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This Anthro Life

This Anthro Life

NewWhy the Next Generation of Journalism Depends on EthnographyAugust 4, 2026 · 31 min
Episodes
232
Released
weekly
Latest episode
Aug 4, 2026

About the podcast

Unearth the creative potential of humanity with This Anthro Life, a podcast exploring culture, design, business, and technology. Spearheaded by acclaimed Anthropologist Dr. Adam Gamwell, This Anthro Life equips leaders, individuals, and organizations to shape a more human and compassionate future. TAL helps broaden perspectives and decision-making skills through a profound understanding of culture and the transformative power of storytelling.

With curated conversations and thought-provoking discussions featuring humanity's top makers and minds, prepare to have your perspective transformed. This Anthro Life delves into various facets of human society—from examining the complexities of cultural identity to understanding the influence of technology on our everyday lives.

🌍 Change Your Perspective
Explore the complexities of life in a simple and engaging way. From AI and robotics revolutionizing the nature of work to emojis changing how we communicate, we delve into the forces shaping our world. No topic is off-limits—fossil fuels and their impact on our planet, the race to find alternative energy solutions, and so much more.

🎙️ Captivating Conversations
Go beyond surface-level discussions with deep dives into fascinating topics. Dr. Adam Gamwell's interviews are thought-provoking, enlightening, and always entertaining. Carefully crafted questions ensure engaging conversations that are free from jargon, making them accessible to listeners of all backgrounds.

✨ Key Takeaways
Gain valuable insights from each episode that you can apply to your own life. Discussing wisdom gained from the edges of society, we extract impactful quotes and actionable ideas from our guests. Expand your horizons and develop a fresh perspective on the challenges we face as individuals and as a global community.

🔊 Join the Community on Substack
Subscribe to "This Anthro Life" now for a weekly dose of eye-opening conversations. Share the podcast with friends and family who crave intellectual stimulation and diverse discussions. Be a part of the movement to change how we approach design, culture, business, and technology.

Beyond offering an engaging outlook on human experiences, This Anthro Life lends its anthropological expertise to businesses, organizations, and individuals. We help them navigate challenges with effective communication techniques and innovative problem-solving strategies rooted in a nuanced understanding of human behavior and social structures. Get in touch.

Join us on this captivating voyage of storytelling at the crossroads of culture, design, technology and business. We're excited to collaborate with you in shaping a more compassionate world through an enriched narrative of the human experience. Experience breakthrough perspectives on human experiences and come away equipped to make enriched decisions that contribute positively to your sphere. Join us as we shape a more connected, hopeful narrative - one human story at a time.

Episodes 232

  1. Why the Next Generation of Journalism Depends on Ethnography

    31 min

    Drawing from our recent collaborative publication titled Ethnographic reporting meets engaged journalism and offers untapped resources in Facts and Frictions, Adam Gamwell and Emily Kennedy explore how …

  2. What is it like to study at UC Berkeley's I-House?

    1 h 12 min

    What if studying at UC Berkeley’s International House is more than just an experience—it’s a transformation? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by international students and …

  3. What Can You Do with an Anthropology Degree?

    6 min

    Are you curious about the incredible versatility of an anthropology degree? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell breaks down the many paths available to anthropologists beyond studying ancient …

  4. The Truth About AI & The Future of Humanity

    60 min

    What if the future isn’t something we predict, but something we design? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley to dive into the hidden forces …

  5. How Psychedelics Are Changing Mental Health & Spirituality

    1 h 3 min

    What if true healing and self-discovery required breaking the boundaries between science and spirituality? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell sits down with Austin Mao, a serial entrepreneur …

  6. The Evolution of Work: More Than Just a Paycheck

    1 h 9 min

    What if work isn’t just about what we do, but how we think about it? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell is joined by Claudia Strauss to unravel the myths and realities behind today’s …

  7. The Truth About Modern Motherhood

    54 minSeason 2 · Episode 6

    Are you a parent navigating the overwhelming world of modern motherhood and parenting myths? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Nancy Reddy, author of The Good Mother Myth, to …

  8. Stop Chasing Success—Find Fulfillment Instead

    59 minSeason 2 · Episode 5

    Have you ever felt successful on the outside but empty on the inside? In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell speaks with Dr. Nethra Samarawickrema about the struggles of modern work-life, the …

  9. Urban Visionary: We Need to Redesign Our Cities

    56 minSeason 2 · Episode 4

    How do our physical spaces shape the way we live, connect, and thrive? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into how design and the built environment impact today’s biggest challenges—climate change …

  10. 4th Generation Farmer: 45,000 Farms Vanish Every Year, But We Can Change That

    1 h 16 minSeason 2 · Episode 3

    How are America’s family farms disappearing at such a rapid rate, and what does this mean for the future of our food, families, and rural identity? In this episode of This Anthro Life, Adam Gamwell sits down …

  11. Transform Your Life by Asking Better Questions

    1 h 1 minSeason 2 · Episode 2

    Have you ever thought about the power of questions in shaping your relationships? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore how Emmy-winning filmmaker Topaz Adizes uses questions to create connection …

  12. Stop Chasing Goals – Do THIS Instead

    50 minSeason 2 · Episode 1

    Hey everyone! In this episode of This Anthro Life, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, founder of Nest Labs, and author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a …

  13. Design for the Future: Ethics, Evolution, and Anthropology with Michael Leube

    1 h 11 minSeason 10 · Episode 230

    In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist and design educator Michael Leube about how design, ethics, and anthropology intersect to shape the future of human behavior and …

  14. Best of Cultural Capitalist series

    9 minSeason 10 · Episode 229

    Today, we’re excited to bring you something a little different. Recently, we've been sharing a lot of episodes and shorts inspired by the work I’ve been doing alongside my colleague, Phil Searles, for Cultural …

  15. How AI and Technology Are Redefining Work in the Post-Pandemic World with Claudia Strauss

    1 h 9 minSeason 10 · Episode 228

    In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell talks with anthropologist Claudia Strauss about how #AI, #technology, and the #postpandemic world are reshaping the nature of work in America. They explore …

  16. The Value of Anthropology to Tech Investors

    6 minSeason 10 · Episode 227

    In this episode of This Anthro Life, we’ll dive into how anthropology is reshaping tech investment by examining human culture and its influence on innovation. You'll discover how the deep study of culture helps …

  17. Building Inclusive Universities: Lessons from Shaun Carver

    1 h 10 minSeason 10 · Episode 226

    Join us in this dynamic episode of This Anthro Life as we sit down with Shaun Carver, CEO of International House at UC Berkeley, to explore the art of building inclusive and vibrant campus communities. Dive …

  18. The Michigan Wolverines Cultural Advantage

    6 minSeason 10 · Episode 225

    Discover what sets the Michigan Wolverines apart in college football. In this episode of This Anthro Life, host Adam Gamwell explores the innovative cultural strategies implemented by head coach Jim Harbaugh …

  19. Cultural Moats

    9 minSeason 10 · Episode 224

    In this episode of This AnthroLife, host Adam Gamwell dives deep into the concept of "cultural moats" and how tech giants like Apple leverage design, technology, and cultural influence to cultivate an intensely …

  20. A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future with Carissa Carter & Scott Doorley

    59 minSeason 1 · Episode 223

    In this episode of Anthro Life host Adam engages in a fascinating discussion with Chris Carter, a geoscientist-turned-design-educator, and Scott Dorely, a filmmaker-turned-design-educator. They explore how …

  21. Careers in Anthropology: Corporate Consulting

    8 minSeason 10 · Episode 222

    Join me in a captivating new series on This Anthro Life as I explore the diverse career paths for anthropology graduates, emphasizing the immense value of anthropological skills in consulting roles. In this …

  22. How to Heal Through Ayahuasca with Austin Mao

    1 h 2 minSeason 1 · Episode 219

    Join us on "This Anthro Life" podcast for an enlightening episode titled "How to Heal Through Ayahuasca" with special guest Austin Mao, co-founder of Ceremonia and entrepreneur. Dive into the resurgence of …

  23. The Future of Reading: AI and Literature with Vihar Desu

    44 minSeason 10 · Episode 220

    Join us on This Anthro Life podcast for an engaging discussion on The Future of Reading: AI and Literature with Vihar Desu, an entrepreneur and engineer at Tempus and the creator of summaries.co. Vihar shares …

  24. Neuroplasticity: Transforming Learning Methods with Wynford Dore

    55 minSeason 10 · Episode 219

    Join us on This Anthro Life podcast for an enlightening conversation with Wynford Dore, a pioneering researcher in neuroplasticity. I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we explore Wynford's transformative …

  25. What is Neurodiversity? The FIGHT for Integration with Ludmila Praslova

    1 h 2 minSeason 10 · Episode 218

    Join us for a captivating conversation on neurodiversity in the workplace with Ludmila Praslova the author of 'The Canary Code.' I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we delve into the cultural and societal …

  26. Deconstructing Masculinity with Ruth Whippman.

    1 h 14 minSeason 10 · Episode 217

    Join us for a discussion on raising boys in today's world with a renowned journalist and author. I'm Adam, your host. In this episode, we explore masculinity, gender roles, and societal changes. Ruth Whippman …

    Show notes
    Join us for a discussion on raising boys in today's world with a renowned journalist and author. I'm Adam, your host. In this episode, we explore masculinity, gender roles, and societal changes. Ruth Whippman explores the challenges of nurturing boys in today's society.
    We delve into topics like Me Too's effect on male socialization, emotional vulnerability, and empathy's role in nurturing well-rounded individuals. We discuss controversial topics, including the incel movement and Title IX systems.
    Learn the importance of encouraging in-person social interactions from a young age and helping boys navigate societal structures. The episode explores gender debates and highlights the need for open The Understanding how these dynamics impact boys today is crucial. Explore raising boys in a rapidly evolving society with us.

    I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I specialize in storytelling. My diverse background spans startups, nonprofits, cultural organizations, and Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on applied strategy, experience design, and human insights. My approach blends experiential research, like engaging with Peruvian quinoa farmers for climate change initiatives, with cutting-edge tools like AI and trends foresight. By leveraging big data alongside traditional ethnography, I align human needs with business goals, ensuring projects resonate profoundly.

    Contact Ruth Whippman
    https://www.ruthwhippman.com/
    https://twitter.com/ruthwhippman?lang=en
    https://www.instagram.com/ruthwhippman/

    About This Anthro Life:
    This Anthro Life is your podcast for thought leadership at the intersection of culture, work, and storytelling. We bring you interviews and insights for business leaders, design thinkers, researchers, and anyone curious about how culture shapes our lives.

    Explore more episodes and subscribe to our newsletter at thisanthrolife.org and join our Substack community at thisanthrolife.substack.com.
  27. How To Re-think News in the AI Era

    53 minSeason 10 · Episode 216

    Join us for an enlightening discussion on the transformation of digital news consumption with Alex, the visionary founder of Other Web. I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we dive into the innovative …

  28. What is Forensic Psychiatry? with Mark Levy

    1 h 15 minSeason 10 · Episode 215

    Join us for an intriguing discussion on the connection between law and human behavior with Dr. Mark, a distinguished forensic psychiatry specialist. I'm Adam, your host, and in this episode, we explore forensic …

  29. Is Software Good Enough?

    53 minSeason 10 · Episode 214

    Delve into the world of software development, work culture, and the philosophy of 'good enoughness,' with Paula Bialski.I'm Adam Gamwell as a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, I …

  30. Microdosing & Leadership: How does it work? with Paul Austin

    1 h 4 minSeason 10 · Episode 213

    In this podcast episode, Adam hosts Paul Austin, founder of Third Wave, to discuss his journey with psychedelics, microdosing, and the intersection with leadership and personal development. Paul shares his …

These are the latest 40 of 232 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.

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