In this episode, we’re joined by Jena Barchas-Lichtenstein, an expert in audience research, who works closely with museums to understand and engage their visitors. We dive into the world of audience research, exploring what it is, the methods used to collect data (from surveys to ethnographic approaches), and how it differs from UX research. We also touch on a key challenge in audience research: sometimes, surveys and data collection methods don’t provide the answers researchers expect—or even the answers they hope for. Jena shares that it’s not uncommon for the data to be less conclusive or useful than anticipated, requiring researchers to dig deeper, rethink their approaches, or pivot to new methods entirely. Jena also shares insights on the various titles applied researchers can hold—such as audience research, visitor research, impact research, and program evaluation—and what to look for when seeking principal researcher positions in these fields.

We also explore the fascinating field of linguistic anthropology, with Jena offering insight into how it differs from general linguistics. While linguistics primarily focuses on the structure and mechanics of language—such as syntax, phonetics, and semantics—linguistic anthropology shifts the focus to the ways language is intertwined with culture and society. It’s about understanding how language shapes, and is shaped by, human behavior, social relationships, and identity. Jena explains that at the heart of linguistic anthropology is the study of people—their lived experiences, the contexts in which they communicate, and how language reflects and reinforces cultural norms.

Whether you're an aspiring researcher or simply curious about how museums connect with their audiences, this conversation has something for everyone!

On this episode of AnthroPuzzled, we sit down with fellow podcaster Gaby Lapera, the lead content designer at Parafin and host of the AnthroBiology Podcast. Gaby shares her insights into a role that defies easy categorization; her title spans various labels, including content designer and UX designer. Essentially, she crafts the written experience for products, developing everything from in-app text and FAQs to loan applications and automated email templates that enhance customer engagement.

To stay connected with the anthropology community while pursuing her career, Gaby launched the AnthroBiology Podcast as a fulfilling hobby. Through the podcast, she engages with biological anthropologists to explore their work and its broader implications. From our evolutionary past to the nuances of bone analysis and the intriguing behaviors of chimpanzees, Gaby covers a diverse array of topics. If it's connected to humans and anthropology, she dives into it.

Join us for a fascinating conversation as Gaby reflects on her unique path, the intersection of anthropology and technology, and how she’s making the field more accessible and engaging for everyone.

In this episode, we host Daniel Ginsberg, the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the American Anthropological Association (AAA) who shares their insights on collaborating with an elected executive board of anthropologists and their role in shaping the organization's future. They emphasize the importance of advocacy in promoting anthropology to the general public and addressing pressing societal issues.

Daniel also discusses their journey as a career changer from researching anthropology careers to developing educational programs, culminating in their current position. They also candidly reflects on their graduate school experience, emphasizing the need to approach the application process as a job search, and shares the challenges of navigating life as a PhD student.

We also feature World on the Move exhibition, a project Daniel contributed to that showcases the extensive history of migration. We explore how migration has always been a fundamental aspect of human existence, well before the advent of modern documentation. This traveling exhibition will be on display in public libraries until mid-2025 and has resonated with communities since its launch in 2023, as many individuals connect with various migration stories.

Listeners are invited to engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the crucial role of anthropology in contemporary society and the diverse opportunities for making a meaningful impact in this evolving field.