Today we answer a question from a listener who is an active duty pilot for the US Airforce looking for advice on how to prepare herself for a career in archaeology once her military obligations are satisfied. This discussion and the advice that results is useful for: 1) those interested in transitioning to graduate school for archaeology with a nonarchaeology degree; 2) second career aspiring archaeologists; and 3) military members interested in becoming an archaeologist.

This Heritage Voices episode features Dr. Maria Franklin (University of Texas at Austin), Dr. Alex Menaker (Stantec, Inc.), and Doug Boyd (Stantec, Inc.) and is part one of a two part series on the Bolivar Archaeological Project, a collaborative community archaeology project sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation. In this episode they provide context for the Bolivar Archaeological Project including the Ransom and Sarah Williams Farmstead project that paved the way for this study. Next, they broke down the different components of the project: Historic research, archaeology, oral history, and community engagement. They described how the different disciplines informed each other and how the lineal descendants and descendant community heavily influenced and contributed to the project throughout. Finally, this episode closes out with a discussion of the archaeology findings, as well as the archaeology of blacksmithing in general. Stay tuned for episode 100 with Mr. Tom Cook’s lineal descendants (who have provided invaluable service to their community in their own right as well), Ms. Betty Kimble and Mr. Howard Clark.

The Wag Festival is one of the oldest named celebrations in Ancient Egypt, a summertime rite honoring both the death of Osiris and the memory of departed loved ones. Each year, the living gathered to share feasts with the dead with offerings of bread, beer, and beef to sustain them in the afterlife. In this episode, we’ll explore the festival’s connection to the Osiris Myth and uncover its traces in the archaeological record, from tomb reliefs and inscribed stone offering tables to the very first Pyramid Texts in the tomb of Unas. Along the way, you’ll hear about some of the specific foods and offerings that graced these ancient tables.

In this episode, Alan is joined by by Dr. Tertia Barnett, a leading archaeologist whose work bridges scientific research and community engagement in the field of rock art. Dr. Barnett shares insights from her role as Principal Investigator on Scotland’s Rock Art Project, as well as her previous work on the Wadi al-Ajal Rock Art Project in Libya. Together they discuss the social and cultural dimensions of rock art that highlights the importance of collaboration, accessibility, and inclusivity in understanding ancient visual traditions.

For millions of years humans have utilised their genius to survive and thrive in all sorts of challenging environments. From the first tools, weapons, fire, farming and science humanity has time and again overcome impossible odds with new solutions. As we have discussed many times on this show neurodiversity has been essential or at least involved in our collective survival. But what about the future? Where do the geniuses work since the flint mines closed down? D C Crager is a leader in AI solutions and currently helping over 6,000 neurodivergent minds learn to get the most out of AI. In this episode George discusses the significance of AI, neurodivergence and the future. An absolute listen for any neurodivergent humans currently feeling a little helpless or lost.

Unscientific. Meandering. Silly. Actively ignorant. Super long and BRUTALLY boring. Yes friends, this book doth suck.

This week we cover 3 recent archaeology news stories. First up, Near-infrared photography of a 2,300-year-old Pazyryk culture mummy in Siberia has revealed exquisitely detailed tattoos on her forearms and hands. Then, archaeologists excavating the Roman fort of Magna along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England have uncovered an unusually high proportion of oversized leather shoes. And finally, we discuss a few of the newest additions to the UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

In part two of their Lembas Bread quest, Tilly and Ash continue their ingredient hunt with Caroline Nicolay (Pario Gallico) in order to help the Lembas Appreciation Society analyse the oldest existing sample of the explementary whey bread. The team continue their discussion around living history, food, and experiential archaeology, asking the big questions of: what is food waste? How can we break down assumptions of food in the past? And are bogs actually fridges?

In this solo episode, Carlton breaks down five of the most common misconceptions about Great Plains archaeology—from the myth of an “empty” landscape to the oversimplification of bison jumps and arrowheads.

In today’s episode, Bill, Doug and Heather discuss a variety of long held perspectives or are they myths… the responsibility of academia to CRM and vise versa… and whether the new cohort of CRM professionals have a point in all their, well consternations.

Today I am speaking with Mohale Mashigo and Ben Myres who are the Narrative Director and Creative Director of Nymakop. Advice and some questions provided by Dr. Alex Fitzpatrick

In this special episode of The Archaeology Show, we’re mapping out our ultimate bucket list of archaeological and historical sites that we have not yet visited. We’ll recap some of the amazing places we have been lucky enough to experience, and then we will each share our top 10 with the other. We are not discussing this ahead of time, so will there be crossover? Tune in to see! From the towering pyramids of Giza to the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, we highlight destinations rich in history, mystery, and cultural significance. Whether you’re planning your next trip or dreaming from your couch, join us as we explore the world’s most fascinating ruins and the stories that make them unforgettable.

Dr. Murray Cook is an archaeologist, author, co-founder and co-director of a field school, and Honorable Research Fellow at Stirling University. His research focuses on the area around Stirling, Scotland and its expansive history. There are Neolithic stone circles, Bronze Age burials, late Iron Age sites that offer a glimpse of life just before the Romans arrived, and artifacts that mark the Roman presence itself. Stirling Castle, built in the 12th century, became the most used royal residence in Scotland for centuries. It is the site where William Wallace defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and where Robert the Bruce claimed victory at the Battle of Bannockburn during the First War of Scottish Independence. The royals of the House of Stewart lived here for generations, including Mary, Queen of Scots. Nearby lie medieval and historic cemeteries with burials of both the famous and the infamous. In this episode, Dr. Cook discusses his research that spans all of Stirling’s history, the benefits of slowing archaeological research down to focus on a single area, the importance of telling the stories of humanity’s shared past, and the vital role of public outreach in securing the future of archaeology.

An Anthro Chat With Stefan Milo. In this episode of ethnic psychology, David sits down with good friend Stefan Milo, archaeologist, YouTuber, and overall outstanding chap. David and Steve catch up on recent anthropology news and discussed the recent archaeological findings at White Sands national Park, as well as the recent genetic findings surrounding Dragon Man, the Denisovans, and the peopling of the Americas. David and Stefan also discuss the growing concern among content creators regarding automated intelligence and whether or not the recent advancements with AI video generation will put people like David and Stefan out of work. Stefan is a brilliant guy, and this conversation is as educational as it is pretty funny. So be sure to give it a listen!

In this week’s episode, Dr. Alan speaks with archaeologist and emeritus professor of anthropology, Dr. Dean Snow. A leading expert in ancient populations and Paleolithic cave art, Dr. Snow shares insights into his groundbreaking research on hand stencils in Ice Age caves and what they reveal about gender and social structures in prehistoric societies. Together, they explore the broader implications of interpreting early human symbolism, rock art traditions around the world, and the evolving role of science in cultural heritage preservation.

I recently got the unfortunate news that Dr. Brian Fagan, one of my mentors in archaeology (and especially archaeology for the public), had passed away. I thought I’d take some time to reminisce about my time with him and how it affected me.

Rumbling bellies be gone! Ash and Tilly are on a quest to deconstruct the ingredients of the famous Lembas Bread from Lord of the Rings. One bite might be enough to fill one man’s belly, but its not enough for the AMT team. Our fantasy archaeologists have reached out to experimental archaeologist, Caroline Nicolay (Pario Gallico) to help solve the riddle of the Elven snack. In this episode, they discuss the importance of food in fantasy, Iron Age food practices, and, of course, Discworld…

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover is joined by Dr. Madeline Mackie, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Michigan State University, to explore the archaeology of mammoth kill sites in the Northwest Plains. Dr. Mackie walks us through what makes a site a “kill site” and how archaeologists determine whether mammoths were hunted by humans or died naturally. She shares insights into the types of tools, bone modifications, and site features that point to deliberate human activity—offering a glimpse into the complex and skilled lifeways of Paleoindigenous peoples. The discussion also highlights what these mammoth kills reveal about how early humans adapted to shifting environments at the end of the Ice Age, providing crucial context for understanding the transition into the Archaic period. Dr. Mackie closes with a call to action: the Plains needs more archaeologists dedicated to uncovering and interpreting the Archaic period—one of the most understudied and dynamic chapters of Indigenous history.

There is in deed an art to references! Writing, reviewing or requesting references is not as simple as it may seem, but when done well and intentionally, they can serve as a useful metric. If you are a student pursuing references for scholarships, graduate school or your first job, this podcast will help you better understand how and who to request a reference from and how to pave the way for references that will bolster your chance at success. Professors and hiring managers, we have plenty for you as well from deciphering the “secret language”, as Andrew coins it, to how to how and who you should be providing references for.

Professor Dan Hicks is back with his brand new book Every Monument Will Fall. Following up on the The Brutish Museums, Every Monument Will Fall dicsusses the place of culture, history and art in the context of the modern so-called Culture Wars.