Podcast
The Accidental Anthropologist
Hosted by Catherine Zinger · EN
How much of our behavior, belief systems and assumptions about others are dictated by our geography?
The Accidental Anthropologist, hosted by Catherine Zinger, explores universal themes from diverse cultural perspectives to help listeners suspend default assumptions about how things "should be done."
Catherine's multicultural background and experiences as a Filipina/American/Canadian living in Europe for 20+ years have made her culturally-astute at embracing "the new normal." She approaches each interview and topic with sensitivity, humour, authenticity and kindness.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Empty Nesting Part 2: The Struggle is American - Why Parents in the USA Suffer More from Empty Nest Syndrome than Any Other Culture in the World
Mar 20, 202300:33:28Tap to summarizeHave you ever considered the possibility that the intensity of a parent's pain over their children leaving the nest might be based on geography and cultural norms? In Part 2 of her series of empty nesting, Catherine explores why parents in the USA suffer more than those based in other countries. An American mother of 3 also gives her unique take from Texas.
Transcribe →Empty Nesting Part 1: Freedom or Fear: How Do Different Cultures Around The World Approach The Empty Nest?
Nov 8, 202200:31:29Tap to summarizeIn this first episode of Season 2, Catherine asks the question: Is the acute sense of grief associated with empty nesting an American-only phenomenon or do other cultures suffer as intensely? In addition to storytelling about how she came to this question, Catherine shares the perspective of 8 women across 5 continents who talk about how parents in their respective countries approach this major life benchmark.
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High Horses: A Prelude to Season 2
Nov 7, 202200:16:21Tap to summarizeIt's Season 2! The Accidental Anthropologist is back with a new look & feel & vibe: new artwork, new music and a new life in new lands (Spain AND Gibraltar). In this season opener, Catherine shares her observations about what's trending on social media when it comes to cultural and generational differences. Also she gives an overview of what sort of themes and topics to expect (empty nesting, ghosting in friendships, dining around the world, etc.) and why Season 2 will be different to the last one.
Transcribe →Deeper Voices - Men from Around The World Share What's Restored Their Faith In Humanity During The Pandemic
May 3, 202100:36:10Tap to summarizeIn the season finale of The Accidental Anthropologist, host Catherine Zinger asks 25 men from age 17 to 64 one question: "What is one thing during the pandemic that has restored your faith in humanity?" Hear their perspectives from the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Australia.
Transcribe →Mind the Gap! Generational Differences & Approaches to Social Media in America
Mar 19, 202100:48:42Tap to summarizeIn this second installment of this special series on social media, Catherine and her 16 yr old daughter review and share the highlights of a panel discussion with five American women from the teens through to the 50's about their mindsets, habits and general attitudes towards social media.
Transcribe →Mind the Gap: Generational Differences & Approaches to Social Media in Europe
Mar 4, 202101:17:59Tap to summarizeHave you ever seen something written on social media and thought, "That was clearly posted by someone who is a few decades younger/older, than me..." or dismissed an entire social media platform because you think it doesn't suit your age? In this episode, Catherine and her 16 yr old daughter discuss how different age groups differ in their thinking and approach to social media based on a panel discussion of 5 women across 5 generations in Europe.
Transcribe →The Time Travel Test
Jan 21, 202100:22:02Tap to summarizeGratitude...again?! True, this is a wellness theme that's been "lathered on thick" by anyone with a soapbox but given the worldwide weariness AND wariness of living in lockdown, I ask the following question to explore gratitude from a slightly different angle... If you could go back in time to a younger, fitter or idealised version of yourself (50's, 40's, 30's, 20's or teens, etc.) but you could NOT take the experience, knowledge and wisdom you've gained since that time, would you go back?
Transcribe →2mm - White Parenting of Black Children, A Black American Mother's Perspective
Dec 15, 202000:51:21Tap to summarizeThe final episode of this special 4-part series on white parenting and the racial implications of raising black children as seen through the lens of a Black mother in America, Chrystal, an attorney in New York. The second half of this episode moves beyond parenting where Chrystal addresses the expressions and comments often made to the Black community and why they are so offensive.
Transcribe →2mm - White Parenting of Black or Mixed-Race Children, A Canadian Perspective
Nov 27, 202000:42:05Tap to summarizeIn Part 3 of this series, Beth, a Canadian mother of an adopted Ethiopian boy, shares what she's learned on her parenting journey so far. More than anything though, Beth celebrates her son's rich African heritage and gives her take on the role of community in raising Black children .
Transcribe →2mm: White Parenting of Mixed-Race Children, A French Perspective
Nov 13, 202000:48:57Tap to summarizeMeet Audrey in Part 2 of this 4-episode series on white parenting of black/mixed-race children. French by nationality, Audrey has spent a huge part of her life and career abroad- mainly in Africa. She describes her experiences of raising her 4 daughters of African-heritage from a diplomat's perspective.
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