Career in Ruins

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 00:00Introduction and Personal Updates 02:52The Intersection of Archaeology and Public Interest 05:54Star Trek and Archaeology: A Cultural Reflection 08:59Introducing Dr. Samuel Dix and His Journey 11:43Early Experiences in Archaeology 14:57Professional Development and Conflict Archaeology 17:54International Archaeological Experiences 22:35Engagement and Enthusiasm in Archaeology 23:41Memorable Experiences in the Field 25:33The Journey of a PhD 29:49Community-Led Archaeology and Aboriginal Engagement 34:48Project War Horse: Bridging Archaeology and Veteran Support 38:27Pride in Archaeological Discoveries 42:23Envy and Inspiration in Archaeology 45:17Time Travel: A Wish to Witness History

This week Lawrence and Derek talk about their adventures in the countryside and Lawrence’s long history of heritage crime. Their guest this week is curatorial legend and Twitter master Rob Symmons. Rob is the curator of Fishbourne Roman palace: the largest Roman building north of the alps! The trio discuss Rob’s career in ruins, from the early seeds of his interest in archaeology to the moment Tony Robinson took a stroll in Fishbourne’s hypocaust.

In this week’s episode Lawrence and Derek discuss the value of mentorship as well as the archaeological potential of shooting forests with drone-based lasers. Their guest this week is Time Team landscape superstar Professor Stewart Ainsworth. Stewart shares stories from his amazing and diverse career, from his work with the Ordnance Survey to his 20 years as a regular Sunday evening fixture on Channel 4.

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.   Follow the Project: 📖 Publications (Open Access): https://ecsi.se/?s=vlochos 📺 Time Team episodes: https://youtu.be/ZCND8EhTZLA?si=JSCTFzZX-PlujsUx 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and send in your questions or corrections—we love hearing from you!

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.   📧 Get in touch at careerruins@gmail.com ▶️ Watch all our recent content on YouTube 🎥 And don’t miss the shows we mention over on the Time Team official YouTube channel.

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: • Tracing prehistoric settlement under Victorian shepherd huts • Reconnecting community and heritage through excavation • The powerful role of public participation in archaeological research • Farming, flint tools, and the archaeology of rubbish • Nurturing the next generation of archaeologists — from kids to early-career pros 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. 🎧 Edited by the brilliant Martyn Williams.

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: How GIS has revolutionized our understanding of historic landscapes. The hidden stories bogs can tell about past human activity and climate change. Henry's career journey and his thoughts on the importance of interdisciplinary research in archaeology. and, of course, Time Team 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.

In the first episode of the new season, Derek and Lawrence sit down with Chris Leonard, Senior Project Officer at Cotswold Archaeology. Chris shares his fascinating career journey, starting with a degree in South American Studies and navigating the highs and lows of short-term contracts in commercial archaeology. From uncertain beginnings to becoming a leading professional in the field, his story is a must-hear for anyone curious about the realities of a career in commercial archaeology.   Plus, Derek and Lawrence catch us up on what they’ve been up to during the ten-month break. Expect laughter, insights, and the launch of a brand-new tradition: Career in Ruins-themed AI-generated songs! 🎵   Get ready to dig into a new season of adventure, storytelling, and, of course, ruins. Listen now! 🎧

In this special episode, we bring you exclusive coverage from the launch event of the Festival of Archaeology, hosted at the scenic Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay. Join us as we dive into engaging conversations with event organizers from the Council for British Archaeology, explore the vibrant stalls, and interact with the passionate site staff and living history specialists who bring the past to life. Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast or just curious about the past, this episode is packed with insights and stories that you won't want to miss.

Our first episode of 2024 is a fascinating chat with Karen Kirk. Karen has had a brilliant career which has spanned commercial archaeology, BBC drama productions and more recently, the production of archaeological TV programs. With shows and documentaries ranging from Digging for Britain, Time Team, Secrets of Stonehenge and Titanic’s Final Mystery, Karen talks us through how she got involved in working in such an important area which allows us to share and promote our incredible discipline.

The episode of Career Ruins features a conversation with Colm Donnelly, a Senior Research Fellow at Queen's University in Belfast. Derek and Lawrence reflect on the highlights of the year and discuss Colm's career journey in historical archaeology and community archaeology. Colm shares insights into his notable projects, including excavating medieval castles in Ireland and participating in post-ex Russia. The episode highlights the importance of combining historical records with archaeological evidence to understand the lives of ordinary people from the past. The conversation provides a deep dive into the world of historical archaeology and the significance of unearthing lesser-known aspects of history.

The podcast features an interview with Dr. Jim Leary, an archaeologist and author at the University of York. The trio discuss Jim's new book 'Footmarks' and, his experiences in commercial and curatorial archaeology, and his recent career move to part-time teaching. He also shares insights into his significant projects, including leading the excavation and stabilisation of Silbury Hill and investigating the Marlborough Mound. 

In this episode Derek and Lawrence chat to Helen Geake, an archaeologist and member of the television show Time Team. She discusses her career in archaeology, starting from when she was unsure about what she wanted to do and eventually discovering her passion for the subject. She talks about her academic journey, including her research on Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, and her work at Norwich Castle Museum and the Portable Antiquities Scheme. The trio also reflect on the role of luck in her career and the importance of being open-minded and saying yes to opportunities.

Career in ruins are back in the saddle with their traditional interview format at the start of a very exciting new season. To kick us off we chat to the inspirational Gus Casely-Hayford, Director of the V&A East, and all round incredible person. We gain an insight into the motivation and application that has lead him to have such an incredible career in ruins.   Catch Gus’s latest Radio series, Torn, on BBC Sounds https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m001bbpf

To kick off the start of our new season we are sharing a special podcast about OUR careers in ruins. This first episode is a recording from a lecture we were asked to give to the Anthropology Society at Stony Brook University, New York, about science communication. We hope you enjoy it and a huge thank you to all the committee and members of the society for the invite and warm welcome. Keep an eye out for new episodes over the next month or so!

In this first episode of the long awaited season 6 of Career in Ruins Lawrence and Derek join in with the CBA's Festival of Archaeology by celebrating "20 years" (ish) of the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). Archaeology's Ant and Dec of the south coast are joined by three incredible guests; Michael Lewis, Head of the PAS at the British Museum, Emma Youell, metal detectorist and PAS self recorder and Neil Redfern, head of the Council for British Archaeology.