On the latest episode of Anthropuzzled we talk with Michael Tomiak the head of digital programming at the new museum of West African Art and a consultant at Quercus Heritage. Michael discusses how new technology could benefit the world of cultural heritage management.

Michael shares how emerging technologies are transforming cultural heritage management, a field dedicated to safeguarding land, objects, and knowledge of cultural significance. With roots in history, physics, and technology, his journey has been shaped by diverse internships and fieldwork, leading him to innovative ways of preserving heritage.

Viewing cultural heritage as an environmental resource, Michael works to mitigate threats from construction and climate change, ensuring that history endures for future generations. Central to his work is GIS (Geographic Information Systems), a tool that provides spatial context to artifacts and heritage sites, accelerating research and protection efforts.

Tune in to hear how digital tools are redefining the way we understand and preserve cultural heritage.

AnthroPuzzled turns one! In this special anniversary episode, host Abby Letsinger reflects on a year of curious conversations, unexpected discoveries, and the winding path that brought this podcast to life. What began as a personal search for direction has grown into a space for real stories, honest questions, and diverse perspectives on what anthropology can look like beyond the classroom. Tune in as we celebrate one year of puzzling through anthropology—and look ahead to what’s next.

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On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we’re joined by Grace Penry, a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Arkansas. With a bachelor’s in anthropology and creative writing, she is now pursuing a master’s in translation and creative writing. Grace shares how her lifelong passions for storytelling and connecting with people drew her into both anthropology and writing, and how the observational skills she gained as an anthropologist continue to shape her creative work.

Her interests also extend into languages, she minored in Spanish, spent time studying abroad in Argentina, and now works on translating stories across languages, gaining fresh perspectives on culture and communication. In addition to her studies, Grace has always felt called to teaching, from her time in elementary classrooms to now leading university-level creative writing courses. She talks about the joy she finds in encouraging students and sharing her love of writing.

Tune in to hear Grace’s journey through higher education, the intersections of anthropology and creative expression, and the lessons she’s carrying forward as both a writer and teacher.