- Cultural Resource Management and Federal Legislation
- Public Archaeology and Mass Media
- Climate and Environment
- Archaeology and Religion
- Curation and Collections Management
- Archaeology and Indigenous Rights
- Archaeology and Politics
- Class, Race, and Gender
- Theoretical Trends and History of Archaeology
Establishing Significance: The NPS and New Philadelphia
The Town of New Philadelphia, Illinois was founded by ex-slave Frank McWorter in 1836, making it the first town legally registered by an African American in the US. Dr. Schuldenrein is joined in conversation by Dr. Christopher Fennell, Tara Pettit and Tokey Boswell to discuss the site and its NPS special resource study.
March 8, 2015 • 55 mins
Fed Up: Archaeology and Federal Compliance and Legislation
In the lead up to the presidential inauguration on Jan 20, 2017, Dr. Joe Schuldenrein and special guest Dr. Kimball Banks explore the role the federal government plays in archaeological compliance and legislation.
January 11, 2017 • 57 mins
Digging a Pipeline to the Past
Federal regulations require that pipeline companies consider the environmental and cultural impact of their construction efforts, making archaeological survey an increasingly vital component of project development. Join Dr. Schuldenrein and guests Chris Bergman, Jim Bloemker, and Bill Chamberlain, as they discuss methods by which archaeologists can work effectively with pipeline developers to ensure historic preservation without impeding development and progress.
May 18, 2016 • 58 mins
In the Pipeline: Archaeology and the Oil and Gas Industry
In today’s episode we discuss the influence of pipeline archaeology and how federal regulations have changed the relationship between pipelines and archaeological research. Join us and our guests, Chris Bergman, Don Weir, and Carol Weed as we discuss the history of pipeline archaeology, how it has changed CRM archaeology, and what benefits it can offer archaeologists.
April 13, 2016 • 58 mins
Why Archaeology Matters: A Crisis in Federal Funding of Archaeological Research
On September 30, 2013 House Representatives Eric Cantor and Lamar Smith published an article in USA Today that criticized government funding of science research. Join as we argue for the importance of archaeological research in the modern world with Dr. Rosemary Joyce, Dr. Adam Smith, and Dr. James Doyle.
November 13, 2013 • 59 mins
Reconfiguring Archaeology in the Age of Sustainability
Archaeology is changing. New funding patterns are forcing the discipline further into the domain of cultural heritage management, while at the same time, development and expansion projects are altering when, where and how archaeologists conduct survey and excavation. What are the implications for the discipline and how can we, as scientists and advocates for historic preservation, successfully navigate through this new landscape?
May 8, 2013 • 56 mins
Protecting our Past: Archaeological Heritage Management across the World
This week we look at the rise of cultural tourism and the unintended damage many sites are experiencing as a result. We interview an expert on the subject, Dr. Douglas Comer, Co-President of the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Archaeological Heritage Management, to tell us which sites are especially at risk and how we can protect them.
September 11, 2013 • 55 mins
The Growth, and Influence of the Oil and Gas Industry on Contemporary Archaeology
North American archaeology has experienced a dramatic decline in funding for independent research. Now, the largest budgets and advanced research technologies are mostly furnished by pipeline companies. In this episode, Dr. Chris Bergman, a veteran private-sector consultant, evaluates the pivotal role that pipelines are playing in the discipline.
February 13, 2013 • 54 mins
The Nuts and Bolts of Compliance Archaeology
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966) requires that federal agencies consider the impact projects will have on cultural resources and properties eligible for or listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In this broadcast, we provide an overview of legislation and compliance in the United States, discuss the roles of key federal agencies, and examine heritage management projects in other countries.
January 9, 2013 • 56 mins
Ethical and Moral Dilemmas in 21st Century Archaeology
The emergence of applied archaeology in the past two decades has produced new ethical dilemmas facing practitioners. To what extent should professional archaeologists cooperate with the military, corporations, and developers? How can we best advocate for the cultural resource while fulfilling contracts and commitments to clients? Dr. Peter Stone, Professor of Heritage Studies at Newcastle University and Dru McGill, a PhD candidate at Indiana University and Board Member of the World Archaeological Congress, help us answer these questions.
April 24, 2013 • 57 mins
Archaeology and the Law: A Current Assessment
Beginning with the emergence of the environmental movement of the late 1960’s and ‘70’s, many pieces of federal and state legislation have been enacted to mitigate the effects of development on America's cultural remains. This program, with the help of respected authorities Dr. Thomas King and Dr. Lynne Sebastian, examines the backdrop to preservation law and the evolution of cultural resource practices in response to changing political and economic realities.
November 2, 2011 • 56 mins
Archaeology and the Private Sector
The overwhelming majority of archaeological work in the United States is performed under the umbrella of Cultural Resource Management. Our program documents the emergence of compliance archaeology and considers its future with special guests William H. Doelle and Donald J. Weir, pioneers in the field who were some of the first to match their professional skills with business principles to form companies that are now at the forefront of the industry.
November 9, 2011 • 56 mins
Investigating the Paranormal: Archaeology in Haunted Places
Archaeologists and ghost hunters are both interested in exploring long forgotten places in search of the people that once inhabited them. Our guest, Dr. April M. Beisaw, has explored how archaeologists can use ghost stories to teach people about the past.
January 27, 2016 • 56 mins
Indiana Jones is to Archaeology what Jurassic World is to Paleontology
Nearly thirty years ago, Indiana Jones inspired and infatuated audiences with an unrealistic version of archaeology. In the 1990's, Jurassic Park did the same thing for our sister subject, paleontology. Here to discuss the newest film in the franchise, Jurassic World, and its impact on the discipline is Dr. Mark Loewen, paleontology research associate at the University of Utah.
July 1, 2015 • 56 mins
Public Archaeology: Connecticut's Department of Transportation
The future of professional archaeology may be the union between project work and public outreach. Dr. Schuldenrein is joined by Connecticut Department of Transportation archaeologist Mandy Ranslow to discuss CDOT's public and archaeological projects.
September 9, 2015 • 58 mins
Sons Of Liberty: The Writing of a Historical Snapshot
Zach Hermann and Jordan Rosenblum, authors of the series scripted mini-series "Sons of Liberty" about the lead up to the Revolutionary War, talk with Dr. Schuldenrein about the ins and outs of conducting research necessary to recreate 18th century America.
April 1, 2015 • 58 mins
Diggers and Relic Hunters: Popularizing Archaeology
As we come upon the 50th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act, host Dr. Joe Schuldenrein and recently elected president of the Society for Historical Archaeology Dr. Charles Ewen discuss Public Archaeology and the importance of engaging with the general public.
January 22, 2014 • 58 mins
The Message of Archaeology and Informing the Public of Our Worth
Archaeology is often perceived as an obscure discipline, despite its inherent appeal. Prominent archaeologist, Dr. Brian Fagan, joins us to assess this problem and argue that the way forward is to make archaeology a more “user-friendly” discipline with an emphasis on public outreach.
November 28, 2012 • 56 mins
“Digging for Fun and Profit”: Commercialization of Archaeology in Mass Media
Recent television series "American Diggers" and "Diggers" have thrust archaeology's image into the public domain in ways that have been roundly criticized by practitioners. Today's program explores ethics and a possible disconnect between the professional community and the interested public. The panel includes Dr. Ray Karl, John Doershuk and Dr. Tom King, who consider strategies of promoting archaeology through mass media.
March 7, 2012 • 57 mins
Crypto-Science: Does Bigfoot Walk Among Us?
Dr. Todd Disotell has appeared on a variety of TV shows, including as a judge on 10 Million Dollar Bigfoot Bounty. Cryptozoology—the search for animals that may not exist—is not one of his key research interests, but TV appearances enable him to talk about science in front of a huge audience. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Disotell about his work with DNA, the quest for Bigfoot and much more.
August 3, 2016 • 57 mins
Our Dumb Ancestors: The Flawed Assumptions Behind Pseudoarchaeology
In this episode, Dr. Schuldenrein and Dr. Kenneth Feder deal with pseudoarchaeology and its assumption that “primitive” peoples are incapable of developing technology without outside help. We discuss how and why these assumptions lead to bad archaeology.
June 11, 2014 • 54 mins
Oh the Horror: A History of What Scares us
Happy Halloween! Join in as Dr. Kendall Phillips unpacks why horror films persist in popular culture by discussing the history of what scares us and the practices and rituals we have created over time to protect ourselves.
October 28, 2015 • 51 mins
Spreading the Word: Writing About Archaeology and Interviewing Archaeologists
Archaeologically themed films like Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider bring popularity to the field, but at what cost? Mr. Samir Patel, Deputy Editor of Archaeology magazine, is regularly confronted with the problem of writing about scientific research to and for a mainstream audience.
December 31, 2014 • 54 mins
The Archaeologist as a Novelist: Communicating the Message
Archaeologists often manage to make exciting topics remarkably mundane. We discuss this theme with Michael Gear and his partner Kathleen O'Neal Gear, two best-selling authors and award-winning archaeologists. They offer their insights of the world of archaeology-themed novels and discuss the role of ancient cultures at the nexus of reality and imagination.
May 2, 2012 • 56 mins
Two Year Anniversary Episode: Listener Feedback
We asked listeners to complete a short survey and give feedback on their experience with the show so far, and received a variety of answers. In this episode, Dr. Schuldenrein will discuss these findings and talk about how your ideas and suggestions will be incorporated into the show going forward.
September 18, 2013 • 56 mins
Audience Questionnaire: Public Interest in Archaeology
Encouraging the dialogue between professionals, enthusiasts and the general public, Dr. Schuldenrein uses an audience questionnaire to address issues facing archaeology in this follow-up episode.
February 15, 2012 • 58 mins
Question and Answer Session with the Audience
In this episode, Dr. Schuldenrein answers provocative and intriguing questions from our audience concerning questions of message and relevance in archaeology.
February 8, 2012 • 52 mins
Tracking Human Response to Climate Change through the Ages
In this episode, Dr. Schuldenrein and Dr. Miriam Belmaker discuss human adaptation and climate change. Using zooarchaeological and paleontological methods, Dr Belmaker provides intriguing questions and answers about how climate influenced our earliest ancestors.
September 3, 2014 • 57 mins
Creationism vs. Evolution: An Introduction to a 21st Century Debate
Archaeology is a powerful tool, used by both proponents of the Bible and those supporting Evolution. In this episode, we look at the ways in which representative voices from each camp mobilize their arguments in the 21st century.
July 29, 2016 • 58 mins
The Nexus of Archaeology and Politics in Historic and Contemporary Contexts
Archaeology is often implicated in social and political conflicts and debates. As such, the human fossil record is regularly drawn upon to interrogate creationism and traditional Judaeo-Christian origin concepts. But what is the real story? Fascinatingly, archaeological remains of the Biblical period often agree with descriptions in the Old and New Testament, though they are just as likely to cast doubt on the veracity of specific events and the identities of charismatic figures.
July 11, 2012 • 57 mins
Archaeology at the Interface of Religion and Science
Does archaeology ever verify stories in the Bible? Is there a logical foundation in Biblical tales that can be supported by the scientific examination of archaeological sites and remains? In this episode we examine the complex nexus between faith and science.
June 20, 2012 • 57 mins
Lost and Found: Orphaned Archaeological Collections and Bringing Them Home
Orphaned collections, often lost after the conclusion of a project, are unusable by future researchers due to their lack of sufficient contextual information. Dr. Barbara Voss joins us to address this issue, discuss her work on the Market Street Chinatown Project, and offer best practice solutions for collections management.
December 10, 2014 • 56 mins
The Role of Historical Artifacts in Forging National Identities
Dr. Schuldenrein explores the ways in which archaeology has informed and been informed by national identities, paying particular attention to the historical tendency of nationalism to influence research, interpretations and the teaching of history and archaeology in primary schools. What is the role nationalism plays in popularizing archaeology? Does making archaeology relevant to society compromise its scholarly value?
July 2, 2014 • 58 mins
“Where Do They Go After They’re Dug Up?”: Curation and the Fate of Archaeological Collections
Today's program discusses the life and fate of archaeological collections. Our panel includes three experts in the field, Danielle Benden, Curator of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin, Francis P. McManamon, the Executive Director of the Center for Digital Antiquity, and Chris Pulliam, an archaeologist and team leader in the St. Louis District Curation and Archives Analysis Branch and assistant director of the Corps' Mandatory Center.
February 29, 2012 • 57 mins
Cash for Artifacts: The State of the Illegal Antiquities Trade
If you have been to a museum with artifacts on display, chances are you have seen the product of the illicit antiquities trade. Unfortunately, this practice is more widespread than one might believe, especially in politically and economically unstable regions. Dr. Sam Hardy and host Dr. Joe Schuldenrein tackle this global issue and its implications for archaeology.
August 28, 2013 • 55 mins
A Double-Edged Sword: The Rise of Fakes and Forgeries in the Antiquities Market
The advent of online markets such as eBay and Craigslist have resulted in a marked increase in the number of forgeries being made and sold across the world - to tourists, dealers, collectors, and experts alike. Dr. Charles Stanish joins our host to recount his experiences in South America and his thoughts on the circulation of fake artifacts in online forums.
May 21, 2014 • 57 mins
Archaeology and the Dakota Access Pipeline
The DAPL, Energy Transfer Partners 1,170 mile pipeline traversing parts of North and South Dakota, threatens water sources and culturally significant sites in and around the Standing Rock Reservation. Dr. Schuldenrein and Dr. Thomas F. King, discuss archaeology's role in the DAPL and larger issues surrounding historic preservation's relationship to native groups and their cultural interests.
December 14, 2016 • 56 mins
Cultural Heritage Partners: The Case Against Rescinded Identity
On July 20th, the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation filed a civil rights action in federal court against the state of New Jersey because the Christie administration was attempting to rescind its state tribal recognition. Representing the Tribe and joining us today is Greg Werkheiser, here to discuss this case as well as the legal processes used to protect tribal identities in the United States.
August 12, 2015 • 58 mins
40 Years of Indigenous and Native Affairs in Archaeology
Dr. Joe Watkins, a member of the Choctaw tribe of Oklahoma, joins the program to reflect on his career and to discuss the evolution of Native American involvement and the increasing role native and indigenous rights are taking in the legal system of archaeology and historic preservation in North America.
June 27, 2012 • 56 mins
Crises in Archaeology: The 2016 Presidential Election and the DAPL
Dr Schuldenrein explores how the Trump administration may impact archaeology and historic preservation. Relatedly, cultural and environmental protections are at the forefront of the protests levied by the Standing Rock Sioux and their advocates against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Listen in as Dr. Schuldenrein takes on archaeology’s role in the DAPL controversy and what we can expect to happen to the pipeline once Trump takes office in 2017.
December 7, 2016 • 58 mins
Dirty Politics: Archaeology and the 2016 Election
History is a hot topic in the political realm right now as representatives from both sides are using the past to inspire and influence the voters, even as science funding is being threatened by proposed legislation. Dr. Schuldenrein discusses whether the current political climate can Make Archaeology Great Again or if the future will trump the past.
July 20, 2016 • 55 mins
Dr. Asma Ibrahim: Pakistan's First Female Archaeologist
Archaeologist and museologist Dr. Asma Ibrahim joins the program to discuss the state of archaeology and heritage preservation in Pakistan. As one of the only female archaeologists operating in Pakistan, Dr. Ibrahim discusses her career path and the hardships she has had to overcome in pursuit of her goals.
March 29, 2017 • 57 mins
The Impact of Women in Contemporary Archaeology
Statistics indicate that more women are becoming archaeologists than at any other point in the discipline's history. Yet, the data also underscores the fact that women are underrepresented in the upper tiers of archaeological organizations, college departments, and professional influence. Here to debate the evolving status and roles of women in archaeology are two leading representatives in the university and private sectors, Susan M. Chandler and Dr. Julie K. Stein.
November 16, 2011 • 57 mins
Archaeology of Sex
Though perhaps not as widely discussed in academia, sexual relations between humans throughout history is nonetheless an important archaeological research topic. Dr. Peter Sinelli joins our show to interrogate how well material culture may or may not represent past sexual attitudes and practices.
February 11, 2015 • 58 mins
More Sex: Studying Sexuality and Gendered Roles in Archaeology
In part two of our exploration of sex and archaeology, we are joined by Dr. Rosemary Joyce who discusses instances of sexuality and gendered identity in the archaeological record.
February 18, 2015 • 57 mins
Archaeology of Race
Archaeological study of the African Diaspora uncovers and exposes the complicated histories and experiences of historically disenfranchised groups too often neglected in American history. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Terrance Weik, who addresses agency, culture, behavior, and ability in his book "The Archaeology of Antislavery Resistance".
June 24, 2015 • 57 mins
The Archaeology of Social Inequality, On the Eve of the Great Famine
Dr. Charles Orser, Jr. joins the program to discuss the daily life of the rural Irish before, during and after the Great Famine (1845-50). His project, the first of its kind in Ireland, works towards the development of an Archaeology of Social Inequality, implicating ordinary people in a world system of political hegemony, capitalism and racism.
January 15, 2014 • 58 mins
From Hobby to Vocation: New Deal Archaeology
New Deal work relief programs in the 1930s did much to spearhead the development of archaeology from a hobby into a profession in the United States. Here to discuss how and why this transformation occurred is special guest Dr. Bernard Means.
February 26, 2014 • 57 mins
Forward to the Past: The Archaeology of the Future
Dr. Schuldenrein turns the tables and engages with the future by imagining what scientists will make of our civilization hundreds of years from now. What types of artifacts will excavators find and what interpretations about our society will they come up with? What can we learn about how current archaeologists view past societies through this exercise?
January 8, 2014 • 58 mins
Punk Archaeology: Questioning Academic Traditions
Special guest and co-founder of the “Punk Archaeology” movement Dr. William Caraher joins us to explore the dialogue between punk music and archaeology. Learn how a punk mindset can inject traditional academic disciplines with new methods, cultural criticism, and subversive questioning of traditional practices.
May 8, 2014 • 56 mins
The Count of the Sahara
Wayne Turmel joins us to discuss his new book, "The Count of the Sahara", about the life and times of famed scalawag and 1920's archaeologist, Count Byron de Prorok.
November 18, 2015 • 57 mins
Thomas Jefferson, Native Americans, and the Birth of Modern Archaeology
Dr Schuldenrein and professor Dr. Jeff Hantman discuss Thomas Jefferson, his views on Native Americans, and the first scientific archaeological excavation in the United States.
July 3, 2013 • 48 mins