The guys are really fun and bring a human element to archaeology. It’s fun to see archaeology presented in a way that makes it seem much more fun and relatable as a career!

Love this podcast! I have no training or education in anthropology or archaeology and I find the content really interesting - educational AND entertaining. Keep it up boys!

Long time listener first time reviewer. I love the show and listen when new episodes are dropped. I do CRM in New Mexico and listen while I survey. I like that you all are trying new things with the show and keeping it fresh. Also since at least one of y’all is a paleo guy you might be interested in the current ENMU field school at Blackwater Draw over by Clovis,NM. Dr. Brandon Asher is the lead Arch out there if you all every want to talk to the guy that manages the Clovis type site.

I’m not even an archeologist and I love this show. It’s so much fun. I’ve learned so much. And the guys are all knowledgeable and funny. Definitely recommend.

5 for content. 4 for execution. If I could give 12 points, I'd rate this podcast a 4.5 If you can brace yourself for the numerous bro-isms and accept that these men are actually academics then you'll enjoy the ride. I always find overlap in the topics covered and my own interests. Currently, I'm actively following Carlton's underwater archaelogy adventure in the DR

Archaeology, anthropology, and prehistory are fascinating to me but I didn’t study any of these things in school. They have a lot of knowledge about these topics, especially in the North American context. And their relationship as three friends who went through school together makes their conversation interesting and fun. Most of their episodes are interviews with an expert in a specific field. They always devote a part of their discussions to insider knowledge about careers in these fields. That’s not directly applicable to me, but I find it useful bc it demystifies it a bit and helps me understand the background that these academic discussions are coming from. They recently received feedback that they should try to make their podcast more approachable to non-experts, which I largely agree with. I also hope to see more overview episodes, since it’s sometimes hard for me to grasp the context of the discussion. Also I sent them an email asking if Neanderthals had dogs and Connor got back to me with both an answer and a reading assignment! The answer was ‘probably no bc of timing, but here’s a book from someone who disagrees with me on the timing.’ I really appreciated that he took the time for that. Also, his recommendation to read someone who disagrees with him is a green flag. One of the best things about our time and place is that we can have direct access to expertise on nearly any subject and these guys are a good example of that. They really put in time educating people about their field and it clearly comes from a passion for what they study.

They’re doing the work and talking about it with help from friends and colleagues

Accessible and informative, deserves a listen.

I love the way this podcast tackles current issues in archaeology with knowledgeable guests and in an entertaining way. They know their stuff but they don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s fun-just like having a beer with a bunch of nerdy cool archaeologists.

I have been following David & Ian on Youtube & Instagram and happily JUMPED into the rabbit hole of Archeology, Anthropology, & Ethnocynology. And man I cant get enough. 😵‍💫 I even have a favorite early ancestor thanks to plastic spoon boi (Stefan) and as a cat person, a new appreciation for dogs thanks to David. Please keep on giving us amazing material through these many platforms. Im living a distant dream through you all 🥹

Listened to my first episode (Kay Mattena guest) and it was well-done, entertaining, and informative! I loved the rapport with the guest and among the hosts. I also found this episode super relatable as a fellow Anishinaabe anthropology grad student. I’m excited to hear more!

Every episode has its hilarious points and well researched info, guests are interesting and there is never a dull moment with great questions and interaction with every person on the podcast at any given moment

A Life In Ruins is a funny, well researched, semi-freeform podcast about archaeology and anthropology. Each of the hosts bring something unique and interesting to the show and together their friendship creates really great chemistry that is fun to listen to. A Life In Ruins is more than guys talking about archaeology digs, they discuss the realities of the discipline, the mental toll that academia can have on students and faculty, as well as the future of the discipline. You guys have helped me more than I can explain through a review, love you all!

I’ve been listening to A Life in Ruins since the first episode and it has been consistently fantastic. The show is funny and informative. Wether you are are a professional archaeologist or just someone who is interested in archaeology you’ll have a good time! This show has gotten me through the end of my undergrad in anthropology(during the pandemic!!! I definitely need the extra support) and now through my masters program in archaeology. Thanks guys!

Recently discovered the APN and really enjoy the interviews, discussions and banter on A Life in Ruins. Highly recommend for people looking to learn about archaeology from across the field.

“Wake up babe, the boys just dropped more Tankersley slander!” But really, please review more papers. Hugely enjoyed the boys and Doctor Miller talking through the Hopewell paper. Would love to hear other papers gone over and gone through, hearing a closer discussion about the discussion being had is great content.

Such a great show. Very knowledgeable yet relaxed. It’s always interesting to see what the guest brings to the table and I’m always blown away and inspired. You’re getting my through my Anth degree...

I found this show after hearing David interviewed on the Beargrease podcast. After going through and listening to every episode available, I have to say this is one of my favorite podcasts. I had always wanted to be an archeologist growing up but was never able to get into the field, so this podcast allows me to experience the life at least a little bit. Thanks for all the work you guys put into each episode!

These gentlemen make a great show. The topics, the guests, the hosts, the format. It’s all enjoyable. Glad I subscribed because they release content very regularly.

These guys are funny and energetic. They got good guests on too.

Being an armchair Archaeologist this podcast is like candy in a kids hands . Love the guests and banter. Episode 75 with Dr. Devin was so interesting . Best one yet . Keep up the great work guys .

The hosts of A Life In Ruins Podcasts (ALIRP) and their guests make fairly niche topics in archaeology enjoyable and accessible. I am an archaeologist with the Forest Service in WY and I am about to enter a graduate program at the University of Nevada, Reno for my MA. I learned about ALIRP from a colleague while volunteering at the Vore Buffalo Jump earlier this spring. I have since scoured their episode list for materials of interest and I am very grateful for the content. I feel better prepared for my masters work after listening to ALIRP on my travels across WY and on monotonous survey transects this summer. Keep up the great work y’all.

Really great podcast covering not only archeology but also other interesting subjects like ancient genetics, animal domestication, and more. Worth a listen and follow!

Keep up the great work. A perfect balance of information and comedy.

Love listening to you guys! I enjoy the wide range of topics you guys cover and the discussion you guys have with all your guests. You guys really cover a lot and do it very well. Love the energy all three of you guys have when doing the podcast. Keep up the good work. Also love Connors jokes at the end!! They are very punny.

This has become my go to commute podcast. It’s fun, it’s funny, and I learn a lot about archaeology in a way that isn’t dry. Its also fun/educational/approachable enough that recommended the Just the Boyz Revolutionary episode to a lot of non anthropology/archaeology people.

This podcast actually found me. But before I agreed to be on the podcast I listened to many, many episodes and I have to say the guys are fun, engaging, and present information in an easy to understand format. Definitely recommend!

Listening to these podcast allows me to hear topics and concepts that are important and educational, but is delivered in an easily digestible way for anyone. It’s like having a college level discussion over beers with your friends; you never feel out of your depth and the personalities of the hosts really keep it open to all.

Y’all kill it every episode and I love tuning in! Your variety of guests is phenomenal and I really like that you brought a few back to check in. You bring new perspectives and I can tell that you all really enjoy learning from your guests. I’ve commented before that you guys keep me excited about archaeology and everything it can be, especially on days when the I lose sight about why I’m an archaeologist in the first place. Keep on keeping on!

I am not an archeologist, but love the study of past civilizations. I also love how you bring the lives of the guests into your talks What they study is great but what it takes to collect the info is also interesting. What one has to go through, fieldwork, data collection, the organizing of that data is also important. Thank you for “humanizing” the scientist. Very little media does this.

Your interview with Robert Kelly brought me here after hearing him on Another podcast today. Looking forward to digging into your other episodes. Great interview with Gino Caspari! So good to hear from him directly. Been following his IG for a while now.

I’m not an archaeologist. But, I really enjoy the field and the perspective of the hosts makes for a fun workday listen.

Such a great podcast! Would love to hear from more historical archaeologists from different eras

Loved the episode with Dr. Molinar! Absolutely going to start using paleohistory instead of prehistory! Every episode is great! One of my favorite podcasts!

Found because Dr. Marissa Molinar shared on California Rock Art Foundation FB page. Her guest spot is amazing. I love her angle, style, knowledge and overall good modern archaeologist vibe. ❤️👍🏼

I found my way here from David’s (?) tiktok. I found this to be really engaging and accessible. I have a background in molecular biology, but in my free time I’m working on a novel featuring an anthropologist character and it’s been great listening and learning from you guys!

Can you do an episode with Black archaeologists? William White (UC Berkeley Prof) or Justin Dunnavant maybe??

Less reminiscing about the good old days, more talking about actual subject matter.

Carlton is butt. David is bad. Connor hot. This podcast is great. Best one on the network. Best archaeology podcast ever. Bill Nye blows.

Very well done and interesting, I highly recommend!

Fantastic podcast! I greatly enjoy the content these wonderful gentlemen put out. If you have any interest in archeology or history this is the podcast for you. Also I love the fact about how active they are on their social media i.e Instagram @alifeinruinspodcast and their other accounts: @ethnocynology, @pawnee_archaeologist, and @spiralout_cj.

These guys know how to make an archaeology podcast that is both informative and fun!

Like really good and fun

If I’m being honest, a lot of archaeology podcasts are boring or dry. Though there’s a lot of cursing, I’d say this one is easily the most entertaining there is. The personalities make it great.

While these three intrepid young fellows are just beginning their podcast journey, it is obvious they have a solid friendship and take the subject serious.....but not too serious. So far the guests have been interesting and the interviews conducted in a solid manner. I will be looking forward to upcoming episodes and wish this new endeavor the very best!