AnthroPuzzled

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we talk with Mary-Caitlyn Valentinsson, Manager of Ethnographic Research for Universal Destinations and Experiences in Orlando, Florida. Mary-Caitlyn explains how anthropology and UX research come together in her work to understand the guest experience from a truly holistic perspective. Using interviews, focus groups, and structured observations, she studies leis...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , I speak with Eleanor Snowden, a research consultant whose work is deeply rooted in applied anthropology. Eleanor specializes in "story surveys," a method that invites people to share everyday experiences and interpret the meaning of their own stories—challenging traditional research models that often remove this agency. Her approach focuses on unearthing small, o...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we talk with Kevin Gidusko, a Cultural Resource Manager at Ardurra with a background in anthropology. Kevin explains how anthropology informs his work in cultural resource management (CRM)—a field focused on preserving and protecting historical and archaeological sites during modern development. He breaks down what CRM looks like in practice, from navigating lega...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we sit down with Michael Thomas, Senior VP at Space Doctors, a cultural consulting firm. Michael shares how his background in cognitive anthropology shapes his work, first designing trucks at Ford, then applying ethnographic methods to global branding and consumer insight. His first experience with fieldwork, interviewing truck drivers, revealed just how wrong in...

On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Shane Townsend, a storyteller, diplomat, and lifelong public servant whose career has been guided by a deep commitment to helping others. His advice? Write down what you truly want, not what others expect of you. Then go after it with intention. Shane says he feels most alive when he's listening to or sharing stories—and he's built a career doing...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we're joined by Andrea DiGiorgio, a lecturer in both the Writing and Anthropology departments at Princeton University, a postdoctoral researcher at Rutgers University, and a conservation marketer. Andrea brings a unique blend of academic insight and real-world advocacy to our discussion, which focuses on the ethics of wildlife imagery and the diverse roles within...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we talk with Shauna Mundt, a senior historical archaeologist at Pacific Legacy Inc. and lead archaeologist for the Martinez Cemetery Preservation Alliance. Shauna specializes in Cultural Resource Management (CRM), where she works to identify, preserve, and document historical artifacts—often under challenging field conditions and strict legal guidelines. Shauna s...

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled , we talk with Angela VandenBroek, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology and Business at Texas State University. Angela shares her winding path into anthropology and how she's applied it in unexpected places—from archaeology to retail—showing that anthropology is a versatile mindset and toolkit, not just a career. Angela explains how anthropology can i...

On today's episode of AnthroPuzzled , we talk with Edher Zamudio, Student Services Specialist at UC Davis and part-time Ethnic Studies Instructor at Cosumnes River College. We dive into how anthropology can inform and improve student support work in higher education. Edher grew up in Peru and moved to the U.S. near the end of high school. His journey through college and graduate school was shaped...

On this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we were honored to interview Nirupama Hayden, a Certified Diversity Executive and Associate Consultant. We discuss how anthropological knowledge is vital in jobs with diversity components and in negotiation. Companies today face a multitude of challenges, among the most pressing being issues related to belonging and inclusion. These challenges lead to inefficienc...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we sit down with Mujtaba Hameed, an anthropologist and Associate Director at Stripe Partners, a technology consulting firm. Together, we explore what it means to be a consultant and how anthropology plays a crucial role in this field. Mujtaba, an applied anthropologist, specializes in ethnography and user research, tracking the shifts and changes in modern techno...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we sit down with Katherine Wiley, a cultural anthropologist and the owner of Goldenrod Editorial, an academic editing business. Together, we explore the unique world of academic editing—work that goes far beyond fixing grammar. Katherine shares how she support writers throughout the drafting process, helping them clarify their ideas and reduce academic jargon to...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we sit down with Cameron Kays, Associate Director of Programs at the World Shoe Fund, to explore the intersection of human rights, global health, and anthropology. The World Shoe Fund is an important and impactful organization that helps different communities by supplying them with resources they don't have access to, like footwear that provides a barrier against...

In this episode, we sit down with Cheryl Fogle Hatch, a trailblazer who talks about how she has navigated the world as a totally blind individual. Cheryl shares her personal experiences and insights into how she expertly navigates both her daily life and her work using technology like screen readers, VoiceOver, and TalkBack to access grants, research documents, and other essential information. Che...

In this episode, we sit down with screenwriter and applied anthropologist Cilla Lowen to explore how anthropology shapes her storytelling and drives her passion for social impact. Cilla shares how her fieldwork in diverse and often challenging environments has informed her ability to craft authentic, multidimensional characters and narratives. We discuss her groundbreaking projects, including On U...

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Morais to explore the world of Business Anthropology and how you can break into this unique field. We dive into what business anthropology is, its growing relevance in today's business landscape, and practical tips on how to start a career in it. We also delve into the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in business and how it can serve as a powerful to...

In this episode, we sit down with Carrie Perkins to explore her innovative VR project, Art of Exile . Using multimodal ethnography, this immersive platform documents and shares the experiences of displaced individuals from Myanmar, showcasing the creative resilience of refugee artists through video, audio, and virtual reality. Carrie discusses the challenges of using technology to represent margin...

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Haley Ragsdale, a biological anthropologist and postdoctoral research associate, whose fascinating research explores how life experiences influence reproductive investment and the development of offspring during pregnancy. Dr. Ragsdale explains the complex factors that shape fetal development and how these insights can inform our understanding of human biology....

In this episode, we dive into the world of public archaeology with museum manager Mike Thomin. We explore the benefits of working in smaller museums, where you can learn a variety of roles, compared to larger institutions that often focus on more specialized positions. We also discuss the ethical side of archaeology, including the key differences between grave robbing and legitimate archaeological...

In this episode, we're joined by Jena Barchas-Lichtenstein, an expert in audience research, who works closely with museums to understand and engage their visitors. We dive into the world of audience research, exploring its methods—from surveys to ethnographic approaches—and how it differs from UX research. Jena also shares the challenges of audience research, where data often doesn't provide the e...

On this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we're thrilled to chat with Gaby Lapera, the lead content designer at Parafin and the host of the AnthroBiology Podcast . In her role at Parafin, Gaby combines her expertise in content design and UX to craft clear, engaging written experiences for everything from in-app text and FAQs to loan applications and automated email templates, all with the aim of enhancin...

In this episode, we host Daniel Ginsberg, the former Director of Strategic Initiatives at the American Anthropological Association (AAA) who shares their insights on collaborating with an elected executive board of anthropologists and their role in shaping the organization's future. They emphasize the importance of advocacy in promoting anthropology to the general public and addressing pressing so...

In this episode, we sit down with Savannah Mandel, a pioneering space anthropologist and author of the thought-provoking book Ground Control: An Argument for the End of Human Space Exploration . Savannah shares her insights on the ethical dimensions of space exploration, emphasizing the social and economic implications of the growing commercial space industry and she is advocating for a more inclu...

In this enlightening episode of Anthropuzzled , we sit down with Elizabeth Briody, a renowned anthropologist and consultant, to explore the evolving landscape of anthropology careers. Elizabeth, co-founder of the Anthropology Career Readiness Network (ACRN), sheds light on how this network supports budding anthropologists and enhances career development within the field. We dive into her latest wo...

In this episode of AnthroPuzzled , we chat with Hanna Stram, Coordinator of Distribution Marketing at Fox Entertainment. Hanna delves into her role in orchestrating marketing strategies and the crucial role networking has played in her success. She shares how building a strong professional network has been key to her career growth and offers practical tips for effective networking. We also explore...