Career in Ruins

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw discuss their recent award nomination and the importance of community in archaeology. They welcome Dr. Rose Ferraby, an artist and archaeologist, who shares her journey from studying archaeology at Cambridge to working in Italy and transitioning into the arts. The conversation explores the intersection of art and archaeology, the significance of accessibility, and the role of collaboration in creative projects. Rose reflects on her experiences, current projects, and the future of archaeology, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and community engagement. 00:00 Celebrating Achievements and Announcements 02:45 Public Service Announcements and Conferences 05:52 Dyslexia Awareness and Support in Archaeology 09:02 Pop Culture Reflections and Technology in Archaeology 11:52 Introducing Dr. Rose Ferraby and Her Journey 14:59 The Impact of Community in Archaeology Education 17:37 Experiences at the British School of Rome 20:48 Transitioning from Archaeology to Art 23:56 Artistic Interpretations of Archaeological Data 26:44 Bridging Art and Archaeology 30:02 Navigating Career Paths in Archaeology and Art 31:58 Exploring Cultural Geography and Heritage 35:01 Artistic Representation in Archaeology 40:49 Transitioning from Academia to Artistic Practice 46:43 Current Projects and Future Aspirations 52:15 Reflections on Career and Influences Thumbnail image: 'Uffington' for the 'Downland' exhibition By Rose Ferraby https://roseferraby.com

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Lawrence and Derek engage in a lively discussion with Dr. Samuel Dix, an expert in conflict and first contact archaeology. They explore Sam's early fascination with archaeology, his diverse career experiences, and the evolution of Aboriginal archaeology in Australia. The conversation also touches on the importance of community engagement, the challenges of fieldwork, and the exciting projects Sam is currently involved in, including Project War Horse, which connects veterans with archaeological work. The episode concludes with a light-hearted discussion about time travel and the moments in history Sam would love to witness.

Chapters

Summary

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Lawrence and Derek discuss their recent travels across Europe, reflecting on the unique aspects of the British landscape compared to the vast open spaces of Central Europe. They also share insights from their work, including the excitement of Freshers Week and a film review of '28 Weeks Later.' The episode features a special guest, Penny Lock, who shares her journey into archaeology, her experiences with the Young Archaeologist Club, and her passion for engaging children in history and heritage. The conversation touches on community involvement, educational initiatives, and the importance of making archaeology accessible and exciting for younger generations.

In this episode of Career in Ruins, Derek and Lawrence finally sit down—successfully!—with Dr. Robin Rönnlund, classical archaeologist at the University of Gothenburg and the Swedish Institute at Athens. After two failed recording attempts (one lost to rooftop wine, the other to a rustling coat), Robin joins us from the field in Greece to talk about excavations at ancient Vlochos, the challenges of running international projects, and what it takes to build strong connections with local communities. We dive into Robin’s archaeological journey, from being inspired by Jacques Cousteau on VHS to becoming a specialist in ancient urbanism, and explore the realities of funding, teamwork, and early-career research in Greece. Plus: Viking runes on a marble lion in Venice, thoughts on prehistoric parenting, and why missed deadlines can sometimes change your life for the better.

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In this episode of Career in Ruins, Derek and Lawrence finally catch up after a busy few months. Derek joins us from sunny Greece while Lawrence checks in from a much rainier Britain. We chat about the latest Time Team episodes, Derek’s ongoing work in Greece, and some of the adventures we’ve shared recently on Career in Ruins—including our visit to the Crannog Centre and a trip to Belfast.

We also give a sneak peek at a forthcoming Career in Ruins in the Field special, recorded during a dig on Derek’s very own farm. Along the way, we muse on prehistoric parenting, reflect on the highs and lows of bid and funding writing, and—as always—wander down a few unexpected archaeological rabbit holes.

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In this bonus episode from the slopes of Divis Mountain, we join Malachy Conway, Northern Ireland Regional Archaeologist for the National Trust, as he shares behind-the-scenes insights from a live community excavation during the Festival of Archaeology. 

Malachy takes us on a journey through 6,000 years of human history, from Neolithic pits and prehistoric pottery to 19th-century sheepfolds and modern-day volunteer-powered research. This is landscape archaeology at its finest — layered, complex, and full of surprises just beneath the surface.

🔍 Highlights include:

Whether you're a heritage enthusiast or simply curious about what lies beneath your feet, this episode reveals how archaeology creates meaning, fosters learning, and builds community—one trowel at a time.

🎙️ Recorded onsite with real volunteers and live excavations in progress.

🛠️ Learn more about how to get involved with National Trust NI and explore archaeology in action during the Festival: https://www.archaeologyuk.org

#DivisMountain #MalachyConway #PublicArchaeology #Neolithic #CommunityExcavation #FestivalOfArchaeology #ArchaeologyPodcast #HeritageMatters #NationalTrustNI #CareerInRuins #PrehistoricIreland #Volunteering #LandscapeArchaeology

Festival of Archaeology 2025

We’re coming to you from the launch of the Council for British Archaeology’s 2025 Festival of Archaeology, high up on Divis Mountain, Belfast, hosted by the National Trust.

In this special episode, we meet fascinating people from across the heritage world, discover the unique archaeology and history of Northern Ireland, hear first-hand about an exciting excavation, and dive into everything you need to know about this incredible two-week celebration of archaeology.

You can still join the festival, running from 19th July to 3rd August – find events near you at archaeologyuk.org.

Huge thanks to the Council for British Archaeology and the National Trust for having us.

In this special year-end episode of Careers in Ruins, we are thrilled to welcome Jacqueline McKinley, a trailblazer in osteoarchaeology. Jacqueline takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, from being inspired by Magnus Magnusson’s iconic documentary on Skara Brae to becoming one of the first self-proclaimed osteoarchaeologists.

With her characteristic wit and passion, Jacqueline delves into her love for burial practices and cremations, exploring what these rituals reveal about past societies’ values and beliefs. She shares insights from a career dedicated to uncovering the intimate stories behind human remains, shedding light on the lives of those who came before us.

This episode is a celebration of a career built on curiosity, determination, and a deep respect for the human past. Whether you’re an aspiring archaeologist, a history enthusiast, or simply fascinated by the way we honor the dead, Jacqueline’s story will inspire and captivate you.

Join us as we close out the year with the wisdom and warmth of a true pioneer in the field of archaeology.

In this episode of Career in Ruins, Lawrence and Derek kick things off with some lighthearted chatter about the buzz surrounding Gladiator 2—what might Ridley Scott have in store for fans of ancient drama and epic storytelling?

Then, we’re joined by the incredible Professor Henry Chapman, a landscape archaeologist whose expertise spans GIS, ancient landscapes, and the unique environments of bogs. Together, we explore:

Whether you’re into swords and sandals or peat and bog bodies, this episode offers something for everyone. Tune in for an inspiring dive into the intersection of cutting-edge technology and timeless landscapes!

In this episode, hosts Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman sit down with Professor Mike Parker Pearson to delve into a career that has shaped the field of archaeology on multiple fronts. The conversation begins with reflections on the late Lord Colin Renfrew, a transformative figure in archaeology and Mike's former lecturer, whose recent passing adds a poignant note to the discussion.

Mike provides unique insights into the evolution of the discipline, recounting his involvement in the development of PPG16, a groundbreaking policy that redefined the role of archaeology within the planning process in the UK. The conversation broadens to explore contrasting practices, including innovative Denmark approaches and the ongoing tension between commercial and academic archaeology.

The episode also takes a deep dive into Mike's renowned research in prehistory, touching on his work in Madagascar and his pivotal investigations at Stonehenge. With a career spanning decades and continents, Mike offers a compelling narrative about the challenges, achievements, and evolution of archaeology as both a science and a storytelling craft.

This instalment is a tribute to a life dedicated to uncovering the past, enriched by thoughtful reflections on the people, places, and policies that have defined modern archaeology.