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Dr. Herman Pontzer in the field, courtesy of Dr. Pontzer

Summary

Dr. Herman Pontzer of Duke is on the show this week to talk about human metabolism and his new book, Burn. He helps answer questions like: How much energy can a person burn in one day? Does exercise help you lose weight? Do people with different subsistence strategies have different metabolisms? We also talk about his work with the Hadza.

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Dr. Cara Ocobock (Photo by Matt Cashore/University of Notre Dame)

Summary

Dr. Cara Ocobock of Notre Dame joins the show to discuss human energetics in high-latitude populations, and the potential downstream health consequences of a changing environment. (Learn why reindeer herders are rad!) She also shares insights on science communication and how we can do it better. (Learn how to talk to your science-averse relatives today!)

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Dr. Janna Andronowski of Memorial University of Newfoundland, courtesy of Dr. Andronowski

Summary

Dr. Janna Andronowski of Memorial University of Newfoundland talks about bone histology. We’re bringing it back to basics with how bones grow, how they “know” what shape they should be, and how bones regulate themselves. Also, we discuss what a cellular examination of bone can tell you about a person.

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Dr. Nathan Young of UCSF with Charles Darwin, courtesy of Dr. Young

Summary

Dr. Nathan Young of UCSF discuss evolutionary developmental biology using the limb as a model to understand the perspective. We talk about the importance of marrying all three disciplines to discover insights that otherwise wouldn’t be within the purview of a single field.

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Dr. Eric Bartelink of CSU – Chico, courtesy of himself

Summary

Dr. Eric Bartelink of CSU – Chico guides us through an intro to stable isotope analysis, and how it can be used in forensic and historic or ancient contexts to understand how people migrated and what their diets were like. Dr. Bartelink highlights the importance of embracing a multi-disciplinary approach to advancing anthropology. 

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Dr. Sean Tallman in his AAPA Pride shirt! Photo courtesy of Dr. Tallman

Summary

Dr. Sean Tallman talks about crafting new metric and nonmetric methods for sex estimation in modern populations — especially in groups that have been historically ignored or conflated with others in the past. Additionally, Dr. Tallman shares his research on the current state of diversity and inclusion in forensics and biological anthropology. We also discuss: How can diversity shift how research is done? What are some ways to make the field more inclusive?

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Dr. Barbara King with Cynthia Goat at Farm Sanctuary in NY. Photo credit: Charles Hogg.

Summary

Dr. Barbara J. King joins the show to discuss animal cognition and emotion. Along the way, we hear about her start in biological anthropology studying baboons and how her career shifted several times to focus on animal cognition more broadly, followed by a turn towards advocacy and science communication. 

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Chris Aris, courtesy of himself

Summary

Chris Aris is a PhD candidate at the University of Kent in the UK. In this week’s episode, we discuss grad school survival strategies, mental health, the differences between the US and UK grad school systems, choosing the right path for you, and some of the things we wish we’d known before we went to grad school. Plus, teeth and sexual dimorphism!

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Summary

Jill McCormick is a historic preservation officer working for the Quechan Tribe near Yuma, Arizona. This week, she joins the show to discuss what it’s like to be an archaeologist trying to preserve Tribal history, Tribal perspectives on working with CRM archaeology firms, and how folks can get involved if they’re interested. 

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Chris Webster in the field, courtesy of Mr. Webster

Summary

Meet Chris Webster, a CRM archaeologist, anthropology podcast mogul, and all-around hustler. He joins the show to give a different perspective on making a career out of anthropology and what it’s like to work in commercial settings as a cultural resource management archaeologist. Webster also discusses what it’s like working with biological anthropologists and tribal monitors. 

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