Career in Ruins - podcast cover

Career in Ruins

Archaeology? That’s like dinosaurs and stuff isn’t it? Nope. Learn about what archaeology is really all about and how people work within it.
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Episodes

Career in Ruins: Walking and talking, your way

In this Festival of British Archaeology special Career in Ruins gets a significant upgrade as Lawrence is joined by Neil Redfern (CEO, Council for British Archaeology) with a special guest appearance by Matt Williams (Time Team legend and RSPB reserves archaeologist) in Derek’s absence. The podcast was recorded on-location at RSPB Arne where the team explore the importance of archaeology against the backdrop of this year’s festival theme “exploring local places”. Lawrence, Neil and Matt discuss ...

Jul 27, 202148 minEp. 35

Dig4arch Special

In this Dig4arch special Derek and Lawrence talk to people behind the new campaign that aims to send a clear message that archaeology matters, Dr Chloë Duckworth (Newcastle University) and David Connolly (BAJR) . They discuss the current risks to archaeology and explore some of the ways to overcome them the panel are joined by representatives from key organisations within the discipline to explore a range of issues, Kate Geary (CIFA) , Neil Redfern (CBA) and Kenneth Aitchison (FAME) . The panel ...

Jun 11, 202140 minEp. 34

S3 Ep 6: A career in the skies

This episode we are joined by Dr Toby Driver , Senior Investigator (Aerial Survey) at the Royal Commission Wales. Toby discusses his career in archaeology, how he got into aerial research and how the process works. We also discuss a number of things that have caught our attention, including the passing of Victor Ambrus (Time Team), the lost stone circle of Stonehenge and the Great British Dig....

Feb 23, 202150 minEp. 33

S3 E5: A career in commercial archaeology

This episode we are joined by Gareth Chaffey, Senior Project Manager at Wessex Archaeology . Gareth discusses his career in archaeology, his experimental partnership with Butser Ancient Farm and how he taught Derek everything he knows. Derek, Lawrence and Gareth also discuss new jobs, commercial archaeology and share some secrets about he CiR twitter feed. NOTE: this episode was recorded in late 2020 Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune ...

Feb 16, 202159 minEp. 32

S3 Ep4: A career across the divide

This week we are joined by Dr Sadie Watson, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at MOLA. Sadie discusses her archaeolgoical background, her fellowship in ‘Measuring, maximising and transforming public benefit from UK Government infrastructure investment in archaeology' and her work on the amazing Bloomberg excavation . Derek, Lawrence and Sadie also discuss podcasts, the future of archaeology in the UK and metal detecting reality TV. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound p...

Dec 23, 202037 minEp. 31

S3 Ep3: A career in the wild woods

This week we are joined by Matt Ritchie, Archaeologist for Forestry and Land Scotland. Matt discusses his diverse career, love of innovative outreach and his particular passion for Ferries. Derek, Lawrence and Matt also discuss the value of local heritage and how its managed as well as delving into the contentious issue of the Stonehenge tunnel project. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )...

Nov 22, 202051 minEp. 30

S3 Ep2: A career in environmental interactions

This week we are joined by Kristina Douglass, Joyce and Doug Sherwin Early Career Processor in the Rock Ethics Institute and Assistant Professor of Anthropology and African Studies, Penn State Collage. Kristina brings her fascinating prospective to how she became the leading professional that she is today, as well as discussion around the positive outcomes from Covid and research, multiculturalism, and the role of archaeology in re-evaluating historic racial narratives. Derek, Lawrence and Krist...

Oct 10, 20201 hr 3 minEp. 29

S3 Ep1: Star Trek special

In this extended special, Career In Ruins forms an alliance with ArchaeoDuck to delve into the use of archaeology and anthropology in the Star Trek franchise. The podcast is an extended version of “Star Trek Archaeology, which can be found at the link below. Who are the best and worst archaeologists in the various series? What do Star Trek and archaeology have to do with colonialism? Will Professor Galen ever remember to wear gloves when handling ancient objects? And why do we all have such a cr...

Sep 30, 20201 hr 9 minEp. 28

Archaeology and the Climate Change Conundrum

This week the team are joined by a fantastic panel to discuss climate change and the historic environment. This special episode, produced on behalf of CITiZAN (Coastal Intertidal Zone Archaeological Network), has been made specifically for the Council for British Archaeology’s, Festival of Archaeology Digital Week . Derek and Lawrence are joined by CITiZAN Project Manager, Caroline​ Barrie‑Smith, Director of the Council for British Archaeology, Neil Redfern, Head of Environmental Strategy at His...

Jul 19, 202049 minEp. 27

S2 Ep10: A virtual career

This week’s pod sees a three-way conversation between presenters Derek Pitman, Lawrence Shaw and their guest Stu Eve. The three of them reflect on aspects of the news that week, space travel and archaeology and have a game of DomuTrumps (not a typo). We also get great insight into Stu’s career which ranges from setting up a commercial archaeology consultancy with his business partner to developing research around virtual reality and phenomenology.

Jun 23, 20201 hr 3 minEp. 26

S2 Ep9: A career in outreach

This week’s pod sees us returning to our traditional format. We have our first lockdown interview with Caroline Barrie-Smith, Project Manager of the brilliant CITiZAN project. We gain insight into her different career trajectory and reflect on the role distance learning can play in a career change and helping people to land fantastic jobs in the future, post C19. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett (www.bucketofsound.com)...

May 29, 202053 minEp. 25

S2 Ep8: A Career High

It’s the big Career in Ruins birthday bonanza! Continuing in lock-down, this week’s episode features a host of special guests including sometimes co-host Harry Manley, star of Channel 4’s Great British Dig and ArchaeoDuck, Dr Chloë Duckworth, Chris Jones, Historic Environment Officer for Northumberland National Park, Time Team’s Professor Carenza Lewis and Bournemouth University’s Miles Russell and Professor Mark Gillings. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound pro...

Apr 26, 20201 hr 17 minEp. 24

S2 Ep7: A career in isolation

In this weeks episode Lawrence and Derek are joined in virtual space by Dr Anna Rohnbogner​. The team discuss their careers under lock-down, pandemics and celebrity chefs. The episode also features a disease themed Monutrumps and some recommendations for heritage themed virtual resources.

Apr 03, 202031 minEp. 23

S2 Ep6: Another career break

This week’s episode is a throwback to when Derek and Lawrence were invited to attend the Short Sounds Film Festival . The trip puts them in a reflective mood as to the role of sound in Archaeology, perhaps an overlooked sense in what is very much a vision led profession. We hope you enjoy this short episode and spoiler alert, we have another new game jingle! This podcast was recorded out and about in cafes and reception areas. Therefore, any music heard in the background is there through acciden...

Mar 25, 202024 minEp. 22

S2 Ep5: A career in landscape

This week, Lawrence is joined by Dr Anna Rohnbogner as they discuss new archaeology TV shows, holidays, #Archaeology31, and more. Anna brings her A game for MonuTrumps, including secret pet cemeteries and Roman temples hidden in industrial estates. In addition to this, they reflect on a fascinating interview with Mark Bowden, Senior Investigator managing the Assessment Team West and South for Historic England. Find out how Mark progressed through his Career in Ruins and how his research is linke...

Jan 23, 20201 hr 27 minEp. 21

S2 Ep4: A career behind the lens

This week Derek and Lawrence chat to Adam Stanford, the mastermind behind Aerial Cam who is responsible for some of the most spectacular aerial and terrestrial archaeological imagery of the last decade. They also reflect on the future of archaeology over the term of the next parliament and discuss some positive action we can all take to help protect and promote heritage. The episode also features the triumphant return of “Monutrupms” and a special Christmas message from the team behind the C-wor...

Dec 24, 201956 minEp. 20

S2 Ep3: A career in connection

This week’s episode sees us catching up with Dr Sara Perry , Director of Research and Engagement at Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). In a three-way discussion we find out how Sara got into her career in ruins and why she is so interested in how we share, interpret and connect with cultural heritage. We also dare to boldly go where no podcasters have been before in our trip in the time machine. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by ...

Dec 15, 201945 minEp. 19

S2 Ep2: A Grand Day Out

This week’s episode was made in conjunction with the Council for British Archaeology . We go on an adventure to their annual Archaeology Day in London and speak to some brilliant people, from the mastermind behind the Mithraeum, Sophie Jackson, the Director of the CBA, Mike Heyworth, and the winners of the Marsh Archaeology Awards . You will get some insight into how the award winners got to where they are and what advice they would give to others, as well as hear the first interview with Mike s...

Dec 08, 201943 minEp. 18

S2 Ep1: A career in defence

Welcome back to season 2 of Career in Ruins. This week we interview Richard Osgood, Senior Archaeologist at UK Ministry of Defence. He shares all his experiences from the different ways that he got into the subject including work on Operation Nightingale and the benefits of "fun runs". This episode is brought to you by the Council for British Archaeology Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett (Bucketofsound.com)...

Nov 12, 201954 minEp. 17

Episode 13: A career in cremation

This week we interview Professor Jane Downes, Director of the UHI Archaeology Institute. She shares all her experiences from the different ways that she got into the subject including work on cremations and barrows to her work on Easter Island and the Cook Islands. We also discuss tree diseases, bubbles and outreach. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth

Aug 11, 201956 minEp. 16

Episode 12: A career in progress

This week we are joined by Dr Andrew Brown. He shares all his experiences from the different ways that he got into the subject, to working in New Zealand, Wales and Australia. We also have a game of monument Top Trumps and discuss archaeo-fashion and Stonehenge. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett (Bucketofsound.com)

Aug 04, 201953 minEp. 15

Episode 11: A career in the Neolithic

This week we interview Professor Colin Richard. He shares all his experiences from the different ways that he got into the subject, to working on Orkney, Durrington Walls, Easter Island and the Cook Islands. We also have a game of monument Top Trumps and discuss carbon dating and throw away archaeology. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett (Bucketofsound.com)

Jul 28, 201957 minEp. 14

Episode 10: A career in isotopes

This week we interviews Dr Chris Stantis. She shares all her experiences from studying across three different countries to her more recent research in Egypt. We also chat media, Houses of Parliament and #AskAnArchaeologist. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )

Jul 21, 201958 minEp. 13

Episode 9: A career on Easter Island

This special episode interviews Francisco Torres, Director of the Museum on Rapa Nui, Easter Island. He shares all his experiences from how he got into the profession, his first experiences working on the Island, some of the projects he’s been impressed with and what he would use to time machine for to go back and investigate. One of our most interesting interviews yet! Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound....

Jul 07, 20191 hr 3 minEp. 12

A career break

This week we catch up on all that we have been up to during our short break away. We talk about our work in Greece and the Cook Islands as well as play the sound game. We then to a quick introduction for the following episode about Museums and Easter Island. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )...

Jul 07, 201922 minEp. 11

Episode 8: A career in policy

This week Harry Manley sits in to cover for Derek. We talk movies, health and wellbeing and catch up a bit of Harry's past experiences. We also speak to Steve Trow about his work and career to date. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Harry Manley Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )

Jun 30, 20191 hr 1 minEp. 10

Episode 7: A career in lithics

This week we talk headlines, what happens when you take rubbish out of the past and material interactions. We also speak to Dr Katharine Walker about her work and career to date. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )

May 27, 201953 minEp. 9

Episode 6: A career in poop

This week we talk tree graffiti, virtual environments and video games. We also speak to Emma Jenkins, Associate Professor at Bournemouth University, about her work and career to date. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )

May 19, 201946 minEp. 8

Episode 5: A career in connectivity

This week we question the norm, talk LiDAR and imagine Neanderthals with noodles. We also speak to Fiona Coward, principal academic in archaeological sciences at Bournemouth University, about her work and career to date. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )

May 12, 201947 minEp. 7

Episode 4: A career in snails

This week we talk grants, publishing, rejection.... and the world of heritage placements. We also speak to Kieth Wilkinson, Reader in environmental archaeology at the University of Winchester, about his work and career to date. Hosted by Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman Artwork by Ed Hudspeth Sound production and theme tune by Guy Dowsett ( Bucketofsound.com )

May 05, 201947 minEp. 6
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