Issues in Archaeology

It's hard to believe that it has been two years since we started this podcast! We hope you enjoy our reminiscing over our favorite episodes and our hopes for the podcast in the future.

Today's panel discusses the wild world of pseudo-archaeology. The regular panel is joined by Stephanie Halmhofer at Bones, Stones, and Books, and Sara Head from Archaeological Fantasies to discuss The nature of pseudo-archaeology, how to identify it, what to do when you see it, and how we as archaeologists can combat it.

On this episode, the hosts return to one of their favorite topics - the amazing women who have helped make archaeology the field it is. We'll talk about some of our personal heroes, women who definitely don't get enough credit, and how archaeological drawing is super hard and becoming somewhat of a lost art.

Do they have squirrels in Scotland? Maybe you enjoy in depth discussions about ancient ceramics. In today's episode we discuss one of the myriad of sub-fields within archaeology, with zooarchaeologist Alex Fitzpatrick. We cover what is zooarchaeology (in short animal bones), how it has been used to learn about humans and the world in the the past, and some of the projects she works on. We also discuss some of Alex's work on various science communication projects.

Climate change is impacting archaeological sites at an alarming rate, and more importantly, the lives of people around the globe. We're joined by Mike Roman to discuss how climate change is impacting Kiribati, the social impact of loosing heritage sites, and some suggestions for how people can get involved in combating climate change.

Several of us recently attended the Society for Historical Archaeology 2018 meeting in New Orleans. In this episode we'll talk about some of the great sessions we attended, tips and tricks for successfully networking, and some suggestions for being better conference presenters and attendees.

On this episode of the Women in Archaeology Podcast we are joined by Dr. Donna Yates to discuss trafficking of archaeological materials. We talk about whose looting, whose brokering, whose buying, and what you can do to help stop looting and trafficking.

On this episode the panel discusses the recent American Anthropological Association annual meeting in DC. We touch on important themes from the conference such as making anthropology more approachable, the need for truly inclusive archaeology, and teaching archaeology as social justice.

The Bears Ears and Escalante National Monuments were recently reduced in size by the present administration. Chelsi, Emily, Kirsten, and Jessica discuss the action and its impacts on local populations and archaeology.

On this episode we discuss PERIODS!! A lot of us have them, they can be really inconvenient, and dealing with them in the field is often less straightforward than normal. We discuss pros and cons of the various products on the market, how to deal with that 'oops' moment, and suggestions for making your life easier when you're on your period.

On this episode of the Women in Archaeology Podcast we will be discussing how to market yourself. We will discuss internet presence, using in person networking to your best advantage, and the importance of showing up!

On this episode of the Women in Archaeology Podcast we will be revisiting the topic of sexual harassment. We will discuss new developments in the past year, the SAA panel from the last meeting, and resources for survivors.

On this episode of the Women in Archaeology Podcast we discuss the US's decision to leave UNESCO. We cover what this means for archaeology in the US and abroad, why the US made this decision, and potential political ramifications.

On this episode of Women in Archaeology, we discussed the changing academic and social roles of museums in the United States.  We also briefly talked about the origins of museums and how museum outreach and exhibitions can be improved.

On today's episode, we will be discussing the impact tourism can have out sites including the good, the bad and the ugly. The discussion will include how tourism impacts sites, the surrounding areas, the broader public, and individuals.

On today's episode the hosts discuss the removal of statues from public space. They pay particular attention to the confederate monuments that are the subject of current public debate.

The Women of Archaeology are all professional archaeologists giving their opinions and insights into issues that affect not only women but most professionals in professional archaeology. On today's episode, the hosts will discuss the value of using older collections. Topics include some of the unique challenges posed when working with older collections, the importance of reanalyzing collections, the ethical issues of having collections that aren't used, and our personal stories to laugh at and learn from.

On today's episode we talk about a new book from Nomad Press by Anita Yasuda called, "Archaeology: Cool Women Who Dig". It's a book intended for children ages 9 through 12 and focuses on three dynamic women who are working in archaeology around the world.

On this episode we are joined by underwater archaeologist Jessica Irwin. We will discuss what underwater archaeology is, how it differs from terrestrial archaeology, some of the unique challenges faced by underwater archaeologists, and some really cool underwater sites that have been excavated.

On this episodes, the hosts discuss why we view some artifacts as being intrinsically gendered. Specifically looking at why weapons are male and sewing implements are female and how our modern biases affect our views of the past. 

The Women of Archaeology went to the TAG conference in Toronto this year and had a great conversation about theory. Check it out!

On this episode, the hosts talked about the logistics of having kids as an archaeologist. They discuss the ups and downs, the necessary planning, and provide advice for future archy parents.

On this episode, the hosts talk about President Trump’s Executive Order that reviews National Monuments, like Bears Ears National Monument. The hosts also give a brief history of the Antiquities Act to provide a background of the creation of National Monuments. With the review, who stands to gain and who stands to lose if certain monuments are deceased in size or eliminated altogether? Realistically, could the Executive Order change existing National Monuments?

Today the panel discusses their essential field gear, How to Go in the field, what to do about Flo, and basic first-aid training and essentials.

On this episode the hosts are joined by Colleen Strawhacker to discuss her work in the Arctic and the American Southwest.  They discuss the importance of understanding the Arctic's role in climate change.  The focus of much of this episode is on the importance of working with local groups and making information widely available to communities and scholars.

The Women in Archaeology hosts discuss the infamous drinking culture in archaeology, and explore the line where socializing, networking, and enjoying tasty beverages becomes substance abuse and performance issues.

On this episode the hosts discuss why all archaeological information isn’t publicly available. The hosts also discuss what information IS available to the public and about the benefits and drawbacks of heritage tourism.

On this episode we discuss some of the difficulties in making friends with different crews during a field season and maintaining those relationships when you all go home. We also talk about the difficulties of maintaining relationships with close friends and significant others when you are traveling a large amount of the time, as well as our concerns for our pets while we are away.

On Today's episode, the hosts talk about the history of women in archaeology, influential figures, and their all-time favorite barrier breaking women of the field.

On this episode we're sharing the types of horror stories that can happen in the lab or field and how we survived each situation. We also share fun shark facts for no other reason than the fact that sharks are interesting.

Feminist archaeology. What is it? How does it affect the field of archaeology, and how can it be used to improve archaeology?

On this episode, we discuss what field school is all about, why it is important, and advice on how to have the best experience as possible. We also discuss current field school offerings and scholarship opportunities.

On this episode of the Women in Archaeology Podcast, we discuss our growing concerns over the future of archaeology in the Trump Administration. We provide insight on the ACRA webinar, whether or not Trump even appears to care about heritage and/or cultural resources, and the cultural resource management laws that are under potential threat. And of course, a call to action by all archaeologists and concerned citizens.

Mandy Ranslow joins the show to talk about an avocational archaeology program in Connecticut. The value of para-professional contributions to the field is also discussed.

Today the panel discusses the Hague's decision to try the destruction of Cultural Sites a War Crime. What is the benefit to this? What does this mean for the future of protecting sensitive cultural sites? And how can we prevent the destruction in the first place?

Today the panel discusses the upcoming election and the impacts it's having on women in the field, and could potentially have on Archaeology itself.

Today the panel discusses the effects of the DAPL, what's going on, how did this happen, and what can we do to keep it from happening again.

Today the panel discusses getting back into the grove of grad-school, especially after taking a break. They discuss reasons to delay going into grad-school, how to pay for it when you do go back, how to survive school/life balance, and what to do with your degree once you get out.

Today the Panel discuses the formation of the SAA's recent statement on sexual harassment and look at a few notable cases that have made the news.

Today the panel discusses the way women archaeologists are represented in a variety of media including TV, Movies, and Video Games. We talk about what there is out there for us, and what kinds of role models we'd like to see going forward. We're also joined by special guests Chelsea Rose of Time Team America fame and Meghan Dennis aka @GingeryGamer.

Today the panel discusses their essential field gear, How to Go in the field, what to do about Flo, and basic first-aid training and essentials.

Today the panel talks about the wide variety of job opportunities in archaeology outside of "typical" field work. We talk about where to find these sometimes special one-time projects, different field specializations both in academia and CRM, and how to network effectively to get yourself the best professional exposure to land some of these jobs.