In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton welcomes Dr. McKenna Litynski to discuss her recent article, “Anthropogenic Burning of Small Mammals at the Early Paleoindian La Prele Site in Converse County, Wyoming.” While Paleoindian archaeology often focuses on mammoths and other large game, this study demonstrates how tiny animal remains can provide equally important insights into the lives of the first peoples of North America. Dr. Litynski explains how archaeologists distinguish natural from human-created bone accumulations, what burned microfaunal remains reveal about activities around Paleoindian hearths, and why these small bones likely represent everyday camp behaviors rather than food waste. The conversation highlights how careful analysis of overlooked evidence is transforming our understanding of Paleoindian lifeways and the complexity of daily life at one of the Great Plains' most significant Early Paleoindian sites.

Article Citation:

Litynski, McKenna L., Todd A. Surovell, K. McCarty, C. Bothwell, T. R. Murdock, S. M. BenChaabane, D. N. Walker, P. H. Sanders, Spencer Pelton, Robert L. Kelly, Madeline E. Mackie, and Matthew O'Brien

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology/46

Motion

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On this month’s episode, Jessica speaks with Stacy Coleman (Assistant Director for Tribal Affairs with Colorado's Department of Natural Resources). First, the two cover how Stacy ended up focusing on law and then her fifteen years working for the Department of Justice’s Environmental Enforcement Section. Next Stacy describes what drew her to her current position and the many different aspects of such a large dynamic role. Some highlights she discusses for this role include the Colorado Outdoor Strategy and its Guidance Framework for Tribal Consultation, as well as the recent Colorado Parks and Wildlife Community Listening Sessions and the 1st Tribal Summit at the annual Partners in the Outdoors Conference.  Stacy also discusses the importance of setting up a policy foundation for the next generation, as well as some of the many exciting efforts happening both in Colorado and across North America.

Jessica

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First Man (2017) is a “documentary” with an interesting relationship to scientific facts and a disturbing view of human nature. It follows human evolution through four reconstructed ancestors: an early beta cuck ape from Spain; a Tate stan basal hominin from Chad; an ancestral alpha mogger from South Africa; and a brainmaxxing sigma arsonist from China. Join us as we break down the silly walks, unnecessarily blurred monkey genitals, and (content warning!) graphic sexual assault.

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In this solo episode, David shares stories from two unforgettable weeks in Wyoming—from excavating an ancient Bison antiquus at the Willow Springs archaeological site to spending a day tracking wolves in Yellowstone National Park with wildlife guide Evan Stout.

Along the way, he reflects on field archaeology, the challenges of living with permanent neuropathy after Guillain-Barré syndrome, the history of Yellowstone, wolf conservation, and why observing wild wolves offers a unique window into understanding the dogs that have shared our lives for thousands of years.

Whether you're interested in archaeology, wildlife, human evolution, or America's national parks, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at two worlds that are more connected than they might seem.

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/ethnocynology/41

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In this episode, Alan speaks with Jens Notroff about the groundbreaking discoveries at Göbekli Tepe, one of the world's oldest monumental archaeological sites. They explore what its remarkable stone architecture, animal imagery, and material culture reveal about the social organization, ritual practices, and symbolic lives of hunter-gatherers more than 12,000 years ago. The conversation also examines how ongoing research is reshaping our understanding of the origins of monumentality, cooperation, and the transition to settled life.

For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/rockart/169

Dr. Alan Garfinkel

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Did the Egyptians make it all the way to the Grand Canyon? Have I been engaged in a massive conspiracy to cover up secrets? Trust no one (except your common sense).

The APN Awards: The APN Awards - Nominations Open!

For rough transcripts of this episode head over to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/pseudo/188

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In this second installment of the archaeology of cutlery, Jessica and Matilda discuss the evolution of spoons. From the earliest scoop with a shell to the latest intricately carved wooden love spoon, these objects have become a huge part of human society all around the world. But how much do we actually know about the (pre)history of spoons? Tune in to find out!

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archpodnet.com/teabreak/57

Matilda’s Contact Details

Jess’s Contact Details

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On today’s episode Chris interviews Dr. David Danzig from the Save Ancient Studies Alliance. It’s a great website dedicated to education and outreach. They’ve got a conference coming up on July 19th and 20th for people listening in real time. It’s free and open to all. Check out the livestream options at the links below.

For a rough transcript of this episode,  head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/archaeology/334

Chris Webster

Rachel Roden

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In this episode, Ash and Tilly continue their deep dig into The Hobbit, focusing on the sedentary settlement of Hobbiton! They discuss how nomadic versus settled societies are seen within the archaeological record and Tolkien's works, to get a better archaeological understanding of hobbit-holes! Who knew pantries were a hobbit’s equivalent of conspicuous consumption?

For rough transcripts of this episode, go to: https://www.archpodnet.com/trowel/70

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In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton welcomes Dr. Spencer R. Pelton and Alexis Hollander to discuss their recent article, “Early Eighteenth Century Plains Indian Adornment at the River Bend Site, Wyoming.” Together they explore one of the largest adornment assemblages ever documented in Wyoming, examining locally produced beads and pendants alongside exotic materials that reveal extensive Indigenous exchange networks during the early post-Contact period. The conversation highlights how new technologies, including the introduction of metal tools, transformed ornament production while Indigenous communities maintained long-standing traditions of craftsmanship and identity. Spencer and Alexis also discuss what archaeological collections can reveal beyond archaeology, including ancient freshwater mussel ecology, and how the River Bend site offers a unique window into technological innovation, trade, and Indigenous adaptation on the eighteenth-century Great Plains.

Article Citation:

Pelton, S. R., Eckles, D. G., Johnen, C. C., Shimek, R., Kirkwood, D. R., Hollander, A., & Buff, C. (2025). Early eighteenth century plains Indian adornment at the River Bend Site, Wyoming. Plains Anthropologist, 70(273), 3–28.

For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology/45

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