This Anthro Life

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'

How do civilians strategically engage with conflict while seeking everyday peace? How do power dynamics and asymmetries impact the ability of civilians to strategically engage with conflict while simultaneously seeking everyday peace, and what are the implications of these dynamics for broader peace and stability in war-torn environments?In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore an insightful discussion with anthropologist Greta Uehling about her ethnographic research on civilians' experiences during the Ukraine conflict. Uehling introduces concepts like "everyday war" and "everyday peace" to examine how civilians strategically navigate and mitigate the effects of war through their interpersonal relationships and actions.The conversation challenges assumptions that war stops everyday life. Through stories of civilians like Alexander supporting her sniper father and "Pasha" finding community after displacement, Uehling demonstrates civilians' agency beyond preconceived notions of victimhood. She also dis

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

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 t

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 beyon

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 oth

Did you know that conversation, one of the oldest human technologies, is reshaping the future of how we interact with machines? We’re not talking Siri or Alexa here, but conversational AI, interfaces anyone can create and hyper automation that links together our intentions, tools and technologies. Join us in this episode of This Anthro Life as we delve into the fascinating world of conversational AI, hyper automation and composable software systems with the brilliant mind of User Experience (UX) pioneer Robb Wilson. Discover why embracing conversation and removing the barriers of complex software interfaces might just be the key to unlocking new opportunities and improved outcomes in the digital age.In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore the potential shift away from antiquated software interfaces and the exciting possibilities that conversational AI brings. From the potential of no-code approaches and decentralized business models to the interconnectedness of user experience, customer experience,

What can we learn from our handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to better prepare for future crises? Why is it crucial to build a diagnostic infrastructure for future crises? And what lessons can we learn from the collaboration between healthcare providers and the sports industry during the COVID-19 pandemic? In this fascinating episode of This Anthro Life podcast, surgeon-turned-CEO Jon Cohen shares the story of how he and his team led the nation in the creation of diagnostics testing for COVID-19. Jon has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 testing efforts, working tirelessly to build a diagnostic infrastructure and tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic. From setting up drive-through testing centers to providing testing for the NFL and the NBA, Jon has been involved in a wide range of testing initiatives. Join us as we explore the critical importance of testing during a crisis, the logistics involved, and the leadership lessons learned along the way.Bringing us to today, Jon highlights the immense nee

How does language shape our understanding of experiences? How do we navigate trauma and find growth amidst adversity? Join us in this thought-provoking episode of This Anthro Life as we delve into the power of perception, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the role of our internal GPS in making sense of the world. Our guest, Amrita Subramanian, an esteemed expert in cultural contexts and relationships, sheds light on how language, trauma, and resilience intertwine in our everyday lives. Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom, uncover the hidden depths of grief, and embark on a journey of self-reflection. Amrita SubramanianAmrita Subramanian is a renowned expert in cultural contexts, relationships, and emotional intelligence. With a deep understanding of the complexities of language and identity, Amrita brings a fresh perspective to the podcast, challenging our assumptions and inviting us to explore the depths of our own experiences. As a seasoned speaker, consultant, and teacher, her insights i

The episode emphasizes how understanding our innate human drives and dispositions is critical, as awareness allows us to work with them constructively. In particular, humans have a "tribe drive" - an instinct to cooperate and identify with groups, even strangers. Figuring out the signals that activate this drive is an important mission. David Samson talks about the concept of tribalism and the role it plays in human behavior. He discusses the idea of evolutionary mismatch, where humans are evolved for a different environment than the one they currently live in. This episode explains that tribes are intersubjective belief networks that signal coalitionary alliances to bootstrap trust among strangers. Moreover, it explores the power of tribal signals, such as symbols, language, music, and ideology, in creating a sense of belonging and identity. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the importance of being conscious of our identity stack and the proportion of abstract tribes (e.g., political tribes) versus face-t

This episode is about the importance of supporting public access to science and helping experts and scientists in their work. Dr. Nicholas B. Dirks, joins host Adam Gamwell to discuss the work of the New York Academy of Sciences, which emphasizes the importance of science and the need for public engagement. Together, we highlight the changing relationship between science and broader society over time and the misconception of science as a singular established truth. The episode also explores challenges in communicating the nature of scientific discovery, addressing public skepticism towards scientific messages, and the role of science in addressing climate change and technological advancements. Dirks emphasizes the need to support and connect science across disciplines and engage with the public effectively. Additionally, the episode touches on the tension between liberal arts and public policy, the importance of public awareness in scientific thinking, uncertainty and trust in the scientific process, the role

In this episode, Joe Schaeppi explores the concept of designing human-centric experiences and the intersection of AI, design, and technology. He shares his journey toward designing experiences that promote mindfulness and self-knowledge. The conversation goes towards designing human-centric experiences, the challenges of measuring outcomes, the need for community and constructive criticism, the limitations of hyper-personalization, and the importance of understanding the audience and creating meaningful experiences. Moreover, it focuses on the limitations of big data in understanding consciousness, the role of language in shaping thoughts, the role of AI in creativity, and the success of certain games in the gaming industry. The episode also touches on the importance of understanding oneself through psychological assessment and the potential role of AI in self-discovery.Joe Schaeppi Joe is an entrepreneur and leader in the gaming and psychology fields. He co-founded and is CEO of Solsten, a company that integ

Janine de Novais joins host Adam Gamwell to explore the importance of fostering discussions about race and racism. Janine, an educator and author, shares her expertise on creating safe spaces for dialogue and teaching towards a post-racist imagination. The conversation delves into the process of setting the stage for conversations, the concept of Grounding for Learning, and the development of the Brave Community teaching and learning method. Janine also highlights the significance of empathy, the challenges of discussing race in professional settings, and the role of education in promoting a more equitable society.Janine de Novais is a writer, sociologist, and educator driven by a lifelong passion for understanding how human liberation is a cultural project. As a Cabo Verdean American scholar, she has experienced firsthand the power of culture to both constrain and empower. Janine brings over a decade of experience researching, teaching, and designing curricula in higher education, including positions at Harv

In this episode, Emily Kennedy shares her unique journey of discovering the concept of ethnographic journalism. Journalists now face unprecedented issues like harassment, lack of public trust, and accusations of bias. As a main source of information, journalism's struggles have profound implications. Ethnographic methods and storytelling techniques could transform the communication of the human experience. The episode explores using ethnographic methods in journalism, building interviewee trust, evolving objectivity, and existential fears in both fields. Anthropology and journalism have much to learn from each other.Emily KennedyEmily Kennedy is a trained anthropologist and has worked as a journalist, communications professional, and magazine editor for more than a decade. She has taught as a journalism instructor and guest lecturer at various universities and colleges. Her research and experience in the sphere of anthropology and journalism led to the creation of anthrojourno.org - an online resource for jou

In a world where technology is advancing at an exponential pace, we can already see that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a profound impact on our lives.But AI is far from perfect. Too often, we end up grappling with a variety of problems when we bring AI into the real world, from increasing mental health issues in young girls and boys to anxiety for workers whose jobs are changing. And while developers don’t set out to design AI technologies to have these unsavory effects, they happen anyway.In this episode of This Anthro Life, we explore these issues and more with Ahmed Reza, a serial entrepreneur and self-professed AI geek who has founded multiple successful companies. With over a decade’s experience in the marketing and AI space, Ahmed shares his unique perspective on AI development, tech entrepreneurship, and more.Show Highlights:[05:53] Why Ahmed has been nicknamed “the intelligent man’s Forrest Gump”[08:12] Ahmed’s experience as a child actor in Bangladesh[12:45] How Ahmed came to be an entrepren

Contemporary AI systems are typically created by many different people, each working on separate parts or “modules.” This can make it difficult to determine who is responsible for considering the ethical implications of an AI system as a whole — a problem compounded by the fact that many AI engineers already don’t consider it their job to ensure the AI systems they work on are ethical.In their latest paper, “Dislocated Accountabilities in the AI Supply Chain: Modularity and Developers’ Notions of Responsibility,” technology ethics researcher David Gray Widder and research scientist Dawn Nafus attempt to better understand the multifaceted challenges of responsible AI development and implementation, exploring how responsible AI labor is currently divided and how it could be improved.In this episode, David and Dawn join This Anthro Life host Adam Gamwell to talk about the AI “supply chain,” modularity in software development as both ideology and technical practice, how we might reimagine responsible AI, and more

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People with disabilities often face accessibility issues in physical environments, such as a lack of ramps, narrow doorways, and inaccessible transportation. Every barrier is a reminder that designs are choices, ones made without people with disabilities at the decision-making table.But solving these problems requires more than physical adjustments. It necessitates understanding the experiences of people with disabilities and involving them in the creation of purposefully designed spaces, policies, and more. In this episode, renowned disability rights advocate and Associate Professor at Stony Brook University Brooke Ellison explores the complex and often misunderstood world of disabilities with This Anthro Life host Adam Gamwell. Drawing from her latest memoir “Look Both Ways,” Brooke also shares her journey as an activist and the importance of inclusivity and accessibility.Brooke Ellison, a brilliant author and inspiring speaker, has dedicated her life to advocating for disability rights and raising awarenes

In this episode, Angela Saini, award-winning science journalist and author of “The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule,” traces the material and social roots of patriarchy with host Adam Gamwell. The duo explores how anthropology can help us better understand the patriarchy and patriarchical power by contextualizing and breaking down big ideas. Anthropology enables us to examine broad, complex topics through specific cultural and historical lenses. It also helps us dissect grand narrative ideas to reveal their historical trajectories. But perhaps most importantly, anthropology reminds us that we need to think about big ideas contextually, especially emotionally and politically charged ideas like the patriarchy. They dive into the definition of patriarchy and its ties to social structures, social privileges, and oppression. The conversation also touches on how different cultures interpret and shape the deployment and maintenance of gender and power to reflect their unique social norms. Saini emphasizes the import

When we think of robots, we tend to think of things like R2-D2, the Terminator skeleton, or a piece of machinery that automates the construction of goods in an assembly line. But that’s not all there is to robots — something anthropologist and roboticist entrepreneur Lora Koycheva understands perfectly well. In this episode, Lora shares her unique perspective on the intersection of anthropology and cyber-physical systems with host Adam Gamwell. She also discusses how anthropology can shed light on what robots afford human bodies, why the physical side of robots is just as important as their operating systems, and how robots can potentially reshape the human condition.Episode Highlights:[03:03] How Lora brought together entrepreneurship, innovation, anthropology, and robotics[08:24] On-demand infrastructure and how it empowers robotics in the urban realm[11:59] How we can get comfortable with the physical side of robotics[18:28] How Lora came up with the idea of rebuilding the human condition in a world of rob