Ethnocynology with David Ian Howe

What if one of the most important technologies in human history wasn’t a spear, a stone tool, or writing, but a bone needle?
In this episode of Ethnocynology, David sits down with Dr. McKenna Litynski, an interdisciplinary anthropologist, to explore how sewing needles, clothing, and thermoregulation fundamentally reshaped human survival during the Ice Age. And helped Homo sapiens expand across the globe.
This conversation is both a deep dive into Ice Age archaeology and a clear, behind-the-scenes walkthrough of how you actually earn a PhD in anthropology, from preliminary exams to dissertation defense. This episode acts as both a spiritual successor to the viral “Why a Clovis Bone Needle Is the Most Important Artifact in North America” video and a practical guide for students curious about graduate school.
Links:
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As the APN takes a break this holiday season we’re taking this opportunity to bring you episodes of shows you may not be aware of. Today we have an episode from The Archaeology Show about lost cities.
The Archaeology Show: Lost City or Lost Cause? Diving Into the Latest Atlantis Claims
In this episode of The Archaeology Show, we kick things off with a look at the recent discovery of a treasure-filled tomb belonging to the first known ruler of a Maya city in Belize, shedding light on ancient Maya leadership and ritual. In segments two and three, we dive into the latest headline-grabbing claim that Atlantis has been found off the coast of Spain. We break down what was actually discovered, examine the credentials of the lead researcher, and explore why the scientific community remains highly skeptical. Join us for a smart, approachable discussion that separates archaeological fact from fiction.
The Archaeology Show on the APN
 
Links:
Segment 1
Archaeologists Unearth Treasure-Filled Tomb Belonging to the First Known Ruler of a Maya City in Belize
Scientists find tomb of a Maya king and his ancient treasures. But who was he?
Segments 2/3
Archaeologist Says He's Found Atlantis in Groundbreaking Discovery
Archaeologist claims to have found Atlantis off the coast of Spain and has video to prove it
Atlantis Found (Again)! And Exasperated Scientists (Again) Raise Their Eyebrows
Cosmic Summit 2025: The Mount Everest of Laughable Pseudoarchaeological Nonsense! - Ep 165
Cosmic Summit 2025. Flint's BRUTAL Reaction with Dr Andrew Kinkella
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Do you have your pens at the ready? It’s pop-quiz time! Since David’s away for this episode, he’s given you a refresher on why bone needles are so important! This may or may not relate to a certain episode sequel he’s been working on…
Here’s a recap of Episode 9!
In this episode of Ethnocynology, David highlights a recent paper published about a bone needle he helped excavate in the summer of 2022.
While David wasn’t an author on the paper, he was there when it was excavated, recorded the moment, and recently conducted interviews with the two leading authors of the paper.
David discusses how he read a comment on his post about the needle that made him stop to think about how important such a small item could be to people on the ice age plains.
David discusses how to read an academic paper, while conducting interviews with the researchers into the podcast.
Links:
Early Paleoindian use of canids, felids, and hares for bone needle production at the La Prele site, Wyoming, USA
davidianhowe.com
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Please enjoy this Promo episode from the Great Plains Podcast this week!
In this episode, I sit down with Nebraska archaeologist Nolan Johnson to talk about his work uncovering and interpreting the state’s rich historic past. We begin with the Beaver Creek Trail Crossing, a site that offers a glimpse into the experiences of travelers along the overland trails and the material traces they left behind. Nolan shares the story of how the site was investigated, what artifacts reveal about life on the move, and why these places remain important today.
In the second half, our discussion broadens to post-1492 archaeology across Nebraska, what makes it distinct, what challenges archaeologists face in preserving and interpreting recent pasts, and why connecting communities to these stories continues to matter.
Links:
For more episodes of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology/30
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In this episode David sits down with Zach Lindsay, a Mayanist archaeologist and board member of the Institute of Maya Studies, to explore the intersection of Mesoamerican archaeology, art, mythology, and—of course—dogs! From the monumental pyramids of Teotihuacan to the symbolic underworld journeys of ancient Maya souls, Zach brings a journalist’s curiosity and an archaeologist’s precision to one of the world’s oldest human–dog relationships.
Transcripts
For a rough transcript head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/ethnocynology/27
Links:
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Follow Zach on Instagram: @‌arkeogato
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