Afterlives of Ancient Egypt with Kara Cooney

EPISODE 32 | In this week's episode Kara and Jordan interview Dr. Eric Wells of Eric's Guide to Ancient Egypt fame. We address the elephant in the room-- whether of not Eric has plans to restart his podcast, his dissertation research on personal piety, and get into some Egyptological debates. --Dr. Eric Wells (he/him) received his PhD from UCLA in Egyptology and is currently an adjunct professor at LMU in the Department of Classics and Archaeology. He is also a chief administrative officer at UCLA for the Life Sciences Core Education Department and the Center for Education Innovation and Learning in the Sciences. You can check out his dissertation on votive stela from Asyut here.--Like and leave us a comment! Relisten to Eric's Guide to Ancient Egypt If you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

CW// alcohol, adult themes, violence and assaultEPISODE 31 | Kara and Jordan answer this month's Patreon Q&A's covering topics from alcohol use and drunkenness to leisure and play, sex workers, and allergies and health.Like and leave us a comment! If you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 30 | In this week's episode Kara and Jordan discuss the God's Wife of Amun position and their relationship to Egyptian politics at the time. Who held this position? What responsibilities came with it? What powers were instilled in the office? We had a great time recording this one! CW// sexual themes Like and leave us a comment! If you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 29 | Kara and Jordan answer the Patron’s questions from the month of July spanning from queen’s ruling in the temporary absence of the king; evidence for mental illness; managing reading for work versus pleasure; and much more!Like and leave us a comment! If you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 28 | In the part two, Kara and Jordan discuss evidence for climatic events in the ancient past, how Egyptian culture was affected, and occasions where the Egyptians negatively affected their environment, as well. Hope you enjoy! Like and leave us a comment! If you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 27 | In this two-part episode, Kara and Jordan tackle the topic of environment and geography. Inspired by the tumult our current Earth is facing with human-induced climate change, we look at how the Egyptians were impacted and influenced by their environment. What was the Egyptian landscape like in the past? How do we see this reflected in their ideology? We cover these topics and more.Show notesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. If you like what you hear don't forget to subscribe, drop us a five-star rating or review to help new listeners find us, and check out us out on Patreon. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 26 | Our first Patreon Q&A!! Patrons submitted questions via the Discord or Patreon app and we answer them. This episode covers questions from the roots of Christianity in Egypt, travel to Egypt, and the new coffin cache found in Saqqara. If you would like to join our Patreon for as little as 3$ a month, click here. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 25 | In part two of the "Family and Kinship" episode, Kara and Jordan focus in on early childhood (and infant mortality), marriage customs, intergenerational wealth, and *INCEST*. Enjoy! Check out Amber's companion post to this episode via our Substack. Show notesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. If you like what you hear don't forget to subscribe, drop us a five-star rating or review to help new listeners find us, and check out us out on Patreon. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 24 | From the cradle to the tomb, Kara and Jordan explore families and kinship in ancient Egypt in this week's episode. What do we know about childhood, marriage, divorce, and how family bonds were formed? Are we unique in our modern desire to understand our family origins and genealogy? Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 23 | In this week's episode Kara and Jordan look at ancient Egypt in Hollywood. How accurate are Hollywood depictions of the ancient world? Should we even care? How are “bad” representations harmful? Kara and Jordan dive deep into the top three offenders: orientalism, the portrayal of women, and race. Of course, we also discuss our favorite movie (The Mummy, (1999) and our love of Brendan Fraser (call us!)Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 22 | In the second part of digging into Egyptological debates, we focus on three burning questions related to the Amarna period: Did Akhenaten invent monotheism? Who was the infamous Smenkhare? And what's up with Tut's tomb? Hope you enjoy the debate! Who do you agree with? What other debates would you like us to cover? Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 21 | On today's episode we are digging into Egyptological debates: How were the pyramids built and who built them? Did Akhenaten invent monotheism? Who was the infamous Smenkhare? We chose our top five questions to discuss and debate! Who do you agree with? What other debates would you like us to cover? We hope you enjoy this episode!Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 20 | In Part II of our guest interview with Amber, the-wind-beneath-Kara's-wings, we continue our conversation about academic adjacent careers. We talk about the ever changing academic climate, the emotional toil of "leaving" the field, and work-life balance. Remember to listen to Part I first if you haven't already. We hope you enjoy!Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 19 | Amber steps out from behind-the-scenes this episode as our second guest for the season. We are talking all things academic-adjacent, sometimes also referred to as alt-ac. These are career paths that many of us take post graduate work that is not the traditional route, i.e. becoming a professor. Stay tuned to hear Amber's story from a young girl in the Midwest with an interest in ancient history, to her Master's program in Egyptology at UCLA, museum work, and her many twists and turns since. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and iHeartRadio. If you like what you hear don't forget to subscribe, and drop us a five-star rating or review to help new listeners find us.[all views are our own]Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

CW// Adult contentEPISODE 18 | In the second part of our Valentine's Day themed episode, Kara and Jordan delve farther into the *sexy* creation myths, gender-bending in coffins, other examples of homosexual relationships (no they weren't conjoined-twins!), and lastly some reading of "love" poetry ('she's a brick house'). Enjoy!![all views are our own]Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

CW// adult content EPISODE 17 | For the month of February, we have two love, sex, and gender focused episodes for everyone. In Part 1, Kara and Jordan explore how the Egyptians defined sex and gender; what were the gender norms; where we can see gender queer or intersex individuals; and what role 'love' played. Lastly, we end on the *sexy* creation myth stories- how Atum created the world (hint- it's NSFW) and the key role of Isis in the Osiris myth. [all views are our own]Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

CW// human remains; violenceEPISODE 16 | In Part 2 of our very first guest interview, we conclude our discussion on human sacrifice in ancient Egypt with UCLA's own Dr. Rose Campbell. We talk more with her about her research on human sacrifice, how she is helping to advance the study of cancer in antiquity, and why the practice of human sacrifice in ancient Egypt did not last. Stay tuned for Part 2 of a fantastic conversation!Show notesMore information about Dr. Campbell:Dr. Roselyn A Campbell is a bioarchaeologist, anthropological archaeologist, and Egyptologist. Her current research is concerned with evidence for violence and trauma in human remains, and understanding how human societies define, use, and sanction violence as a tool of power. She also researches the history and evolution of cancer in ancient human remains. She earned a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.A. and an M.A. in anthropological archaeology and forensic anthropology at the University of Montana. Dr. Campbell has conducted archaeological fieldwork in Egypt, Peru, Ethiopia, Spain, and the western United States. She is currently the Head Osteologist for the Polish-Egyptian Mission at the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and for the North Asasif Project. https://www.roselynacampbell.com/https://getty.academia.edu/RoselynCampbell/https://www.cancerantiquity.org/ If you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

CW// human remains; violence EPISODE 15 | In our very first guest interview, we have UCLA's own Dr. Rose Campbell in to talk about how she became a bioarchaeologist and her work on human sacrifice in early dynastic Egypt. What evidence do we have for this practice? How are we to understand violence in the past? Stay tuned for Part I of a fantastic conversation! Show notesMore information about Dr. Campbell:Dr. Roselyn A Campbell is a bioarchaeologist, anthropological archaeologist, and Egyptologist. Her current research is concerned with evidence for violence and trauma in human remains, and understanding how human societies define, use, and sanction violence as a tool of power. She also researches the history and evolution of cancer in ancient human remains. She earned a Ph.D. in Archaeology from the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and a B.A. and an M.A. in anthropological archaeology and forensic anthropology at the University of Montana. Dr. Campbell has conducted archaeological fieldwork in Egypt, Peru, Ethiopia, Spain, and the western United States. She is currently the Head Osteologist for the Polish-Egyptian Mission at the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and for the North Asasif Project. https://www.roselynacampbell.com/https://getty.academia.edu/RoselynCampbell/https://www.cancerantiquity.org/ If you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney[All views are our own] Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 14 | In this listener-suggested episode, Kara and Jordan talk everything Bronze Age Collapse. How are we to understand this so-termed collapse and what were its causes? How can we muddy the typical narrative? What are our sources? And of course- what role did the Egyptians play at the end of the Bronze Age? Listen to find out more! Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

BONUS | We have a mid-season update! We will be taking a short break for the holiday season, continuing in the new year with all brand-new episodes. Listen to hear our other exciting plans! Thanks everyone for your continuing support.-Kara and Jordan Follow and review on your favorite podcasting service.More info at karacooneyegyptologist.com Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 13 | In this Crash Course episode, Kara and Jordan discuss Kara's earlier exploration of the relationship between success of a leader and the economy. How are monuments used to interpret the legacy of a leader? How do economic systems uphold inequalities? All of these questions and more will be discussed using examples from the ancient world and today.#ancientegypt #history #podcast #AfterliveswithKaraShow notesSign up for Kara's newsletter. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 12 | In the last installment of demystifying academia, Kara and Jordan cover a variety of topics from defending the dissertation, the horrors of the academic job market 😵, landing a position, and Kara's experience as chair of a department. Oh, and there might be tequila shots as well... this stuff is stressful. We hope you enjoy!Show notes#ancient #history #podcast #academia #AfterliveswithKara Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 11 | In this 'crash course' episode, Jordan and I discuss one of my earlier recordings on the religious roots of authoritarian regimes. How did leaders in the past (and today) use religious ideology to support their reigns? Many of these ideas are discussed in more detail in my new book, “The Good Kings”- available where all books are sold.#ancient #history #podcast #AfterliveswithKara #religion #TheGoodKingsShow notes Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

FEED SWAP | We are doing a feed swap with the The Ozymandias Project: Ancient Office Hours podcast. Check out Kara's episode where Lexie and Kara explore a myriad of topics from Kara's research on coffin re-use to her new book "The Good Kings." Have a listen and we hope you enjoy it! If you want more ancient history themed episodes, like and follow The Ozymandias Project: Ancient Office Hours where you listen to podcasts! The Ozymandias Project www.theozymandiasproject.com FB, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Patreon. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 10 | In this week’s episode Kara and Jordan discuss Kara’s new book, "The Good Kings." We look at the kings covered - Khufu, Senwosret III, Akhenaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa - and how these kings’ reigns can help us understand modern authoritarian regimes. Hope you enjoy and if you want to know more....”The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World” is available where all books are sold. Show notes Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 9 | In this 'crash course' episode, Jordan and I discuss one of my earlier recordings on the prevalence (and constancy) of sickness and death in ancient Egypt. How many men would usually die while out on an expedition for mineral resources? What was life like with a body full of parasites and bacterial infections? What can we learn from the ancient world as we go through a pandemic ourselves? Stay tuned to find out! Show notes Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 8 | This week Kara and Jordan discuss The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World--hitting bookstores everywhere tomorrow!--and Kara's writing process for her popular books.Show notes Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 7 | In our second Halloween-themed episode, Kara and Jordan take on the topic of 'True Crime' in homage to Jordan's favorite true crime podcasts: Morbid, Crime Junkies, and The Murder SquadHave you ever wondered if there were serial killers in the ancient world? What examples do we have from ancient Egypt? Who is the infamous Paneb and how did he get away with so many violent crimes? And what about palace intrigue and royal assassination? CW // violence, sexual assault, murderSHOW NOTESIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 6 | In part one of our Halloween special, Kara and Jordan delve into all things *spooky*. Did the ancient Egyptians believe in ghosts? How did the living and the dead interact? What happened to you when you died? Did they have a concept of the soul? Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 5 | Ever wonder how scholars work with ancient hieroglyphic texts? Well, here are a few impressions about what it’s like to work with textual data from the workmen’s village of Deir el Medina.Show notes Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 4 | Demystifying Academia: Part II Ever wonder what a dissertations entails? A committee? Defense, funding and teaching? We tell all... Show notes 🎙 Listen to this week's episode on your favorite streaming service 🎥 Watch on YT @ Kara Cooney- Egyptologist 📩 Sign up for the newsletter @ http://karacooney.squarespace.com/ Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 3 | Want to know what grad school and academia in the Humanities are really about? How do you get in to a funded program? What about a masters program? What is life like as a grad student? As a professor? Jordan and I (try to) demystify the academic experience in a two part podcast. Show notesWatch on YouTube. Sign up for the newsletter on the website. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 2 | Money 💰 rules. We often value wealth so much that we believe rich people to be touched by god, or fate, or whatever you believe in, to rule over us, that we must sacrifice ourselves (and our health) for the good of the economy, as if it were a religion. If economies failed during a king’s reign or a president’s tenure, then it must be his fault, divinely willed, in a sense. This week’s Afterlives podcast includes Jordan and me re-contextualizing a live recording during the darkest days of the 2020 pandemic. This episode is called Divine Economic Right. We hope you enjoy! ❤️ Show notes Available to stream via your favorite podcasting service. Watch on YouTube. Sign up for the newsletter @ http://karacooney.squarespace.com/ Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

EPISODE 1 | Why in the world would anyone study coffins? What can you learn from coffins? That’s our first podcast episode, insight into a new little book I wrote called COFFIN COMMERCE...Show notesIf you want knowledgable hot takes on headlines about archaeology, Egyptology, and antiquity in general delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our Substack Ancient/Now.You can also support the podcast by becoming a Patron.Follow Kara on social media, visit her website, and more: https://linktr.ee/karacooney Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe

TRAILER | Hi everyone! It took forever, but I finally created a podcast—a super laid-back, comfortable, energetic, fun podcast in which Jordan, my co-host, and I talk about whatever we want —the ancient world, power and politics, women’s studies, the doctoral path, even including all those third-rail topics that seem to draw the most attention on my social media these days. Hopefully we can provide some fun and edifying banter when you want to be civically engaged but just can’t watch the news. It is my belief that looking at our world through the lens of antiquity can be the distance we need to see the forest for the trees, to analyze more clearly, and to strategize our next move. If you feel like you are the only person in the world who can see the whole game of cards falling down, we want you to know that you are not alone. We see it too. And we study those ancient times when it has happened before. And we want to talk all about it. Get full access to Ancient/Now at ancientnow.substack.com/subscribe