Social Impact Episodes

This Anthro Life ditches the "no illness, no happiness" model, embracing neurodiversity and unique strengths as paths to long-term fulfillment. Ryan Bush, author of "Become Who You Are," blends ancient wisdom and modern psychology, proposing "virtue signaling" as the key to well-being. He offers pr…

In this episode, we discover how stories shape our understanding of shared human desires for dignity and respect. Michele Lamont argues that narratives focusing on "ordinary universalism," our common human experiences, can bridge cultural divides and fulfill these fundamental needs. Through Gen Z's…

Imagine a world where garbage isn't just thrown away, but reborn as energy and valuable materials. No more overflowing landfills, no more plastic choking our oceans. This isn't science fiction, it's the bold vision of Dan Nienhauser and his "Trillion Dollar Plan" on This Anthro Life. Dan's weapo…

In this episode of This Anthro Life, Greta Uehling delves into the intricate dynamics of civilians' experiences during the Ukraine conflict. The exploration centers on the nuanced interplay between conflict and the pursuit of everyday peace, challenging the conventional belief that war disrupts dai…

Brad Deutser, an organizational psychologist, conducted research involving over 15,000 employees to examine the significance of belonging in the workplace. He identified five essential "Belonging Rules" that contribute to employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention. Deutser also emphasizes …

This new episode explores the motivations and implications of humanity's pursuit of space exploration. It asks if reaching for the stars should be our top priority. Our guest Savannah Mandel shares her journey from a space enthusiast as a child to a more critical anthropologist studying the space i…

In this episode of This Anthro Life, I am joined by cultural anthropologist and author Paul Stoller. Paul shares his extensive fieldwork experiences among the Songhai people in Niger and Mali, as well as West African migrants in New York City. Through his research on magic, sorcery, and spirit poss…

in this new exciting episode, we explore the profound influence of language on our perception of experiences. We also tackle the intricate process of navigating trauma and uncovering growth in the face of adversity. Our guest, Amrita Subramanian, an esteemed expert in cultural contexts and relation…

Humans have an innate drive to cooperate and identify with groups, even strangers. This drive, known as tribalism, is essential for building trust and cooperation in large-scale societies. However, in the modern world, tribalism can also lead to division and conflict. In this podcast episode, Da…

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.

How to Build a More Resilient World The COVID-19 pandemic leveled the playing field between those who have the privilege to avoid or mitigate disasters and those who don’t. But the pandemic is just one of many ongoing challenges and crises that people are and have been facing for years.