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 tension between authenticity and belonging, and why many of us feel disconnected from our careers.Dr. Nethra shares actionable insights on how small daily actions can spark big changes, the importance of value-aligned work, and how leaders can foster environments where employees truly thrive. If you’re looking to transform your relationship with work, this episode is for you.Links:https://www.thisanthrolife.org/https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolifehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/

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 and social division. Featuring Vishaan Chakrabarti, architect and author of The Architecture of Urbanity, we explore how rethinking our spaces can foster joy, connection, and inclusivity.Discover why our housing and public spaces matter more than ever in rebuilding our social fabric. From suburbs to cities, and rural America to bustling urban centers, this is a conversation about the role design plays in creating a better, more sustainable future.Follow Vishaan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishaan-chakrabarti-faia-a004b9113/

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 with Brian Reisinger, author, journalist, and fourth-generation Wisconsin farmer, to explore the hidden struggles of rural America. Together, they discuss the mental health crisis, the pressures on farmers, and the economic despair fueling the loss of 45,000 farms annually.Discover why family farms are the backbone of our communities and how we can fight to preserve them. With heartfelt stories and historical insights, this episode highlights the urgent need to bridge rural and urban divides for a stronger, united future.Learn more about Brian:https://www.brian-reisinger.com/about

Topaz Adizes, an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and experience design architect, shares insights from his book "12 Questions for Love." He discusses the transformative power of asking better questions in relationships, revealing how meaningful conversations create deeper connections. The dialogue touches on fostering empathy, navigating mental health, and the importance of non-verbal communication. Adizes emphasizes creating safe spaces for authentic discussions, allowing for vulnerability and transformative growth in personal and societal contexts.

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 Goal-Obsessed World. We dive into why our approach to goals is broken, how procrastination might actually be trying to help us, and the surprising power of tiny experiments to transform your life. It’s a conversation packed with insights on rethinking success, embracing a cyclical mindset, and finding joy in the present.We're back! After some time away, This Anthro Life returns with fresh episodes and engaging conversations. If you enjoy this episode, we’d love your support. 

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 culture. They dive deep into how design influences human decision-making, the role of evolutionary theory in design thinking, and the ethical responsibility of designers to consider sustainability and long-term consequences. Leube shares insights from his book The Future Designer, exploring topics like planned obsolescence, behavioral design, and the power of making sustainability both convenient and desirable.I'm Adam Gamwell, a cultural anthropologist and award-winning media creator, specializing in human-centered storytelling and experience design. With a background spanning startups, nonprofits, and global organizations, I apply anthropological insights to drive sustainable design solutions, ethical innovation, and business success. You can learn more about my work and get in touch for future projects through my website: https://www.anthrocurious.com/.About Michael Leube:Learn more about Michael Leube: https://anthropologylens.com/The Future Designer: https://books.google.com.ar/books/about/The_Future_Designer.html?id=KWIHEQAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description&redir_esc=yAbout This Anthro Life: This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of design, culture, and business. Join us as we connect the dots between anthropology, technology, and the creative industries. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow This Anthro Life:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/Website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/Substack: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolifeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

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 Capitalist. In this special episode, we’ve compiled a "best of" collection, featuring full episode highlights and impactful quotes that have resonated with our audience and shifted their perspectives.We’ve selected key concepts that stood out to us and brought them together to showcase how these ideas intersect and build on one another. We hope you enjoy this curated episode, highlighting some of our most thought-provoking content.Full Episodes Included:What Makes Apple, Apple? The Michigan Wolverines Cultural Advantage The Value of Anthropology to Tech Investors About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a podcast that delves into the human side of technology, culture, and business. We explore captivating stories and connect them to the bigger picture of our lives.For more thought-provoking episodes and content, visit thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at thisanthrolife.substack.com. To know more about the work of This Anthro Life host Adam Gamwell, visit anthrocurious.com.Follow This Anthro Life: Website: thisanthrolife.orgSubstack: thisanthrolife.substack.com Twitter: @thisanthrolifeInstagram: @thisanthrolife

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 crucial topics such as the impact of declining birth rates, an aging population, and restrictive immigration policies on labor markets. Drawing from Strauss’s book, What Work Means Beyond the Puritan Work Ethic, they discuss changing worker attitudes, the rise of #remotework and the #gigeconomy, and challenge the conventional narratives around the #workethic. Together, they delve into how anthropology provides unique insights into #workplaceculture, the human side of technology, and the evolving definition of a "good job" in the modern economy.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.About Claudia Strauss:https://www.claudiastrauss.org/ https://www.pitzer.edu/faculty-staff-directory/claudia-strauss https://soundcloud.com/1869thecuppodcast/1869-ep-150-claudia-strauss https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-strauss-94723835/ https://btlonline.org/author-asks-do-we-work-to-live-or-live-to-work/ About This Anthro LifeThis Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. We unravel fascinating narratives and connect them to the wider context of our lives. Tune in to https://thisanthrolife.org and subscribe to our Substack at https://thisanthrolife.substack.com for more captivating episodes and engaging content.Follow This Anthro Life:https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life/https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ https://thisanthrolife.substack.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/

Explore how anthropology is reshaping tech investment. Discover the significance of cultural understanding in predicting market trends and consumer behavior. Learn why private equity firms are hiring anthropologists to enhance decision-making. Insights into AI's cultural implications reveal a deeper understanding of technological impact. The role of ESG strategies is discussed, showcasing how cultural intelligence drives smarter investments. Join renowned anthropologists as they highlight the importance of cultural intelligence in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Sean Confer, CEO of International House at UC Berkeley, shares insights on creating inclusive communities in higher education. He discusses the importance of fostering intercultural connections and navigating political polarization on campus. The conversation highlights the role of organizations in promoting civil discourse and diverse dialogue. Confer emphasizes the need for empathy and mutual respect while addressing challenges of free speech. His reflections underscore how inclusivity can foster resilience and collaboration among students.