The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast
Hosted by Carlton Shield Chief Gover, The Great Plains Archaeology Pocast is a deep dive into the archaeology, history, and cultures of North America's Great Plains. Each episode uncovers fascinating discoveries—from ancient artifacts and Indigenous lifeways to the latest research shaping our understanding of this storied region. Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast, history buff, or curious explorer, this podcast brings the hidden past of the Great Plains to life through expert insights, compelling stories, and cultural connections. Tune in and rediscover a land rich with history.
Filling the Gap: New Evidence of Paleoindian Life in Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa with Dr. Thomas Loebel and John Lambert - Ep 44
In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton is joined by John M. Lambert and Thomas J. Loebel to discuss their recent article with Dr. David Easterla, “Addressing a Gap in the Late Pleistocene Record of the Midwest: Fluted Points in Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa.” The conversation explores why this region has long been underrepresented in Paleoindian research and how the documentation of 235 fluted projectile points, including dozens of previously unreported specimens, helps illuminate the lives of some of North America's earliest inhabitants. Lambert and Loebel discuss the challenges and value of integrating museum collections, private collections, and published records, as well as what Clovis and Folsom projectile points reveal about technology, mobility, and land use across the Midcontinent and Great Plains. The episode highlights how overlooked collections and regional documentation projects continue to reshape our understanding of Paleoindian settlement, movement, and adaptation during the late Pleistocene.
Who Gets Published? Gender Inequity in Plains Anthropology with Dr. Phyllis Johnson and Erica Carmody - Ep 43
In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton speaks with Phyllis Johnson and Erica Carmody about their recent open-access (no subscription required) Plains Anthropologist article, “Patriarchy Persists: Gender Inequities in Plains Anthropologist Publishing from 1954 to 2023.” Drawing on nearly seventy years of publication data, they examine persistent gender disparities in archaeological publishing, discuss why women's authorship rates have remained disproportionately low and, in some cases, declined since the early 1990s, and explore the structural factors that shape scholarly visibility and career advancement. The conversation considers what these patterns reveal about the history of Plains archaeology, how representation influences the production of archaeological knowledge, and what journals, institutions, and professional organizations can do to create a more equitable future for the discipline.
Clay and Connection: New Insights from the Tobias Site with Dr. Bob Hoard and Dr. Zachary Day - Ep 42
In this episode of the Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton sits down with Robert Hoard and Zachary Day to discuss their recent article, “Ceramic artifacts from the 2019 excavations at the Tobias site, 14RC8 — evidence of local manufacture and trade at a Great Bend aspect site.”
PROMO - Monte Verde Discussion Panel with Drs. Shane Miller, Spencer Pelton, Jesse Tune, and Carlton Gover - Ethno 34
collegiate learning platforms. So Carlton is taking a quick break, and we will be back with our regular scheduled programming next episode. Please enjoy this episode of the Ethnocynology Podcast, where Carlton was a guest.
Kansas Archaeology Month Event at the Kansas Children's Discovery Center - Ep 41
On this week’s episode, Carlton breaks down his recent Kansas Archaeology Month event at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, titled: Field Explorers: Archaeology Edition. Carlton talks about the events and planning leading up the event and the importance of science communication to younger audiences.
The Digital Archaeological Record (tDAR) with Chris Nicholson - Ep 40
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton speaks with Christopher Nicholson, Director of the Center for Digital Antiquity, about the role of digital archives in preserving and accessing archaeological data.
Carrying the Stories: Preservation and Responsibility in the Crow Nation with Aaron Brien - Ep 39
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton is joined by Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Crow Tribe, for a powerful conversation on history, memory, and responsibility. Grounded in Aaron’s experiences growing up with Crow oral traditions, the discussion explores how storytelling serves as a living practice, one that maintains relationships across generations and keeps the past present.
Fort Berthold Indian Reservation Visit - Ep 38
On this week’s episode, Carlton recounts his recent trip to the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation is the home of the Three Affiliated Tribes: Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. While recounting his recent trip, Carlton dives back into Middle Missouri Archaeology.
Myths Part II - Ep 37
In this episode, Carlton continues with a discussion on Myths brought to his attention from a listener’s email! But this time they’re not on Vikings but of alleged early Irish/Gaelic occupations from the Southeast to the Great Basin.
Moundbuilder Myths and Viking Runestones in (or around) the Great Plains? - Ep 36
Carlton is back on the mic after the holiday break to talk about the Moundbuilder Myth, the Kensington Runestone, and the Heavener Runestone. Are they legit? Well tune in to this weeks episode to find out!
The Long Way Home: To Oaxaca and Back with Dave Williams - Plains 35
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton sits down with Dave Williams to discuss the intellectual and professional journey that brought him from Mesoamerican archaeology in Oaxaca, Mexico, back to working across the Central Great Plains. Rather than focusing on institutional roles, this conversation centers on how archaeological training, regional perspective, and lived field experience shape how archaeologists understand place and the past.
Hematite and Hell Gap: Insights into Paleoindian Wyoming with Dr. Spencer Pelton - Ep 34
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton is joined by Dr. Spencer Pelton, Wyoming State Archaeologist, to explore what some of the oldest archaeological sites in Wyoming reveal about Paleoindian life. The conversation focuses on two areas of Spencer’s research: the Powars II hematite quarry and Locality IV at the Hell Gap site.
PROMO - And My Trowel Ep 43
While the APN takes a break this holiday season we’re using this opportunity to present you with other great content on the network. Please enjoy this episode of And My Trowel! In this episode, Tilly and Ash have been tasked with covering holiday leave for the Norns, the weavers of fate, life and destiny from Norse mythology. However, there’s a problem they don’t have the first clue about weaving! Luckily the know someone who does, prehistoric archaeologist and textile specialist, Ronja Lau! With Ronja’s help, will the trio be able to weave the fates of Gods and humans? And will they ever find out how Game of Thrones ended?
PROMO - Kinkella Climbs the Mount Everest of Pseudoarchaeology (He Reads Graham Hancock’s Fingerprints of the Gods) - Pseudo - 168
Unscientific. Meandering. Silly. Actively ignorant. Super long and BRUTALLY boring. Yes friends, this book doth suck.
More Than Mammoths & Bison: Wyoming’s Ceramic Traditions with Michael Page - Ep 33
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton sits down with Michael Page of the Wyoming State Archaeologist’s Office to explore a lesser-known side of Wyoming archaeology, its rich and varied ceramic traditions**.** While Wyoming is often defined by its iconic Paleoindian kill sites, Michael’s work reminds us that the region’s history is far more diverse than the stone tools and bison jumps that dominate public imagination.
Revisiting the Jones-Miller Bison Kill Site with Amy Gillaspie - Ep 32
In this episode, Carlton sits down with archaeologist Amy Gillaspie to revisit their shared time working with the remarkable Jones-Miller Bison Kill Site collections at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. They begin by exploring the archaeological significance of Jones-Miller, one of the most important Paleoindian bison kill and processing sites on the Great Plains. Amy discusses the site’s history, why it remains foundational to understanding communal hunting practices, and what makes its collection so unique.
Prey (2022) Review with Jacquelyn Sparks - Ep 031
For this episode, Carlton discusses Prey (2022) with Jaquelyn Sparks. They dive into themes of the film, including likes and dislikes, beavers, horses, and a lack of trade goods. Both Carlton and Jacquelyn recently watched the film to get Carlton ready for his hour-long interview on the Screens of the Stone Age Podcast. Definitely check out Carlton’s episode over there to get a full dive into the movie.
Life Along the Trails: 19th Century Nebraska Archaeology Nolan Johnson - Ep 30
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.
Three Decades of Nebraska Archaeology with Rob Bozell - Ep 29
In this episode, I sit down with Rob Bozell, who served the Nebraska State Historical Society for more than three decades and retired as State Archaeologist after a career that began in the 1980’s. Rob reflects on his journey through some of the most transformative decades in American archaeology, including the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its lasting impact on the field.
Digging Differently: Native Presence in Archaeology with Chance and Tyrel Part 2 - Ep 28
This episode continues my conversation with Tyrel Iron Eyes (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) and Chance Ward (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe). We turn to the stories and lessons from the field—where archaeology is practiced on the ground and in real time. Tyrel and Chance reflect on the growing presence of Native archaeologists, the ways Tribally informed practices are reshaping fieldwork, and how their own experiences demonstrate the importance of centering Native voices in research.