12 episodes

How much of our behavior, belief systems and assumptions about others are dictated by our geography?

The Accidental Anthropologist, hosted by Catherine Zinger, explores universal themes from diverse cultural perspectives to help listeners suspend default assumptions about how things “should be done.”

Catherine’s multicultural background and experiences as a Filipina/American/Canadian living in Europe for 20+ years have made her culturally-astute at embracing “the new normal.” She approaches each interview and topic with sensitivity, humour, authenticity and kindness.

The Accidental Anthropologist Catherine Zinger

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 11 Ratings

How much of our behavior, belief systems and assumptions about others are dictated by our geography?

The Accidental Anthropologist, hosted by Catherine Zinger, explores universal themes from diverse cultural perspectives to help listeners suspend default assumptions about how things “should be done.”

Catherine’s multicultural background and experiences as a Filipina/American/Canadian living in Europe for 20+ years have made her culturally-astute at embracing “the new normal.” She approaches each interview and topic with sensitivity, humour, authenticity and kindness.

    Empty Nesting Part 2: The Struggle is American - Why Parents in the USA Suffer More from Empty Nest Syndrome than Any Other Culture in the World

    Empty Nesting Part 2: The Struggle is American - Why Parents in the USA Suffer More from Empty Nest Syndrome than Any Other Culture in the World

    Have you ever considered the possibility that the intensity of a parent's pain over their children leaving the nest might be based on geography and cultural norms? In Part 2 of her series of empty nesting, Catherine explores why parents in the USA suffer more than those based in other countries. An American mother of 3 also gives her unique take from Texas.
     

    • 33 min
    Freedom or Fear: How Do Different Cultures Around The World Approach The Empty Nest?

    Freedom or Fear: How Do Different Cultures Around The World Approach The Empty Nest?

    In this first episode of Season 2, Catherine asks the question: Is the acute sense of grief associated with empty nesting an American-only phenomenon or do other cultures suffer as intensely? In addition to storytelling about how she came to this question, Catherine shares the perspective of 8 women across 5 continents who talk about how parents in their respective countries approach this major life benchmark.

    • 31 min
    High Horses: A Prelude to Season 2

    High Horses: A Prelude to Season 2

    It's Season 2! The Accidental Anthropologist is back with a new look & feel & vibe: new artwork, new music and a new life in new lands (Spain AND Gibraltar). In this season opener, Catherine shares her observations about what's trending on social media when it comes to cultural and generational differences. Also she gives an overview of what sort of themes and topics to expect  (empty nesting, ghosting in friendships, dining around the world, etc.) and why Season 2 will be different to the last one.

    • 16 min
    Deeper Voices - Men from Around The World Share What's Restored Their Faith In Humanity During The Pandemic

    Deeper Voices - Men from Around The World Share What's Restored Their Faith In Humanity During The Pandemic

    In the season finale of The Accidental Anthropologist, host Catherine Zinger asks 25 men from age 17 to 64 one question: "What is one thing during the pandemic that has restored your faith in humanity?" Hear their perspectives from the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Australia. 

    • 36 min
    Mind The Gap! Generational Differences & Approaches to Social Media in America

    Mind The Gap! Generational Differences & Approaches to Social Media in America

    In this second installment of this special series on social media, Catherine and her 16 yr old daughter review and share the highlights of a panel discussion with five American women from the teens through to the 50's about their mindsets, habits and general attitudes towards social media. 

    • 48 min
    Mind the Gap: Generational Differences & Approaches to Social Media in Europe

    Mind the Gap: Generational Differences & Approaches to Social Media in Europe

    Have you ever seen something written on social media and thought, "That was clearly posted by someone who is a few decades younger/older, than me..." or dismissed an entire social media platform because you think it doesn't suit your age?
    In this episode, Catherine and her 16 yr old daughter discuss how different age groups differ in their thinking and approach to social media based on a panel discussion of 5 women across 5 generations in Europe. 

    • 1 hr 17 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
11 Ratings

11 Ratings

Susyloops ,

Cannot wait for the next episode….

Beautifully presented Podcast, intelligently posed questions. I cannot wait to hear the next instalment, Im here patiently waiting, so hurry up already.
LOVE THIS.

Meraki6 ,

Really great!!

Just listened and found it really easy to listen to. Can’t wait for the next episode.

Claire Holly Wilko ,

It’s just the beginning.

From this first episode I am hooked. You are so refreshing and real. You can make me burst out laughing. The way you feel about that cake is how phoebe feels about the smallest Christmas tree in a particular friends episode, and for that I love you. I can relate. Keep being you. Authentic and true. We needs more Catherine’s in the world and I can’t wait for what else is to come! Keep those new perspectives coming!

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