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Aztec Dinosaurs w/ Dr. David Anderson!

In July 1944, in the Mexican city of Acambaro, Guanajuato, a German businessman named Waldemar Julsrud came across a series of bizarre ceramic figurines said to resemble dinosaurs. These figurines have been promoted by young-Earth creationists as evidence for the coexistence of dinosaurs and humans! But what are these figurines, really? Today we are joined by Dr. David Anderson to talk about the infamous Acambaro figurines!

Our Guest:

Dr. David Anderson is an Instructor with Radford University, and holds his degrees from Tulane University (Ph.D.) and the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.  His research interests include public archaeology and the conceptions of heritage, the Formative Period of Maya and Mesoamerican culture, the origins and development of sociopolitical complexity, and academic engagement with pseudoscience and pseudoarchaeology.  Dr. Anderson’s current publication projects include Weirding Archaeology: Unearthing the Strange Influences on the Popular Perception of Archaeology (forthcoming, Routledge), and “The Preclassic Settlement of Northwest Yucatán: Recharting the Pathway to Complexity”co-authored with F. Robles C. and A.P. Andrews, in Pathways to Complexity in the Maya Lowlands: The Preclassic Development, (K.M. Brown and G. J. Bey III, eds., University of Florida Press, 2018).

Ruthless Truth--Episode 10: Steve Jobs, the iPhone and Me...The Untold Story

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Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

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Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

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In this episode, Tlakatekatl critically examines the current political climate in the United States, particularly the increased targeting and detention of immigrants from Central and South America by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Tlakatekatl argues that ICE’s claims of targeting only criminals are false and that the agency is engaging in what amounts to kidnapping. 

Tlakatekatl also connects the rise of authoritarianism and anti-immigrant sentiment to the mainstream media’s failure to hold power accountable. He concludes by exploring psychological and sociological theories, such as the Authoritarian Personality and Social Dominance Theory, to understand the rise of authoritarian figures that can contribute to the appeal of fascism.

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Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

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Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

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In this throwback from Season 2 – Episode 35, we discuss the origin and antiquity of the words “Chicana” and “Chicano.” We start by explaining the origin of the episode which began many years earlier as a blog response to a commentary piece by acclaimed author and scholar, Ilan Stavans. We then explore the history of the term, its evolution as an identity for Mexican Americans, and its deep Indigenous Mesoamerican roots. Que viva la Chicana!

Ruthless Truth--Episode 10: Steve Jobs, the iPhone and Me...The Untold Story

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis.  My life and career...

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Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

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Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

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Given the current climate here in Occupied America, we thought it would be worth taking a look at the Chicano Moratorium march of August 29, 1970. The event serves as a good example of how we organized as a community to speak out against an unjust war and the price our people paid fighting in it. This episode was originally released as a Premium (paid only) episode, but we wanted to give everyone a chance to check out our discussion. Enjoy!

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Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

• Bluesky
• Instagram

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!

Ruthless Truth--Episode 10: Steve Jobs, the iPhone and Me...The Untold Story

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis.  My life and career...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

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Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

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In this episode we take a look at the book "La Raza Cosmica" written by Jose Vasconcelos one hundred years ago! 

Ruthless Truth--Episode 10: Steve Jobs, the iPhone and Me...The Untold Story

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis.  My life and career...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

• Bluesky
• Instagram

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!

The Strange story of Dr. Atl!

In this episode, we explore the bizarre, fascinating, and contradictory life of one of Mexico's most influential painters: Dr. Atl. 

Ruthless Truth--Episode 10: Steve Jobs, the iPhone and Me...The Untold Story

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis.  My life and career...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

• Bluesky
• Instagram

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!

Recently, Kurly was invited to speak at the inaugural SkeptiCamp New Mexico, hosted by New Mexicans for Science & Reason. In this episode, we take a look at the lecture he gave, which covered the many way sthat conspiracy theories and pseudoarchaeology undermine the goals of ethnic studies programs.

Enjoy the show!

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

• Bluesky
• Instagram

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!

The "Indias Mexicanas" who arrived in New Mexico during early colonization brought with them traditional healing and ceremonial practices. Members of the church often accused these women of practicing "witchcraft." In this episode, we are joined by New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez to discuss the legacies of these women!

Ruthless Truth--Episode 10: Steve Jobs, the iPhone and Me...The Untold Story

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis.  My life and career...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Support the show

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

• Bluesky
• Instagram

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking

listener comments? Feedback? Shoot us a text!

Welcome to the ad-free & extended version of Episode 77! As a premium member, we thank you for supporting the podcast.

What if I told you that there is an 18th-century painting of the Virgin Mary, armed with an Aztec weapon and surrounded by the bloody violence of the Pueblo Revolt, hanging in the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe? And that the Virgin herself had appeared to a 6-year-old little girl to give a warning about the revolt, and this image of the Virgin would later become known as "The Virgin of the Macana." In our latest episode, we delve into the mythology surrounding the origin of this image and explore its relevance to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, as well as take a look at the presence of Mesoamerican warriors in Colonial New Mexico.

All this and more, on this episode of the Tales From Aztlantis podcast!

The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was a pivotal moment in which the Pueblo people of New Mexico rose up against Spanish colonists, driving them out and securing their independence for 12 years. During the uprising, approximately 21 Franciscans and nearly 400 colonists lost their lives. Interestingly, no artists of that time ever bothered to memorialize this significant event in their work. It wasn’t until the later 18th-century that visual representations of the revolt began to emerge. One such image, a painting known as The Virgin of the Macana—is now housed in the New Mexico History Museum.

Ruthless Truth--Episode 10: Steve Jobs, the iPhone and Me...The Untold Story

Is an opinion platform hosted by Marvin “Truth” Davis.  My life and career...

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Your Hosts:

Kurly Tlapoyawa is an archaeologist, ethnohistorian, and filmmaker. His research covers Mesoamerica, the American Southwest, and the historical connections between the two regions. He is the author of numerous books and has presented lectures at the University of New Mexico, Harvard University, Yale University, San Diego State University, and numerous others. He most recently released his documentary short film "Guardians of the Purple Kingdom," and is a cultural consultant for Nickelodeon Animation Studios.
@kurlytlapoyawa

Ruben Arellano Tlakatekatl is a scholar, activist, and professor of history. His research explores Chicana/Chicano indigeneity, Mexican indigenist nationalism, and Coahuiltecan identity resurgence. Other areas of research include Aztlan (US Southwest), Anawak (Mesoamerica), and Native North America. He has presented and published widely on these topics and has taught courses at various institutions. He currently teaches history at Dallas College – Mountain View Campus.

Find us:

• Bluesky
• Instagram

Merch: Shop Aztlantis

Book: The Four Disagreements: Letting Go of Magical Thinking