converted back into raw materials to make new plastics, chemicals and fuels.The conversation touches on the large sc...
How to Ensure Human Autonomy in the Age of Algorithms and AI with Brian Evergreen
December 06, 2023 16:04 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBWhat does the concept of autonomy bring to mind for you?How has AI already begun reshaping how we work and make decisions? And do you think AI and algorithms should play a role in organizational decision-making? Why or why not? In the episode of This Anthro Life, the discussion delves into the intersection of human autonomy and the evolving landscape of AI. It emphasizes the need for diverse voices that prioritize human well-being, flourishing, and autonomy in the face of technological adva...
Everyday War: How Small Intimate Moments Shape Wartime Realities in Ukraine with Greta Uehling
November 29, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBHow do civilians strategically engage with conflict while seeking everyday peace? How do power dynamics and asymmetries impact the ability of civilians to strategically engage with conflict while simultaneously seeking everyday peace, and what are the implications of these dynamics for broader peace and stability in war-torn environments? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore an insightful discussion with anthropologist Greta Uehling about her ethnographic research on civilians' ex...
The Future is Speaking: Unveiling the Power of Voice Technology with Tobias Dengel
November 22, 2023 21:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MBWhat new possibilities do you see emerging with voice technology? How might it influence our interactions with businesses and services in the future and what if your voice could transform the way we interact with technology? Imagine a world where your voice can effortlessly interact with devices and transform the way we navigate our surroundings. In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore the world of future technology with guest Tobias Dengel, a leading expert in digital transformation...
The Power of Collective Identity: Brad Deutser on Building Human-Centered Organizations
November 15, 2023 19:30 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBWhat is the importance of belonging in the workplace according to research? And what are some key actions that business leaders can take to create a fantastic work culture? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the topic of building a stronger sense of belonging and identity within organizations through dimensional leadership. Drawing from his extensive research involving more than 15,000 employees, Brad Deutser highlights the crucial role that belonging plays in fostering engage...
Interstellar Dreams vs. Earthly Realities: Rethinking Space Exploration With Savannah Mandel
November 08, 2023 19:27 - 1 hour - 90.7 MBHave you ever wondered if reaching for the stars is humanity's most urgent priority? Is it the thrill of exploration, the endless possibilities, or our desire to ensure that our species has a plan B? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we tackle the captivating and fascinating world of Space Exploration and Space Industry with anthropologist Savannah Mandel. Savannah Mandel shares her research and experiences working in the human space exploration industry. She discusses her journey from be...
Wisdom from the Edge: Writing Ethnography in Turbulent Times With Paul Stoller
November 01, 2023 15:00 - 48 minutes - 44.6 MBAre you curious about the untapped wisdom that exists outside of traditional academic knowledge? Do you want to learn how stories, dialogue, and sensory experiences can enhance our understanding of the world? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we dive into the fascinating world of anthropology with esteemed anthropologist and author Paul Stoller. Paul shares his fascinating experiences studying healing practices and encountering unexplainable phenomena in Niger. We delve into the importanc...
From Automation to Revolution: Exploring the Future of Conversational AI
October 25, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 94.8 MBDid you know that conversation, one of the oldest human technologies, is reshaping the future of how we interact with machines? We’re not talking Siri or Alexa here, but conversational AI, interfaces anyone can create and hyper automation that links together our intentions, tools and technologies. Join us in this episode of This Anthro Life as we delve into the fascinating world of conversational AI, hyper automation and composable software systems with the brilliant mind of User Experience (...
Navigating Uncertainty: Lessons from the Frontlines of COVID-19 Testing
October 18, 2023 15:00 - 53 minutes - 74.2 MBWhat can we learn from our handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to better prepare for future crises? Why is it crucial to build a diagnostic infrastructure for future crises? And what lessons can we learn from the collaboration between healthcare providers and the sports industry during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this fascinating episode of This Anthro Life podcast, surgeon-turned-CEO Jon Cohen shares the story of how he and his team led the nation in the creation of diagnostics testing for COVID...
Navigating the Labyrinth of Perception: Wisdom, Language, and Post-Trauma Growth
October 10, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBHow does language shape our understanding of experiences? How do we navigate trauma and find growth amidst adversity? Join us in this thought-provoking episode of This Anthro Life as we delve into the power of perception, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the role of our internal GPS in making sense of the world. Our guest, Amrita Subramanian, an esteemed expert in cultural contexts and relationships, sheds light on how language, trauma, and resilience intertwine in our everyday l...
Understanding Tribal Signals: A Conversation with an Evolutionary Anthropologist
September 27, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBThe episode emphasizes how understanding our innate human drives and dispositions is critical, as awareness allows us to work with them constructively. In particular, humans have a "tribe drive" - an instinct to cooperate and identify with groups, even strangers. Figuring out the signals that activate this drive is an important mission. David Samson talks about the concept of tribalism and the role it plays in human behavior. He discusses the idea of evolutionary mismatch, where humans are ev...
Bridging the Gap: Bringing Science to the Public Imagination
September 21, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBThis episode is about the importance of supporting public access to science and helping experts and scientists in their work. Dr. Nicholas B. Dirks, joins host Adam Gamwell to discuss the work of the New York Academy of Sciences, which emphasizes the importance of science and the need for public engagement. Together, we highlight the changing relationship between science and broader society over time and the misconception of science as a singular established truth. The episode also explores c...
The Intersection of AI, UX, and Human Experience
September 07, 2023 15:35 - 1 hour - 98.4 MBIn this episode, Joe Schaeppi explores the concept of designing human-centric experiences and the intersection of AI, design, and technology. He shares his journey toward designing experiences that promote mindfulness and self-knowledge. The conversation goes towards designing human-centric experiences, the challenges of measuring outcomes, the need for community and constructive criticism, the limitations of hyper-personalization, and the importance of understanding the audience and creating...
Building Regenerative Experiences: How Cognitive Data can Revolutionize Design
September 07, 2023 15:35 - 1 hour - 98.4 MBAre you ready to discover the untapped potential of cognitive understanding in design and technology? Join us in this episode of This Anthro Life as we explore the transformative impact of incorporating cognitive understanding and data alongside behavioral data into the creation of engaging experiences. Our guest, Joe Schaeppi, a leading expert in human insight and cognitive understanding, will guide us through the fascinating world of regenerative experiences, sustainable design, and the pow...
Exploring Pedagogy and Teaching for a Post-Racist Imagination
August 11, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBJanine de Novais joins host Adam Gamwell to explore the importance of fostering discussions about race and racism. Janine, an educator and author, shares her expertise on creating safe spaces for dialogue and teaching towards a post-racist imagination. The conversation delves into the process of setting the stage for conversations, the concept of Grounding for Learning, and the development of the Brave Community teaching and learning method. Janine also highlights the significance of empathy,...
Anthropology Meets Journalism: How Two Fields Can Save Each Other
August 01, 2023 15:00 - 59 minutes - 82.9 MBIn this episode, Emily Kennedy shares her unique journey of discovering the concept of ethnographic journalism. Journalists now face unprecedented issues like harassment, lack of public trust, and accusations of bias. As a main source of information, journalism's struggles have profound implications. Ethnographic methods and storytelling techniques could transform the communication of the human experience. The episode explores using ethnographic methods in journalism, building interviewee tru...
Entrepreneurship and Ethics in the Age of AI with Ahmed Reza
June 23, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBIn a world where technology is advancing at an exponential pace, we can already see that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a profound impact on our lives. But AI is far from perfect. Too often, we end up grappling with a variety of problems when we bring AI into the real world, from increasing mental health issues in young girls and boys to anxiety for workers whose jobs are changing. And while developers don’t set out to design AI technologies to have these unsavory effects, they happe...
Developing Responsible AI with David Gray Widder and Dawn Nafus
June 02, 2023 04:00 - 55 minutes - 75.8 MBContemporary AI systems are typically created by many different people, each working on separate parts or “modules.” This can make it difficult to determine who is responsible for considering the ethical implications of an AI system as a whole — a problem compounded by the fact that many AI engineers already don’t consider it their job to ensure the AI systems they work on are ethical. In their latest paper, “Dislocated Accountabilities in the AI Supply Chain: Modularity and Developers’ Noti...
This Anthro Life 2023 trailer
May 26, 2023 20:46 - 32 seconds - 485 KBJust a little trailer for 2023 new listeners to This Anthro Life! Learn more about the podcast here: thisanthrolife.org
How Disability Teaches Us to Change the World with Brooke Ellison
May 16, 2023 04:00 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBPeople 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. But solving these problems requires more than physical adjustments. It necessitates understanding the experiences of people with disabilities and involving them in the creation of purposefully designed spaces, p...
The Complex Roots of Patriarchy with Angela Saini
May 02, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 86.2 MBIn 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 patriarchical power by contextualizing and breaking down big ideas. Anthropology enables us to examine broad, complex topics through specific cultural and historical lenses. It also helps us dissect grand narrative ideas ...
Embodied Robotics and the Future of Humanity with Lora Koycheva
April 19, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBWhen we think of robots, we tend to think of things like R2-D2, the Terminator skeleton, or a piece of machinery that automates the construction of goods in an assembly line. But that’s not all there is to robots — something anthropologist and roboticist entrepreneur Lora Koycheva understands perfectly well. In this episode, Lora shares her unique perspective on the intersection of anthropology and cyber-physical systems with host Adam Gamwell. She also discusses how anthropology can shed lig...
On Finding Awe and Being a Human in the Cosmos with Sasha Sagan
April 05, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us individually and as a global cohort to reassess how and why we live the ways that we do and what really matters to us. Through the pandemic, we may have also felt moments of awe at the natural world and questioned our place in it. In moments like these, we’re afforded glimpses into how we choose to operate in the world and understand our place in relation to everything else. Rituals play a key role in helping us make sense of the world around us, yet ...
Designing Resilience - Behavioral Science Meets Humanitarian Action with Britt Titus
March 21, 2023 16:03 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBHow to Build a More Resilient World The COVID-19 pandemic leveled the playing field between those who have the privilege to avoid or mitigate disasters and those who don’t. But the pandemic is just one of many ongoing challenges and crises that people are and have been facing for years. In addition to raising awareness, much of the work that we have as people and organizations is in how we respond in moments of crisis. How do we know what works? How can we respond effectively? And will one ...
Creating Anthropologists on the Public Stage with Elizabeth Briody & Phil Surles
March 07, 2023 10:00 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MBIn today’s episode of This Anthro Life, anthropologists Elizabeth Briody and Phil Surles join host Adam Gamwell to discuss their latest project: Anthropologists on the Public Stage, a self-paced video course for social scientists who want to increase their public presence and impact. Adam, Elizabeth, and Phil reflect on making the series, what they learned along the way, and what they hope people will get out of it. Show Highlights: [04:04] How the team came up with Anthropologists on the ...
How to Keep Brands Human in the 21st Century - with Matt Johnson
February 04, 2023 16:02 - 37 minutes - 51 MBConsumers today find brands through many online sources, including search engines and social media. And with the rise of hyper-personalized ads, consumers are constantly being bombarded with brands that seem to speak to their needs and interests. Given such a landscape, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that brands need to move beyond business fundamentals and into the fundamentals that we share as human beings if they wish to stand out. That is to say, brands need to shape not only what c...
Why the World Needs Tricksters with Shepherd Siegel
January 13, 2023 10:00 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBIndigenous cultures around the world have a trickster god or figure in their mythos. For example, the Pacific Northwest Native Americans have the Raven, a selfish, hungry, and mischievous figure who transforms the world. Stories tell how the Raven brought out the sun, moon, and stars to light the world only by cleverly deceiving others. In today’s episode of This Anthro Life, Dr. Shepherd Siegel, activist scholar and author of “Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love: How Tricksters Thro...
Designing the Future of Global, Remote Work with Fredrik Thomassen
December 08, 2022 16:54 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MBShow Notes Building a New Labor Market for Global Design Talent with Fredrik Thomassen More and more businesses are switching to remote work amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But one startup was ahead of the curve, having been 100% remote since its inception in 2016. That startup is Superside, a fully distributed design operations platform that seeks to support a global remote workforce. By introducing a remote work policy, Superside gives designers around the world better income opportunities, ...
How Tech can Democratize Scientific Knowledge with Eric Olson
November 03, 2022 10:30 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MBThe vast majority of published scientific literature and new research is hidden behind paywalls. Worse, what few accessible papers available online are oftentimes written in jargon, i.e., specialist language that can alienate non-expert readers. Combined, these two issues make it difficult for researchers, scientists, and even entrepreneurs to build on new discoveries and for members of the public to access credible, peer-reviewed literature in the age of misinformation. The good news is, n...
How Humans Learned to See the Future with Byron Reese
October 26, 2022 09:00 - 54 minutes - 74.9 MBWhat makes the human mind unique? How do we know there’s a future, and how do we recall the past? In this episode of This Anthro Life, Byron Reese, serial entrepreneur, technologist, and author of “Stories, Dice, and Rocks That Think: How Humans Learned to See the Future--and Shape It,” discusses these questions and more with host Adam Gamwell. Together, Byron and Adam explore the three leaps in human history that made us what we are today and how those leaps changed how we think about the fu...
Growing Roots as a National Cultural Anthropologist with Ashley Meredith
July 26, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 60.6 MBAshley Meredith serves as the National Cultural Anthropologist and Deputy National Historic Preservation Officer for the Federated States of Micronesia. Micronesia is a sovereign island country in Oceania situated northeast of Australia and Papua New Guinea and consists of 600 islands covering a massive area of around 1 million square miles. There are 18 languages spoken across the islands. Echoing what we might call a traditional fieldwork approach, Ashley works with a team to document, pre...