What are the consequences of misinformation on personal relationships, business operations, and regulatory decisions? And how does the spread of misinformation pose an existential threat to society as a whole? What role does artificial intelligence play in the creation and proliferation of misinformation?In this thought-provoking episode of This Anthro Life, we delve deep into the chaotic world of misinformation and its potential existential threats. Our guest, James Mawhinney, founder of Media.com, shares his personal and harrowing journey through the eye of a misinformation storm that led to the creation of his platform, which aims to counteract the spread of misinformation and provide a space for individuals and organizations to manage their narratives and reputations.James recounts the story of his investment company, which, after successfully raising a significant amount of capital and investing in a diversified portfolio, faced a catastrophic turn of events.We discuss the broader implications of misinformation in today's digital age, where the speed and scale at which false information can spread pose significant risks to society. James argues that misinformation, exacerbated by artificial intelligence, is a greater threat than climate change due to its potential to cause immediate and widespread harm. The conversation also touches on the future of media and the coexistence of traditional media, social media, and new platforms like Media.com. James envisions a world where these platforms work in tandem to provide a more organized and credible information landscape, akin to a well-structured courtroom where both sides of a story can be heard.Join us as we discuss the growing threat of online misinformation with James Mawhinney at This Anthro Life and get to know how the spread of misinformation poses an existential threat to society!Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction to Misinformation and Media.com00:01:13 - James Mawhinney's Backstory and the Birth of Media.com00:11:51 - The Speed and Impact of Misinformation00:17:32 - Addressing Misinformation: The Role of Media.com00:22:26 - Business Model and Vision of Media.com00:30:54 - The Need for Verified Information Sources00:38:16 - Coexistence of Traditional and New Media Platforms00:40:42 - Engaging with Media.com for Accurate Information Sharing00:44:07 - Brand Management and Credibility on Media.com00:46:11 - Media.com's Launch and Future Plans00:48:04 - Closing Remarks and ReflectionsKey Takeaways:Misinformation poses an existential threat to society, spreading rapidly and causing significant harm.The speed at which information spreads on the internet and social media platforms is a major challenge in combating misinformation.Media.com was founded as a platform dedicated to countering misinformation and giving individuals and businesses the opportunity to respond and fight back.The platform aims to provide a safe space for individuals and businesses to respond to misinformation and share their official positions.Verification is a crucial aspect of Media.com, ensuring that profiles are authentic and credible.The platform aims to coexist with traditional media and social media, offering a centralized location for verified information.Businesses are increasingly concerned about their brand management and the credibility of the platforms they associate with.Connect with James MawhinneyLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmawhinney1/ Website: https://www.jamesmawhinney.com/ Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

The traditional view of mental health often focuses on the absence of mental illness, but a new theory is emerging that emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity and individual differences in the pursuit of long-term happiness. The question is, how can we reconcile the medicalization of mental health with the idea of neurodiversity and the unique strengths that come with different neurotypes?In this episode of This Anthro Life, we dive into a new perspective on mental health and well-being and how traditional models of mental illness focus only on treatment, not optimization of wellness. Ryan's work, which is detailed in his new book "Become Who You Are," offers a fresh perspective on how ancient philosophy and modern psychology intersect to address issues like anxiety and depression. He introduces the concept of "virtue signaling theory," which views traits like courage and compassion as evolutionary adaptations that helped humans navigate social hierarchies. Self-esteem evolved as a way to track social standing and regulate mood accordingly. Depression may result from a negative self-view due to lack of virtue expression.Moreover, throughout the conversation, we delved into the practical applications of Ryan's theory. He shared strategies for individuals at various points on the well-being scale, from those struggling with depression to those seeking to enhance their fulfillment in life. Ryan emphasized the importance of behavioral activation, identifying personal strengths, and creating virtue domains – areas in our lives where we can exercise and showcase our virtues. We also touched on the concept of eudaimonia, the ancient Greek term for the highest human good or "the good life," which Ryan believes is achieved through the cultivation of virtues. Ready to become who you are and find deeper happiness and fulfillment in life? Join us on This Anthro Life as we explore the importance of self-exploration and cultivating virtues with Ryan BushTimestamps: 00:01:33 - Ryan Bush's Journey and Interdisciplinary Approach00:03:58 - The Sociometer Theory of Self-Esteem00:05:54 - Understanding Self-Esteem and Virtue00:12:11 - The Causal Relationship Between Identity and Depression00:18:28 - Self-Improvement and Selfishness00:20:35 - Long-Term Selfishness and Altruism00:22:27 - Behavioral Activation and Virtue Cultivation00:25:19 - Virtue Domains and Life Fulfillment00:27:18 - Time Dimension in Virtue Domains00:29:25 - Personal Journey and Designing the Mind00:31:27 - The Search for Meaning and Virtue00:33:45 - The Importance of Practice in Virtue Cultivation00:35:39 - Simple Strategies for Behavioral Activation00:41:37 - Medicalization and Mental Health00:44:12 - Neurodiversity and Evolutionary Strengths00:46:23 - Frequency-Dependent Selection in Neurodiversity00:51:23 - Practical Philosophy and Well-BeingKey Takeaways:Traditional mental health models focus only on treatment, not optimization of well-being.Virtues like courage and compassion evolved as "fitness indicators" to help humans navigate social hierarchies.Self-esteem evolved to track social standing and regulate mood accordingly.Depression may result from a negative self-view due to lack of virtue expression.Behavioral activation can boost mood by engaging in virtue-expressing activities.Role models can help identify personal strengths to cultivate."Virtual domains" allow expression of virtues in meaningful pursuits.Brief suffering may occur through cultivation but should not be the goal.Well-being exists on a continuum, from depression to eudaimonia.About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Ryan BushLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanabush/ Website: https://designingthemind.org/Order the book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPCMWQG6 Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

How do narratives shape our understanding of shared human experiences like dignity and respect? And, in what ways can an emphasis on human universals through inclusive narratives help fulfill fundamental human desires for dignity and respect?In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore these questions through a discussion with sociologist Michele Lamont and her research on narratives and society. Lamont's concept of "ordinary universalism" focuses narrative frameworks on common aspects of human dignity and respect rather than divisions. Evidence shows these universal needs are fundamentally sought. Generational attitudes found Gen Z prioritizes authentic self-expression and inclusion through exploring shared experiencesIn addition, Michele's research offers a unique perspective on societal trends through the lens of ordinary universalism. We also explore how Gen Z is leading the way towards a more inclusive culture and the role of narratives in driving philanthropic and political action. Michele’s examples demonstrate narrative's power to recognize structural barriers to dignity and mobilize action by cultivating understanding of our humanity. The episode emphasizes inclusive narratives to shape understanding and fulfillment of our common needs through storytelling.Join us for an enlightening discussion on understanding and embracing the perspectives of others. Timestamps: 00:01:07 - Discussing Erasure and Identity Recognition00:02:35 - The Power of Narrative in Social Fabric00:03:17 - Explaining Narratives to Non-Scholars00:07:24 - Public Sphere and Scaling Up Narratives00:13:28 - The Loss of the American Dream Across Classes00:14:24 - Gen Z's Rejection of the American Dream00:17:54 - Work-Life Balance and Gen Z's Values00:19:43 - The Role of Technology in Shaping Narratives00:21:26 - The Importance of Narrative in Policy and Philanthropy00:25:21 - Dignity and Respect as Fundamental Human Needs00:28:58 - The Shift from Individualism to Collectivism00:33:09 - Ordinary Universalism and Common Humanity00:36:15 - Political Language and Recognition00:40:17 - Side Hustles and Changing Work Identities00:46:38 - The Benefits of Embracing Inclusivity00:49:24 - Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsKey Takeaways:The concept of narratives is about how we perceive and understand the world through different lenses, which are influenced by social movements, media, and personal experiences.Gen Z is spearheading a shift towards a more inclusive culture and is seeking alternative narratives that go beyond the traditional American dream.The power of storytelling and narratives is crucial in changing hearts and minds for philanthropic and political action.The focus on dignity and respect is a fundamental need for individuals and communities, and it is essential to create a more inclusive and equitable society.The idea of ordinary universalism emphasizes finding common ground and recognizing our shared humanity, rather than focusing on divisions and competition.The role of philanthropies and organizations in scaling up narratives and promoting social change is crucial.The conversation also highlights the challenges of navigating differences and finding ways to coexist and tolerate diverse perspectives.The shift towards a more inclusive society requires a focus on inclusion in workplaces, education, and social interactions.Recognizing the humanity and worth of all individuals is essential for creating a more equitable and respectful society.About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Michele LamontWebsite: https://www.michelelamont.org/about Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mich%C3%A8le-lamont-11542a151/ Twitter: https://x.com/mlamont6?s=20Order the book at: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1982153784?tag=simonsayscom Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

In the episode of This Anthro Life, the dialogue investigates waste transformation and how waste can be converted into useful energy and materials. Dan explains his work with Stellar Three focusing on pyrolysis technology that uses heat in an oxygen-free environment to break down plastics and other waste into synthetic gas, oils and carbon black. This process allows waste to be converted back into raw materials to make new plastics, chemicals and fuels.The conversation touches on the large scale of the global waste problem and opportunities to address it through diversified solutions tailored to different regional needs and economic contexts. Collaboration between organizations is emphasized to collectively advance solutions and public education around waste transformation is seen as important to gain broader support and participation in these efforts.Dan discusses various projects Stellar Three is working on around the world to implement this technology on a larger scale. He highlights how a single pyrolysis unit can service a small city and potentially power commercial developments through generating natural gas from waste. Machine learning and improved sorting technologies are also discussed to further optimize the waste transformation process over time.Don't miss the chance to learn about pyrolysis technology and its role in converting waste into synthetic gas, oils, and carbon black - listen to the episode of This Antro Life podcast now. Key takeaways:Pyrolysis is a promising technology for waste transformation using heat in oxygen-free conditions.Waste can be converted back into raw materials like plastics and chemicals through this process.Outputs can vary to suit regional needs like fuels in some areas and plastics in others.Projects are being implemented through modular units that can be scaled up and adapted over time.Improved sorting and machine learning can further optimize waste conversion efficiencies.Proper gas treatment is important to maximize value and minimize emissions.Waste transformation presents economic opportunities through new supply chains and jobs.Transparency is important to gain public trust in new waste solutions.Collaboration rather than competition is needed between organizations in this field.Significant investment is required but waste liabilities can be turned into energy assets.Timestamps:0:00:00 Waste energy and sustainability with industry expert Dan Nienhauser. 0:01:41 Waste transformation and circular economy.0:07:25 Waste management technologies and their potential to transform waste liabilities into energy assets.0:13:24 Converting plastic waste to fuel and chemicals. 0:19:15 Waste management and conversion technologies.0:24:20 Sustainable energy solutions and modularity in waste management.0:28:29 Plastic waste management and circular economy.0:32:46 Waste transformation and its potential impact.0:39:32 Waste transformation and its impact on communities and the environment. About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Dan NienhauserWebsite: https://www.stellar3.co/about-us.html Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannienhauser/ Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

What does the concept of autonomy bring to mind for you?How has AI already begun reshaping how we work and make decisions? And do you think AI and algorithms should play a role in organizational decision-making? Why or why not? In the episode of This Anthro Life, the discussion delves into the intersection of human autonomy and the evolving landscape of AI. It emphasizes the need for diverse voices that prioritize human well-being, flourishing, and autonomy in the face of technological advancement. Brian's work, aimed at empowering leaders to prioritize people over profit and harness technology to enhance our humanity, underscores the importance of ensuring that AI serves humanity rather than subjugating it. The conversation also touches on the historical context of work, particularly during industrialization, where the focus was on efficiency over people. This highlights the need to reevaluate the role of AI in the workplace and consider how it can be harnessed to prioritize human values and autonomy. Brian's framework for autonomous transformation emphasizes the importance of envisioning the future before technologies, ensuring that people feel a sense of belonging and purpose in the face of technological advancement. It underscores the unique capabilities of humans, such as belonging, exploration, and envisioning future states, and emphasizes the complementary relationship between humans and machines. Key takeaways:The importance of envisioning what future state an organization wants to createExamples of working with companies to define their vision, challenges, and strategic approachThe role of autonomy in transformation and moving from digital to autonomous systemsHow AI is highlighting the need for a renewed focus on culture and the human experienceDifferences between leaders who view people as expendable vs. those who don'tThe time lag between deciding to use new tech and it being developed for productionHow leaders can focus on expanding revenue through new opportunitiesThe history of how work was set up during the industrial revolutionTransforming beyond viewing organizations like mechanical systems and people as cogsThe potential for technologies like AI to take work off humans' plates and elevate them to more creative rolesTimestamps:0:00:00 AI's impact on work and society with Brian Evergreen0:01:49 Chess and music experiences and their impact on leadership.0:06:29 Autonomy in workplace transformation.0:12:22 Work history and technological change.0:20:07 AI's impact on organizational culture and success.0:25:43 Balancing profit and doing good with AI.0:29:43 Profit, greed, and altruism in business.0:33:09 AI strategy and its implementation.0:43:23 Improving worker experience in a manufacturing setting.0:48:09 AI, human capabilities, and belonging in organizations.0:51:05 AI's impact on jobs and leadership.0:56:31 Leadership, technology, and decision-making.1:00:54 Autonomous transformation with Brian Evergreen. About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Brian EvergreenPurchase Autonomous Transformation through TAL’s Bookstore Affiliate Link to support independent bookstores, the author and the podcast!Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianevergreen/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/brianjevergreen Website: https://brianevergreen.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianjevergreen/ Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

Greta Uehling, an anthropologist, discusses her ethnographic research on civilians' experiences during the Ukraine conflict, challenging assumptions that war stops everyday life. She explores concepts like 'everyday war' and 'everyday peace', highlighting civilians' agency beyond victimhood and the importance of preserving connections. Uehling emphasizes the impact of language choice, the complexities of post-war healing, and the broader effects of war on culture and society. She also explores the power of community and urges listeners to consider how individual decisions intersect with larger conflicts and politics.

What new possibilities do you see emerging with voice technology? How might it influence our interactions with businesses and services in the future and what if your voice could transform the way we interact with technology? Imagine a world where your voice can effortlessly interact with devices and transform the way we navigate our surroundings.In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore the world of future technology with guest Tobias Dengel, a leading expert in digital transformation, and discuss the power of voice technology and its potential to transform how we interact with devices and the world around us. Dengel sheds light on the reasons why integrating voice technology into existing platforms is perceived as a safer approach compared to building entirely new platforms from scratch. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging the familiarity and trust already established with these platforms, enabling a smoother transition for users. Additionally, Dengel delves into the widespread adoption of voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri, highlighting their increasing presence in our daily lives. Furthermore, the discussion extends to the role of voice technology in banking applications, where it plays a crucial role in enhancing security measures and making our lives safer. The exploration of voice technology in this episode showcases its transformative potential and the various ways it is revolutionizing our interactions with devices and services.Tune in to discover Dengel's captivating insights and expertise as we envision the transformative power of voice technology.Key takeaways:Voice technology is evolving and becoming increasingly sophisticated, with the adoption of voice assistants like Alexa and Siri skyrocketing.Adding voice to existing platforms feels safer than creating new ones altogether, as users are already familiar with the platform and trust it.Voice technology solves the problem of faster communication, as humans speak three times faster than they type.The interface of voice technology needs to be redesigned to be more efficient, as listening to machines is slower than reading or interacting with visuals.The more human-like voice assistants become, the less users trust them, as they feel like they are being tricked.Multimodality is important in voice technology, as it allows for a combination of voice, visuals, and other forms of communication to enhance the user experience.Voice technology has applications in various industries, such as law enforcement, warehouses, retail, and safety in industrial settings.The combination of generative AI and conversational AI is where the magic happens in voice technology, allowing for more accurate interpretation and response.Conversational designers will play a crucial role in designing effective voice experiences, considering factors like speed, efficiency, and user preferences.Voice technology has the potential to reshape business processes and models, such as centralized restaurants, telemedicine, and global healthcare access.Timestamps:00:00:07 Voice technology is evolving.00:05:14 Design voice experiences in multimodal.00:09:37 Voice is a powerful interface.00:18:38 Conversational AI and generative AI.00:21:08 Context is crucial for conversation.00:28:31 The blend of generative AI and conversational AI is creating a user experience breakthrough.00:29:15 Voice experiences are becoming multimodal.00:34:06 Voice technology revolutionizes business processes.00:39:03 The future of technology is voice-based.00:43:30 Spread anthropological thinking to audiences.Tobias Dengel is a seasoned technology executive with over 20 years of experience in mobility, digital media, and interactive marketing. He currently holds the position of President at WillowTree, a TELUS International Company, a global leader in digital product design and development. Dengel's expertise and leadership have contributed to WillowTree's continuous growth and recognition as one of America's fastest-growing companies, as listed by Inc. magazine for 11 consecutive years. He is also the author of the book "The Sound of the Future: The Coming Age of AI-Enabled Voice Technology," where he explores the transformative potential of voice technology in various aspects of business and society.About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Tobias DengelLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiasdengel/ Twitter: https://x.com/TobiasDengel?s=20Website: https://www.tobiasdengel.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tobias.denge.7/ Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

What is the importance of belonging in the workplace according to research? And what are some key actions that business leaders can take to create a fantastic work culture? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we delve into the topic of building a stronger sense of belonging and identity within organizations through dimensional leadership.Drawing from his extensive research involving more than 15,000 employees, Brad Deutser highlights the crucial role that belonging plays in fostering engagement, satisfaction, and retention. He unveils the five "Belonging Rules" that emerged from his work: harnessing the power of identity, listening without preconceived labels, prioritizing identity over purpose, challenging established norms, and demanding unwavering honesty. We also tackle the importance of addressing underlying power structures and norms to drive lasting change. A particularly compelling point raised by Deutser is the need to embrace diverse perspectives without necessitating complete agreement, as it is through this acceptance that true belonging can be achieved.Look no further! Our latest episode features an insightful conversation with Brad Deutser on identity, belonging, and fostering a sense of purpose in organizations. Tune in to This Anthro Life podcast for a dose of inspiration today!Key takeaways:Learn how belonging is a fundamental human need and one of the most important factors for employee engagement and performance.Explore how organizations should focus on identity over purpose to strengthen culture and give employees a sense of belonging.Discover why addressing power structures and norms is important for lasting, meaningful change in organizations.Understand how listening without labels and making judgments allows for deeper understanding between people.Consider how challenging norms and standards in a constructive way can spur creativity and innovation.Appreciate how embracing different perspectives without needing to agree creates an environment for belonging.Recognize that transparency and honesty builds trust within an organization.Experience how play, fun, and creative approaches to learning and development increase engagement.Gain insight into how dimensional leadership considers the human elements of change rather than just strategies.Reflect on how small acts of empathy and understanding can make a big difference in people's experience of work.Timestamps:00:00:00 Importance of belonging in organizations.00:06:35 Importance of incorporating play and fun in the workplace.00:10:25 Belonging is crucial in the workplace.00:15:23 Address power dynamics for lasting progress.00:21:46 Listen without labels for understanding.00:25:29 Listen and empathize with others.00:34:40 Choose identity over purpose.00:40:56 Expand your box for creativity.00:43:15 Challenge everything for creative growth.00:47:08 Belonging is essential for organizations.00:55:18 Belonging is essential for growth.00:55:30 "Anthropology is for everyone."Brad Deutser is a trusted counselor, executive coach, and leadership guru for CEOs and top corporate management. He is the bestselling author of "Leading Clarity" and his upcoming book, "BELONGING RULES," focuses on building unity and fostering performance. Deutser's research shows that employees' sense of belonging significantly affects job satisfaction, engagement, and effort. Belonging is more influential than organizational culture and strategy in predicting these outcomes. The book highlights the financial value employees place on belonging in terms of salary and turnover. Deutser and his team surveyed over 15,000 employees across various industries and occupational roles to gather their insights. Through his work, Deutser has impacted top businesses, universities, sports franchises, and cause-based organizations. His expertise lies in creating spaces and leadership capacity for belonging and inclusion.About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Brad DeutserLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braddeutser/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BradDeutser Website: https://deutser.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labradford32/ Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

Have you ever wondered if reaching for the stars is humanity's most urgent priority? Is it the thrill of exploration, the endless possibilities, or our desire to ensure that our species has a plan B? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we tackle the captivating and fascinating world of Space Exploration and Space Industry with anthropologist Savannah Mandel. Savannah Mandel shares her research and experiences working in the human space exploration industry. She discusses her journey from being a starry-eyed lover of space as a child to developing more critical perspectives as her research progressed. She remains devoted to bringing anthropological research methods to bear, diversifying voices in the field, and furthering public understanding. We also touch on topics like decolonizing space, diversifying voices and perspectives involved in the industry, applying anthropological research to create real-world impact, and studying speculative futures. Join in for another episode that takes you on a journey beyond the stars and back down to Earth.Key takeaways:Learn about space ethics and anthropology by exploring how social scientists are studying the cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of humanity's journey into space.Explore the ethical implications of space exploration by examining important questions about equality, justice, environmental impact, and the effects on life on Earth.Examine the economic forces driving the space industry by examining the role of governments, private companies, billionaires, and other financial stakeholders.Understand the social impact of humanity's journey into space by considering how space exploration changes societies, cultures, and humanity's view of itself.Challenge conventional wisdom about space exploration by questioning assumptions made by governments, corporations, and the media about colonizing space.Question the grand visions of the space industry by analyzing the motivations and assumptions behind proposals for space mining, tourism, and colonization.Ground the study of space within a broader global context by connecting space exploration to issues like inequality, climate change, and social justice on Earth.Consider cultural, social, and political factors influencing space exploration by examining public opinion, cultural representations, and power structures.Discover how anthropology can shape the future of space by advocating for diverse voices and ethical, socially conscious policies.Apply anthropological research to create real-world change by informing decision-making and bringing new perspectives to the space industry.Timestamps:00:00:32 Questioning the relevance of space exploration.00:05:09 Questioning the ethics of research.00:12:09 Limited voices in space exploration.00:19:29 Space exploration should be optional.00:21:48 Importance of discussing space ethics.00:26:48 Anthropologists can be activists.00:32:17 Speculative research informs present realities.00:37:03 Science fiction influences society's future.00:42:00 Include diverse voices in space.00:48:01 Questioning expertise in space exploration.00:57:45 Writing process for aspiring writers.01:00:52 Take writing seriously as a business.01:03:06 Importance of anthropology in space.Savannah Mandel, a passionate anthropologist, delves into the realms of speculation, futurism, and industrial studies. With a pen in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, she finds herself in her element. Her diverse experiences have shaped her into a versatile writer, both in non-fiction and fiction genres. When she's not engrossed in her research and writing, Savannah indulges in board games and even runs a time travel-themed role-playing game. Her captivating articles can be found in esteemed publications like the Geek Anthropologist, Anthropology Now, Anthropology News, and various online platforms.Excitement fills the air as Savannah's debut book, "Ground Control: Arguments for the End of Human Space Exploration," is set to be released through Chicago Review Press in the spring of 2024. This highly anticipated publication promises to offer thought-provoking insights into the future of human space exploration and its implications.About This Anthro Life This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Savannah MandelLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannah-mandel-a90a62171/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheSpaceSav Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/savannah.lann Website: https://www.savannahmandel.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/savthespaceanthropologist/ Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com

Are you curious about the untapped wisdom that exists outside of traditional academic knowledge? Do you want to learn how stories, dialogue, and sensory experiences can enhance our understanding of the world? In this episode of This Anthro Life, we dive into the fascinating world of anthropology with esteemed anthropologist and author Paul Stoller. Paul shares his fascinating experiences studying healing practices and encountering unexplainable phenomena in Niger. We delve into the importance of storytelling, deep listening, and the need for ethnography to engage all senses. Paul further emphasizes the power of evocative writing, the value of passing down knowledge through generations, and the profound wisdom we can gain from unexpected sources. Tune in to discover the transformative potential of anthropology and how it can shape our understanding of the human condition.Key takeaways:Learn how immersive fieldwork pushes boundaries of understanding and challenges preconceptions through lived experiences in other cultures.Explore how storytelling is a core way that cultures transmit knowledge, values, and traditions across generations through oral histories.Discover how "deep listening" goes beyond words to sense meanings through tone, expression, and being to understand another person truly.Immerse yourself in vivid place descriptions that evoke memory and enhance the reader's experience of ethnographic scenes.Develop your skills in bringing field research to life through techniques like constructing compelling characters and authentic dialogue.Appreciate how wisdom exists in unexpected places beyond academic frameworks through the practical knowledge of indigenous elders.Understand how long-term relationships in the field unlock hidden dimensions of cultural knowledge only revealed through deep trust over time.Key Topics of this Podcast:00:01:30 Wisdom lies beyond comprehension.00:09:18 Ethnography helps understand troubled times.00:10:11 Lack of social trust and disrespect for nature have consequences.00:17:45 Indigenous wisdom is valuable.00:21:17 Writing ethnography with vivid descriptions.00:29:39 Deep listening enhances storytelling experience.00:32:06 Storytelling connects and reveals humanity.00:36:42 Ethnography's unique value proposition.00:41:03 Ethnography preserves and passes knowledge.00:44:02 Embrace vulnerability for deeper wisdom.00:47:33. Embrace sensory approach to engage.Our incredible guest, Paul Stoller, is an anthropologist who has spent years conducting fieldwork in West Niger. Through his experiences as an apprentice to healers in the region, Stoller has conducted anthropological research in West Africa for over 30 years, focusing on Songhai religion and spirit possession. Since 1992, he has also studied West African immigrants in New York City, exploring informal economies and immigration politics. Stoller has published 11 books, including ethnographies, biographies, memoirs, and novels. As a custodian of wisdom from the edge, Stoller emphasizes the importance of listening to knowledge and learning from it. With his unique perspective, he offers invaluable insights into the human condition, social relations, and the preservation of cultural heritage.About This Anthro Life: This Anthro Life is a thought-provoking podcast that explores the human side of technology, culture, and business. Hosted by Adam Gamwell, 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.Connect with Paul StollerLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-stoller-0135a57a/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Sohanci Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sohanci2/New Book: Wisdom from the Edge (Get it from the TAL Affiliate Bookstore.org and support the show and independent bookstores!) Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website: https://www.thisanthrolife.org/ Substack blog: https://thisanthrolife.substack.com