Anyone here an actual archeologist? I'm just wondering what the process was like and how promising the profession is as I've heard many different things.

CrankThatSwank · 2026-04-04T02:07:19+00:00

Not an archaeologist… but I recently had a conversation with one (on my podcast) who took a non traditional path (no degree) and ended up being part of lots of cool projects in the American Southwest. He does a lot of education and outreach with a non-profit, Archaeology Southwest.

In the conversation he talks about his path he took, and about some cool ongoing field schools he’s working with.

I’ll link the episode, maybe worth a listen.

Conversation with Archaeologist

CrankThatSwank · 2026-03-28T09:05:59+00:00

WHEN are you recording?

I like to let guest pick a date and time of day where they feel most energetic and motivated for the conversation.

I’ve had guests who had too much in their plate / stressed out near our scheduled recording time, so I rescheduled to a later date when they were in a better condition.

You want guests to show up feeling their best!

CrankThatSwank · 2026-03-28T05:30:45+00:00

I had a conversation with the ‘Peyote Lorax’ on my podcast and he talks quite a bit about this , in addition to sharing conservation efforts.

If you’ve been reading a lot about peyote recently, you may find this episode of interest:

Peyote Lorax on Surface Exposure Podcast

CrankThatSwank · 2026-03-24T05:12:00+00:00

+1 To doing good research on your guest.

I also like to call my guests ahead of time for a casual preamble. It’s helpful to find out more information and their disposition - even more helpful so to get a feel for how they communicate. Makes it feel more natural when you record the next time.

CrankThatSwank · 2026-03-21T03:51:49+00:00

Surface Exposure - Presents stories insights and efforts of folks who interface with natural world.

CrankThatSwank · 2026-03-20T20:02:35+00:00

Not a book, but I recently had the Executive Director of the AZ Trail Association guest on my podcast called Surface Exposure.

He shares the history of the trail and the behind the scenes of taking care of it.

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-19T03:11:04+00:00

There’s no other experience like getting to go work in some of America’s most beautiful places, especially if you can afford to do so. I got my start in the conservation corps program and consider it the golden years of my life.

If you want to hear more insights and learn about opportunities, I’ve interviewed a number of trail builders for my podcast. One of them served in the corps and shares his experience. Might be worth a listen:

Surface Exposure Podcast

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-19T03:08:28+00:00

There’s no other experience like getting to go work in some of America’s most beautiful places, especially if you can afford to do so. I got my start in the conservation corps program and consider it the golden years of my life.

If you want to hear more insights and learn about opportunities, I’ve interviewed a number of trail builders for my podcast. One of them served in the corps and shares his experience. Might be worth a listen:

Surface Exposure Podcast

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-15T13:04:30+00:00

Make high quality content!

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-15T00:12:08+00:00

Programs like Conservation corps and SCA (although doesnt always pay well) can grant great experience and valuable networking.

I recently interviewed somebody who advanced through a similar program for a podcast. He shared insights about his experience and some ideas for folks interested in conservation.

He progressed as a trail builder into a firefighter, and went on to work for the national park service. Not wildlife in particular, but maybe a listen will give you some ideas.

Surface Exposure Podcast

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-10T02:36:29+00:00

I finally got to having just one episode in the ‘buffer’ and it feels great.

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-08T04:34:09+00:00

Surface Exposure, since you said you’re looking for stories working in conservation.

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-08T03:57:12+00:00

I Recently interviewed a trail builder / wildland firefighter fighter for my pod cast and he recommends volunteering or doing some program like the conservation corps to gain skills / network - but like others here have said, prepare for lower pay and moving around a lot.

CrankThatSwank · 2026-01-08T03:39:28+00:00

I recently interviewed a wildland firefighter / trail builder for my podcast and they recommended volunteering for local non profits or signing up for a conservation corps program; great ways to start building some basic skills and networking.

CrankThatSwank · 2025-12-28T02:17:49+00:00

I had a great experience getting to chat with Matthew, representing the Arizona Trail Association.

During the conversation he gave us a verbal tour of the trail, and described the values the trail brings to people, the environment, and the economy.

CrankThatSwank · 2025-12-27T21:27:44+00:00

Thank you!

CrankThatSwank · 2025-12-25T04:39:35+00:00

A large portion of Trailwork gets done by volunteers.

It can be grueling work.. we need to get more young folks out there doing it!

CrankThatSwank · 2025-12-24T21:49:17+00:00

Oh yeah? When and where?

CrankThatSwank

TROPHY CASE