Archaeology Books for Fun

In our second episode on Luna the Cat, we sit down with the authors themselves! We chat about the book, how it’s been received, and the real land-based and underwater archaeology that inspired it. If you’ve enjoyed the story so far, you won’t want to miss this one. Next month: We're starting The Other Ancient Civilizations by Raven Todd Da Silva (aka Dig it with Raven). We can't wait to ge...

Cats, shipwrecks, and a historical journey. We’re kicking off a new book: Luna the Cat, a children’s chapter book packed with archaeology, adventure, and (of course) cats. A kids’ book with real history, real archaeology… and real cat energy. We talk about what works, what surprises us, and why it’s a great intro to real history for young readers. Plus, don’t miss next episode! We’ll be joined by...

We’re wrapping up "Finders Keepers," a book with big ideas that just didn’t land. In this episode, we explore why such a promising concept didn’t quite work, and we dig into what archaeology is really like compared to how the author seems to see it. It’s been a ride... but we’re ready for the next book. Up next: "Luna the Cat"! A children’s chapter book by our friends and colle...

We’re back with the next segment of "Finders Keepers", and the emotional roller coaster continues. This section takes us deep into salvage archaeology, artifact hoarding, and the complicated roles museums play in the story of cultural heritage. There are moments that moved us, and moments that made us want to throw the book (but it's on a Kindle, so we can't). Spoiler: someone cr...

In our second dive into Finders Keepers, we’re back in the wretched world of the antiquities black market. Also, we get to hear what the author really thinks about archaeology. Give it a listen and tell us where you land: amused, intrigued, or annoyed (like Barbara)? ___ This episode overlaps a lot with Stealing History, so if you haven’t already, check out those episodes too!http://bit.ly/4oAAalA...

We hate it. We love it. Barbara wants to throw it in a dig pit and walk away. Tristan’s still trying to decide if it’s genius or garbage. This week, we crack open "Finders Keepers" a book full of wild ideas about archaeology that leave us both intrigued and slightly yelling into the mic. Come laugh (or rage) with us as we try to figure out what on earth we just read. ___ 📸 New Instagram! We’ve la...

We’re wrapping up "Ancient Brews" with a taste of South American traditions: chocolate drinks made from cacao and fermented chicha corn beer! Both were central to cultures across Central and South America, so what can archaeology tell us about their meaning and use? Next time, we dig into "Finders Keepers: A Tale of Archaeological Plunder and Obsession". Reviews are mixed… so c...

As we continue our journey through Ancient Brews, we explore beverages once enjoyed by the Scorpion Kings of Egypt, the Etruscans, and even the Vikings! It's a story that spans five millennia, filled with flavor, history, and unexpected connections across time. Crack open this episode and drink in the history! ___ Want to support this podcast? Check out the donation link below! https://www.fpa...

Join us as we crack open a brand-new book—Ancient Brews: Rediscovered and Re-Created by Patrick McGovern! McGovern, a biomolecular archaeologist, takes readers on a journey through time as he analyzes ancient beverages from around the world. Using chemistry, archaeology, and a little bit of guesswork, he partners with Dogfish Head Brewery to recreate these drinks in the modern day as part of their...

In this episode, we wrap up The Nine Lives of Florida’s Famous Key Marco Cat with the story behind the cat’s discovery and the entertaining feud between the Penn Museum and the Smithsonian over who gets to keep it. From its moment in the archaeological spotlight to traveling the world in exhibitions, the Key Marco Cat has led quite a few adventurous lives—before finally returning (temporarily) hom...

New Episode! New Book! This time, we're diving into "The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat". This 6-inch figurine—part cat (maybe), part man (maybe), part mystery (definitely)—is so iconic that it’s Florida’s official state artifact! Yet, despite its fame, so much about it remains unknown. How can such a small cat raise such big questions? Tune in to find out! Want to support this podca...

Here it is—the actual final episode of "The Lost City of the Monkey God"! After several episodes of critiques, we felt we owed it to you, dear listeners, to seek out other perspectives on the book. So, what did we find? Did new insights change our minds? Was the book redeemed in the end? Tune in to find out! Our next book will be "The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat...

This is it—the conclusion to the challenging journey that has been this book! In this final episode, the expedition members are struck by a mysterious malady. Is it the curse of the "lost" city? Or just the result of spending a week in the jungle? For those who’ve been following along, it won’t come as a surprise that the book doesn’t redeem itself in the end. While it’s been a tough rea...

November has been intense, so we weren’t able to finish The Lost City of the Monkey God this month. But don’t worry—we’ve got something special for you instead! In this episode, we share our recent conference trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Both of us visited this historic interpretive town as kids, but this time, we approached it with the eyes of an archaeologist and an interpreter. How does it ho...

In this episode, we dive into part two of "The Lost City of the Monkey God". The team assembles and embarks on an expedition to the jungles of the Mosquitia region in Honduras to "discover" a "lost" city. Facing swarms of hungry insects and encounters with deadly snakes, they set out to confirm the site they identified using LiDAR. Last time, we had a few critiques. W...

A new episode, a new book! In "The Lost City of the Monkey God", daring adventurers use cutting-edge technology to brave the wild and dangerous jungles of Honduras in search of a city lost for centuries! At least, that's how the book presents itself. However, the story has sparked critiques from archaeologists, anthropologists, and native Hondurans. Will we be swept away by this thri...

David Drake was a skilled potter and an enslaved man, known for the poetry he courageously inscribed on his pots at great personal risk. Join us for a very special one-off episode as we discuss the children's book "Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave" and celebrate this remarkable individual. Next up, we'll be starting the book "The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story...

For the final episode of "Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries" we explore how inventive ancient people were and we throw a little cold water on dowsing and psychics in archaeology. Looking ahead, our next episode will be a one-off with the fabulous kid's book "Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave". David Drake was a remarkable person who, despite the great danger, wrote poetry on...

In this episode, we dive into the peopling of the Americas, Vikings in North America, and the legend of Atlantis! Plus, we finally discuss the controversial idea that aliens helped ancient civilizations build some of the world's greatest structures. Our thoughts on the matter may surprise you (but probably won't). ___ Want to support this podcast? Check out the donation link below! https:/...

In this episode we kick off our discussion of "Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology." Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of scientific inquiry versus pseudoscience. We'll explore the myths surrounding a supposed race of ancient giants, uncover the story behind the Cardiff Giant hoax, and unravel the infamous Piltdown Man fraud. Get ready f...

We are very excited for this one! In this special episode, we sit down with the talented Mary Anna Evans, author of "Artifacts: A Faye Longchamp Mystery." Join us as we delve into her fascinating writing process, her meticulous research, and how she so masterfully represents archaeology in her work. Don't miss this chance to get an insider's look at Mary Anna's inspirations a...

Join us for the thrilling finale of "Artifacts: A Faye Longchamp Mystery"! In this last episode, stakes are high as Faye faces a heart-stopping dilemma. Will Faye reveal her illegal activities and go to prison to stop a killer? Who is the killer? Will Joyeuse be saved? What the heck is a palmetto? All these questions will be answered! Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Mary Anna Eva...

Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of twists and turns as we navigate both real and fictional landscapes in the captivating backdrop of the Florida Panhandle. With a missing body, and the discovery of two more, this episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat! Don't forget to cast your vote in our poll to help us choose our next adventure. The options are: "Frauds, Myths, and My...

We take a break from looting, the black market, and murder by starting a new mystery novel about... looting, the black market, and murder. What a refreshing change! This time, however, we're reading our first fiction novel about archaeologists and murder mysteries that takes place right in our local area in the Florida Panhandle. We're already really enjoying this one! "Artifacts&quot...

As a special episode follow-up interview to "Stealing History" we're joined by archaeologist Dr. Andres Garzon-Oechsle! Andres has a unique perspective on the issue of site looting in his home country Ecuador. He has also personally visited the Lords of Sipán museum in Peru. Tune in to hear all about it! YouTube: https://youtu.be/ns21PoYH-Ko Follow us on Goodreads: https://www.goodre...