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It’s finally time for the final installment of Jessica and Matilda’s deep dive into the archaeology of cutlery! This episode, they discuss chopsticks. But what exactly is a chopstick? How does politics affect what we know about their history? And what do they have to do with baseball bats? Listen in to find out!

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/teabreak/59

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In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton speaks with Dr. Trevor R. Peck about one of the most recognizable, and often misunderstood, archaeological features of the Northern Plains: the “medicine wheel.” Drawing on his article “Unpacking the ‘Medicine Wheel’ Rubric,” Trevor discusses why archaeologists have historically grouped a diverse range of stone features under this broad label and why more careful identification of their function and cultural affiliation matters.

The conversation then focuses on Death Lodges, a distinctive type of stone feature that Trevor argues represents a Blackfoot cultural tradition. He discusses the archaeological, historical...

This episode continues the ongoing discussion about the challenges and changes currently affecting cultural resource management (CRM). We take a closer look at what is happening within the field, what these changes could mean for cultural resources and historic preservation, and, most importantly, what we can do about it.

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/crmarchpodcast/338

Transcript

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On this month’s episode, Jessica speaks with Dr. Uzma Rizvi (Professor of Anthropology and Urban Studies at Pratt Institute) and Sayed Gul Kalash (Archaeologist, Museum Professional, and Cultural Preservationist from the Kalash Valley, Chitral, Pakistan). The two discuss their discovery of archaeology as a field and their subsequent journeys to become archaeologists. As a result, Gul Kalash became the first and only Kalash community woman archaeologist/anthropologist. The two then discuss how they came to work together and describe some of the important work each of them has focused on, including the importance of using legacy collections, sharing da...

This week, we’re exploring three archaeology articles in the news this week. First, we head to Rapa Nui, where new research into the mysterious Rongorongo script could reshape our understanding of when and how writing developed on the island. Then, we examine an Etruscan ritual well filled with offerings to the goddess Uni—and later, human remains. Finally, we travel to Denmark, where plans for an underground parking garage led archaeologists to the unexpected discovery of a long-lost medieval convent.

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Today we’re reviewing Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women (1968), the story of a cool Russian sci-fi movie about an exploratory mission to Venus which an American studio dubbed and re-cut to include telepathic “prehistoric” women, for some reason. In truth there’s very little prehistory in this one, so we get to talk about space travel for forty minutes! (Astronomers and engineers, please send your complaints and corrections to screensofthestoneage@gmail.com)

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In this episode of Ethnocynology, I sit down with dog science communicator Alexandra the Average for a wide-ranging conversation about dogs, science, identity, and the ways our own cultural biases shape how we understand dogs themselves.

Alexandra discusses her approach to navigating misinformation in the dog and animal-welfare world, including why she relies on multiple studies rather than individual papers. But also the importance of reading beyond the abstract, and how scientific findings can become messy once they reach social media.

The conversation dives into some of the most persistent debates surrounding dogs, including pit...

Dr. Alan Garfinkel talks with archaeologist Robert Yohe about their long collaboration and new insights from Yohe’s work at the Rose Spring site. Yohe describes using many radiocarbon dates from a deep, stratified deposit to refine local chronology and estimate the bow-and-arrow’s introduction around 1,600 years ago, along with a rare ritual feature involving a bighorn sheep skull. They also discuss challenges and progress in dating rock art, including AMS radiocarbon dating of a South Fork Kern River painting to about 1,000 years old, and Yohe previews a major upcoming Rose Spring monograph that revises earlier views on subsistence, sett...

Join the APN crew for a monthly discussion of recent news articles. This month we look into two very different questions about archaeology and how we interpret the past. First, we dig into the growing role of AI and large language models in archaeological research, discussing hallucinations, data ownership, consent, open access, and why critical thinking is more important than ever. Then, we examine the case of a man who survived a severe facial injury roughly 100,000 years ago—and ask whether the more interesting story is really ancient violence, or the care and community that allowed him to survive.

In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton welcomes Magdalena Lewandowska to discuss her article, “Trade, Conflict, and Alliance – Relationship Between the Southern Plains and the Rio Grande Pueblos in the Protohistoric Period.” Together they explore the dynamic relationships that connected Indigenous communities across the Southern Plains and the Rio Grande during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The conversation examines how trade in goods such as bison hides and Pueblo pottery fostered economic partnerships while also creating competition, political alliances, and occasional conflict. Drawing on archaeological and historical evidence, Lewandowska explains why Plains–Pueblo interactions cannot be understo...

Can what we face as a discipline now be an opportunity for reflection and growth that leads to a transformation? Could this period lead to a revolution of understanding? There are a lot of opinions, information, interpretations, and assumptions swirling but above all, the most effective and impactful strategy is a measured mission of action based on facts unencumbered by the emotions of the moment.

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/crmarchpodcast/337

Blogs and Resources:

This week we cover three new archaeology news stories! First up, a new LiDAR study in Brazil is revealing that the Amazonian ancient civilization of Aquiry may have been much larger than previously known. Then, a tomb in Poland that was opened in 1973 harbored a deadly fungus that caused the deaths of many of the researchers that worked on it, like a modern day Mummy’s Curse! And finally, archaeologists at Pompeii are reconstructing a ceiling mosaic piece by painstaking piece.

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Segment 1

In this episode, host Stephanie Rice kicks off a series on landscape archaeology, beginning with the study of what could be seen from ancient tombs and where those tombs were visible from within the surrounding region.

Journey across three distinct ancient landscapes: The Neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth at Brú na Bóinne in Ireland; Norse burial cairns of late Iron Age Norway and Iceland; and the Ojoka Kofun (おじょかこふん/王女丘古墳) from the Yamato Period in Japan.

Through these sacred sites, discover how ancient people viewed and interacted with their funerary landscape.

Offline sources used:
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Today we’re reviewing the feminist classic, The Wild Women of Wongo (1958), which tells the story of two prehistoric tribes: one where all the women are beautiful and all the men are brutes, and the other vice versa. But don’t worry – social norms are upheld in the end and everyone is married off to an equally attractive partner.

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In this episode of the Ethnocynology, David talks with long time friend, Dr. Devin Pettigrew, the leading expert in the history and ballistics of the atlatl.

After a recent paper came out by Eren et al, claiming that Clovis hunters were only scavengers, Devin and David dive into the paper and discuss the role of hunting in human history as well as the history of the Atllatl, and how the Clovis people would’ve hunted across the North American landscape.

They also then discuss Devin’s future research and what this means for the field.

Half way between Joe Versus the Volcano and Tropic Thunder lies The Lost City. That is a good location. I suggest you go there with me!

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/pseudo/189

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 ArchPodNet

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It’s time for the main course, and the most surprisingly complicated of cutlery items covered so far in the podcast: the fork! Jessica and Matilda dive into the history and archaeology of the fork, and discover that it’s not quite such a simple tool as they originally thought. Why do Americans and Germans hold their forks so differently? What’s the difference between a fork and a fork-like object? And who was using a spork in the 4th century? Tune in to find out!

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https...

In today’s archaeology news episode, we discuss three articles, starting with a discovery at the Maya city of Xiulán, Guatemala: a small room interpreted as a scribe/astronomer workspace with 11 hieroglyphs naming Sak Ton Wax (“white-chested fox”) and more than 50 mathematical “micro texts” tracking Venus and Mars as the author. We then cover a report that President Trump reduced Grand Staircase–Escalante and Bears Ears by nearly three million acres, opening lands to mining and ending the Bears Ears Commission’s tribal co-stewardship. Finally, we discuss a report on an executive order to post warnings outside the Smithsonian’s N...

Part 2 of my Historical commentary

We not only dive deep into the travel montage and the details of the flashbacks, but also get a bit nitpicky about real facts that contradict the logic of the movie and the story being told. Hope we can have a few laughs along the way.

Watch The Mummy Returns HERE (for free with ads - YouTube)

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Ash and Tilly have finally made it through the front door of Bag End! In this episode, they discuss the archaeology of buildings, and talk about how the physical structure of a hobbit hole (or smials) can be used to learn more about hobbit culture. Tune in to hear all about window tax, historic palimpsests, and why a round door just doesn’t make sense!

Books mentioned:

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In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton welcomes Dr. McKenna Litynski to discuss her recent article, “Anthropogenic Burning of Small Mammals at the Early Paleoindian La Prele Site in Converse County, Wyoming.” While Paleoindian archaeology often focuses on mammoths and other large game, this study demonstrates how tiny animal remains can provide equally important insights into the lives of the first peoples of North America. Dr. Litynski explains how archaeologists distinguish natural from human-created bone accumulations, what burned microfaunal remains reveal about activities around Paleoindian hearths, and why these small bones likely represent everyday camp behaviors rath...

Managing Expectations: Career growth is often misunderstood. Is it your manager's job to develop your career, or is it ultimately your responsibility? What is the balance in the investments both make? How does this play out as you progress in your career? In this episode, we discuss the balance between what you should expect from your employer and what you need to own yourself.

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/crmarchpodcast/336

Blogs and Resources:

On this month’s episode, Jessica speaks with Stacy Coleman (Assistant Director for Tribal Affairs with Colorado's Department of Natural Resources). First, the two cover how Stacy ended up focusing on law and then her fifteen years working for the Department of Justice’s Environmental Enforcement Section. Next Stacy describes what drew her to her current position and the many different aspects of such a large dynamic role. Some highlights she discusses for this role include the Colorado Outdoor Strategy and its Guidance Framework for Tribal Consultation, as well as the recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife Community Listening Sessions and...

First Man (2017) is a “documentary” with an interesting relationship to scientific facts and a disturbing view of human nature. It follows human evolution through four reconstructed ancestors: an early beta cuck ape from Spain; a Tate stan basal hominin from Chad; an ancestral alpha mogger from South Africa; and a brainmaxxing sigma arsonist from China. Join us as we break down the silly walks, unnecessarily blurred monkey genitals, and (content warning!) graphic sexual assault.

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In this solo episode, David shares stories from two unforgettable weeks in Wyoming—from excavating an ancient Bison antiquus at the Willow Springs archaeological site to spending a day tracking wolves in Yellowstone National Park with wildlife guide Evan Stout.

Along the way, he reflects on field archaeology, the challenges of living with permanent neuropathy after Guillain-Barré syndrome, the history of Yellowstone, wolf conservation, and why observing wild wolves offers a unique window into understanding the dogs that have shared our lives for thousands of years.

Whether you're interested in archaeology, wildlife, human evolution, or Ame...

In this episode, Alan speaks with Jens Notroff about the groundbreaking discoveries at Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's oldest monumental archaeological sites. They explore what its remarkable stone architecture, animal imagery, and material culture reveal about the social organization, ritual practices, and symbolic lives of hunter-gatherers more than 12,000 years ago. The conversation also examines how ongoing research is reshaping our understanding of the origins of monumentality, cooperation, and the transition to settled life.

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/169

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Did the Egyptians make it all the way to the Grand Canyon? Have I been engaged in a massive conspiracy to cover up secrets? Trust no one (except your common sense).

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Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/pseudo/188

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 ArchPodNet

In this second installment of the archaeology of cutlery, Jessica and Matilda discuss the evolution of spoons. From the earliest scoop with a shell to the latest intricately carved wooden love spoon, these objects have become a huge part of human society all around the world. But how much do we actually know about the (pre)history of spoons? Tune in to find out!

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/teabreak/57

Links

On today’s episode Chris interviews Dr. David Danzig from the Save Ancient Studies Alliance. It’s a great website dedicated to education and outreach. They’ve got a conference coming up on July 19th and 20th for people listening in real time. It’s free and open to all. Check out the livestream options at the links below.

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Transcript

For a rough transcript of this episode,  head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archaeology/334

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Chris Webster

Rachel...

In this episode, Ash and Tilly continue their deep dig into The Hobbit, focusing on the sedentary settlement of Hobbiton! They discuss how nomadic versus settled societies are seen within the archaeological record and Tolkien's works, to get a better archaeological understanding of hobbit-holes! Who knew pantries were a hobbit’s equivalent of conspicuous consumption?

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In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton welcomes Dr. Spencer R. Pelton and Alexis Hollander to discuss their recent article, “Early Eighteenth Century Plains Indian Adornment at the River Bend Site, Wyoming.” Together they explore one of the largest adornment assemblages ever documented in Wyoming, examining locally produced beads and pendants alongside exotic materials that reveal extensive Indigenous exchange networks during the early post-Contact period. The conversation highlights how new technologies, including the introduction of metal tools, transformed ornament production while Indigenous communities maintained long-standing traditions of craftsmanship and identity. Spencer and Alexis also discuss what arch...

Today we discuss tips and tricks for work travel in CRM archaeology, specifically how to fly the friendly skies like a pro! We also argue about whether or not you should attempt to get work done while flying. Special bonus: you may think First Class is too expensive (and it often is), but sometimes it’s actually not that bad! Beware - once you go First Class, you ain’t going back…

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/crmarchpodcast/335

Blogs and Resources:

In this episode of The Past Macabre, step into the chaotic period of the Late Bronze Age Collapse to investigate one of history's oldest recorded high-profile murder cases. Egypt was already struggling from years of crop failures, famine, and the world's first recorded labor strike when a highly coordinated network of conspirators chose to exploit the chaos of a sacred celebration to assassinate the pharaoh Ramesses III.

Through a detailed examination of ancient legal records and archaeological excavations at the scene of the murder we'll explore the ancient investigation, trial, and sentences of those found guilty.

They keep making them, so we keep reviewing them! In the Blink of an Eye (2026) tells the tragic tale of an adorably precocious child’s radicalization and eventual transformation into a billionaire tech bro who destroys the earth. It’s a triptych of past, present, and future, taking us from an endearing mixed race Neanderthal family, to Rashida Jones’ groundbreaking PhD research, to a genetically engineered sci-fi Kate McKinnon’s quest to find the next planet to destroy. It’s alright, I guess.

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In this episode of Ethnocynology, David continues his conversation with Bradley Rydholm of Nature Is Not Metal to discuss animal cognition, ecology, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Bradley shares the story behind his popular Instagram page, his work as an outdoor educator, and why he believes wild animals possess rich social lives and individual personalities that are often overlooked.

The conversation explores everything from wolves to topics like anthropomorphism, cooperation in nature, and the emotional lives of animals. David and Bradley also discuss how experiences in the wilderness can change the way people view th...

Films set in prehistory are few and far between and often by no means based on scientific insights. In this episode of the EXARC Show our new host Noah Melton talks with filmmaker Maarten Peels about what he deems essential for a truthful depiction of life in the upper Paleolithic. In Maarten's short film De Poten van de Bison (The Bison’s Legs), released in 2024, he introduces his characters as human beings interested in music and art rather than hunting and violence. Maarten recounts the many aspects that informed the process of making this film. He also lifts the ve...

In this episode, Alan speaks with Jose Battello about his Indigenous Nahua heritage, his journey into anthropology, and the role of Indigenous knowledge in archaeological interpretation. They explore decolonial approaches to research, Nahua cosmology as a lens for understanding Coso rock art, and the importance of Indigenous self-representation, language, and ceremonial traditions in preserving cultural knowledge.

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/168

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Dr. Alan Garfinkel

Sequels go harder than the originals. Would that make them more or less accurate? It certainly makes them more of an experience to dive into. Watch to experience a magical world of Egypt in 1933 and join us as we sort through the fiction and non.

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George chats with Dr Andy Shuttleworth about their experiences at university and how neurodivergent students can struggle with academic snobbery, imposter syndrome and other learning differences.

Following on from positive experiences through school, Andy followed an all too common path through academia; anxiety, stress and depression. Now outside the academic world, Andy has come to terms with his experiences and offers heartfelt advice to others still in or considering an academic career.

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Transcripts

For rough transcripts head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/adhdbce...

As a child of the 80s, I have fond memories of the TV show “In Search Of…” It was chock full of Pseudoarchaeology silliness, but it was so much fun, and super creepy sometimes too! Plus you can never go wrong with 1970s Leonard Nimoy.

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 ArchPodNet