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In this reflective Season 2 finale, George steps back from individual episodes to take the long view—exploring what deep time can reveal about human variation, ancient nervous systems, migration, farming, adaptation, and the ever-changing ways societies define what is considered “normal.”

From the evolutionary origins of our survival-focused nervous systems to the profound social rewiring brought about by farming, this episode asks whether some of the struggles of modern life might make more sense when viewed against the vast backdrop of human history.

Along the way, George reflects on brilliant conversations this season with Professor Duncan...

On this month’s episode, Jessica talks with Dr. José Capriles Flores (Associate Professor of Anthropology at Penn State). We talk about Dr. Capriles’ journey from visiting Tiwanaku as a child with his late biologist and ornithologist mother to studying zooarchaeology and environmental archaeology across extremely varied ecosystems in South America today. Dr. Capriles discusses how archaic pre-pastoral communities adapted through time with outside influences from Tiwanaku, Spanish, and modern society, but whose descendants have maintained their connections to the land, livestock, and their past. Dr. Capriles describes several recent creative community collaborations, the balance of development with maintaining ident...

Last time in episode 183 we checked out the Society for American Archaeology (SAA) meetings and found out that while they are behind in public outreach and always a bit too academic for the sake of being academic, they are trying to change their ways a bit and that is a nice thing. Today we look at the unfortunate case of the American Anthropological Association (AAA), who has decided that feelings matter more than facts and irrelevance is preferable to change.

Transcripts

Message for Simplecast: For rough transcripts of this episode head over to https://www...

In this episode, take a step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life to practice a little bit of self care and join Matilda and her guest Katie Chin-Quee in this latest exploration of the archaeology of everyday things. Katie shares the many twists and turns of the path that led her to a career in archaeology, and how she became involved with the particular topic of ancient skin-care. Together, they chat about the issues with supposedly “feminine” research topics, and why branching out on digital platforms can be a great way to develop your science communication skil...

Today we bring you three stories from the news. The first is about an overcrowded cemetery in Colorado and it brings into question other cemeteries that date back over 100 years and the accuracy of records. Next we head to Scotland where a man-made island has been shown to have much more interesting architecture than previously though - and it’s much older than researches believed. Finally, we talk about the archaeology being destroyed by Trump’s border wall with Mexico.

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State Archaeologist proposes closing overcrowded Lafayette Cemetery; City Council tables decision

Ash and Tilly continue their archaeological survey of the galaxy far, far away, examining the material culture and planetary landscapes that defines Star Wars. Together, they explore how different civilisations, from the ancient Jedi Order to the Galactic Empire, left their mark through distinctive artefacts, architecture, and technology. Don’t worry, Order 66 was not enforced for this episode!

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Let’s take a moment to enjoy our many failures! Today the hosts talk about major career failures, what it taught them, and where they ended up afterwards. If you think we have all been successful all of the time, you’d be wrong!

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/crmarchpodcast/331

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Today we’re yelling at all you young whippersnappers to get off our lawn! That’s right, your favourite elder millennial academics are reviewing AI generated caveman slop. It’s a world of polydactyl chad-panzees and GIGO-chads, when men were apes and women were dirty supermodels. Are we witnessing the extinction of human creativity, or are we just stuck in the stone age and refusing to evolve?

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In this episode of Ethnocynology, David has a deep discussion with Anjali Ranadive.

Anjali Ranadive is a wildlife conservationist and founder of Women for Wolves, a California-based nonprofit and wolf-dog sanctuary focused on wolf conservation, rescue, education, and human–wildlife coexistence.

Based in El Dorado County, her work bridges conservation, advocacy, policy, and storytelling to protect wolves and reshape how people relate to predators and the natural world.

Anjali studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in wildlife conservation. She received the Paul Walker Ocean Lead...

Host Dr. Alan Garfinkel interviews Dr. John Bellezza about his path from traveling in India and Tibet in the 1980s to focusing on Tibetan prehistory, archaeology, cosmology, and rock art, later earning a PhD at the University of Kent based on prior publications. Bellezza stresses learning Tibetan languages and working in the field as Tibet opened to travelers in 1984, then turning to pre-Buddhist traditions often erased or absorbed by Buddhism and long neglected by scholars. He describes discoveries at Lake Namtso, evidence for high-altitude pastoralism and hunting, and key finds in rock art and monuments, including chariots and standing-stone...

What if a once shared territory can foster a sense of belonging today and thus can help to heal problems of the present? Geza Frank, our guest in this episode of the EXARC Show, certainly thinks it can. This conviction lies at the heart of his upcoming project to circumnavigate the frontiers of the entire Roman Empire in historic outfit and equipment and by historic means of transport. Host Phoebe Baker talks with Geza, aka Gaius Flavius Constantinus Aeneas Stilicho, about his plans and how he expects a renewed focus on the Roman empire, by creating the largest UNESCO...

Farming didn’t just change what we ate—it changed how we lived, thought, and experienced the world.

In this episode, we explore the origins of agriculture from the Fertile Crescent and the Natufian transition, through early settlements in Anatolia like Boncuklu Höyük and Çatalhöyük, and the spread of farming into Europe with the Linearbandkeramik culture.

Along the way, George ask a deeper question: what did this shift mean for the human nervous system—and for neurodivergent minds?

From mobile hunter-gatherer life to structured farming societies, this episode explores how one of...

Let’s head on over to the 2026 Society for American Archaeology meetings in San Francisco! While there, I saw an amazing sight - a few intrepid archaeologists that were trying to communicate with the general public! Come with me and let’s analyze these extremely rare specimens.

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/pseudo/183

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It’s time for part two of Matilda’s discussion with Jessica van Dam all about the archaeology of knitting! This time, the two discuss the social history of knitting and how it is perceived in the modern world, as well as the importance of maintaining crafting traditions and physical communities.

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/teabreak/52

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In this week’s episode, we cover three archaeology news stories. First up, a Nature-backed report on unusually old woodworking from Kalambo Falls, where waterlogged conditions preserved a wedge, digging stick, and notched logs dated by luminescence to about 476,000 years ago, suggesting advanced planning and challenging simple “Stone Age” assumptions. We then discuss a Pompeii discovery of two skeletons outside the city walls near Porta Stabia, including a man apparently shielding his head with a terracotta bowl and carrying an oil lamp, and we debate the benefits and risks of an AI-generated scene reconstruction. Finally, we examine Peru’s Monte Si...

Join us as we unwrap the mystery of history’s most iconic guardian of the dead. From his origins in Ancient Egypt to his various depictions in modern pop culture, we’re exploring the evolution of Anubis. Whether he’s the somber judge of souls or a sleek modern-day anti-hero, we’ll dive into the different versions of his character and how this jackal-headed deity has captured our imaginations for millennia.

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Join Ash and Tilly as they travel where no man has gone before… no wait… wrong franchise! This episode, we jump into an archaeological survey of Star Wars! Listen to our two intrepid hosts ramble about their experiences watching and reading Star Wars, try to work out what VHS stands for, and slowly realise that this time they might really have bitten off more than they can chew(ie).

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L’Art Antique, or the art of the classical/antique world [Egypt, Greece, Rome], has many stylistic elements developed over the centuries that remain highly prominent today. Arguably, no artistic movement has had a greater worldwide impact than Art Nouveau. When new artists look back to build on something ancient, they create something truly timeless.

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On this week’s episode, Carlton breaks down his recent Kansas Archaeology Month event at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, titled: Field Explorers: Archaeology Edition. Carlton talks about the events and planning leading up the event and the importance of science communication to younger audiences.

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology/41

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While some i.e. the current administration in America, aim to be fossil fools and bury their head in the sand, to the coming transition away from fossil fuels, others are embracing the change. The crew discusses what the coming electrification of archaeology will look like and what to expect.

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/crmarchpodcast/330

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ArchPodNet

In our latest episode, we unravel fascinating stories of ancient DNA in the news! Uncover the touching story of Anglo-Saxon siblings buried together over 1400 years ago. Then we look at groundbreaking research revealing how natural selection shaped more genes than we ever imagined. Finally, join our exploration of the mysterious origins of Neanderthals!

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Today we’re reviewing Don Verdean (2015), the story of a washed-up Biblical archaeologist who, under pressure from his financial backers, begins to fake his discoveries. This movie is rife with pseudoarchaeological references, so we’ve invited Dr. Andrew Kinkella back to help us break it down. As a bonus, he uses his film degree to explain why, despite being hilarious, this movie is actually terrible.

Dr. Andrew Kinkella’s Links:

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In this episode, Alan speaks with Dr Jayc Sedlmayr about his research into indigenous theology and animal ceremonial traditions. Drawing on interdisciplinary backgrounds, Sedlmayr discusses his “Embodied Essence” project, which explores how many cultures understood spiritual essence as residing in bodily substances—especially bone marrow. He explains how this perspective helps interpret ritual practices involving bones, such as their treatment as regenerative “seeds,” their placement in ceremonial contexts, and their role in maintaining relationships between humans, animals, and the spiritual world.

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/163

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In this episode, George is joined by Dr Andy Shuttleworth to explore human migration—or more accurately, dispersal.

Humans move. We always have.

Archaeology can often show us the push factors—climate change, pressure, survival—but the pull is harder to see. And yet, it’s hard to ignore the possibility of something deeper: an innate drive to explore.

Together, George and Andy discuss:
• Why movement is such a fundamental part of being human
• The role of neurodiversity in exploration, planning, and adaptation
• What the archaeological record can—and can’t—tell us about su...

I wish that I could give you a more positive report, as I am always a cheerleader for all movies, but check it out:

Don Verdean is awful.

I’m sorry. Let us commiserate together. Also be sure to check out the Screens of the Stone Age podcast! Those guys are great.

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Following on in the same theme as the last few episodes, Matilda chats with guest Jessica van Dam all about the crafting practice and archaeology of knitting. Tune in as they discuss different knitting techniques and approaches, share insights into the oldest physical and written evidence for knitting, and come up with a brand new experimental archaeology project focused on knitting needles!

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/teabreak/51

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On this month’s episode, Jessica speaks with Dr. Neyooxet Greymorning (University of Montana; Departments of Anthropology and Native American Studies) about language rejuvenation. Dr. Greymorning tells the story of his journey into the work of language rejuvenation, as well as his own experiences with Arapaho as a child. He then explains how he developed his rapid language teaching methods based on how children learn and understand language but that would also fit the context of where he would be teaching. Dr. Greymorning describes the incredible language learning of his students using this method, as well as the challenges in...

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton speaks with Christopher Nicholson, Director of the Center for Digital Antiquity, about the role of digital archives in preserving and accessing archaeological data.

In the first half, Chris introduces tDAR (the Digital Archaeological Record) and explains how it serves as a centralized repository for archaeological reports, datasets, and other research materials. He discusses the challenges of inaccessible or “lost” data, especially gray literature, and how tDAR helps ensure that valuable information from past projects remains available for future research.

In the second half, the conversation turn...

This episode focuses on the Airlie House 2.0 movement and their efforts to improve the future of CRM archaeology. Expanding upon the first Airlie House Report, the current members of this ad hoc group of CRMers, professors, SHPO and THPO staff, and agency archaeologists is tackling complex issues like the shortage of CRM archaeologists, creative mitigation, tribal consultation, and community engagement. They are trying to all of this in the face of a changing regulatory landscape, sclerotic university anthropology departments, and the onslaught of AI integration. They are also asking: What would archaeological training look like without academia? This is...

Three discoveries, one shifting landscape: a mysterious buried structure beneath the ancient city of Buto, the newly identified tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II near the Valley of the Kings, and the remains of a massive Coptic monastery at Al-Qalaye. We dig into what the finds reveal about Egypt’s long arc—from dynastic power to Christian communities—and how modern tools are changing what archaeologists can see.

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Luggage of the Gods (1983) is the surprisingly unproblematic story of a relict tribe of cave people living in the uncharted central part of America who are thrust into contact with the outside world when an airliner is forced to dump its passengers’ luggage while flying overhead. This is a low budget ‘80s caveman movie, so you know what that means: we’re playing Caveman Movie Bingo!

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With two new dog genetic and archaeological studies in the news, David briefly overviews his thoughts on them before he interviews the researchers in the coming Episodes. One was found in Britain, and another in Turkey, and they help fill in the gaps of previously published genetic studies.

Secondly, David discusses his newly launched The History of Dogs Course hosted by FluentPet! Check the link below to sign up for the course and to get a special APN listener discount. OR use code DAVIDDOGS at checkout. That is FLUENT.PET / DAVID The History Of Dogs (NOT fluentpet...

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In this episode, Alan speaks with Dr Christian Bentz and Dr Ewa Dutkiewicz about their research on early systems of conventional signs. They explore how recurring symbols in rock art and mobile artifacts may reflect shared visual communication as far back as 40,000 years ago, and what this reveals about early human cognition and culture.

Transcripts

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/162

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Love never dies; it’s not just a musical sequel to Phantom of the Opera, it’s the ancient story of love, murder, loss, a great journey, resurrection, and love again. Even if it’s only part-time. Isis and Osiris are so well-known that much of their origins are lost to time (for now), but we can still follow them to today.

Thank you for supporting me by listening during this PODCASTATHON CHARITY EPISODE!!

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In this episode, George is joined by archaeologist and podcaster Matilda (Tilly) Siebrecht to explore what artefacts can really tell us about the human mind.

These aren’t just ancient objects — they’re decisions, habits, and lived experiences.

From tool use to decorative beads, George and Tilly discuss how material culture reveals:
• How people thought and learned
• The role of skill, repetition, and behaviour
• What wear and tear tells us about everyday life
• And how individual differences show up in the archaeological record

Drawing on Tilly’s work in material culture...

It’s time for part two of Matilda’s chat with textile archaeologist Ronja Lau! After discussing the background to Ronja’s current work in the Duerrnberg salt mines, the two delve deeper (pun intended) into the most interesting and surprising results of the project. Spoiler alert: it turns out that Iron Age Duerrnbergians enjoyed the look of a purple pin-striped suit!

Transcripts

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/teabreak/50

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In this episode of the EXARC Show, Jess Shaw hosts a lively talk on heritage interpretation with Caroline Nicolay from Pario Gallico. What does the term cover? What forms can it take? How accurate should it be? What is the role of buildings and why are they important? Caroline is a professional living historian with a unique range of interests and experience.

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Ash and Tilly continue their discussion on archaeo-construction with experimental archaeologist and living historian Caroline Nicolay. Together, they outline the details of how to complete their quest of reconstructing a Fallohide seasonal settlement for the Anduin Fallohide Fellowship of Museums and Antiquity. Listen in to hear all about upside-down baskets, thatching (at a pinch), and why you need to build a wall before you can paint it.

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In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton is joined by Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Crow Tribe, for a powerful conversation on history, memory, and responsibility. Grounded in Aaron’s experiences growing up with Crow oral traditions, the discussion explores how storytelling serves as a living practice, one that maintains relationships across generations and keeps the past present.

Aaron reflects on how memory and identity are carried through stories shared by his grandmothers and community, emphasizing that these narratives are not simply about the past, but are central to cul...