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Curiosity Meets The Past

Curiosity Meets The Past

By: Dr. Smiti Nathan
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About this listen

Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Hosted by archaeologist Dr. Smiti Nathan, each episode features conversations with researchers, artists, and folx from diverse backgrounds who uncover unexpected stories behind objects, places, and people. No background in history or archaeology needed - just your curiosity. Learn more at smitinathan.com/podcast Cover art by Laura Fajín Riveiro & theme music by Noor HananiaDr. Smiti Nathan World
Episodes
  • What Maps Reveal About Medieval Public Health
    Aug 12 2025

    What can mapping tell us about public health in medieval cities? Archaeologist, Dr. Taylor Zaneri, uncovers revealing insights from medieval Bologna, from which activities drew the strictest regulation, to who was actually responsible for fixing them. Her work shows how archaeology, historical texts, and maps come together to reveal what was really happening on the ground.

    Mentioned on the show:

    • Taylor’s Academia.edu: https://iisg.academia.edu/TaylorZaneri
    • Featured Academic Paper: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhg.2023.02.009
    • Public Mapping Tool ft. Bologna: https://healthscapes.humanities.uva.nl/


    📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/what-maps-reveal-about-medieval-public-health/

    🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

    ✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


    🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Archaeology Discoveries That Deserve More Attention
    Jul 29 2025

    Did you know some of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries never make the headlines? Rachel, from Inside Archaeology, shares overlooked finds from self-healing Roman concrete to surprising burials. We explore how interpretation, imagination, and new technologies shape the stories we tell about the past.


    Mentioned on the show:

    • https://www.youtube.com/@Inside_Archaeology


    📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/archaeology-discoveries-that-deserve-more-attention/


    🎁 Bonus content: patreon.com/smitinathan


    ✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


    🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Designing Futures That Engage with the Past
    Jul 22 2025

    What do we mean when we say “the past,” and how might those definitions shape the futures we imagine? Human-centered designer, Shanice Webb, shares how engaging with the past in different ways can offer surprising clarity when it comes to building what’s next.


    Mentioned on the show:

    • Shanice’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanicewebb/


    📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/**designing-futures-that-engage-with-the-past**/


    🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan


    ✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


    🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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