This Anthro Life

What if studying at UC Berkeley’s International House is more than just an experience—it’s a transformation? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by international students and experts to explore the deep cultural, social, and intellectual exchanges that happen inside the iconic I-House. They dive into what makes I-House a unique melting pot, from lifelong friendships an...

Are you curious about the incredible versatility of an anthropology degree? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell breaks down the many paths available to anthropologists beyond studying ancient cultures. From tech and healthcare to nonprofits, business, and even solving crimes, Adam explores how anthropology equips professionals to tackle real-world challenges. Discover how anthro...

What if the future isn’t something we predict, but something we design? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley to dive into the hidden forces shaping our world—from speculative fiction to emerging technologies and the ripple effects of design. They explore mammoth de-extinction, AI, and the unintended consequences of innovation, challen...

What if true healing and self-discovery required breaking the boundaries between science and spirituality? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell sits down with Austin Mao, a serial entrepreneur turned spiritual leader, to explore the transformative power of psychedelics, trauma healing, and personal enlightenment. Austin shares his profound journey—from tech entrepreneurship to fo...

What if work isn’t just about what we do, but how we think about it? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by Claudia Strauss to unravel the myths and realities behind today’s shifting work culture. They explore the viral claim that “nobody wants to work anymore,” uncovering the hidden forces driving changes in labor, passion, and productivity. From the history of the Pu...

Are you a parent navigating the overwhelming world of modern motherhood and parenting myths? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to explore the cultural narratives shaping our ideas about motherhood, parenting, and family life. Nancy dives into the history and science behind these pervasive myths, offering insights into ho...

Have you ever felt successful on the outside but empty on the inside? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Dr. Nethra Samarawickrema about the struggles of modern work-life, the tension between authenticity and belonging, and why many of us feel disconnected from our careers. Dr. Nethra shares actionable insights on how small daily actions can spark big changes, the i...

How do our physical spaces shape the way we live, connect, and thrive? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into how design and the built environment impact today’s biggest challenges—climate change and social division. Featuring Vishaan Chakrabarti, architect and author of The Architecture of Urbanity, we explore how rethinking our spaces can foster joy, connection, and inclusivity. Disc...

How are America’s family farms disappearing at such a rapid rate, and what does this mean for the future of our food, families, and rural identity? In this episode of This Anthro Life, Adam Gamwell sits down with Brian Reisinger, author, journalist, and fourth-generation Wisconsin farmer, to explore the hidden struggles of rural America. Together, they discuss the mental health crisis, the pressur...

Have you ever thought about the power of questions in shaping your relationships? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore how Emmy-winning filmmaker Topaz Adizes uses questions to create connection, trust, and clarity in relationships. From reframing daily thoughts to navigating life’s challenges, learn how asking better questions can transform the way you interact with the world. Discover...

Hey everyone! In this episode of This Anthro Life, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, founder of Nest Labs, and author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World. We dive into why our approach to goals is broken, how procrastination might actually be trying to help us, and the surprising power of tiny experiments to transform your life. It’...

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist and design educator Michael Leube about how design, ethics, and anthropology intersect to shape the future of human behavior and culture. They dive deep into how design influences human decision-making, the role of evolutionary theory in design thinking, and the ethical responsibility of designers to consider sustaina...

Today, we’re excited to bring you something a little different. Recently, we've been sharing a lot of episodes and shorts inspired by the work I’ve been doing alongside my colleague, Phil Searles, for Cultural Capitalist. In this special episode, we’ve compiled a "best of" collection, featuring full episode highlights and impactful quotes that have resonated with our audience and shifted their per...

In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist Claudia Strauss about how #AI, #technology, and the #postpandemic world are reshaping the nature of work in America. They explore crucial topics such as the impact of declining birth rates, an aging population, and restrictive immigration policies on labor markets. Drawing from Strauss’s book, What Work Means Beyond t...

In this episode of This Anthro Life, we’ll dive into how anthropology is reshaping tech investment by examining human culture and its influence on innovation. You'll discover how the deep study of culture helps forecast market trends, understand AI (artificial intelligence) and its cultural implications, and inform smarter investment decisions. We’ll explore why private equity firms are hiring ant...

Join us in this dynamic episode of This Anthro Life as we sit down with Shaun Carver, CEO of International House at UC Berkeley, to explore the art of building inclusive and vibrant campus communities. Dive into the rich history and transformative impact of I House, where fostering intercultural connections goes hand in hand with managing cultural diversity and navigating today's politically polar...

Discover what sets the Michigan Wolverines apart in college football. In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell explores the innovative cultural strategies implemented by head coach Jim Harbaugh that led to the Wolverines' 2024 National Championship victory. Learn how a player-led culture, distributed leadership, and sustainable success through cultural strengths created a resilient a...

In this episode of This AnthroLife, host Adam Gamwell dives deep into the concept of "cultural moats" and how tech giants like Apple leverage design, technology, and cultural influence to cultivate an intensely loyal customer base. Adam examines the subtle yet powerful symbols Apple uses. This strategy preserves Apple's unique cultural identity while sparking a competitive race among tech companie...

In this episode of Anthro Life host Adam engages in a fascinating discussion with Chris Carter, a geoscientist-turned-design-educator, and Scott Dorely, a filmmaker-turned-design-educator. They explore how design and anthropology intersect to shape the future. Key Topics: -Holistic Design & Speculative Fiction: Discover the valuable lessons from speculative stories like "On the Mammoth Step,"...

Join me in a captivating new series on This Anthro Life as I explore the diverse career paths for anthropology graduates, emphasizing the immense value of anthropological skills in consulting roles. In this episode, "Careers in Anthropology: Corporate Consulting," I delve into the unique expertise we anthropologists offer—such as ethnographic research, qualitative data analysis, and cross-cultural...

Join us on "This Anthro Life" podcast for an enlightening episode titled "How to Heal Through Ayahuasca" with special guest Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia and entrepreneur. Dive into the resurgence of psychedelic therapies and modern spiritual practices as Austin shares his journey from tech entrepreneurship to founding an entheogenic church. Explore the history and transformative impact of a...

Join us on This Anthro Life podcast for an engaging discussion on The Future of Reading: AI and Literature with Vihar Desu, an entrepreneur and engineer at Tempus and the creator of summaries.co.  Vihar shares his expertise in cancer genomics and AI, revealing the technical intricacies of developing accurate summaries and the challenges and opportunities this presents. We delve into the cultural s...

Join us on This Anthro Life podcast for an enlightening conversation with Wynford Dore, a pioneering researcher in neuroplasticity. I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we explore Wynford's transformative journey, driven by a personal family tragedy that sparked his mission to understand and enhance brain function. Discover the remarkable power of neuroplasticity, especially for individuals w...

Join us for a captivating conversation on neurodiversity in the workplace with Ludmila Praslova the author of 'The Canary Code.'  I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we delve into the cultural and societal implications of neurodiversity, offering practical tools for leaders to foster inclusive work environments. We explore innovative strategies to embrace diverse talents, enhance intercultur...

Join us for a discussion on raising boys in today's world with a renowned journalist and author. I'm Adam, your host. In this episode, we explore masculinity, gender roles, and societal changes. Ruth Whippman explores the challenges of nurturing boys in today's society. We delve into topics like Me Too's effect on male socialization, emotional vulnerability, and empathy's role in nurturing well-ro...