The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty

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The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty is a podcast about history, archaeology, and all of the craziness that comes with it. Check out more on my blog thestrugglingarchaeologist.tumblr.com!


    • Mar 23, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty

    Episode 28 "The Glencoe Massacre: Part 1"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2020 55:18


    Why HELLOOOOOO friends! It's been quite a while since I published an episode of the podcast, but in these times, what else can one do but make a podcast about a sociopolitical movement leading to one of the most infamous events in British history? Am I right? Let me take you back in time to 17th century Scotland for Part 1 of my series on the Glencoe Massacre. McNiven out!

    Episode 27 "Ranger Danger"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2016 64:01


    Episode 27 of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty Podcast - "Ranger Danger" In this special episode of the podcast we discuss the dangers of archaeology and things you should consider before heading out into the field. I had a fun time discussing this topic with some of my archaeology friends, who contributed some of their horror stories from the field. Then shorty news is back with a look at glacial archaeology. Enjoy the pod my peeps!  Important links:   Health and Safety in Archaeology  Glacial Archaeology    Women of Archaeology Episode 8: What's in Your Pack  Jenny Out!

    Episode 26 "The Real Game of Thrones"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2016 60:05


    Welcome to Episode 26 of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty!  It's Game of Thrones time once again, so while you're catching up on life in Westeros this season why not enjoy a bit of the history behind George R. R. Martin's addictive series. While there's lots to choose from, this episode focuses on the links between the Lannister/Stark feud and the English monarchy during the Wars of the Roses. Comparisons will be made, heads will be lost, and spoilers will abound. So beware, but enjoy the awesomeness that is the REAL Game of Thrones!

    Episode 25 "Pcola Pride"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2016 60:29


    In this episode we explore two difference phases of early exploration and settlement in North America. First, the Vikings because Vikings don't need an explanation they're Vikings. Second, a recent discovery in Pensacola has revealed the location of an early Spanish settlement that has brought Spanish colonialism back into the spotlight. So sit back and enjoy, I promise I only mention Columbus once, the scoundrel! Check out more on the new Viking Outpost here! Check out more on the Luna Colony discovery here!  Get in touch at guidetogettingdirty@gmail.com thestrugglingarchaeologist.tumblr.com @strugglingarch on Twitter www.jennifermcniven.com

    Episode 24 "The Mother of All Archaeology Podcasts"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2016 55:29


    Hi friends! It's Episode 24 of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty. In this podcast I open up about working throughout my pregnancy and managing family life and careers in the field. Then we cover some of the biggest news stories of 2015 and discuss the latest book club selection. Oh, and if you're perceptive you might notice that I started off the podcast pregnant and ended it with a baby. These things happen when you sit down to record at 10 months pregnant and decide to take a "break" for 2 days. C'est la vie!

    Episode 23 "Wee Ones and Picts, Oh My!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2015 46:24


    Welcome to The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty! I'm Jenny, a big old history nerd with a flare for the dramatic and a lack of creative outlets. Put those together with a career in archaeology and what do you get? This podcast, of course! In episode 23 we travel back in time to the coast of Scotland, where adventurous archaeologists are discovering Pictish forts. Then we explore childbirth in Egyptian Mythology because, wait for it... The Struggling Archaeologist is expecting a little shovelbum of her own!Enjoy the show and be sure to check out all of the great archaeology podcasts on the Archaeology Podcast Network! Follow me on Twitter @strugglingarch and on Tumblr @ thestrugglingarchaeologist.tumblr.com Catch up on all my past episodes at www.jennifermcniven,com!

    Episode 22 "Paleo Muffins"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2015 63:38


    Welcome to Episode 22 of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty "Paleo Muffins!"In this episode, we're going Paleo! Paleo Diet that is. You may have heard some controversy surrounding this movement, some of which is coming from the anthropological community. So I thought I'd investigate what Paleo eating does and doesn't have to do with our Paleolithic ancestors. (Spoiler: I actually went on the Paleo Diet so I could report from the inside, I'm so sneaky). So tune in to learn more about Paleolithic/hunter-gatherer living, the standard American diet, and WHAT (in your best Jerry Seinfeld everybody)...  IS THE DEAL... WITH PALEO MUFFINS! Enjoy, and tune in for more Struggling Archaeologist and other great archaeology podcasts on the Archaeology Podcast Network!archaeologypodcastnetwork.comthestrugglingarchaeologist.tumblr.com www.jennifermcniven.com

    Episode 21 "The Archaeology of Alcohol: Ancient Ales Edition"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2015 44:07


    Welcome to episode 21 of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty! So, I'm kind of a big fan of Dogfish Head beer, both the beverages and the company. I was inspired by their series of "Ancient Ales" to discover the archaeology of alcohol and introduce you to some tasty ancient ales. Our ancestors have been making alcoholic concoctions for thousands of years, and thanks to science and archaeology we now have the ability to reconstruct the recipes to some of these awesome drinks. I also thought it would be interesting to find out about how alcohol has evolved from its early days to what we are familiar with today. So sit back, pop open a cold one, get a little toasty, and enjoy this exciting episode!Also on this podcast, I invite all of you to join The Struggling Archaeologist book club!Be sure to check us out on the Archaeology Podcast Network, where you can find lots of fun and informative archaeology podcasts.

    Episode 20 "What's Next?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2014 81:24


    In this episode we have a little career chat, and then it's time for another "Back to Basics with Jenny" where we learn all about human origins, huzzah! Also, I'm excited to announce that The Struggling Archaeologist podcast is joining forces with some other awesome archaeology podcasts to start the Archaeology Podcast Network! Check out www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com to access all of our really fun podcasts, including the CRM Archaeology podcast and the Anarchaeologist podcast. I'm totes excited to be a part of this great group of invididuals, and I hope you will find some fun and informative shows to listen to through the network. Give it a try! ~Jenny

    Episode 19 "Caen You Handle This? It's France, part Deux!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2014 57:53


    In part 2 of Jenny's french adventures we learn about the Normandy region of France and gay Paris! (like happy Paris, otherwise that's an entirely different podcast...) French frack we're tackling in this one:Paris- what is the deal with your historical relevance and city planning?Paris- Saint Denis? Really? Normandy- guess the obscure musical and win a puppy! Normandy- cows... monarchs... comets... war (what is it good for anyway?)... Tune in and follow me on tumblr, twitter, and my blog www.jennifermcniven.com!

    Episode 18 "Béarnaise Awesome-Sauce"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2014 43:37


    Bonjour mes amis! Today on "The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty" podcast I school you on all things Southern France, as we learn all about my recent travels in the French Basque Country. Ooh la la!

    Episode 17 "Great Odin's Raven- it's Archaeology 101!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2014 52:08


    The Struggling Archaeologist is back with a new segment called "Back to Basics with Jenny." In this podcast we'll learn about why archaeology and geology are friends, and how this helps us dig. There's also some Viking-tastic shorty news, so enjoy! Make sure to follow Jenny's blogs at www.jennifermcniven.com and www.thestrugglingarchaeologist.tumblr.com!

    Episode 16 "Go West, Young (wo)Man!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2014 56:26


    Hi friends! It's time for another episode of "The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty!"In this episode we talk about the pioneering days of the Southwestern logging industry and my recent work there. Also, this podcast may have been hijacked by some of my "friends" from across the pond. I just couldn't help it... enjoy and be sure to follow my blogs thestrugglingarchaeologist.tumblr.com and www.jennifermcniven.com. You can also email me at guidetogettingdirty@gmail.com

    Episode 15 "SAA Time 2014!"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2014 32:25


    In this episode of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty we discuss my super fun trip to Austin, Texas for the Society for American Archaeology conference. This podcast is full of helpful anecdotes and advice for aspiring archaeologists, so be sure to tune in if you are ready to get your hands dirty and take on the academic world! (If you've been around the block a few times, this may not be the podcast for you)Enjoy and be sure to follow The Struggling Archaeologist on twitter, tumblr, facebook, and my personal blog!

    Episode 14 "Aloha State of Mind"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2014 47:22


    Aloha friends, fresh off my recent trip to Hawaii I have dedicated this episode of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty to the history of the 50th state. There's also some personal insight into Pearl Harbor and a serenade from your truly, so enjoy!

    Episode 13 "Pompeii's Hottest Gladiator"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2014 69:12


    In lucky episode 13 we learned about the destruction of Pompeii in 79 AD. We also learned that Kit Harington is hotter than balls! Enjoy and be sure to subscribe on iTunes and follow our blog at http://thestrugglingarchaeologist.tumblr.com :)

    Episode 12 "One Podcast to Rule them All!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2014 83:18


    It's THE LORD OF THE RINGS!... and LOTS OF HISTORY STUFF!Get your nerd pants on folks, this one's going to rock your world.

    Episode 11 "Volcano Cheetahs"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2014 55:46


    In this episode of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty we discuss the mind boggling world of ancient man circa 10,000BC. Also, I give some sage advice to those thinking of getting in to archaeology but may not have considered just how freakin dirty it is. Enjoy!

    Episode 10 "Sexy Sex with Asian Dothrakis"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2013 42:12


    In this, the 10th episode of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty, we discuss new genetic evidence for the sordid sex lives of ancient humans which may or may not involve a detailed Game of Thrones analogy. I also dole out some advice for the newb about attending academic conferences. I cannot stress enough the need to suppress any desire to dress like Indiana Jones... please don't be that guy. Enjoy kids!

    Episode 9 "Puppy Problems"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2013 48:15


    Hey listeners! In this exciting episode we talk about some really happy stuff like dead puppies... well, they're mummified puppies, so-like-more interesting... Nope, still sad. Oh well, there's also something about an a**hole who lives in Canada. Sounds like a good time eh? Enjoy, and check out our new tumblr page guidetogettingdirty.tumblr.com!

    Episode 8 "Johnny Reb Ain't Got No Ale"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2013 66:28


    Welcome to Episode 8 of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty Podcast. This episode is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg and delves into the world of Civil War archaeology. Yeah. I went there. There's fiddle playing, Antebellum beer, Jeff Daniels, and a dramatic reading of actual Civil War letters. What more could you want? Oh, a discussion on the practice of relic hunting at Civil War sites across the US you say? BOOM. Done. Enjoy y'all!

    Episode 7 "Holy Crackpot Theory Batman!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2013 58:50


    Welcome Back! It's time for another exciting episode of The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty! In episode 7 "Holy Crackpot Theory Batman!" we explore some of the lesser known parts of Ancient Egyptian history- like obscure female rulers who may or may not have drowned an entire city in the Nile! Also, why are all these biblical archaeologists obsessed with finding evidence of the Old Testament in Egypt? We'll explore this and other fun and kind of random things about the land of King Tut and his very naughty father during this fun filled episode. Enjoy!

    Episode 6 "G'Day Fela"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2013 50:12


    As all true Aussie fan's know- the land down under is seriously under-appreciated these days! I had the opportunity of a lifetime to study there for a semester, and I have been Oz-sessed ever since ;) In this episode I break all the rules and revel in the history and theory of Australian anthropology and archaeology. That's right, no news stories- no lectures about how to get ahead in your field school this summer- just a straight up discussion about what's so awesome about those croc hunting, shrimp on the barbie eating, kangaroo riding Aussies. Well, actually most of the discussion is about Aboriginal anthropology, but I couldn't help throwing in some personal anecdotes and historical arch. stuff (go convict archaeology!). Enjoy, and for an extra special peak into my aussie adventures check out www.jennifermcniven.com!

    Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2013 37:29


    Episode 3 "Not More Mummies!"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2013 33:54


    Get ready for another exciting episode of "The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty!" In this episode NOT MORE MUMMIES! we travel back to Medieval England to relive the reign of King Richard III, whose remains were just discovered during archaeological excavations in Leicester, England. So if you've ever wanted to know the history of the Plantagenets, the War of the Roses, and the Shakespearean villain Richard "Humpy" III, then this is the place for you! And just because I couldn't resist, in our Shorty News segment there's some cool news about a new and grotesque mummy making headlines. So sit back and enjoy, and remember to subscribe at www.jennifermcniven.com or iTunes!

    Episode 2 "Change Up"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2013 40:17


    Enjoy the second episode of "The Struggling Archaeologist's Guide to Getting Dirty." In this one we talk about mummy hair (for pictures of my reconstructed mummy's hair go to www.jennifermcniven.com and check out my blog post for this episode). There's also a bit about Danish/Caribbean history, and then we talk about soup for a while. Yup, soup.

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