On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Stephen DeCasien, a nautical archaeologist and postdoctoral researcher at Dalian University of Technology specializing in ancient naval warfare and experimental archaeology. Stephen shares how his passion for the ancient world led him to study Greek and Roman warships and reconstruct the bronze rams that once powered naval combat.

He explains how experimental archaeology reveals the materials, labor, and ingenuity behind ancient seafaring societies, while also discussing the relationship between nautical and maritime archaeology. The conversation explores shipwreck research, life as a scholar in China, and the value of studying abroad and engaging with different cultures. Throughout the episode, Stephen reflects on how anthropology cultivates curiosity, empathy, and a deeper understanding of our shared human past.

Listen now to explore ancient ships, experimental archaeology, maritime connections, and the enduring spirit of human innovation.

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Eboni Westbury, a zooarchaeologist, and PhD researcher whose work spans Aboriginal Australian archaeology and the study of Neanderthal behavior through animal bones. Eboni shares how her lifelong fascination with history and bones led her from forensic anthropology to archaeology and cutting-edge zooarchaeological research.

Eboni discusses her work in both cultural resource management and academic research, explaining how animal remains reveal ancient human behavior, migration, and cultural traditions. She also explores how new technologies, including GIS, machine learning, and spatial analysis, are transforming archaeology and helping researchers better understand Neanderthal communities and knowledge sharing.

The conversation also covers fieldwork across Australia, Europe, and the Pacific, the importance of practical experience for aspiring archaeologists, and why anthropology teaches us to think differently about culture, history, and the world around us.

Listen now to explore zooarchaeology, Neanderthal research, Aboriginal Australian archaeology, and the evolving future of archaeological science.

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Melissa in De Nile, a museum educator, Egyptologist, and digital creator who brings ancient Egyptian history, art, and archaeology to life through social media, livestreams, and educational content. Melissa shares how she combines her passion for public education with her love of the ancient world.

Melissa reflects on her winding journey from creative writing student to archaeologist, museum professional, and online educator. She discusses the realities of graduate school, finding a career path outside academia, and making archaeological knowledge accessible to wider audiences. Along the way, she shares stories from excavations in Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Caribbean, as well as insights from her research on ancient Egyptian dogs.

The conversation also explores popular misconceptions about ancient Egypt, the importance of cultural understanding, and how anthropology encourages empathy, curiosity, and a broader perspective on the world.

Listen now to explore Egyptology, museum education, archaeology, and the power of making history accessible to everyone.

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Dr. Dena Michele Rosko, an ordained minister, author, publisher, educator, and story systems anthropologist whose work bridges theology, creativity, organizational systems, and anthropology. With a PhD in Organizational Systems and graduate studies in communication and leadership, Dena shares how anthropology shapes her understanding of storytelling, compassion, identity, and community transformation.

Dena reflects on her dissertation research exploring organizational compassion, Victor Turner's concept of communitas, and the ways marginalized experiences can lead to transformation and "complex wholeness." Through narrative methods, photography, and storytelling, she examined how communities, churches, and organizations can better support people navigating hardship and change. The conversation also explores liminality, creativity, motherhood during doctoral studies, and how systems and structures can either nurture or interrupt human connection and healing.

We also dive into Dena's work as an author and publisher, including her growing imprint Dogwood Group and her nine-book Heritage Chronicles series, which blends theology, fantasy, memoir, caregiving, and poetry to explore themes of identity, heritage, resilience, and belonging. Along the way, Dena offers candid advice about graduate school, networking, academic systems, and building a meaningful career rooted in passion, creativity, and service.

Listen now to explore storytelling, organizational compassion, liminality, higher education, and how anthropology can help create more compassionate and human-centered communities.

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Melissa Vogel, a business anthropologist, corporate research leader, and founder of Great Heron Insights. With a PhD in anthropology and a career spanning academia, UX research, and organizational consulting, Melissa shares how anthropology can transform workplaces, improve business decision-making, and help people better understand one another.

Melissa reflects on her journey from archaeology and Peruvian fieldwork to founding Clemson University's Business Anthropology Program and later leading qualitative and UX research in corporate environments. She discusses the realities of academia, navigating career pivots, and the challenges anthropologists face when translating their skills into the private sector. Along the way, she emphasizes the value of cultural understanding, adaptability, and anthropological thinking in solving real-world business problems.

The conversation also dives into artificial intelligence, workplace culture, and the future of anthropology beyond academia. Melissa shares insights from her current AI research projects, discusses how anthropologists can critically engage with emerging technologies, and explains why anthropology is more relevant than ever in an increasingly interconnected world.

Listen now to explore business anthropology, career pivots, AI in research, and how anthropology can create more human-centered workplaces and communities.

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with data scientist and entrepreneur Stephen Paff who blends anthropology, math, and machine learning to understand people through data.

With a background in both anthropology and mathematics, he approaches data science as a social science at its core, using technical tools to answer questions about human behavior, decision-making, and culture. His work spans high-stakes environments, from analyzing data during COVID-19 in a New York hospital system to leading large-scale insights work at Google.

Now, as the founder of Idea Corner LLC, he applies a bottom-up, anthropological approach to building products, focusing on what people actually need rather than forcing top-down solutions. He also breaks down misconceptions about math and programming, emphasizing that these are learnable skills and encouraging students to explore data science in accessible ways before committing to advanced degrees.

Listen now to explore how anthropology is reshaping data science, and why understanding people is at the center of it all.

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with a technology strategist who blends anthropology with tech to guide organizations in making smarter, people-centered investments.

With a background in both technology and anthropology, Minakshi uses ethnographic interviews to uncover the real challenges teams face, going beyond surface-level needs to understand workplace culture, internal dynamics, and decision-making processes. Her approach prioritizes people over technology, ensuring that solutions are built around human experiences rather than imposed systems.

Working primarily in risk and compliance, her role focuses on shaping long-term technology strategies, from annual planning to multi-year investment decisions. By applying anthropological thinking throughout the process, Minakshi helps organizations anticipate challenges, reduce friction, and build systems that actually work for employees.

Listen now to explore how anthropology is transforming the way we build, implement, and think about technology.

On the latest episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with Celia Orsini, an archaeologist and writer with a PhD in early medieval archaeology from the University of La Sorbonne and the founder of Archaeology for Well-Being.

Celia applies archaeological knowledge, heritage, and material culture to support mental health, connection, and team cohesion in contemporary workplaces. Through immersive workshops, she uses the past to help individuals and teams reflect on identity, belonging, and well-being in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and grounded in shared human experience.

Rather than treating archaeology as something confined to museums or academic research, Celia's work reframes it as a practical tool for addressing modern challenges such as stress, isolation, and disconnection. Her sessions draw on universal themes like landscape, food, and healing, using storytelling, sensory engagement, and reflection to foster curiosity, empathy, and a stronger sense of community. Her work bridges archaeology and well-being, translating insights from past societies into meaningful practices for the present.

Listen now to learn how archaeology can support well-being and why the past still matters in shaping healthier, more connected lives.