Saving Mes Aynak, Cultural Heritage in Conflict with Brent E Huffman - Ep 22

10 Years ago, Brent was interviewed by Tristan about the film Saving Mes Aynak and now they are reuinted in podcast form once again.

Across the world, cultural heritage faces the threat of human development, for things like housing or resources. 10 years ago Saving Mes Aynak was a film about a Buhddist archaeological site of the same name in Afgahistan and followed the stories of Afgan archaeologists in their attempts to record and perserve the archaeological record under the threat of the Taliban and more directly, a Chinese mining company, looking to extract copper from the area.

In this episode, Brent recounts his time filming Saving Mes Aynak and reflects on the political changes in the country since then. Also discussed in his current project, which is about cultural heritage under threat, and telling the stories of the people who are attempting to rescue it.

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Modern Myth Returns - Ep 21

It’s been a while, so here’s a little note from Tristan, to re-establish the Modern Myth project from hiatus. Expect to hear about a wide range of topics, including museums, liberation, working conditions, specialist analysis and the power of public archaeology.

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The Modern Myth of The British Empire with Kim A. Wagner - Modern Myth - Episode 20

This episode dives into the world of the British Empire - as it is viewed in Britain and the lingering narratives that surround it.

Today's guest is Kim A Wagner, Professor of Global and Imperial History, who discusses the reality of the British Empire and challanges the "balance sheet" view of history which sees historical events as simply "good" or "bad".

We also get on to the topic of the culture war that seems to be happening in the UK when it comes its own colonial legacy and in particular adherence to the reminders of that past in the forms of statues and names of buildings and colleges.

You can follow Kim on Twitter

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The Black Trowel Collective with Aris Poliopoulos and Colleen Morgan - Modern Myth - Episode 19

Today's epsiode is all about mutual aid, anarchism and archaeology. I sat down recently with Aris Politopolis and Colleen Morgan, both of whom are members of The Black Trowel Collective. We discuss what the BTC does and in particular the function of its microgrants, which provide $5-$300 in grants to students of archaeology, with no questions asked.

We also talk about the ways in which anarchism has influenced this kind of work and what "anarchaeology" may mean in terms of working with others.

Resources for this episode:

  • You can find out more about Black Trowel Collective by visiting the website

  • https://blacktrowelcollective.wordpress.com/ or their Twitter http://twitter.com/blacktrowel

    Dr. Aris Politopoulos - Twitter

    Dr. Colleen Morgan - Twitter

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The Modern Myth of Stirling with Dr. Murray Cook - Episode 18 - Modern Myth

Today's episode we talk to Dr Murray Cook about his new book The Anvil of Scottish History: Stories of Stirling. We discuss what makes Stirling a place of deep history and how often this is overlooked.

We also discuss excavations during covid and the benefits of being outdoors.

PLease also forgive the intrusions from my puppy.

Resources for this episode:

  • You can find his book from where you purchase books or following this link https://www.extremispublishing.com/the-anvil-of-scottish-history.html

    Dr. Murray Cook also runs Rampart Field School http://www.rampartscotland.co.uk/

    Stirling University Profile - https://www.stir.ac.uk/about/faculties/arts-humanities/our-research/centre-for-environment-heritageand-policy/people/honorary-and-associate-members/dr-murray-cook---hon-research-fellow/

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The Modern Myth of the Brutish Museums with Prof. Dan Hicks

This episode of Modern Myth is all about repatriation, restitution and the return of artefacts. The Brutish Museums is a new book from Professor Dan Hicks, of the University of Oxford and Curator of World Archaeology at the Pitt Rivers Museum.

 

In this episode we discuss the items that are currently in museums that were obtained during colonial times, under duress or through direct violence. In particular Professor Hicks has been working with the Benin Dialogue Group in order to have the Benin Bronzes returned to Nigeria. We also discuss what is meant by restitution rather than repatriation and its effect on more dialogue.

 

 

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Heritage Traineeships with Phoenix Archer - Episode 16 - Modern Myth

It is always important to be open to hearing both when things go well and also when there are serious issues. In the UK, there is a feeling that systemic racism is either overemphasised or poses no real threat. However this ignorance leads to those who experience racism having to be suffer and work harder in order to have a normal life or employment.

In this conversation I am speaking to Phoenix Archer who gained a certification in Conservation with Historic Environment Scotland, a traineeship facilitated by the Next Step Initiative. Next Step provide opportunities for BAME individuals for traineeships and training in Scotland.

Phoenix tells me about her experiences at HES, based at the Engine Shed in Stirling, Scotland. She tells me about the difficulties of moving to a new city, living in a hostel before find accommodation as well as experiencing harassment at work. Despite writing letters to her managers, and making it known that she felt uncomfortable, it all seemed to fall on deaf ears.

Phoenix works for several organisations, including St Machar's Cathedral in Aberdeen, Ahead of the Game - Application and CV services and new in October BIPOC and them some, which seeks to highlight BIPOC representation in arts and Media.

Resources for this episode:

  • https://www.facebook.com/AOTGTheReal/ https://www.facebook.com/ProgressinDialogue/ https://www.stmachar.com/education_outreach.htm

    https://www.facebook.com/BIPOC-and-then-some-115065223670327

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The Modern Myth of Archaeology in Nigeria with Ajayi Boluwaji - Episode 15

This episode was a privileged to record, I sat down with Ajayi Boluwaji, an archaeology based in Nigeria to talk about the similarities and differences when working in that part of the world. We discuss the colonial hangover that has greatly affected the perception of archaeology as well as the perceived economic disadvantage to doing archaeology.

Ajayi describes how community archaeology is the way forward, in order to unravel and better interpret the past in Nigeria, by connecting people to their heritage and demonstrate the capability of the populations who lived in Nigeria, hundreds or thousands of years ago.

He describes how his Yoruba heritage informs the work he does and where his passion for archaeology comes from. We also discuss what archaeologists around the world can do to help and support their colleagues in Nigeria. For more information you can find

I ask about regional differences in archaeology and about conferences that happen in Nigeria for archaeologists.

Resources for this episode:

  • Archaeological Association of Nigeria Conference - Link

    Archaeological Association of Nigeria Facebook Page

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God Save the Archaeological Record with Bill Caraher - Ep 14

It's your lucky day, punk. It's time to tear down walls and explore what the meaning of Punk Archaeology is and see what its perspective has to offer archaeology as a whole. I talk to Bill Caraher, who maintains the blog, Archaeology of the Mediterranean World and was also involved in the Archaeology Un-conference that spawned the book Punk Archaeology.

We begin with his journey into archaeological through latin classes and then Classics, then after doing exams, decided to be an archaeologist. Bill has studied and worked in Greece at sites like Isthmia and led projects in Cyprus. We discuss working in different parts of the world and how archaeology can have a profound affect on local communities, especially if they feel part of the history making. Bill talks about working with temporary workers during and after the North Dakota oil boom, where resources were extracted from the Bakken formation. Hours of video, interviews and paper documentation were made in order to understand temporary living places and people's relation to place.

Perhaps archaeology should be more open and encouraging, but in what ways can it develop if the same people are at the forefront?

Bill also mentions that if anyone is interested in publishing that they should contact him or https://ndquarterly.org/

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Archaeology in Germany with Michaela Schauer - Ep 13

Archaeology around the world may be different but the different ways in which countries operate may surprise you in their similarities, particularly when it comes to the things that could be better.

Today's episode I sit down with Michaela Schauer who was one of the founding members of CIfA Deutschland. As a relatively new organization in Germany, CIfA Deutschland used the blueprint laid out by Chartered Institute for Archaeologists in the UK and adapted it to what was needed in Germany. We discuss the challenges of getting people on board and how getting involved is a way of things changing and improving.There was recently a survey of archaeologists in Germany, including students and companies to report wages, conditions.

One of their findings was that there are not enough archaeologists in Germany.There are a number of other organizations including DGUF (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Ur und Fruhgeschicte) which hertiage professionals can be part of, but CIfA aims to provide a broad coalition from all areas and subjects of study. Michaela tells me about her work on pottery and the chemical analysis that can be done to determine how they used and shine a light on early populations that lived on European continent.

Siegmund, F., Scherzler D. (2018). Einführung in die DGUF-Tagung am 4. Juli 2017 in Mainz. „Ein Berufsverband für die Archäologie?“, Archäologische Informationen 41, 15-20. - https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/arch-inf/article/view/56913/48292

Schauer, M. (2018). Bericht über das Online-Forum "DGUF-Vortagung 2017 – Ein Berufsverband für die Archäologie?", 6. März bis 9. Juni 2017, Archäologische Informationen 41, 31-54. - https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/arch-inf/article/view/56915/48294

Scherzler, D., Schauer, M., Hesse, S., Rauhaus, J., Rind, M. M., Deutscher, L. (2018). Ein Berufsverband für die Archäologie? Zusammenfassung der Debatten beim World Café auf der DGUF-Tagung am 4. Juli 2017 in Mainz, Archäologische Informationen 41, 99-108. - https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/arch-inf/article/view/56936/48301

Die derzeitige Wirtschaftslage in der privatwirtschaftlichen Archäologie Deutschlands – DGUF-Monitoring-Report privatwirtschaftliche Archäologie 2019. Archäologische Informationen 42, 78-98. - https://journals.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/index.php/arch-inf/article/view/69349/62687

Siegmund, F., Scherzler D. & Schauer, M. (2020). DGUF-Umfrage "Evaluation Beruf Archäologie", 10. 6. 2019 - 31. 10. 2019: Durchführung und Teilnehmer der Umfrage (EvaBA 1). DGUF-Preprint, online publiziert 23. März 2020. - https://www.dguf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/EvaBA/DGUF-Dok_Preprint_EvaBA_1_Durchfuehrung-u-Teilnehmer.pdf

 Siegmund, F., Schauer, M. & Scherzler D. (2020). Löhne und Gehälter in der deutschen Archäologie – Auswertung der DGUF-Umfrage "Evaluation Beruf Archäologie", 10. 6. 2019 - 31. 10. 2019 (EvaBA 2). DGUF-Preprint, online publiziert 28. Mai 2020. - https://www.dguf.de/fileadmin/user_upload/EvaBA/DGUF-Dok_Preprint_EvaBA_2_Loehne-und-Gehaelter.pdf

Siegmund, F. (2020). Die Studierenden- und Absolventenzahlen in den Fächern Ur- und Frühgeschichte sowie Archäologie des Mittelalters und der Neuzeit im Jahr 2019. Archäologische Informationen 43, Early View, online publiziert 16. April 2020. - https://www.dguf.de/fileadmin/AI/ArchInf-EV_Siegmund.pdf

Schauer, M., Mietz, M. & Schneider, J. (2020). CIfA-Umfrage 2020 zu Lohnuntergrenzen in der privatwirtschaftlichen Archäologie (Arbeitspapiere CIfA Deutschland 2). Archäologische Informationen 43, Early View, online publiziert 28. April 2020. - https://www.dguf.de/fileadmin/AI/ArchInf-EV_Schauer-etal.pdf

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The Modern Myth A conversation with Amy Nuttall - Ep 12

In this episode of Modern Myth I sit down with MA student Amy Nuttall to talk about ADHD and the common myths, and how it has shaped her university experience.She talks about her ungraduate studies, including spending time in a tent on the Welsh coast, in order to dig up ancient sites there.

We discuss the ways in which archaeology could possibly be better for people with ADHD and talk about Amy's upcoming MA work that is about bellows and metallurgy.

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Between a Broch and a Hard Place - Caithness Broch Project - Ep 11

What time is it? It’s time to Broch! In this episode I speak to Iain Maclean and Kenneth McIlroy of the Caithness Broch Project about building a Neolithic monument, the beginnings of the project and whether you should play music inside a Broch. Find out about the history of this ancient building structure and what the future is in the Caithness area in Scotland.

 

If you want to find out more you can head on over to their website or follow them on Twitter and Facebook

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The Modern Myth of MWAH with Rosie Loftus - Ep 10 - Modern Myth

Content warning : Discussion about Harassment and mentions of sexual assault

Today's episode features Rosie Loftus, Assistant Supervisor for CFA Archaeology, based in the UK. She is also one of the founding members of Mentoring Women in Archaeology and Heritage.We discuss the creation of MWAH and the kind of efforts it supports, and explore examples of why such a group may be necessary in our current world.

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The Modern Myth of Step Back History (Featuring Tristan Johnson) -Modern Myth - Episode 9

Its time for Tristan Vs Tristan! In this classic re-telling of the movie Face Off, Tristan Boyle and Tristan Johnson go head to head to find out who the real Tristan is,. Only kidding, Tristan Johnson is the content creator behidn the Youtube channel StepBack History, which seeks to talk about history in a meaningful way. During this episode Tristan J outlines the reasons why he started the youtube channel and what he aims to achieve; how we reach out to certain audiences, especially those susceptible to alt-right indoctrination and sympathetic to right wing memes. We also cover how history is changed by who tells it and even talk about the End and now restart of History.

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The Modern Myth of Foreign Policy with Dylan Burns - Modern Myth - Episode 8

This is a very special episode of Modern Myth. We are talking all about foreign policy, what it is, how it affects our lives and why it is important that we are open about it. In this episode I talk to the youngest foreign policy advisor in the United States of America, Dylan Burns about foreign policy and its connection to heritage and history. We discuss modern conflicts and the relations between countries as well as what it means for repatriation in the future. 

Also at the end of the discussion because this was livestreamed with Dylan, I answered some of the questions given to me in the chat.

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The Archaeology And Anthropology Podcast - Modern Myth - Episode 7

To welcome in the new year, Tristan speaks to Dr. Michael Rivera, who is the creator of the Archaeology and Anthropology Podcast. We discuss the process leading up to the podcast’s creation, how to think about and plan ahead and be ready to release episodes. Michael explains the purpose of his podcast as well as the benefit of getting a diverse set of voices broadcast to a wide audience. 

The Arch and Anth podcast releases 3 times a week, featuring guests from all areas exploring humanity’s history and development. Check out the social media and if you would like to support Michael in his work you can become a Patron through Patreon.

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The Modern Myth of Turkey with Arie Akkermans - Modern Myth - Episode 6

Archaeology is not just about buried treasure, post-excavation analysis or even what issues exist in modern academia.  Sometimes in order for us to understand where we are, we must walk in someone else’s shoes or hear from their perspective. This month’s Modern Myth Episode, I speak with Arie Akkermans, art critic, lecturer and expert in classical Greek history. Arie lives in Turkey, on the Princes Islands and gives us an ear to the ground with respect to the modern and present conflicts in the middle east as well as the way in which history plays a role in justifying aggression as well as its effect on the culture of Istanbul.

Nationalism is not confined to any one country and Arie speaks frankly on the ways in which Turkey has developed a layer of history that separates out what is focused on and what is discarded in the minds of the general public. Its not all serious though, we do have a wonderful interjection by Arie’ two cats, and he explains what it is like to be a cat in Istanbull.

 

Arie writes for Hyperallergic and The Mantle, please see links for more of his work

 He is on Twitter @byzantinologue

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  • 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE PODCAST NETWORK – DEC 2019 – Stay Tuned for extra content!

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Halloween Archaeohorror Stories Feat. Liz Pearson and Ellery Thomas - Modern Myth

Spooky Scary archaeologists!

This podcast is an anthology of creative stories, all within the theme of Halloween and a little bit of heritage.

Content Warning: Body Horror, Depressive thoughts, violence.

The first story is "Mud", written and narrated by Tristan Boyle, it is the story of a field archaeologist who is confronting a sickening realisation.

The next piece is a song called Nan Tuck, by Chalk Horse Music. Liz (of Chalk Horse Music) describes a witch legend in the County of Sussex where I live in the UK. It involves a woman that lived in the 16th century, Nan Tuck, which became the inspiration for this song.

The final story, Eternal Rest, written by Tristan and read by Ellery Thomas tells of a museum conservator who's accidentally damage turns into horror.


Thanks to Liz and Ellery for their contributions, you can find their work at the following links:

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The Modern Myth of Archaeological Fantasies with ArchyFantasies - Episode 5

Warning this episode contains a lot of fun, Foregoing a special American holiday, Tristan speaks with pseudo-archaeologist debunker, Sara Head, also known as ArchyFantasies of the ArchyFantasies podcast. We debate skepticism, pseudo-archaeology, podcasting, archaeogaming and much much more,

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  • @ArchyFantasies

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Music Credit: All music in this episode was created by Danny Boyle
“Alone at bar at 3am” are both copyright to Danny Boyle – contact @OhDannyBoyle for more information.

Genetics, Archaeology & The Far Right with Dr. Susanne Hakenbeck - Episode 4 - Modern Myth

This episode is about the Modern Myth of genetics, race and archaeology that permeates through far right online spaces. Discussions over one’s personal ancestry from DNA testing kits, the fall of Rome and modern migration into Europe. Dr. Susanne Hakenbeck is a senior lecturer in historical archaeology at the University of Cambridge and her recent paper, Genetics, archaeology and the far right: an unholy Trinity identifies the ways in which extremist online spaces foster racist ideas about the past. However it is in many ways the genetic research uses unclear terms and casually equates genetic population and ethnic groups that allow the data to be easily co-opted by the right.

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