https://feed.pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast Curiosity Meets The Past https://smitinathan.com/podcast Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Hosted by archaeologist Dr. Smiti Nathan, each episode features conversations with researchers, artists, and folx from diverse backgrounds who uncover unexpected stories behind objects, places, and people. No background in history or archaeology needed - just your curiosity. **New episodes coming Oct. 2026** Learn more at smitinathan.com/podcast Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/curiositymeetsthepast/ Cover art by Laura Fajín Riveiro & theme music by Noor Hanania en Dr. Smiti Nathan Podspace.com Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:17:23 +0000 Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:36:27 +0000 Dr. Smiti Nathan For curious minds who love learning about the past clean Smiti Nathan podcast@smitinathan.com episodic https://assets.pod.space/system/shows/images/14e/022/a5-/large/43850280-1749933598793-e3bdc384760dc.jpg Curiosity Meets The Past https://smitinathan.com/podcast One Year Anniversary Update for Curiosity Meets the Past Wed, 24 Jun 2026 18:17:23 +0000 8400aec0-438e-4a0f-be87-3a570396de69 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/one-year-anniversary-update-for-curiosity-meets-the-past We've been around for 1 year! Sharing some highlights and updates in this bonus episode.

Mentioned in the episode:

  • Video on podcasting challenges: https://youtu.be/COOhPl9eEJg?si=gNCIPaVDbARIiTHJ
  • Curiosity Meets the Past Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositymeetsthepast


🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:07:55 false We've been around for 1 year! Sharing some highlights and updates in this bonus episode.Mentioned in the episode:Video on podcasting challenges: ht... bonus Curiosity Exchange x Broadcast Seeding: Gender Violence in Late Antiquity Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:48:16 +0000 ae7aead7-c895-44c1-9101-9e99407fbf00 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/curiosity-exchange-x-broadcast-seeding-gender-violence-in-late-antiquity Mentioned on the show:


🎁 Bonus content: ⁠https://patreon.com/smitinathan⁠

✉️ Get in touch at ⁠podcast@smitinathan.com⁠


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:26:44 false Mentioned on the show:Full episode (website): https://sowingtheseed.org/podcast/episode-21-gender-violence-in-late-antiquity-with-dr-jennifer-barry... bonus Decoding Diaspora Through a Family Scrapbook Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:20:35 +0000 305e3354-dc09-4282-a053-fb82f6b96ed2 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/decoding-diaspora-through-a-family-scrapbook What can a crumbling family scrapbook reveal about history and the way diasporic communities make meaning? Religious scholar, Dr. Richard Newton, guides us through the surprising story of how a scrapbook handed to him by his mother became the catalyst for an entire research project. In our conversation, he walks us through what he found when he opened the book and how he's making this project accessible to anyone who's curious.


Mentioned on the show:

• Scrapbook Website: https://decodingdiaspora.org/decoding-diaspora/index

• Richard's Website: https://sowingtheseed.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seedpods

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/seedpods.bsky.social

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seedpods/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seedpods


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/decoding-diaspora-through-a-family-scrapbook/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:24:07 false What can a crumbling family scrapbook reveal about history and the way diasporic communities make meaning? Religious scholar, Dr. Richard Newton, g... full 27 The Archaeology Behind the English Alphabet Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:41:32 +0000 58c9a2f0-5dda-4475-85e4-afe074765a7d https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/the-archaeology-behind-the-english-alphabet Where did the English alphabet come from, and how do we know? Linguist and writer, Dr. Danny Bate, guides us through the archaeology and linguistic history behind the letters many of us use every day. In our conversation, we explore what various archaeological artifacts reveal about the alphabet's past and what that means about our relationship to the English language today.


Mentioned on the show:

• Danny's Book: https://bookshop.org/a/115409/9781785307430

• Danny's Website: https://dannybate.com/

• Substack: https://dannylbate.substack.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannylbate/

• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:i4oicfdtysshyfxjmvpx2xza

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-bate-b3ba02277/


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/the-archaeology-behind-the-english-alphabet/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:29:30 false Where did the English alphabet come from, and how do we know? Linguist and writer, Dr. Danny Bate, guides us through the archaeology and linguistic... full 26 Rethinking Water History at Shushtar in Iran Wed, 20 May 2026 16:53:43 +0000 6cb49780-d445-422c-9147-7c9c74105efb https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/rethinking-water-history-at-shushtar-in-iran What can water systems tell us about people in the past and present? Landscape archaeologist, Dr. Mehrnoush Soroush, guides us through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shushtar in Iran and how her work is challenging dominant water history narratives. In our conversation, she shares the surprising challenges that come with studying ancient water systems, her somewhat nontraditional approach, and what we can learn about humanity along the way.


Mentioned on the show:

• Academia Page: https://chicago.academia.edu/mehrnoushsoroush


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/rethinking-water-history-at-shushtar-in-iran/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:29:05 false What can water systems tell us about people in the past and present? Landscape archaeologist, Dr. Mehrnoush Soroush, guides us through the UNESCO W... full 25 The Curious History and Science of Blimps Wed, 06 May 2026 03:15:06 +0000 1fa8a2c0-9785-4771-b8c8-edd109969604 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/the-curious-history-and-science-of-blimps Where did blimps come from, and why are we fascinated by them? Geneticist and blimp enthusiast, Dr. Alex Dainis, guides us through the history of these sky vessels, the science behind their design, and what it feels like to ride inside one. In our conversation, she shares what blimps reveal about the way we see the world around us and why they are still around today.


Mentioned on the show:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexdainis

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlexDainisPhD/

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexdainis


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/the-curious-history-and-science-of-blimps/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:21:08 false Where did blimps come from, and why are we fascinated by them? Geneticist and blimp enthusiast, Dr. Alex Dainis, guides us through the history of t... full 24 What Archaeology Can Bring to the Classroom (and Beyond) Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:11:52 +0000 0c00bfbd-d180-4472-85fa-093b84e1c0f8 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/what-archaeology-can-bring-to-the-classroom-and-beyond What can archaeology bring to the classroom and beyond? Archaeologist and filmmaker, Marc Barkman-Astles, guides us through the workshops he runs across England and Wales, the challenges he's encountered, and some of the delightful moments along the way. In our conversation, we explore how public archaeology can help us connect with the world around us.

Mentioned on the show:

📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/what-archaeology-can-bring-to-the-classroom-and-beyond/🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com

🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:20:40 false What can archaeology bring to the classroom and beyond? Archaeologist and filmmaker, Marc Barkman-Astles, guides us through the workshops he runs a... full 23 The Ancient Deities People Called Upon Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:14:29 +0000 a501bf0f-8252-4df0-876f-7898fef2855a https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/the-ancient-deities-people-called-upon Which deities did ancient people call upon when they needed help? Assyriologist and public educator, Megan Lewis, guides us through some of the surprising sources scholars use to understand the gods and goddesses people turned to in the past. In our conversation, she shares what these sources reveal about how both people and deities have changed over time and why their stories still feel surprisingly familiar today.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/the-ancient-deities-people-called-upon

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.


]]> 00:20:29 false Which deities did ancient people call upon when they needed help? Assyriologist and public educator, Megan Lewis, guides us through some of the sur... full 22 The Making and Remaking of the Zodiac in Roman Egypt Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:44:53 +0000 d23683ea-9597-4f2f-a3cb-cce48b218e9e https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/the-making-and-remaking-of-the-zodiac-in-roman-egypt What can ancient astrological handbooks tell us about the lives of women around 2000 years ago? Egyptologist, Dr. Lingxin Zhang, guides us through fragmented papyri, recycled temple documents, and what one woman did when she learned her family's fate. In our conversation, she shares what these texts reveal not only about the inner workings of the zodiac and astrosciences in Roman Egypt, but also aspects of our humanity.

Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/the-making-and-remaking-of-the-zodiac-in-roman-egypt

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:28:37 false What can ancient astrological handbooks tell us about the lives of women around 2000 years ago? Egyptologist, Dr. Lingxin Zhang, guides us through ... full 21 What 3D Modelling Reveals About the Past Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:37:28 +0000 82a2c6c3-eeac-4a28-a2b0-8184bf7c9c8f https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/what-3d-modelling-reveals-about-the-past What can we uncover about the past when we look at it in three dimensions? Archaeologist, Madeline Robinson, guides us through a shipwreck, ancient temples in Malta, and very tiny stone tools she has studied through 3D modelling. In our conversation, we explore what these methods reveal not only about the past, but also about who gets to access and engage with it.


Mentioned on the show:

If you’re having any issue accessing Maddie’s publications, you can contact her directly - https://madeline7850.wixsite.com/madelinegprobinson/contact


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/what-3d-modelling-reveals-about-the-past/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:27:07 false What can we uncover about the past when we look at it in three dimensions? Archaeologist, Madeline Robinson, guides us through a shipwreck, ancient... full 20 When Egyptian and Canaanite Temples Met Tue, 24 Feb 2026 13:38:58 +0000 b97fb847-80a0-450f-8024-967e8c52a079 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/when-egyptian-and-canaanite-temples-met What can we learn when we look closely at temples that deviate from the “norm?" Archaeologist and Egyptologist Dr. Brooke Norton guides us through certain sacred spaces where we see a spectrum of ancient Egyptian and Canaanite traditions. In our conversation, we explore what these temples reveal not only about architecture and ritual, but also about the people behind them.


Mentioned on the show:

📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/when-egyptian-and-canaanite-temples-met

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:28:10 false What can we learn when we look closely at temples that deviate from the “norm?" Archaeologist and Egyptologist Dr. Brooke Norton guides us through ... full 19 Inside the Physics of Past Textile Techniques Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:25:06 +0000 0b15d701-f0fa-49f5-862f-f69052e75310 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/inside-the-physics-of-past-textile-techniques What can we learn when we look at the physics of past textile techniques? Physicist, Dr. Sabetta Matsumoto, takes us inside the inner workings of an Egyptian knitted sock and other historical textile techniques, including embroidery and smocking. In our conversation, we explore what physics can reveal not only about the fabrics we create, but about the people behind them.


Mentioned on the show:

📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/inside-the-physics-of-past-textile-techniques

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:29:10 false What can we learn when we look at the physics of past textile techniques? Physicist, Dr. Sabetta Matsumoto, takes us inside the inner workings of a... full 18 Curiosity Exchange x History Daily: The Pirate Trial of 1720 Sat, 27 Dec 2025 22:53:52 +0000 43bd7a33-59d1-49cb-996e-4bca1f285015 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/curiosity-exchange-x-history-daily-the-pirate-trial-of-1720 Mentioned on the show:


🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:16:30 false Mentioned on the show:https://www.historydaily.com/ 🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com🎙️ Cu... bonus Curiosity Exchange x Legends and Lectures: Artifacts & Us Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:42:06 +0000 2b0ad0b9-9855-4f26-bd26-7124d54d7826 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/curiosity-exchange-x-legends-and-lectures-artifacts-us Mentioned on the show:


🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:26:03 false Mentioned on the show:Legends and Lectures full episode: https://youtu.be/3BNMMNliFiw?si=_H9eKZo3LlUW5at8Legends and Lectures podcast: https://yout... bonus 2025 Year-End Updates for Curiosity Meets the Past Mon, 22 Dec 2025 16:47:35 +0000 6a364379-ae50-4802-aa77-69d76dd930e2 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/2025-year-end-updates-for-curiosity-meets-the-past Sharing some quick year-end updates as we close out 2025!


🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:05:09 false Sharing some quick year-end updates as we close out 2025!🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com... bonus Unsealing the Past Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:39:31 +0000 c92420e0-7909-4615-96f2-24aded661063 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/unsealing-the-past What can small lumps of clay reveal about the past? Archaeologist Dr. Siobhan Shinn takes us inside her work on clay sealings from sites in Egypt and Sudan. These unassuming objects once secured letters, containers, and buildings, but they also preserve subtle traces that help us understand ancient administrative practices and the people behind them. In our conversation, we explore how careful observation and giving things a second glance can open up new ways of seeing the past.

Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/unsealing-the-past/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:23:19 false What can small lumps of clay reveal about the past? Archaeologist Dr. Siobhan Shinn takes us inside her work on clay sealings from sites in Egypt a... full 17 The Sound of Living Heritage Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:09:50 +0000 b2b96288-fd92-4fa2-a440-3e677b506b4c https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/the-sound-of-living-heritage What can the sounds of everyday life reveal about the past? Podcast producer and host of ReCurrent, Jaime, brings us inside his storytelling process that connects sound and living heritage. Through examples from the field and from his own life, Jaime shows us how sound can bridge memory, identity, and place in ways we often overlook. Along the way, we explore how documenting the present, listening closely, and meeting people where they are allows us to keep the past present in meaningful and unexpected ways.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/the-sound-of-living-heritage/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:18:59 false What can the sounds of everyday life reveal about the past? Podcast producer and host of ReCurrent, Jaime, brings us inside his storytelling proces... full 16 How Archaeologists Are Rethinking 5,200 Andean Holes Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:52:18 +0000 61981b55-3278-4f41-83b1-dea88da9e142 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/how-archaeologists-are-rethinking-5-200-andean-holes What can over 5,200 holes carved into an Andean hillside reveal about ancient life? Digital archaeologist, Dr. Jacob Bongers, takes us inside his team’s new research at Monte Sierpe in Peru, including how their emerging hypothesis reshapes long-held ideas about the site’s purpose. And along the way, we talk about how archaeologists follow curiosity through evidence, collaboration, and community engagement.


Mentioned on the show:

📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/how-archaeologists-are-rethinking-5200-andean-holes/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:27:26 false What can over 5,200 holes carved into an Andean hillside reveal about ancient life? Digital archaeologist, Dr. Jacob Bongers, takes us inside his t... full 15 Reconnecting with Archaeology Through Giving Back Tue, 04 Nov 2025 20:18:52 +0000 35e7afc2-c69d-4e2b-b952-4046041924f5 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/reconnecting-with-archaeology-through-giving-back How can volunteering become a way back into archaeology? Archaeologist and research analyst, Dr. Sneh Patel, shares how volunteering in her hometown of Nashville helped her reconnect with teaching, community engagement, and the practice of archaeology itself. From guiding students through hands-on programs to navigating questions about science and ethics, we explore how public service can spark new connections between people and the past and why representation and curiosity matter just as much as discovery.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/reconnecting-with-archaeology-through-giving-back/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 15-30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:25:31 false How can volunteering become a way back into archaeology? Archaeologist and research analyst, Dr. Sneh Patel, shares how volunteering in her hometow... full 14 What Tiny, Overlooked Bones Reveal About the Paleolithic Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:25:17 +0000 56e312e5-219f-463d-ad27-35b2be4c4369 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/what-tiny-overlooked-bones-reveal-about-the-paleolithic What can tiny, overlooked bones tell us about Paleolithic life, technology, and art? Archaeologist and paleoanthropologist, Dr. Giulia Gallo, reveals how these fragile fragments hold clues to both our past and that of our ancient relatives. From evidence of fire use to the burning of specific animal bones, we explore why these materials were once disregarded and how new techniques like ZooMS proteomics are transforming what we know.


Mentioned on the show:


*At 16:34 & 16:54 we mistakenly showed an XRD on-screen when we should have displayed a mass spectrometer and then a MALDI plate. This was Smiti's mistake, apologies!*


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/what-tiny-overlooked-bones-reveal-about-the-paleolithic/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:26:12 false What can tiny, overlooked bones tell us about Paleolithic life, technology, and art? Archaeologist and paleoanthropologist, Dr. Giulia Gallo, revea... full 13 Voice as a Record of Time Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:57:23 +0000 829fe787-ed80-49dd-8ef2-2713e1271334 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/voice-as-a-record-of-time What can voice reveal about history, identity, and expression across time? Voice, accent, and communication coach Christine Adam shares how voice carries both personal and collective memory. We discuss what goes into preparing historically grounded performances, how vocal trends have shifted across eras, and what today’s voices might reveal about the world we live in now.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/voice-as-a-record-of-time/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:28:15 false What can voice reveal about history, identity, and expression across time? Voice, accent, and communication coach Christine Adam shares how voice c... full 12 Expanding Our View of the Ancient World Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:27:13 +0000 7b4b8eb4-602e-4a6c-af65-f8e2fc0e606f https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/expanding-our-view-of-the-ancient-world What can overlooked ancient civilizations teach us about connection, perspective, and the stories we choose to tell? Archaeologist and science communicator Raven Todd DaSilva shares this and more as we speak about her new book The Other Ancient Civilisations. We discuss why and how she spotlighted cultures often missing from mainstream narratives and what they reveal about humanity across time and the world.


Mentioned on the show:

📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/expanding-our-view-of-the-ancient-world/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:19:20 false What can overlooked ancient civilizations teach us about connection, perspective, and the stories we choose to tell? Archaeologist and science comm... full 11 How Malta’s Ancient Monuments Still Capture Our Curiosity Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:16:07 +0000 70069c8d-5ea8-42c7-bb49-ffb14babd777 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/how-malta-s-ancient-monuments-still-capture-our-curiosity What can Malta’s mysterious megalithic monuments teach us about curiosity, ritual, and the power of independent research? YouTuber Laura, a.k.a. MegalithHunter, shares what makes these archaeological sites both architecturally and culturally distinct. She also reflects on how her curiosity about the past shaped her educational journey and her approach to public storytelling.

Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/how-maltas-ancient-monuments-still-capture-our-curiosity/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:17:24 false What can Malta’s mysterious megalithic monuments teach us about curiosity, ritual, and the power of independent research? YouTuber Laura, a.k.a. Me... full 10 Three Generations Shaping a Galician Artist’s Work Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:10:10 +0000 9445f0da-c7e4-4ffc-9d71-a803910441aa https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/three-generations-shaping-a-galician-artist-s-work What can a multi-generational home in rural Galicia, Spain, reveal about memory, creativity, and connection? Multimedia artist Laura Fajín Riveiro reflects on how childhood artifacts, personal history, and the textures of Galicia continue to inspire her creative practice. Her work shows how engaging with the past can nurture both a deeper connection to the past and artistic expression in the present.

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Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/three-generations-shaping-a-galician-artists-work/


🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan


✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com

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🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:17:00 false What can a multi-generational home in rural Galicia, Spain, reveal about memory, creativity, and connection? Multimedia artist Laura Fajín Riveiro ... full 9 What Maps Reveal About Medieval Public Health Tue, 12 Aug 2025 10:31:29 +0000 9ff60b5e-95e7-4fe1-bb5e-eeecf094be9e https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/what-maps-reveal-about-medieval-public-health What can mapping tell us about public health in medieval cities? Archaeologist, Dr. Taylor Zaneri, uncovers revealing insights from medieval Bologna, from which activities drew the strictest regulation, to who was actually responsible for fixing them. Her work shows how archaeology, historical texts, and maps come together to reveal what was really happening on the ground.

Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/what-maps-reveal-about-medieval-public-health/

🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:18:43 false What can mapping tell us about public health in medieval cities? Archaeologist, Dr. Taylor Zaneri, uncovers revealing insights from medieval Bologn... full 8 Archaeology Discoveries That Deserve More Attention Tue, 29 Jul 2025 10:57:44 +0000 b7413c8f-4eca-4cc9-9efc-0353eeebf040 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/archaeology-discoveries-that-deserve-more-attention Did you know some of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries never make the headlines? Rachel, from Inside Archaeology, shares overlooked finds from self-healing Roman concrete to surprising burials. We explore how interpretation, imagination, and new technologies shape the stories we tell about the past.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/archaeology-discoveries-that-deserve-more-attention/


🎁 Bonus content: patreon.com/smitinathan


✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:19:39 false Did you know some of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries never make the headlines? Rachel, from Inside Archaeology, shares overlooked f... full 7 Designing Futures That Engage with the Past Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:57:48 +0000 b4ffbc6c-4662-446e-b18e-cacc56e69c32 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/designing-futures-that-engage-with-the-past What do we mean when we say “the past,” and how might those definitions shape the futures we imagine? Human-centered designer, Shanice Webb, shares how engaging with the past in different ways can offer surprising clarity when it comes to building what’s next.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/**designing-futures-that-engage-with-the-past**/


🎁 Bonus content: https://patreon.com/smitinathan


✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.

]]> 00:22:15 false What do we mean when we say “the past,” and how might those definitions shape the futures we imagine? Human-centered designer, Shanice Webb, shares... full 6 What the Dead Still Mean to the Living in Iceland Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:18:50 +0000 bfd8009f-ff0c-40fe-a5a4-77d15b48ac58 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/what-the-dead-still-mean-to-the-living-in-iceland What can human remains reveal about connection, identity, and community in Iceland? Biomedical anthropologist, Dr. Adam Netzer-Zimmer, shares how overlooked human remains are unearthing Iceland’s multifaceted relationship with the dead.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/what-the-dead-still-mean-to-the-living-in-iceland/


🎁 Bonus content: http://patreon.com/smitinathan


✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


🎙️ Curiosity Meets The Past is a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. Each episode features a 20–30 minute curated conversation with guests who reveal the layered stories behind objects, places, and people.


]]> 00:25:58 false What can human remains reveal about connection, identity, and community in Iceland? Biomedical anthropologist, Dr. Adam Netzer-Zimmer, shares how o... full 5 The Secret Past Lives of Words Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:49:53 +0000 1f186084-95e5-440a-a1ad-e176ec103397 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/the-secret-past-lives-of-words What makes something a word, and who decides? Scholar, author, and podcaster, Michelle Franklin, joins us to explore the surprising origins of words like "púca" and "like," and how slang, dialect, and identity shape the way we communicate.


Mentioned on the show:


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/the-secret-past-lives-of-words

🎁 Bonus content: patreon.com/smitinathan

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com

]]> 00:18:24 false What makes something a word, and who decides? Scholar, author, and podcaster, Michelle Franklin, joins us to explore the surprising origins of word... full 4 Uncovering Today’s Hidden Foodways Through Archaeology Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:40:07 +0000 3073a99d-9f5f-41e0-ba77-c038e893d9e2 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/uncovering-today-s-hidden-foodways-through-archaeology What can archaeology reveal about overlooked food spaces? Dr. Katie Chiou shares how she applies archaeological thinking to explore hidden foodways in the American South, from campus dining halls to gas stations, and what they reveal about inequality, memory, and everyday life.

Mentioned on the show:

📝 Full transcript:  https://smitinathan.com/uncovering-todays-hidden-foodways-through-archaeology/ 


🎁 Bonus content: patreon.com/smitinathan


✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com

]]> 00:25:43 false What can archaeology reveal about overlooked food spaces? Dr. Katie Chiou shares how she applies archaeological thinking to explore hidden foodways... full 3 How an Archaeology Project Actually Begins Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:15:48 +0000 0070309d-c45a-446e-a189-6ce133dda026 https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/how-an-archaeology-project-actually-begins What does it really take to start an archaeology project? In this episode, Dr. Ioana A. Dumitru, a digital landscape archaeologist, reveals how fieldwork actually begins. We dig into the moments that no one prepares you for and the relationships that truly shape the work.

Mentioned on the show:

  • CALOR Project Website: https://www.calorarchaeology.com/

  • CALOR Project Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calor_archaeology/

  • Ioana’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganarcheologist/

📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/how-an-archaeology-project-actually-begins/

🎁 Bonus content: patreon.com/smitinathan

📩 Email notifications for new episodes: https://field-notes-by-smiti-nathan.kit.com/3e5792597b

✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com

]]> 00:20:42 false What does it really take to start an archaeology project? In this episode, Dr. Ioana A. Dumitru, a digital landscape archaeologist, reveals how fie... full 2 Welcome to Curiosity Meets The Past Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:14:48 +0000 59a70a79-5f22-4486-a0e6-50cf7264c7de https://pod.space/curiositymeetsthepast/welcome-to-curiosity-meets-the-past Welcome to Curiosity Meets The Past - a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. In this short intro episode, you’ll hear what the show is all about and what you can expect from future episodes.


📝 Full transcript: https://smitinathan.com/welcome-to-curiosity-meets-the-past


🎁 Bonus content: patreon.com/smitinathan


📩 Email notifications for new episodes: https://field-notes-by-smiti-nathan.kit.com/3e5792597b


✉️ Get in touch at podcast@smitinathan.com


Thanks to Noor Hanania for leading the edit of this video.

]]> 00:06:24 false Welcome to Curiosity Meets The Past - a podcast for curious minds who love learning about the past. In this short intro episode, you’ll hear what t... full 1