AnthroPuzzled

Abby Letsinger
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

AnthroPuzzled is designed with the goal to help recent graduates and curious minds discover the exciting opportunities that a degree in anthropology can offer, even in the most unlikely of places. Each episode, we'll sit down with professionals from all four branches of anthropology—cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological—as they share their stories of how they carved out unique and fulfilling careers. We'll hear firsthand how they apply their anthropological training in surprising ways, whether they're working in corporate environments, non-profits, education, or even creative industries. Let's embark on this journey together and uncover the endless possibilities that await you in the world of anthropology. Tune in, get inspired, and start piecing together your own career puzzle.

  1. 6d ago

    From College to CRM w/ Devan Green

    On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Devan Green, a cultural resource technician at ERRO Resources Corporation and Colorado State University anthropology graduate. Devan shares how her anthropology degree led her to a career in cultural resource management and archaeological fieldwork, from conducting pedestrian surveys and documenting archaeological sites to working alongside environmental consultants and federal agencies. Devan explains what cultural resource management looks like day to day, from winter months spent writing technical reports and site forms to summer seasons hiking long transects, excavating one-meter units, and screening soil for artifacts. She discusses how CRM teams evaluate cultural impacts, collaborate with tribes and state agencies, and determine whether sites require mitigation or avoidance. Devan also shares stories from memorable projects, including an extraordinary 12,000-year cultural landscape in South Park, and reflects on her path into archaeology, field school experiences, seasonal work, and learning to identify artifacts one "special rock" at a time. Listen now to learn more about CRM archaeology, fieldwork, excavation methods, cultural landscapes, tribal consultation, and building a career in cultural resource management.

  2. Aug 21

    Guiding Worlds through Anthropological Story w/ Michael Kilman

    On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Michael Kilman, an applied anthropologist, author, educator, and science communicator committed to making anthropology accessible to everyone. With over a decade of experience teaching cultural anthropology and diversity, Michael brings ethnographic thinking into fiction writing, filmmaking, and public education. He hosts several YouTube series, including Anthropology in 10 or Less and Ask an Anthropologist About Worldbuilding, and is the co-author of Build Better Worlds: An Introduction to Anthropology for Game Designers, Fiction Writers, and Filmmakers. Michael reflects on his path into anthropology, his graduate work on community media, and his applied projects ranging from fieldwork in Mexico to collaborative filmmaking with Native American communities. He discusses the realities of adjunct teaching, the impact of the pandemic on higher education, and how anthropological thinking shapes his speculative fiction, worldbuilding consultations, instructional design work, and science-communication platforms. His TEDx talk, Anthropology, Our Imagination, and How to Understand Difference, captures his mission to use story to build empathy and expand perspective. Listen now to learn more about applied anthropology, collaborative media, worldbuilding, storytelling, and how anthropological thinking helps us imagine better worlds.

  3. Aug 7

    Cultural Resource Management Ethnography w/ Jessica Yaquinto

    On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Jessica Yaquinto, founder of Living Heritage Anthropology, co-founder of Heritage Lands Collective, and host of the Heritage Voices podcast. Jessica specializes in CRM ethnography and tribal consultation, helping build meaningful partnerships between Indigenous communities, government agencies, and organizations while preserving cultural knowledge and protecting places of deep significance. Jessica explains how CRM ethnography differs from archaeology, highlighting the importance of documenting living cultural connections to landscapes through community-led interviews, collaborative research, and respectful tribal consultation. She shares how anthropology supports heritage preservation, why listening is one of the most valuable skills an anthropologist can develop, and how Indigenous perspectives can reshape the way we think about stewardship, history, and caring for elders. Jessica also discusses her journey into entrepreneurship, founding Living Heritage Anthropology, and the realities of building a career in this highly specialized field. Listen now to explore CRM ethnography, tribal consultation, cultural resource management, Indigenous heritage preservation, entrepreneurship, and the many ways anthropology helps connect people, culture, and place.

  4. Jul 24

    Ethnolinguistics w/ Anna Luisa Daigneault

    On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Anna Luisa Daigneault, a linguistic anthropologist, PhD researcher in ethnolinguistics, and lead digital curator at the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages. Anna shares how her work bridges anthropology, linguistics, and technology to document, preserve, and revitalize endangered languages before they disappear. Anna explains what ethnolinguistics is and how language provides a unique window into culture, identity, history, and the ways people understand the world. She discusses why thousands of languages are currently at risk of disappearing, what is lost when a language dies, and the importance of partnering with Indigenous communities to ensure language preservation efforts are community-led and culturally respectful. She also shares how the Living Dictionaries platform gives speakers and researchers the tools to build digital dictionaries containing audio, images, cultural notes, and other resources that help keep languages accessible for future generations. The conversation also explores multilingualism, fieldwork, the challenges of documenting underrepresented languages, and the opportunities and ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence in language preservation. Listen now to explore ethnolinguistics, endangered language revitalization, digital preservation, and why protecting linguistic diversity means protecting humanity's shared cultural heritage.

  5. Jul 10

    Ancient Nautical Archaeology w/ Stephen DeCasien

    On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Stephen DeCasien, a nautical archaeologist and postdoctoral researcher at Dalian University of Technology specializing in ancient naval warfare and experimental archaeology. Stephen shares how his passion for the ancient world led him to study Greek and Roman warships and reconstruct the bronze rams that once powered naval combat. He explains how experimental archaeology reveals the materials, labor, and ingenuity behind ancient seafaring societies, while also discussing the relationship between nautical and maritime archaeology. The conversation explores shipwreck research, life as a scholar in China, and the value of studying abroad and engaging with different cultures. Throughout the episode, Stephen reflects on how anthropology cultivates curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of our shared human past. Listen now to explore ancient ships, experimental archaeology, maritime connections, and the enduring spirit of human innovation.

  6. Jun 26

    The Wonderful World of Bones w/ Eboni Westbury

    On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Eboni Westbury, a zooarchaeologist, and PhD researcher whose work spans Aboriginal Australian archaeology and the study of Neanderthal behavior through animal bones. Eboni shares how her lifelong fascination with history and bones led her from forensic anthropology to archaeology and cutting-edge zooarchaeological research. Eboni discusses her work in both cultural resource management and academic research, explaining how animal remains reveal ancient human behavior, migration, and cultural traditions. She also explores how new technologies, including GIS, machine learning, and spatial analysis, are transforming archaeology and helping researchers better understand Neanderthal communities and knowledge sharing. The conversation also covers fieldwork across Australia, Europe, and the Pacific, the importance of practical experience for aspiring archaeologists, and why anthropology teaches us to think differently about culture, history, and the world around us. Listen now to explore zooarchaeology, Neanderthal research, Aboriginal Australian archaeology, and the evolving future of archaeological science.

  7. Jun 12

    History Edutainment w/ Melissa in De Nile

    On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Melissa in De Nile, a museum educator, Egyptologist, and digital creator who brings ancient Egyptian history, art, and archaeology to life through social media, livestreams, and educational content. Melissa shares how she combines her passion for public education with her love of the ancient world. Melissa reflects on her winding journey from creative writing student to archaeologist, museum professional, and online educator. She discusses the realities of graduate school, finding a career path outside academia, and making archaeological knowledge accessible to wider audiences. Along the way, she shares stories from excavations in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean, as well as insights from her research on ancient Egyptian dogs. The conversation also explores popular misconceptions about ancient Egypt, the importance of cultural understanding, and how anthropology encourages empathy, curiosity, and a broader perspective on the world. Listen now to explore Egyptology, museum education, archaeology, and the power of making history accessible to everyone.

  8. May 30

    Vocational Pathways w/ Dena Michele Rosko

    On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Dr. Dena Michele Rosko, an ordained minister, author, publisher, educator, and story systems anthropologist whose work bridges theology, creativity, organizational systems, and anthropology. With a PhD in Organizational Systems and graduate studies in communication and leadership, Dena shares how anthropology shapes her understanding of storytelling, compassion, identity, and community transformation. Dena reflects on her dissertation research exploring organizational compassion, Victor Turner's concept of communitas, and the ways marginalized experiences can lead to transformation and "complex wholeness." Through narrative methods, photography, and storytelling, she examined how communities, churches, and organizations can better support people navigating hardship and change. The conversation also explores liminality, creativity, motherhood during doctoral studies, and how systems and structures can either nurture or interrupt human connection and healing. We also dive into Dena's work as an author and publisher, including her growing imprint Dogwood Group and her nine-book Heritage Chronicles series, which blends theology, fantasy, memoir, caregiving, and poetry to explore themes of identity, heritage, resilience, and belonging. Along the way, Dena offers candid advice about graduate school, networking, academic systems, and building a meaningful career rooted in passion, creativity, and service. Listen now to explore storytelling, organizational compassion, liminality, higher education, and how anthropology can help create more compassionate and human-centered communities.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

AnthroPuzzled is designed with the goal to help recent graduates and curious minds discover the exciting opportunities that a degree in anthropology can offer, even in the most unlikely of places. Each episode, we'll sit down with professionals from all four branches of anthropology—cultural, biological, linguistic, and archaeological—as they share their stories of how they carved out unique and fulfilling careers. We'll hear firsthand how they apply their anthropological training in surprising ways, whether they're working in corporate environments, non-profits, education, or even creative industries. Let's embark on this journey together and uncover the endless possibilities that await you in the world of anthropology. Tune in, get inspired, and start piecing together your own career puzzle.

Information

  • Creator
    Abby Letsinger
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    AnthroPuzzled