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The widespread use of substances like peyote, blue water lily, poppy, mushrooms, herbs, ergot, soma, and tobacco appears to be related to the worldwide building of pyramid and temples, many of which are connected to sacred springs, caves, mountains, or the heavens above, and all which relate to some ancient mystery of the spirit realm. The idea of a world Navel can be found in structures connected to the underworld and the heavens, but can also be found in numerous mythologies around the world. Caves are natural wombs and pyramids serve the same purpose. Volcanos and mountains are sacred as preservers of death and resurrection, something clearly at the core of human spiritual practices dating back to an unknown time. For as important as the stars are in regard to the afterlife, focus on the mysteries of birth may play a an equally signifiant role in these traditions. As old paradigms are being overthrown for new truly shocking ones it is important to refrain from disregarding the latter in favor of increasingly outlandish claims about the past such as Tatara, which appears to be a counter narrative to the unraveling of human history. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
On this very special episode, Razib talks to paleoanthroplogists John Hawks and Chris Stringer. Hawks is a paleoanthropologist who has been a researcher and commentator in human evolutionary biology and paleoanthropology for over two decades. With a widely read weblog (now on Substack), a book on Homo naledi, and highly cited scientific papers, Hawks is an essential voice in understanding the origins of our species. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1994 with degrees in French, English, and Anthropology, and received both his M.A. and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Michigan, where he studied under Milford Wolpoff. He is currently working on a textbook on the origins of modern humans in their evolutionary context. Hawks has already been a guest on Unsupervised Learning three times. Chris Stringer is affiliated with the Natural History Museum in London. Stringer is the author of African Exodus. The Origins of Modern Humanity, Lone Survivors: How We Came to Be the Only Humans on Earth and Homo Britannicus - The Incredible Story of Human Life in Britain. A proponent since the 1970's of the recent African origin of modern humans, he has also for decades been at the center of debates around our species' relationship to Neanderthals. In the 1980's, with the rise to prominence of the molecular model of "mtDNA Eve," Stringer came to the fore as a paleoanthropological voice lending support to the genetic insights that pointed to our African origins. Trained as an anatomist, Stringer asserted that the fossil evidence was in alignment with the mtDNA phylogenies, a contention that has been broadly confirmed over the last five decades. Razib, Hawks and Stringer discuss the latest work that has come out of Yuxian, China, and how it updates our understanding of human morphological diversity, and integrate it with the newest findings about Denisovans from whole genome sequencing. They talk about how we exist at a junction, with more and more data, but theories that are becoming more and more rickety in terms of explaining the patterns we see. Hawks talks about the skewing effect of selection on phylogenetic trees, while Stringer addresses the complexity of the fossil record in East Asia.
A digital world in relentless movement—from artificial intelligence to ubiquitous computing—has been captured and reinvented as a monoculture by Silicon Valley "big tech" and venture capital firms. Yet very little is discussed in the public sphere about existing alternatives. Based on long-term field research across San Francisco, Tokyo, and Shenzhen, Common Circuits: Hacking Alternative Technological Futures (Stanford UP, 2025) explores a transnational network of hacker spaces that stand as potent, but often invisible, alternatives to the dominant technology industry. In what ways have hackers challenged corporate projects of digital development? How do hacker collectives prefigure more just technological futures through community projects? Luis Felipe R. Murillo responds to these urgent questions with an analysis of the hard challenges of collaborative, autonomous community-making through technical objects conceived by hackers as convivial, shared technologies. Through rich explorations of hacker space histories and biographical sketches of hackers who participate in them, Murillo describes the social and technical conditions that allowed for the creation of community projects such as anonymity and privacy networks to counter mass surveillance; community-made monitoring devices to measure radioactive contamination; and small-scale open hardware fabrication for the purposes of technological autonomy. Murillo shows how hacker collectives point us toward brighter technological futures—a renewal of the "digital commons"—where computing projects are constantly being repurposed for the common good. Mentioned in this episode: "Political Software: Mapping Digital Worlds from Below" Project Website here Luis Felipe R. Murillo is Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Faculty Fellow at the Notre Dame Technology Ethics Center at the University of Notre Dame. His work is dedicated to the study of computing from an anthropological perspective. Liliana Gil is Assistant Professor of Comparative Studies (STS) at The Ohio State University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
A digital world in relentless movement—from artificial intelligence to ubiquitous computing—has been captured and reinvented as a monoculture by Silicon Valley "big tech" and venture capital firms. Yet very little is discussed in the public sphere about existing alternatives. Based on long-term field research across San Francisco, Tokyo, and Shenzhen, Common Circuits: Hacking Alternative Technological Futures (Stanford UP, 2025) explores a transnational network of hacker spaces that stand as potent, but often invisible, alternatives to the dominant technology industry. In what ways have hackers challenged corporate projects of digital development? How do hacker collectives prefigure more just technological futures through community projects? Luis Felipe R. Murillo responds to these urgent questions with an analysis of the hard challenges of collaborative, autonomous community-making through technical objects conceived by hackers as convivial, shared technologies. Through rich explorations of hacker space histories and biographical sketches of hackers who participate in them, Murillo describes the social and technical conditions that allowed for the creation of community projects such as anonymity and privacy networks to counter mass surveillance; community-made monitoring devices to measure radioactive contamination; and small-scale open hardware fabrication for the purposes of technological autonomy. Murillo shows how hacker collectives point us toward brighter technological futures—a renewal of the "digital commons"—where computing projects are constantly being repurposed for the common good. Mentioned in this episode: "Political Software: Mapping Digital Worlds from Below" Project Website here Luis Felipe R. Murillo is Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Faculty Fellow at the Notre Dame Technology Ethics Center at the University of Notre Dame. His work is dedicated to the study of computing from an anthropological perspective. Liliana Gil is Assistant Professor of Comparative Studies (STS) at The Ohio State University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology
The discussion covers the evolving role of debt as an instrument of empire, the emergence of sovereign wealth funds, and the ways financial instruments and flows of money subtly shape political realities and people's lives in the region. Professor Elyachar discusses her latest book "On the Semicivilized: Coloniality, Finance, and Embodied Sovereignty in Cairo" and how she challenges the notion that global finance originated solely in the West. The conversation delves into the history of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and their role in economic development, particularly in "pushing debt as a form of development". A Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University whose work examines the intersection of finance, political economy, and the Arab world, Elyachar also shares her family's history as sarrafs (bankers/brokers) in Ottoman Palestine, and how this tradition sparked her interest in finance and economics. She also explains the historical legal category of the "semicivilized," a term used in international law to describe the Ottoman Empire and other non-European powers who were recognized as legitimate sovereigns. 01:13 Introduction 03:31 A Family History of Finance in Ottoman Palestine06:52 Fieldwork in Cairo: Informal Economy and Debt10:15 The Problem of NGOs and "NGOification"15:53 Debt As an Instrument of Empire23:28 Defining "Semicivilized"37:57 The Central Question: Finance and Violence50:12 The Rise of Sovereign Wealth Funds56:11 Turning Debt Into Assets Julia Elyachar is an anthropologist, political economist, and award winning author. She was trained in anthropology, economics, history of political and economic thought, political economy, social theory, Middle Eastern Studies, and Arabic language. She is an associate professor of anthropology at Princeton University, and associate professor at the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies. She is a Faculty Researcher with the Dignity and Debt network and serves on the Executive Boards of the Princeton Institute for International and Regional Studies, and the Center for Iran and Persian Gulf Studies. She has published the books "Markets of Dispossession: NGOs, Economic Development, and the State in Cairo" and "On the Semicivilized: Coloniality, Finance, and Embodied Sovereignty in Cairo" (2025).Connect with Julia Elyachar
BEST OF: With a reportedly historical peace agreement made in the Middle East war has been averted and the world will finally be a harmonious place to live for all people. Sure, if you believe in the framing of that narrative. Reality is much different. The so-called “peace” deal was only agreed upon for two major reason: one, the President had to ensure Israel would not break it, because this is all they have ever done to such agreements; and two, because Jared Kushner was the architect, the same guy who wants to build, with Trump, a resort in Gaza. At home it was Stephen Miller who is credited as the architect of a militarized police state, the same guy behind White House policy who said the President is now operating with “plenary authority,” total authoritarian rule. How naive are we? Within hours of the peace announcement, Israel was claiming its enemies were simply regrouping and that soon an American city may be in the crosshairs of a nuclear attack from Iran. This is just days after we were told that terrorists were going to dress like the Village People and bomb hospitals in the US. Since the President has been labeled a “savior” and “messiah” of the Jewish people by Mariam Adelson, it appears the plan is set. The peace will not last long and will be violated in a way that triggers a larger war. The nihilists will be unleashed, Christianity and Islam will go to war, and the Jewish state will fulfill their Talmudic prophecy about the antichrist; about non-Jews becoming servants of Jews. The push for Armageddon optics is so obvious and yet Christians tend to go along with it because what it implies for their own belief. The notion that America should invest only in Israel, ban other religions, and create a Judeo-Christian theocracy is a growing cancer. In this way, it appears that Jesus himself is the reason for the treason. Otherwise, one does not need Jesus or Christianity to have a safe, clean, high-trust, advanced society. When Jesus is weaponized, he becomes a destructive tool of conquest and control. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
Ryan Gable hosts Ground Zero (December 12, 2025)*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
In this episode, hosts Chris and Mecca interview Dr. Cindi SturtzSreetharan about language decoding, why inclusive language matters for better science, the importance of clearly defining the terms we use, and how ethnographic methods help contextualize research. Dr. SturtzSreetharan is a President's Professor at the School of Human Evolution & Social Change at Arizona State University. She has a bachelor's degree in international relations from Willamette University, a master's in Asian studies from the University of Oregon, and a doctorate in Anthropology from the University of California at Davis. Her research interests center on a language-in-interaction approach to the construction of identities, including masculinity. Much of her earlier work focused on how Japanese men use language as a resource for creating, maintaining, or refuting a masculine identity. She has also worked on language use in reality TV shows, serial dramas, and film, focusing specifically on language and fatherhood. For the past decade, Dr. SturtzSreetharan has turned her attention to the intersection of language, the body, and medicine. Her current work is an investigation of metabolic syndrome in Japan, a so-called lifestyle condition that affects more men than women. She is particularly interested in the way that everyday, mundane language interactions contribute to the production of felt shame and stigma around body size, shape, and care. ------------------------------ Find the papers discussed in this episode: SturtzSreetharan, C.L & Shibamoto-Smith, J. It's not the language, it's us: Recommendations on what language can do and on what we as writers can do. American Journal of Human Biology 37(6): e70079 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.70079 (2025) SturtzSreetharan, C.L., DuBois, L.Z., & Brewis, A. 2025. Defining and deploying gender/sex in human biology: Where are we? Where should we be? American Journal of Human Biology 37(6):e70093 https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.70093 (2025) ------------------------------ Contact Dr. SturtzSreetharan: cindi.sturtzsreetharan@asu.edu ------------------------------ Contact the Sausage of Science Podcast and the Human Biology Association: Facebook: facebook.com/groups/humanbiologyassociation/, Website: humbio.org, Twitter: @HumBioAssoc Chris Lynn, Co-Host Website: cdlynn.people.ua.edu/, E-mail: cdlynn@ua.edu, Twitter:@Chris_Ly Mecca Howe, Co-Host, HBA Fellow Email: howemecca@gmail.com, Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mecca-howe-phd-22a48173/
In episode four of ALGOpod, Gabriele de Seta welcomes Nick Seaver, Associate Professor in Anthropology and Director of the Science, Technology & Society program at Tufts University, to catch up on his recent ethnographic research on algorithms, computing and automation.
In this lecture, Dr Pankaj Jain, Professor and Head of Humanities & Languages and Director of The India Centre at FLAME University, explains the Ten Theories of Religion used across anthropology, sociology, psychology, and phenomenology. Drawing on global scholarship and Indian traditions, the lecture examines how religion functions, why humans practice it, and how Dharma shapes culture, ethics, and society.Based on foundational thinkers such as Tylor, Frazer, Freud, Jung, Durkheim, Weber, Marx, Evans-Pritchard, William James, Mircea Eliade, and Clifford Geertz, this session explores key themes including animism, psychological interpretations, social cohesion, critical theory, mysticism, sacred space, cultural systems, and narrative traditions.Topics covered:• What is religion ,and why study it• Historical-comparative theories• Psychology of religion• Functionalist and sociological approaches• Critical and feminist insights• Phenomenology and religious experience• Sacred and profane• Anthropology and cultural logic• Symbolic and interpretive theories• Narrative and storytelling in religious traditions• Applications to Indian contexts, including Ramayana traditions, tribal narratives, sacred geography, and Dharma-based ethicsThis lecture is part of Dr Jain's broader work on Dharma, sustainability, Indian knowledge systems, and the global study of religion.For more talks, research, and updates:• Faculty page: https://www.flame.edu.in/faculty/pankaj-jain• Discover India podcast• Social media: @ProfPankajJain#TenTheoriesOfReligion#PankajJain#FLAMEUniversity#ReligiousStudies#DharmaStudies#StudyOfReligion#ReligionAndSociety#AnthropologyOfReligion#PsychologyOfReligion#SociologyOfReligion#PhenomenologyOfReligion#MirceaEliade#WilliamJames#MaxWeber#Durkheim#CliffordGeertz#IndianKnowledgeSystems#RamayanaStudies#SacredGeography#ComparativeReligion
Exploring the entangled relationships between food, culture and society in India, this edited collection Food, Culture and Society in India: Social, Political, Economic and Cultural Perspectives (Berghahn Books, 2025) brings together empirically grounded research across diverse regions and contexts. Organised into four sections – Food, Culture and Identity; Food, Memory and Migration; Food, Livelihood and Nutrition; and Food, Consumption and Media – it highlights the complex role food plays in shaping identity, mobility, labour and representation. Drawing from a range of disciplinary perspectives, the volume contributes to broader conversations in sociology, social anthropology, international development, geography, cultural studies and food studies, offering a textured account of contemporary foodways and their significance in everyday Indian life. Dr. Tiatemsu Longkumer, Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan, researches indigenous religion and Christianity among the Nagas, Buddhism in Bhutan, and Generative AI in education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Exploring the entangled relationships between food, culture and society in India, this edited collection Food, Culture and Society in India: Social, Political, Economic and Cultural Perspectives (Berghahn Books, 2025) brings together empirically grounded research across diverse regions and contexts. Organised into four sections – Food, Culture and Identity; Food, Memory and Migration; Food, Livelihood and Nutrition; and Food, Consumption and Media – it highlights the complex role food plays in shaping identity, mobility, labour and representation. Drawing from a range of disciplinary perspectives, the volume contributes to broader conversations in sociology, social anthropology, international development, geography, cultural studies and food studies, offering a textured account of contemporary foodways and their significance in everyday Indian life. Dr. Tiatemsu Longkumer, Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan, researches indigenous religion and Christianity among the Nagas, Buddhism in Bhutan, and Generative AI in education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/food
Exploring the entangled relationships between food, culture and society in India, this edited collection Food, Culture and Society in India: Social, Political, Economic and Cultural Perspectives (Berghahn Books, 2025) brings together empirically grounded research across diverse regions and contexts. Organised into four sections – Food, Culture and Identity; Food, Memory and Migration; Food, Livelihood and Nutrition; and Food, Consumption and Media – it highlights the complex role food plays in shaping identity, mobility, labour and representation. Drawing from a range of disciplinary perspectives, the volume contributes to broader conversations in sociology, social anthropology, international development, geography, cultural studies and food studies, offering a textured account of contemporary foodways and their significance in everyday Indian life. Dr. Tiatemsu Longkumer, Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan, researches indigenous religion and Christianity among the Nagas, Buddhism in Bhutan, and Generative AI in education. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/south-asian-studies
A handful of videos on social media depict a recent gathering, reportedly in Georgia, where a group of people were gathered to chant “Atlanta” is “Atlantis.” Supposedly they were there to create an “energy vortex” in order to summon the spirit of Atlantis and reclaim the city for black people. What exactly is this supposed to mean?Atlanta was founded in 1837 as a railroad terminus originally named "Terminus,” because the city marked the end of the Western & Atlantic Railroad. It was renamed "Marthasville" in 1843 and then changed to "Atlanta" in 1845. Some believe the city name is a shorthand for “Atlantica,” as in the Atlantic Ocean. Others believe the city was named after Atalanta, a mythologized heroin known for her speed and independence (the wild boar hunt and race against her suitors) which were qualities of the growing rail hub that is Atlanta. The mythical land and concept of Atlantis in some ways even predates Plato, though he is credited with its story. Writing in his Timaeus and Critias Plato derived the Atlantis story from Solon, an Athenian lawmaker who learned of the same from an elderly priest in the land of Egypt at the Temple of Sais. At the time, around 630-560 BC, the records were already at least 8,000 years old. Reportedly a global cataclysm destroyed Atlantis sometime between 9,600 to 11,600 years ago. Later on Francis Bacon termed his ideal city the New Atlantis or Platonopolis. The timeframe noted by Plato places the destruction within the window of the Younger Dryas, 12,900 to 11,700 years ago (10,900-9,7000 BC). It's one thing to be unaware of seemingly lost, drowned or buried history, but another to be so shockingly unaware of basic mythology and recent local history. It is understandable so many are disenfranchised by the lies and ego of mainline historical narratives, but the turn to Q-Anon, Flat Earth, Tataria, and World Fair conspiracies appears to be another layer of disinformation rather than the truth. The “Atlanta is Atlantis” video exemplifies a growing stupidity about human history. *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
Ryan Gable hosts Ground Zero (December 8, 2025)*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
******Support the channel******Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedissenterPayPal: paypal.me/thedissenterPayPal Subscription 1 Dollar: https://tinyurl.com/yb3acuuyPayPal Subscription 3 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ybn6bg9lPayPal Subscription 5 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ycmr9gpzPayPal Subscription 10 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y9r3fc9mPayPal Subscription 20 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y95uvkao ******Follow me on******Website: https://www.thedissenter.net/The Dissenter Goodreads list: https://shorturl.at/7BMoBFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedissenteryt/Twitter: https://x.com/TheDissenterYT This show is sponsored by Enlites, Learning & Development done differently. Check the website here: http://enlites.com/ Dr. Peter Turchin is Emeritus Professor at the University of Connecticut in the departments of ecology and evolutionary biology, anthropology, and mathematics. He is a project leader at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna and a research associate at the School of Anthropology at the University of Oxford. He is a complexity scientist who works in the field of historical social science that he and his colleagues call cliodynamics. He is the author of books like War and Peace and War, Ages of Discord, Ultrasociety, End Times, and The Great Holocene Transformation. In this episode, we start by talking about what causes political communities to cohere, and what causes the collapse of complex societies. We discuss the phenomenon of elite overproduction, its social and political consequences, and modern elite overproduction since the late 1970s. We talk about social unrest in the US and Western Europe in the current decade. Finally, we discuss whether violence is inevitable, and how we can solve elite overproduction in a non-violent way.--A HUGE THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS/SUPPORTERS: PER HELGE LARSEN, BERNARDO SEIXAS, ADAM KESSEL, MATTHEW WHITINGBIRD, ARNAUD WOLFF, TIM HOLLOSY, HENRIK AHLENIUS, ROBERT WINDHAGER, RUI INACIO, ZOOP, MARCO NEVES, COLIN HOLBROOK, PHIL KAVANAGH, SAMUEL ANDREEFF, FRANCIS FORDE, TIAGO NUNES, FERGAL CUSSEN, HAL HERZOG, NUNO MACHADO, JONATHAN LEIBRANT, JOÃO LINHARES, STANTON T, SAMUEL CORREA, ERIK HAINES, MARK SMITH, JOÃO EIRA, TOM HUMMEL, SARDUS FRANCE, DAVID SLOAN WILSON, YACILA DEZA-ARAUJO, ROMAIN ROCH, YANICK PUNTER, CHARLOTTE BLEASE, NICOLE BARBARO, ADAM HUNT, PAWEL OSTASZEWSKI, NELLEKE BAK, GUY MADISON, GARY G HELLMANN, SAIMA AFZAL, ADRIAN JAEGGI, PAULO TOLENTINO, JOÃO BARBOSA, JULIAN PRICE, HEDIN BRØNNER, FRANCA BORTOLOTTI, GABRIEL PONS CORTÈS, URSULA LITZCKE, SCOTT, ZACHARY FISH, TIM DUFFY, SUNNY SMITH, JON WISMAN, WILLIAM BUCKNER, LUKE GLOWACKI, GEORGIOS THEOPHANOUS, CHRIS WILLIAMSON, PETER WOLOSZYN, DAVID WILLIAMS, DIOGO COSTA, ALEX CHAU, CORALIE CHEVALLIER, BANGALORE ATHEISTS, LARRY D. LEE JR., OLD HERRINGBONE, MICHAEL BAILEY, DAN SPERBER, ROBERT GRESSIS, JEFF MCMAHAN, JAKE ZUEHL, MARK CAMPBELL, TOMAS DAUBNER, LUKE NISSEN, KIMBERLY JOHNSON, JESSICA NOWICKI, LINDA BRANDIN, VALENTIN STEINMANN, ALEXANDER HUBBARD, BR, JONAS HERTNER, URSULA GOODENOUGH, DAVID PINSOF, SEAN NELSON, MIKE LAVIGNE, JOS KNECHT, LUCY, MANVIR SINGH, PETRA WEIMANN, CAROLA FEEST, MAURO JÚNIOR, 航 豊川, TONY BARRETT, NIKOLAI VISHNEVSKY, STEVEN GANGESTAD, TED FARRIS, HUGO B., JAMES, JORDAN MANSFIELD, CHARLOTTE ALLEN, PETER STOYKO, DAVID TONNER, LEE BECK, PATRICK DALTON-HOLMES, NICK KRASNEY, RACHEL ZAK, DENNIS XAVIER, CHINMAYA BHAT, AND RHYS!A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY PRODUCERS, YZAR WEHBE, JIM FRANK, ŁUKASZ STAFINIAK, TOM VANEGDOM, BERNARD HUGUENEY, CURTIS DIXON, BENEDIKT MUELLER, THOMAS TRUMBLE, KATHRINE AND PATRICK TOBIN, JONCARLO MONTENEGRO, NICK GOLDEN, CHRISTINE GLASS, IGOR NIKIFOROVSKI, AND PER KRAULIS!AND TO MY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS, MATTHEW LAVENDER,SERGIU CODREANU, AND GREGORY HASTINGS!
My guest today is Diane Tober, an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama Department of Anthropology and Institute for Social Science Research. She is a medical anthropologist with a focus on biocultural aspects of health, gender and sexuality, the commodification of the body, science and technology studies, bioethics, and social and reproductive justice. She has been conducting research exploring egg donors' decisions and experiences within the global market for human eggs since 2013. She joins us today to discuss her recent book, Eggonomics: The Global Market in Human Eggs and the Donors Who Supply Them (Routledge 2024). This episode is co-hosted by UVA Law 2Ls, Rachel Duffy and Rachel Greenbaum.Show NotesAbout Diane ToberAbout Kim KrawiecAbout Rachel DuffyAbout Rachel GreenbaumDiane Tober, Eggonomics: The Global Market in Human Eggs and the Donors Who Supply Them (Routledge 2024)Kimberly D. Krawiec, Gametes: Commodification and The Fertility Industry, in Routledge Handbook of Commodification, Routledge, 278–289 (1 ed. 2023).Krawiec, Kimberly D. "Markets, repugnance, and externalities." Journal of Institutional Economics 19.6 (2023): 944-955.
Pollinators are declining fast - here's why it matters. This week, Matt speaks with Kelly Bills, Executive Director of Pollinator Partnership, who explains why pollinators are critical to global food systems and ecosystem health. She discusses declining bee and insect populations, the role of climate change in habitat loss and disrupted plant–pollinator timing, and how agriculture, communities, and corporations can help reverse these trends. Kelly also shares successful conservation initiatives, including Bee Friendly Farming and large-scale habitat restoration projects, along with practical steps individuals can take to support pollinators. To get involved with Kelly's organization, visit https://www.pollinator.org Also check out some of their studies below: The Basics: Climate Change and Pollinators https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/Climate-Change-and-Pollinators-Flyer-2023.pdf Published study: Untangling the Complexity of Climate Change Effects on Plant Reproductive Traits and Pollinators: A Systematic Global Synthesis https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.70081 Executive Summary 2-pager (with the published study) https://www.pollinator.org/pollinator.org/assets/generalFiles/NAPPC-climate-change-overview_english.pdf Want to boast to your friends about trees named after you? Help us plant 30k trees? Only a few trees left! Visit aclimatechange.com/trees to learn more Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Kelly Bills Bio: Kelly Bills has been dedicated to pollinator conservation for over a decade. Her focus is on large-scale habitat projects, plant-pollinator interactions, and agricultural and industry engagement. Kelly holds an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Anthropology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. She has also received a Master's of Science in Environmental Management (Ecology Concentration) from the University of San Francisco. Her background in ecology, conservation, and culture has propelled her career in the non-profit sector. Kelly is Executive Director of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), is on the Board of Directors of Pollinator Partnership Canada, is a member of the USDA NAREEE Pollinator Subcommittee, and serves on the EPA Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee. Episode Resources Pollinator website: https://www.pollinator.org/ ACC on Apple: https://bit.ly/accapplepodcast ACC on Spotify: https://bit.ly/accspotifypodcast ACC on YouTube: https://bit.ly/ACCvids More About A Climate Change with Matt Matern A Climate Change with Matt Matern is a podcast dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of climate change while inspiring action and fostering a sustainable future. Each episode dives deep into the environmental challenges of our time, rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and resource degradation, breaking down complex topics into digestible insights. The podcast goes beyond merely raising awareness. It serves as a trusted resource for practical, actionable solutions that empower listeners to reduce their carbon footprint and drive change in their communities. With a strong focus on environmental science and expert perspectives, host Matt Matern brings influential voices to the forefront, highlighting innovative ideas and collaborative efforts shaping global sustainability initiatives. More than just a source of information, A Climate Change is a movement. It builds a coalition of like-minded individuals committed to preserving the planet for future generations. Listeners are invited to participate actively in creating a legacy of positive environmental impact through informed decision-making and collective action. The podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, provides a platform for science-backed discussions, global perspectives, and community building. Whether you want to learn about renewable energy, sustainable living practices, or climate policy, A Climate Change with Matt Matern equips you with the tools and knowledge to make a tangible difference. Tune in, take action, and join the fight for a brighter, greener future. Curated List of Episodes If you enjoyed this episode of A Climate Change, here is a list of some recent episodes curated especially for you: Simulating the Future: How Climate Models Shape Policy Decisions with Andrew Jones [Link] How Personal Change Sparks Global Impact: Joshua Spodek's Sustainability Secrets [Link] Bill McKibben on Renewable Energy, Political Battles & Hope for the Planet [Link]
Rae and Mark Davis are historians/presenters who give talks on Civil War Surgeon Jonathan Letterman, the "Father of Modern Military Medicine," known for revolutionizing battlefield care with organized ambulance corps and triage systems, a topic they've presented on at historical venues like the Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon. Their presentations highlight Letterman's innovations, such as the triage system and field hospitals, which are still relevant in modern emergency medicine. Their Work and Expertise Lectures and Presentations: The Davises give presentations at various historical venues, discussing how Letterman's Civil War achievements continue to influence modern civilian emergency medicine. Exhibits: Their talks often feature displays of original and reproduction Civil War medical instruments, medicines, and weaponry. Documentary: They are currently producing a documentary film about Surgeon Letterman's life and impact. Background: Rae Davis has a B.A. in history and extensive experience in Civil War living history groups, while Mark Davis has a degree in Anthropology; both are long-time residents of Calaveras County, California. About Jonathan Letterman Jonathan Letterman (1824–1872) was the Medical Director of the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War. He implemented groundbreaking changes to the medical system that saved countless lives, including: Establishing the first organized ambulance corps. Developing a functional field hospital system and a method of triage for casualties. Pioneering hygiene and diet standards to improve troop health and readiness. His system for battlefield care remains the foundation for modern military and emergency medical services. After the war, Letterman moved to San Francisco, where he served as the chief coroner. A large military hospital at the Presidio in San Francisco was later named Letterman General Hospital in his honor. This episode, and all of our work, is made possible by our Patrons. Become one today and make us work more! www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg
In this episode of the Mad Rush Podcast, host Trisha Addicks interviews Stephanie Troxler, a self-taught watercolor artist and pattern designer. Stephanie shares her journey from working as a dental hygienist to becoming a full-time artist, a transition fueled by the pandemic. Stephanie explains how she began her art career with hand-painted champagne bottles, launched Little Blue Designs in 2021, and achieved significant milestones like partnering with major brands such as Southern Tide and Anthropology. The episode also delves into Stephanie's experiences with the alumni initiation program of Pi Beta Phi and her dynamic approach to balancing professional growth with family life. A must-listen for anyone interested in creative career pivots and the power of connections.
Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts.A school bans “edges,” a graduation blocks braids, a child with locks is told to stay home—on the surface, they're dress code debates. Look closer and you see a lineage of power: colonial respectability, “imperial cleanliness,” and the policing of Black and Brown bodies through hair. We sit down with artist, educator, and gender rights advocate amilcar sanatan to map how grooming rules took root, why they persist, and what it takes to change them without sacrificing learning or dignity. We unpack the language of “neat,” “professional,” and “acceptable,” tracing it from plantation hierarchies to modern handbooks. Together, we connect scholarship and lived experience—Rastafari resistance and the Coral Gardens legacy, the gendered training of girls into silence and boys into “tidiness,” and the quiet violence of sending students home over texture or style. Along the way, we explore key legal and cultural flashpoints from Trinidad and Tobago's school hair code to Jamaica's Kensington Primary case, and why each decision matters for access to education, equal employment, and human rights.This conversation doesn't stop at critique. We highlight grassroots wins and everyday acts of repair: natural hair days led by young teachers, principals revising codes to center hygiene and safety rather than assimilation, and families rethinking what professionalism looks like in Caribbean contexts. The goal isn't disorder—it's dignity. Keep students in class. Measure readiness by curiosity and conduct, not curls. Celebrate cultural expression while maintaining clear, fair standards that actually support learning. If this resonates, share it with a friend, subscribe for more Caribbean history and culture, and leave a review telling us how grooming rules shaped your school or workplace. Your stories move this work forward.amílcar peter sanatan is an interdisciplinary Caribbean artist, educator and activist. He is from Trinidad and Tobago and currently working between East Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Helsinki, Finland. He is the author of two poetry chapbooks: About Kingston (Peekash Press) and The Black Flâneur: Diary of Dizain Poems, Anthropology of Hurt (Ethel Zine & Micro Press). Support the showConnect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website Looking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!Want to Support Strictly Facts? Rate & Leave a Review on your favorite platform Share this episode with someone or online and tag us Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education Produced by Breadfruit Media
We all know it. We've all sung it. Perhaps we've even answered a quiz question about it*. The Twelve Days of Christmas has become as quintessentially festive as a figgy pudding, or the bad joke in your Christmas cracker. But why exactly is your 'true love' gifting all these birds? And importantly, how are they faring nowadays? Prof Andy Gosler (from the Edward Grey Institute in the Department of Biology, and Institute of Human Sciences in the School of Anthropology) is the only professor of 'ethno-ornithology' in the world, specialising in the study of the relationships between birds and people. So, who better to be our guest on this festive edition of the Big Questions Podcast, where we take a deep dive into one of our favourite Christmas carols? (*There are 364 presents in total, by the way!)
In this conversation of Inspire Change, Gunter Swoboda delves into the profound question of human nature and the concept of equality, challenging the traditional narratives surrounding masculinity. He explores the anthropological evidence that suggests humans are not inherently competitive or hierarchical but are capable of living as equals. Swoboda emphasizes the importance of reframing masculinity from a perspective of dominance to one of equality, particularly in relationships and therapy. He encourages men to confront their fears of equality and to embrace a more authentic way of being that fosters genuine connections with others. Takeaways - Humans have a deep capacity for egalitarian relating. The narrative of masculinity often promotes competition and dominance. Therapy should be a collaborative space of equality. Men are often conditioned to see vulnerability as weakness. Reframing masculinity involves recognizing the capacity for equality. Equality is not just a concept but a lived experience. The journey to equality requires confronting internalized fears. Men can grow into deeper parts of their nature. Being a good man is about being fully human together. The work of men's development is about realigning with egalitarian values. Sound Bites - "What kind of animal are we actually?" "We're trained to compete." "Being a good man is not about being on top." Mid-Episode Break is brought to you by Distil Union.“You know, on this show we talk a lot about living with purpose — slowing down, paying attention, and being intentional about the choices we make every day. Because when we simplify the noise around us, we can better hear what really matters: empathy, connection, and showing up as the best version of ourselves. That's why I'm genuinely pleased to welcome our newest sponsor, Distil Union. Their philosophy aligns beautifully with what we do here.” “Distil Union creates sleek, thoughtfully designed essentials — wallets, key organizers, phone cases — all built with a ‘less is more' approach. Their Wally wallets, Ferris key organizers… these are everyday tools that make life easier, cleaner, and calmer. And in that simplicity, there's space for clarity. There's space for change.” “As a thank-you to our Inspire Change community, they're offering 20% off any product with the promo code INSPIRECHANGE. Have a look, try them out, and see how simplifying your day can open the door to something deeper.” Visit distilunion.com and enjoy 20% off any product with promo code INSPIRECHANGE. That's distilunion.com with promo code INSPIRECHANGE at check out.”GRATITUDE MENTIONS & CLOSING -Hello to all our listeners, we thank YOU for tuning in and promoting positive social change. This makes you a part of Gunter's efforts in transforming not only men's lives but lives in general and we are grateful you have joined us. This week we are taking a look at the Global Listeners List and we would like to share our gratitude with our listeners in Cameroon . You brought Africa all the way to #6 on the Global Listeners List! Congratulations! We thank you so much for your continued support and we appreciate your efforts to support positive social change! I, DeVonna Prinzi the Co-Exec Producer and our Show-runner Miranda Spigener-Sapon sincerely thank you and ask that you please take the time to like, follow, subscribe, and share as your efforts make a difference to everyone here at Inspire Change with Gunter. Please remember If you want to share your story of social change, feel free to reach out to the show directly. Please see the show-notes for our contact information. As always thank you to each and every one of our listeners, and most importantly please keep Inspiring positive social change. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspire-change-with-gunter--3633478/support.Gunter Swoboda and Lorin Josephson's neo-noir/supernatural thriller novel Amulets of Power, Book I A Brian Poole Mystery is officially ON SALE EVERYWHERE you like to get book, but if you want a discount please consider ording direct. ANY LISTENER who order's direct will get a surprise gift. https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=3RoOA6kVQ7ZgmqSK9LdnvNyDAZZFsg9IMaLUaprPgXKMake sure you LIKE SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW our new Official YouTube Channel of Video Shorts series: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireChangewithGunterSwoboda/videos where we will be adding new videos and content every week from Gunter and our guests. https://www.youtube.com/@InspireChangewithGunterSwoboda/videos
Amy is joined by author Naima Brown to discuss her newest novel, Mother Tongue, exploring the consequences of change, finding our authentic selves, motherhood, right-wing radicalization, and the importance of fiction in our fight against patriarchy.Donate to Breaking Down PatriarchyNaima Brown holds degrees in Middle Eastern Studies, Anthropology and Religious Studies. Her essays have appeared in Vogue Australia, the Guardian Australia, and more. She wrote, along with Melissa Doyle, the non-fiction book How to Age Against the Machine. She has spent over a decade working in news, current affairs and documentary - save for her brief stint in reality TV, which inspired her first novel, The Shot. She was born and raised in Northern California before living and working in Yemen and Afghanistan, and now lives in New South Wales with her husband and her dog. Her second novel, Mother Tongue, was published in March 2025.
As global powers double down on militarism and defense, Daniel Zoughbie argues that the most transformative force in the Middle East has always come from citizen diplomacy. A complex-systems scientist and diplomatic historian, Zoughbie joins Mark Labberton to explore how twelve U.S. presidents have "kicked the hornet's nest" of the modern Middle East. Drawing on his work in global health and his new book Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump, Zoughbie contrasts the view from refugee camps and microclinic networks with the view from the Oval Office, arguing that American security rests on a three-legged stool of defense, diplomacy, and development. He explains why Gerald Ford stands out as the lone president who truly leveraged diplomacy, how the Marshall Plan model of enlightened self-interest can guide policy now, and why nationalism, not mere economics, lies at the heart of Gaza's future. Throughout, he presses listeners toward "citizen diplomacy" that resists pride, militarism, and fatalism. Episode Highlights "We've constantly ignored diplomacy." " You don't have to be enemies with people to get them to do what is in their own self-interest." "You can build skyscrapers in Gaza. You can build the Four Seasons in Gaza and it's not going to work. You're just going to have another war until you address that core issue of nationalism." "These three Ds defense diplomacy development are the three legged stool of American security and we know how important diplomacy and development are." "From Truman to Trump, only one president, and that is Gerald Ford, surprisingly the only unelected president, gets this right." "Pride—national pride, the pride of any one individual—is toxic. It's toxic to the individual. It's toxic to the nation. It's toxic to the world." "Foreign policymaking is not just something for secretaries of state and those in power. All of us in a democracy have a role to play." Helpful Links and Resources Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Kicking-the-Hornets-Nest/Daniel-E-Zoughbie/9781668085226 American University of Beirut (founded as Syrian Protestant College), a key example of long-term educational diplomacy https://www.aub.edu.lb Al-Ahli Arab (Gaza Baptist) Hospital in Gaza City https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Ahli_Arab_Hospital Max Weber, "Politics as a Vocation" https://open.oregonstate.education/sociologicaltheory/chapter/politics-as-a-vocation About Daniel Zoughbie Daniel E. Zoughbie is a complex-systems scientist, historian, and expert on presidential decision-making. He is associate project scientist at UC Berkeley's Institute of International Studies, a faculty affiliate of the UCSF/UCB Center for Global Health Delivery, Diplomacy, and Economics, and principal investigator of the Middle East and North Africa Diplomacy, Development, and Defense Initiative. He is the author of Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump and of Indecision Points: George W. Bush and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. His award-winning research has appeared in journals such as PLOS Medicine, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Social Science and Medicine. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Berkeley, he studied at Oxford on a Marshall Scholarship and completed his doctorate there as a Weidenfeld Scholar. Show Notes Middle East Background and Microclinic Origins Daniel Zoughbie recalls visiting the Middle East as a child—"frankly horrified" by what he saw UC Berkeley protests over the Iraq War and post-9/11 U.S. policy in the region Metabolic disease and type 2 diabetes as an overlooked "greatest killer in the region." Neighbors in the West Bank sharing food, medicine, and blood-pressure cuffs—leads to the "micro clinic" concept Good health behaviors, like bad ones and even violence, can be contagious through social networks Social Networks, Anthropology, and Security Social anthropology, political science, and international relations Medical problems as simultaneously biological and sociological problems Understanding Middle East security demands attention to decisions "at the very bottom" as well as "the view from above" October 7 and 9/11 illustrate how small groups of people can "change the world with their decisions." Complex Systems and Foreign Policy Complexity is always increasing, and diplomacy and development exist to slow it down. Definition of "complex system": as one where many inputs produce outcomes that cannot be reduced to single causes. "We almost have a new law here, which is that complexity is always increasing in the universe. And the role of diplomacy and development, as I see it in international relations, is to slow things down. It's to stop complexity from advancing so that people have time to cool their tempers and to solve major security crises." Type 2 diabetes as a model for thinking about how city planning, economics, relationships, and habits interact He applies that lens to international relations: nations, leaders, institutions, and history form a "cascade of complexity." From Refugee Camps to Presidential Palaces George Shultz and Tony Blair: decision-makers as "real human beings," not abstractions Theological and ideological forces—such as certain apocalyptic readings of scripture—that shape U.S. foreign policy Gnosticism and eschatology within American right-wing Christianity Painstaking global health work on the ground and sweeping decisions made in Washington, Brussels, or New York Twelve Presidents and One Exception Kicking the Hornet's Nest: analysis of twelve presidents from Truman to Trump through the lens of Middle East decision-making Core claim: Only Gerald Ford truly rebalanced the three Ds of defense, diplomacy, and development. U.S. policy in the Levant: heavy reliance on militarism, coups, and covert actions while underinvesting in diplomacy and development Claim: "Far better alternatives were on the table" for every administration, yet consistently passed over. Gerald Ford, Kissinger, and the Path to Peace Daniel contends that the 1967 and 1973 wars were both preventable and nearly became global nuclear catastrophes. Ford inherits the presidency amid Watergate and national division, but keeps Henry Kissinger at State. Ford presses Israel and Egypt toward serious negotiations, empowering Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy and personal ties. A sharply worded letter threatening to "reconsider" the U.S.–Israel relationship Ford's diplomacy and the development of Camp David and the enduring Egypt–Israel peace based on "land for peace." Pride, Personality, and Presidential Failure Did Ford's temperament keep him from making himself the center of the story? In contrast, many presidents and other leaders write themselves "thickly" into the narrative of the conflict. Pride—personal and national—as a toxic force that repeatedly undermines U.S. policy The Iraq War and democracy-promotion agenda and the self-defeating nature of moralistic, militarized crusades Marshall Plan and Enlightened Self-Interest George Marshall and harsh punishment after World War I helped produce Nazi Germany The Marshall Plan models an "enlightened way of viewing the American self-interest": rebuilding Europe and Japan to secure U.S. security. He contrasts that with the neglect of the Levant, where aid and institution-building never matched military activism. Marshall's genius lies in locating the intersection between others' deepest needs and American capabilities. Militarism, Iran, and Nuclear Risk Recent U.S.–Israel–Iran confrontation as an "extremely dangerous moment"—with 60 percent enriched uranium unaccounted for JCPOA as an imperfect but effective diplomatic achievement, but dismantled in favor of militarism Claim: Bombing Iran scattered nuclear material and increased complexity rather than reducing the threat. He warns that one nuclear device could be delivered by low-tech means—a boat or helicopter—endangering civilians and U.S. forces in the Gulf. The only realistic path forward: renewed multilateral diplomacy between U.S., Israel, Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and regional actors Ethical Realism and Max Weber "Ethical realism"—Max Weber's distinction between the ethic of the gospel and the ethic of responsibility Statespeople bear responsibility for using force, yet the greatest can still say "here I stand and I can do no other." Claim: True leadership seeks a higher ethic where national interest aligns with genuine concern for others. Gaza, Nationalism, and Two States Welcoming the end of active war between Israel and Hamas and critiquing reconstruction plans that ignore politics Conflict is fundamentally nationalist: a struggle for self-determination by both Jewish and Palestinian peoples Claim: Economic development without a credible political horizon will not prevent "another October 7th and another terrible war." In his view, only partition of mandatory Palestine into two states can meet legitimate self-determination claims. For example, "You can build skyscrapers in Gaza… and it's not going to work" without addressing nationalism. Citizen Diplomacy and a Better Way Foreign policy is not only the work of secretaries of state; democratic citizens have responsibilities. American University of Beirut and the Gaza Baptist Hospital as fruits of citizen diplomacy Claim: Educational and medical institutions can change lives more profoundly and durably than military campaigns. Redirecting resources from bombs to universities and hospitals to reduce the need for future military interventions An invitation to citizen diplomacy: informed voting, sustained attention, and creative engagement for a more just peace Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.
Dr. Adam Gamwell returns to Trending in Education to explore the evolving collision of anthropology, artificial intelligence, and the human experience. Since his last appearance in 2019, the technological landscape has seen seismic transformations—from the pandemic to the explosion of generative AI. Host Mike Palmer and Adam discuss why the anthropological imagination is more critical than ever for navigating these changes. Adam details his transition from predicting trends to actively building AI tools with his organizations, Anthrocurious and Clueful. He argues that anthropologists must move beyond critique and become makers to ensure human context remains central to technological development. The conversation spans the fragmentation of modern culture, the "Prometheus moment" of AI adoption, and the challenge of maintaining epistemic security in an era of digital exhaust and "AI slop." Mike and Adam also tackle the personal side of the equation: parenting and education. They discuss the atrophy of critical thinking skills, the insights Western parents can learn from Maya and Inuit child-rearing practices, and the importance of designing "socio-petal" technologies that bring people together rather than driving them apart. Key Takeaways: Anthropologists as Builders: Adam emphasizes the need for social scientists to get their hands dirty with code. By moving from pure critique to "vibe coding" and software development, anthropologists can bake human context and ethics into AI tools from the ground up. The Fragmentation of Culture: The internet and algorithmic feeds have fractured the monoculture into isolated microcultures. Understanding this landscape requires using the very tools—AI and large-scale data analysis—that helped create the fragmentation in the first place. Critical Thinking as Muscle Memory: Just as language acquisition changes after age five, critical thinking is a skill that can atrophy without practice. Over-reliance on generative AI in education risks weakening the cognitive muscles students need to evaluate truth and context. Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parenting: Adam and Mike discuss the book Hunt, Gather, Parent and how indigenous practices of patience and autonomy offer a counter-narrative to the high-control, high-anxiety style of Western parenting in a digital age. Why You Should Listen: This episode offers a refreshing departure from the standard "robots will take our jobs" narrative. Instead, it provides a grounded, human-centric framework for understanding how we co-evolve with our tools. Whether you are an educator worried about AI plagiarism, a parent navigating screen time, or a tech enthusiast interested in how "thick data" can improve large language models, Adam's insights bridge the gap between high-level academic theory and the practical realities of daily life. If you enjoy this conversation, please like, follow, and share Trending in Education wherever you get your podcasts. Timestamps: [00:00] Intro and welcome back to Dr. Adam Gamwell. [02:40] From predicting the future to building software: Anthropology meets AI. [07:45] Robots, agentic AI, and keeping humans in the loop. [11:00] Taste, community, and the human elements AI cannot automate. [13:30] Cultural fragmentation and the challenge of sensemaking. [21:10] The atrophy of critical thinking and the "training wheels" problem. [27:00] Parenting in the digital age: Lessons from Hunt, Gather, Parent. [34:00] "Socio-petal" vs. "Socio-fugal" technologies: Designing for connection. [36:00] Mindshare and Klu: Making academic research accessible to business. [41:00] Conclusion and takeaways.
CW: abortionMary B is joined by Dr. Sara Moslener to discuss her new book After Purity: Race, Sex, and Religion in White Christian America. Moslener traces her journey from a high school defender of purity culture to a scholar with a nuanced understanding of how the myth of purity has helped mask elements of white supremacy as Christian values. She reflects on the power of myth as a storytelling tool that — depending on its intent — can yield positive or harmful results. Mary B relates this to the ways myths are being used by the most powerful in this country to attack trans folks. Moselener urges that although much of her research is from the point of view of white women, sexual purity must be considered in an intersectional way. Sara J. Moslener (she/her) is a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, Anthropology, and Religion at Central Michigan University. She is the author of Virgin Nation: Sexual Purity and American Adolescence and creator of the podcast Pure White: Sexual Purity and White Supremacy. She lives in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, with her best friend and soulmate, Gibson the Chug.You can get After Purity wherever you buy books. Follow Sara on Substack at afterpurity.substack.com. Join the Found Family crew over on Substack and get your free copy of the Found Family Cheat Sheet! Support the show
This weekend was the anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, an event few call a "surprise" anymore considering the evidence it was provoked and desired to launch the U.S. into WWII. Interestingly, according to Popular Mechanics, UAP czar Luis Elizondo was investigating the UFO subject to "prevent another... Pearl Harbor." This reminds us of the PNAC report on Rebuilding America's Defences, which was thought to be unlikely fulfilled short of a "catastrophic and catalyzing event - like a new Pearl Harbor." Then, President Bush wrote in the White House daily log, "The Pearl Harbor of the 21st Century took place today." Could the "threat" of the UAP be used as an excuse to reorder society again? If there is any “alien” technology, perhaps it is hidden behind a veil of confusion; perhaps it is AI, something its engineers can build but not fully understand?*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
Tonight, the winner of the 2025 Turner Prize will be announced in Bradford, this year's City of Culture. Joining Nick to discuss the runners and riders is arts journalist at the Yorkshire Post, Yvette Huddleston. The death of the photographer Martin Parr was announced over the weekend. His reputation was established with his colourful1980s seaside holiday pictures. To remember his life and legacy, we hear from photographer Stephen McCoy who currently has a show at the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol.Egyptian Queen Nefertiti is rumoured to have been one of the most desirable women in the ancient world but could things turn ugly over the location of the bust of Nefertiti? With the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, there have been renewed calls for it to be returned to Egypt from the Berlin's Neues Museum where it's currently on display. Heba Abd el Gawad, Senior Curator of Anthropology at London's Horniman Museum, and Professor Sebastian Conrad, who has written extensively on Nefertiti, discuss the issues. Punchdrunk is a theatre company that has been pushing at the boundaries of theatre for over two decades. It pioneered fully immersive experiences, creating worlds where audiences become active participants rather than passive spectators. Their latest show is Lander 23, a live-action video game, set on a distant planet where a previous crew has mysteriously vanished. Nick paid a visit to the company's home in Woolwich, London. Arts journalist Yvette Huddleston reflects on Bradford's year in the spotlight. Presenter: Nick Ahad Producer: Ekene Akalawu
The discussion delves into the complex historical eras of Iraq, challenging binary understandings of its past and present. A professor at Haverford College and author of "Political Undesirables: Citizen Denaturalization and Reclamation in Iraq and Return to Ruin: Iraqi Narratives of Exile and Nostalgia", Zainab Saleh discusses how the Iraq she grew up in—during the Ba'ath Party reign and under Saddam Hussein—was a time of fear and repression, despite the earlier period of high hopes and political aspirations in the 1940s and 1950s. She explores the concept of nostalgia for the Saddam era, which exists even among those who suffered under the regime, because of the basic services that were provided. The conversation offers a nuanced timeline of modern Iraqi history, from World War I's role in creating Middle Eastern nation-states through the Ottoman and British rules, the monarchy, and the Ba'ath Party. A key focus is placed on the 1990s as a major turning point, with the 1991 bombardment and subsequent sanctions leading to the rapid deterioration of infrastructure, increased social problems like begging and corruption, and environmental collapse. We consider the argument that the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and the US invasion should be viewed as one long, continuous war. Saleh critiques the simplistic narrative that Americans brought to Iraq after 2003, arguing that it institutionalized a sectarian political system. She emphasizes that the American discourse—classifying Sunnis as loyalists and Shia or Kurds as oppressed—ignored the reality of mixed communities and complex political loyalties. Saleh explores the historical use of denaturalization in Iraq, a topic central to her latest book. She details how the British and subsequent Iraqi regimes used the pretext of "political undesirables" to strip citizens of their rights, citing examples such as Iraqi Jews in the 1950s and Iraqis of Iranian origin in the 1980s. 0:00 Introduction 1:50 When Did The Iraq You Grew Up In Start?2:54 The High Hopes of the 1940s and 1950s3:33 Nostalgia, Time, and Loss7:09 The Broad Phases of Iraqi History9:33 Cultural Renaissance Under the Monarchy10:00 Vibrant Leftist Politics in the Monarchy Era11:39 Nostalgia for the Monarchy13:00 The Largest Effect on Daily Life: 1991 Bombardment and Sanctions16:29 Connecting the Wars: One Long War17:59 The Lead-up to Saddam's Invasion of Kuwait19:33 The Vision of the Neoconservatives20:40 Misunderstandings about US Imperialism22:11 The Myth of Iraqi Sectarianism23:24 The Institutionalization of a Sectarian System25:27 The Role of the Iraqi Opposition Abroad28:29 Phases of Post-2003 Iraq29:12 The Civil War and Proxy War (2006-2008)30:20 Displacement and the Reorganization of Iraqi Society30:52 Social Mobilization: 2011 and the Tishreen Uprising (2019)31:24 The Catastrophe of ISIS34:29 The Problem with Nostalgic Photos40:14 When One Dictator Becomes a Source of Nostalgia41:16 The Book: Political Undesirables and Denaturalization41:59 The Deportation of Iraqis of Iranian Origin (1980)44:48 Denaturalization as a Systemic Pattern48:19 Issuing Passports After World War I51:00 The Expulsion of Iraqi Jews (1950)51:25 Iraqi Jews as an Integral Part of Society52:44 The Ancient History of Babylonian Jews55:20 The Basis for Expulsion58:19 Recommended Readings on Iraqi History Zainab Saleh is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Haverford College and the author of books "Return to Ruin: Iraqi Narratives of Exile and Nostalgia" (2020) and "Political Undesirables: Citizenship, Denaturalization, and Reclamation in Iraq" (2025).Connect with Zainab Saleh
Ryan Gable hosts Ground Zero (December 5, 2025)*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
The Magdalena River has been the central artery of Colombia's history: it was the path of colonization as well as of commercial circulation linking the coast to the interior. But it was also the site and product of racialized violence from slavery to the Colombian armed conflict in the 20th century, when parts of the Magdalena became almost synonymous with paramilitary violence and the river itself was declared a victim of the armed conflict. The paramilitaries demobilized in 2005 and then peace was signed with the FARC guerrillas in 2016; shortly after,a state-backed megaproject was announced that would transform the waterway into a logistics corridor, linking the logics of security and circulation with those of pacification. Our guest today, Austin Zeiderman, is the author of Artery: Racial Ecologies on Colombia's Magdalena River. While Zeiderman may have originally set out to study a logistics corridor, what he found was an even richer study about the historical and contemporary co-production of race, capital and space along the country's central fluvial artery. An anthropologist and geographer, Zeiderman applies an ethnographer's approach to the situated practices both ofpower and resistance. He takes us close to the companies managing the logistics sector, their actuarial logics of security and risk, and imperatives of circulation. At the same time, Austin details the life inside a tow-boat, the way gender, race and labor have historically interacted from the old bogas boats to the present day, and the way tacit knowledge resists the fungibility of racialized labor even today. We are a podcast about cities, and precisely for this reason, I wanted to highlight the invisible labor that circulates goods and fuels in and out of our urban hubs, which more often than not, have turned their backs on their nearest ports. Books like Austin's – which center the long lives of logistics and their embeddedness in what Austin calls “geo-racial regimes” – are indispensable for understanding the broader forces which shape Latin American cities. Austin Zeiderman is Professor of Geography in the Department of Geography and Environment at the London School of Economics. He is an interdisciplinary scholar who specializes in the social and political dimensions of urbanization and the environment in Latin America, and holds a PhD in Anthropology from Stanford University.My cohost is Robinson Markus. Robbie is a PhD student in urban planning at UCLA, has a masters in Sociology from LSE, and studies the intersections between housing and climate change in Latin America. Keep in mind that Robbie's audio had some difficulties, so we don't hear as much from him as we should have!
Lloyd Pye was introduced to the Starchild Skull and founded The Starchild Project in February 1999. He is the chief fundraiser, international spokesperson, and research coordinator for the Starchild Project. In 2007 he published a seminal book on the skull, The Starchild Skull, and recently added a new eBook, Lloyd Pye's Starchild Skull Essentials, which distills the skull's story into the tightest package possible. During his decade at the helm of the Starchild Project he has traveled to speak in a dozen countries around the world, appeared in a dozen television documentaries, been interviewed on national and international radio hundreds of times, and written a series of articles for publications in the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy Japan, and Brazil. - www.starchildproject.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media
Japan is over-encumbered with megalithic structures that don't seem to fit into the historical narrative of the islands. From Yonaguni, which is debated, to the Imperial Palace, Osaka Castle, Masuda-no-Iwafune, Ishi-no-Hoden, and Ishibutai, with notable locations such as the Daisen Kofun, Oya Stone Quarry, and Mount Nokogiri.*The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.WEBSITEFREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVE-X / TWITTERFACEBOOKINSTAGRAMYOUTUBERUMBLE-BUY ME A COFFEECashApp: $rdgable PAYPAL: rdgable1991@gmail.comRyan's Books: https://thesecretteachings.info - EMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / rdgable1991@gmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
Christmas can be a hard time of year for folk, especially writers...Anyway, here we are, taking a look at Lynne Ramsay's MORVERN CALLAR: her second feature film about a young woman, her fiancé, her pal, and a quick trip to Spain in the New Year. You're probably thinking to yourself, "This sounds like LOVE ACTUALLY or something," but let's be real, this is LYNNE RAMSAY we're talking about here. It's dark, it's unforgiving, it's strange, and it looks really nice... Merry Christmas, everyone!
Our guest is Gavin Whitelaw https://rijs.fas.harvard.edu/gavin-h-whitelaw who is the Executive Director of Edwin O. Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies at Harvard University. Gavin has spent over a decade living and teaching in Japan. Before joining the Reischauer Institute in 2016, he was the Senior Associate Professor of Anthropology and Japan Studies at International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo for eight years. He has researched a wide range of topics, including Japanese contemporary commerce, work life, foodways and material culture. Gavin is here today to discuss Konbini, the Japanese-style convenience store, a subject on which he has done extensive research. Convenience stores were born in the U.S in the 1920s and were transplanted to Japan in the 1960s. Then its concept developed into something very different, which has become a necessary part of Japanese society overall. As of January 2025, there were 56,749 Konbini nationwide. In this episode, we will discuss the unique characteristics of Japanese-style convenience stores, what you can buy and experience at Konbini , Gavin's intriguing work experience at Konbini shops and what he discovered there, the possibilities of exporting Japanese Konbini abroad and much, much more!!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This week on Inspire Change, Gunter reflects on his previous conversation with Professor Greg Downey, exploring the complexities of masculinity through an anthropological lens. He emphasizes that masculinity is a practice shaped by societal systems, rather than a fixed essence. The discussion highlights the dangers of toxic ideologies and the importance of emotional health and community. Gunter provides practical reflections on how individuals can embody healthier masculinity in their daily lives, focusing on the body, relationships, and the wider social context. He encourages listeners to engage in self-reflection and practice small, meaningful changes in their behavior.TakeawaysMasculinity is embodied and relational, not a fixed essence.Toxic ideologies can anesthetize men's pain rather than heal it.Masculinity is shaped by systems, not just individual actions.Cultural narratives about masculinity influence our behaviors.Practicing awareness of our bodies can reveal ingrained habits.Emotional responsiveness is key in relationships.Social media can amplify toxic narratives about masculinity.Self-reflection helps in recognizing internalized patriarchal values.Values should guide our actions, not societal expectations.Change in masculinity comes from small, consistent actions.Keywordsmasculinity, toxic ideologies, emotional health, community, anthropology, personal growth, relationships, social media, patriarchy, self-awarenessMid-Episode Break is brought to you by Distil Union.“You know, on this show we talk a lot about living with purpose — slowing down, paying attention, and being intentional about the choices we make every day. Because when we simplify the noise around us, we can better hear what really matters: empathy, connection, and showing up as the best version of ourselves. That's why I'm genuinely pleased to welcome our newest sponsor, Distil Union. Their philosophy aligns beautifully with what we do here.” “Distil Union creates sleek, thoughtfully designed essentials — wallets, key organizers, phone cases — all built with a ‘less is more' approach. Their Wally wallets, Ferris key organizers… these are everyday tools that make life easier, cleaner, and calmer. And in that simplicity, there's space for clarity. There's space for change.” “As a thank-you to our Inspire Change community, they're offering 20% off any product with the promo code INSPIRECHANGE. Have a look, try them out, and see how simplifying your day can open the door to something deeper.” Visit distilunion.com and enjoy 20% off any product with promo code INSPIRECHANGE. That's distilunion.com with promo code INSPIRECHANGE at check out.”GRATITUDE MENTIONS & CLOSING -This week we would like to express our gratitude to those of you listening in Maryland. Your support has brought Maryland to #12 on the USA's Top 20 listeners list for the FIRST time EVER in the entire history of the podcast! CONGRATULATIONS!!! A special thanks to our listeners in Kensington for bringing Maryland to the USA's Top 20 listeners list and our deepest gratitude for promoting positive social change.We cannot express how grateful we are for your continued support across the continent and around the world! Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in & supporting Positive Social Change here and around the globe. This makes you a part of Gunter's efforts in transforming not only men's lives but lives in general and we are grateful you have joined us. I, DeVonna Prinzi the Co-Exec Producer and our Showrunner Miranda Spigener-Sapon sincerely thank you and ask that you please take the time to like, follow, subscribe, and share as your efforts make a difference to everyone here at Inspire Change with Gunter. Please remember If you want to share your story of social change, feel free to reach out to the show directly. Please see the show-notes for our contact information.As always thank you to each and every one of our listeners, and most importantly please keep Inspiring positive social change.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inspire-change-with-gunter--3633478/support.Gunter Swoboda and Lorin Josephson's neo-noir/supernatural thriller novel Amulets of Power, Book I A Brian Poole Mystery is officially ON SALE EVERYWHERE you like to get book, but if you want a discount please consider ording direct. ANY LISTENER who order's direct will get a surprise gift. https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=3RoOA6kVQ7ZgmqSK9LdnvNyDAZZFsg9IMaLUaprPgXKMake sure you LIKE SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW our new Official YouTube Channel of Video Shorts series: https://www.youtube.com/@InspireChangewithGunterSwoboda/videos where we will be adding new videos and content every week from Gunter and our guests. https://www.youtube.com/@InspireChangewithGunterSwoboda/videos
In this episode, the conversation begins with news of a significant archaeological announcement from Egypt, believed to be associated with new findings in the Great Pyramid of Giza. Next, they discuss new findings about the Silk Road that help better understand the many unknown cities related to this essential early trade route. The team then welcomes Wyoming State Archaeologist Spencer Pelton and Professor Emeritus Robert Kelly, University of Wyoming, to discuss the details of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Spencer Pelton became the Wyoming State Archaeologist in November 2019. Spencer has maintained a varied career in government, private, and academic sectors, working in Tennessee, North Carolina, California, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, and the Khovsgol Province of northern Mongolia. As a faculty member of the University of Wyoming Department of Anthropology, Spencer places an emphasis on training well-rounded students with a diverse set of knowledge and skills, offering educational opportunities in Plains and Rocky Mountain prehistory, global human dispersal, cultural resource management, archaeological excavation, and evolutionary perspectives in anthropology. Robert L. Kelly is professor emeritus and past department head of anthropology at the University of Wyoming, director of the Frison Institute, president of the Society for American Archaeology, and secretary of the Archaeology Division of the American Anthropological Association. He has authored over 100 articles, reviews, and books, including two archaeology textbooks and The Lifeways of Hunter-Gatherers (Cambridge University Press, 2013). He specializes in the ethnology and archaeology of hunter-gatherers. Since 1973, he has conducted research throughout the western U.S. and Madagascar, and he has lectured in Europe, Asia, and South America. Kelly currently researches caves and high altitude adaptations in Wyoming, as well as the archaeology of ice patches in Glacier National Park. Seven Ages Official Site Seven Ages Official Merchandise Instagram Facebook Patreon Seven Ages YouTube
Dr. Nicola Hawley is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, where she also holds a secondary appointment in Anthropology. She serves as Associate Director for Dissemination and Implementation Science at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation. Trained as a human biologist, Dr. Hawley is an internationally recognized expert in maternal and child health, with a focus on how early life experiences, from pregnancy through childhood, shape long-term risks for obesity and chronic disease. Her research bridges epidemiology, anthropology, and global health, using community-engaged and culturally grounded approaches to improve health outcomes in under-resourced and Indigenous settings. Much of her work centers in the Pacific, particularly in Sāmoa and American Sāmoa, where she leads NIH- and PCORI-funded studies on gestational and Type 2 diabetes, obesity prevention, and intergenerational health. She's also deeply committed to mentorship, helping train the next generation of global health and maternal-child health researchers. ------------------------------ Find the work discussed in this episode: Heinsberg LW, Loia M, Tasele S, Faasalele-Savusa K, Carlson JC, Anesi S, et al. (2025) Study protocol for the Health Outcomes in Pregnancy and Early Childhood (HOPE) Study: A mother-infant study in American Samoa. PLoS One 20(9): e0326644. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0326644 ------------------------------ Contact the Sausage of Science Podcast and the Human Biology Association: Facebook: facebook.com/groups/humanbiologyassociation/, Website: humbio.org, Twitter: @HumBioAssoc Chris Lynn, Co-Host Website: cdlynn.people.ua.edu/, E-mail: cdlynn@ua.edu, Twitter:@Chris_Ly Courtney Manthey, Guest-Co-Host, Website: holylaetoli.com/ E-mail: cpierce4@uccs.edu, Twitter: @HolyLaetoli Anahi Ruderman, SoS Co-Producer, HBA Junior Fellow, E-mail: ruderman@cenpat-conicet.gob.ar
In this fun and “soupy” episode, hosts Cara and Chris chat with Dr. Melanie Beasley about putrefied meat, maggots, stable isotopes, and media attention at the most inconvenient times. Dr. Beasley directs the BioAnth Isotope Ecology Research Laboratory (BIER Lab) at Purdue University. Her work focuses broadly on human-environment interactions throughout the hominin lineage when the environment is influencing our evolutionary history, in the Holocene when humans are influencing the availability of prey resources, and in modern forensic contexts when the environment imprints meaningful geolocation information in biological tissues. She uses stable isotope geochemistry to connect humans and the environment they live in to understand changing climate, resource availability, and life history. The use of stable isotope geochemistry and the big data generated by such an analytical method in anthropology has only scratched the surface of what it can offer to the discipline and its contributions to humanity's grand challenges. Through her scholarship, she sees the Anthropology of Tomorrow as an interdisciplinary blending of the social and natural sciences in an applied approach that makes anthropology relevant to living communities. Dr. Beasley is also interested in science communication to engage with the public about anthropology. Please contact her via email if you are interested in working in the lab as an undergraduate or for enquiries about graduate student training. Dr. Beasley is accepting applications for future MA/PhD students. ------------------------------ Find the paper discussed in this episode: Beasley, M. M., Lesnik, J. J., & Speth, J. D. (2025). Neanderthals, hypercarnivores, and maggots: Insights from stable nitrogen isotopes. Science Advances, 11(30), eadt7466. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adt7466 ------------------------------ Contact Dr. Beasely: melmbeas@purdue.edu ------------------------------ Contact the Sausage of Science Podcast and the Human Biology Association: Facebook: facebook.com/groups/humanbiologyassociation/, Website: humbio.org, Twitter: @HumBioAssoc Chris Lynn, Co-Host Website: cdlynn.people.ua.edu/, E-mail: cdlynn@ua.edu, Twitter:@Chris_Ly Cara Ocobock, Co-Host Website: sites.nd.edu/cara-ocobock/, Email:cocobock@nd.edu, Twitter:@CaraOcobock Mecca Howe, SoS Co-Producer, HBA Fellow Email: howemecca@gmail.com
Lalita du Perron talks to Nidhi Mahajan, Associate Professor of Anthropology at UC-Santa Cruz about her new book Moorings: Voyages of Capital across the Indian Ocean, the way her fieldwork interviews shaped her project, and the arduous process of turning a PhD into a monograph.
DIZNEY COAST TO COAST - The Ultimate Unofficial Disney Fan Podcast
Disney fans rejoice! On this episode I chat with Dr. Stephanie Takaragawa about a course she teaches at Chapman University called The Anthropology of Space and Place. Stephanie takes her students to Disneyland as a major part of the course curriculum. In addition to discussing her course, we also touch on using the teachings of Walt Disney and The Walt Disney Company in colleges all over the country. It's more common than you might think. That and so much more is coming your way on this episode of Dizney Coast to Coast. ------ 2026 DIZNEY COAST TO COAST CALENDARS: Order your DCTC wall and desk calendars featuring original Disney photography. Each Disney theme park anniversary is notated on the calendars. ------ GIVEAWAYS, BONUSES AND SUPPORT: Gain early access to episodes, take part in live streams, and gain more bonuses by joining the DCTC Patreon. Receive FREE help booking your next Disney (or non-Disney) vacation at Minnie Memories Travel. Plus, anyone can reach out to Minnie Memories Travel to request the "Top 10 Walt Disney World Tips" document created for DCTC listeners with no obligation. Support the show at no additional cost to you. Do your regular shopping on Amazon and Disney Store using my special links and make a purchase within 24 hours of clicking. Get FREE DISNEY GIFTS from DCTC. ------ BE SOCIAL: Follow @DizneyCTC and @JeffDePaoli on Instagram. ------ CONNECT: Write me at Contact@DePodcastNetwork.com Leave a voicemail at 818-860-2569 Visit the show at DizneyCoastToCoast.com Sign up for the DCTC Newsletter ------ "Dizney Coast to Coast" is part of the DePodcast Network. Love the show? Leave a tip on Venmo or PayPal.
Episode: 1479 The riddle of more grandparents than people. Today, you and I are kin.
In 2009, the body of a former president of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, was stolen from his grave. The Time of the Cannibals reconsiders this history and the public discourse on it to reconsider how we think about conspiracy theory, and specifically, what it means to understand conspiracy theories “in context.” The months after Papadopoulos's body was stolen saw intense public speculation in Cyprus, including widespread expressions of sacrilege, along with many false accusations against Cypriots and foreigners positioned as his political antagonists. Davis delves into the public discourse on conspiracy theory in Cyprus that flourished in the aftermath, tracing theories about the grave robbery to theories about the division of Cyprus some thirty-five years earlier, and both to longer histories of imperial and colonial violence. Along the way, Davis explores cross-contextual connections among Cyprus and other locales, in the form of conspiracy theories as well as political theologies regarding the dead bodies of political leaders. Through critical close readings of academic and journalistic approaches to conspiracy theory, Davis shows that conspiracy theory as an analytic object fails to sustain comparative analysis, and defies any general theory of conspiracy theory. What these approaches accomplish instead, she argues, is the perpetuation of ethnocentrism in the guise of contextualization. The Time of the Cannibals: On Conspiracy Theory and Context (Fordham UP, 2024) asks what better kind of contextualization this and any “case” call for, and proposes the concept of conspiracy attunement: a means of grasping the dialogic contexts in which conspiracy theories work recursively as matters of political and cultural significance in the long durée. Elizabeth Anne Davis is Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University. Her research and writing, grounded in the European horizons and the Ottoman history of the Greek-speaking world, focus on the intersections of psyche, body, history, and power. She is also the author of Bad Souls: Madness and Responsibility in Modern Greece (2012, Duke Press) and Artifactual: Forensic and Documentary Knowing (2023, Duke Press). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and ecological anthropology. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In 2009, the body of a former president of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, was stolen from his grave. The Time of the Cannibals reconsiders this history and the public discourse on it to reconsider how we think about conspiracy theory, and specifically, what it means to understand conspiracy theories “in context.” The months after Papadopoulos's body was stolen saw intense public speculation in Cyprus, including widespread expressions of sacrilege, along with many false accusations against Cypriots and foreigners positioned as his political antagonists. Davis delves into the public discourse on conspiracy theory in Cyprus that flourished in the aftermath, tracing theories about the grave robbery to theories about the division of Cyprus some thirty-five years earlier, and both to longer histories of imperial and colonial violence. Along the way, Davis explores cross-contextual connections among Cyprus and other locales, in the form of conspiracy theories as well as political theologies regarding the dead bodies of political leaders. Through critical close readings of academic and journalistic approaches to conspiracy theory, Davis shows that conspiracy theory as an analytic object fails to sustain comparative analysis, and defies any general theory of conspiracy theory. What these approaches accomplish instead, she argues, is the perpetuation of ethnocentrism in the guise of contextualization. The Time of the Cannibals: On Conspiracy Theory and Context (Fordham UP, 2024) asks what better kind of contextualization this and any “case” call for, and proposes the concept of conspiracy attunement: a means of grasping the dialogic contexts in which conspiracy theories work recursively as matters of political and cultural significance in the long durée. Elizabeth Anne Davis is Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University. Her research and writing, grounded in the European horizons and the Ottoman history of the Greek-speaking world, focus on the intersections of psyche, body, history, and power. She is also the author of Bad Souls: Madness and Responsibility in Modern Greece (2012, Duke Press) and Artifactual: Forensic and Documentary Knowing (2023, Duke Press). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and ecological anthropology. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
In 2009, the body of a former president of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, was stolen from his grave. The Time of the Cannibals reconsiders this history and the public discourse on it to reconsider how we think about conspiracy theory, and specifically, what it means to understand conspiracy theories “in context.” The months after Papadopoulos's body was stolen saw intense public speculation in Cyprus, including widespread expressions of sacrilege, along with many false accusations against Cypriots and foreigners positioned as his political antagonists. Davis delves into the public discourse on conspiracy theory in Cyprus that flourished in the aftermath, tracing theories about the grave robbery to theories about the division of Cyprus some thirty-five years earlier, and both to longer histories of imperial and colonial violence. Along the way, Davis explores cross-contextual connections among Cyprus and other locales, in the form of conspiracy theories as well as political theologies regarding the dead bodies of political leaders. Through critical close readings of academic and journalistic approaches to conspiracy theory, Davis shows that conspiracy theory as an analytic object fails to sustain comparative analysis, and defies any general theory of conspiracy theory. What these approaches accomplish instead, she argues, is the perpetuation of ethnocentrism in the guise of contextualization. The Time of the Cannibals: On Conspiracy Theory and Context (Fordham UP, 2024) asks what better kind of contextualization this and any “case” call for, and proposes the concept of conspiracy attunement: a means of grasping the dialogic contexts in which conspiracy theories work recursively as matters of political and cultural significance in the long durée. Elizabeth Anne Davis is Professor of Anthropology at Princeton University. Her research and writing, grounded in the European horizons and the Ottoman history of the Greek-speaking world, focus on the intersections of psyche, body, history, and power. She is also the author of Bad Souls: Madness and Responsibility in Modern Greece (2012, Duke Press) and Artifactual: Forensic and Documentary Knowing (2023, Duke Press). Yadong Li is a socio-cultural anthropologist-in-training. He is registered as a PhD student at Tulane University. His research interests lie at the intersection of economic anthropology, development studies, hope studies, and ecological anthropology. More details about his scholarship and research interests can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology
We're joined by Sydney Davidson - student of Dr. Jeb Card (IRO) - to discuss her research into Frogmen Festivals, and to discuss monster festivals and some of the reasons people report they attend. (And it's not all about the plushies and t-shirts.)Darren Naish on The Loveland FrogThe Myth of DisenchantmentFrogman Festival 2026Close Encounters at Kelly And Others of 1955 (affiliate link)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/monstertalk--6267523/support.Some product links may be affiliated with Amazon revenue sharing.
Little is known about the African women who came to Europe from the 1870s onwards, nor do we dare to imagine them as wealthy, elegantly dressed individuals with refined tastes and fluent in several languages. The Krio Fernandino represented a multisited, multilocal, transnational, transcontinental and Afropolitan community that lived between Africa and Europe from the late 19th century onwards. African Women's Histories in European Narratives: The Afropolitan Krio Fernandino Diaspora (1850-1996) (Leuven University Press, 2025) explains how the Krio Fernandino, and particularly their women, transcended the barriers of race and gender in colonial Africa and in Spain. Aixelà-Cabré highlights a fascinating journey across cultures and continents, unearthing a compelling narrative of African women's empowerment in their home continent and in Catalonia. This research highlights a women's history that resonates on regional, national and transcontinental levels; a genuine Euro-African and Afro-European legacy to be preserved for future generations. This book will be made open access within three years of publication thanks to JSTOR's Path to Open pilot. Yolanda Aixelà-Cabré is Senior Researcher in Anthropology at the IMF center of the Spanish Council for Scientific Research-CSIC. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
The science of human origins keeps producing new theories. But are we any closer to telling a true story of human origins? Or are we simply drowning in data? Earlier this November, the chair of UCSD's Department of Anthropology invited me to explore this question in a campus talk. My optimistic claim was that underneath many of the field's important debates, a powerful story has been emerging. At its core, this is a story about calories, cooperation, and climate change. And at the centre of it are not men hunting or women gathering.At the centre of it are children playing and learning.Here is the recording from the talk . Check out also my Substack essay inspired by this talk, with many of the pictures and graphs from the slides! PS. I was in San Diego to attend a CARTA symposium on the role of genetics in the study of human origins. I managed to record three episodes behind the scenes. Live recordings coming soon!FACT CHECKINGNo major errors have been found yet. As a small correction, the mention about macaques vs giraffe's should have been about neurons in the cortex, not total neurons in the brain. The main idea doesn't change. If you find an error in this or other episodes, get in touch via the form below.LINKSArticles and essays: OnHumans.Substack.comSupport: Patreon.com/OnHumansContact Form: https://forms.gle/h5wcmefuwvD6asos8KEYWORDSHuman evolution | Human origins | Anthropogeny | Anthropology | Paleoanthropology | Genus Homo | Australopithecins | Human brain | Comparative neuroanatomy | Human tool cultures | Alloparenting | Cooking hypothesis | Expensive tissue hypothesis | Life history | r vs K strategies |
A reporter spends a year diving into a subculture of young men online who unite around their extreme commitment to constant, unadulterated porn consumption. Why are they doing this, what is it doing to them, and what does their existence tell us about the internet we're all stuck on? The Goon Squad by Daniel Kolitz for Harper's Magazine Daniel's Twitter Support Search Engine! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices