Career in Ruins

Following the brilliant Time Team episode on the project, Career in Ruins visit Cerne Abbas, Dorset, to catch up with archaeologist Hugh Willmott and his team. Beneath the watchful gaze of the famous Cerne Abbas Giant, Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman delve into the story behind the abbey’s excavation — tracing its journey from Anglo-Saxon origins, through the turmoil of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, to the remarkable discoveri...

In this episode, Derek and Lawrence engage in a lively discussion with David Connolly, exploring his extensive career in archaeology, the significance of community engagement, and the evolution of BAJR. They delve into themes of heritage crime, the importance of skills in archaeology, and the pride and envy that come with working in the field. David shares personal anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the value of listening and lear...

In this Halloween-themed episode, Derek and Lawrence explore the origins and traditions of Halloween, discussing its historical significance, cultural practices, and spooky stories. They delve into the connections between Halloween and archaeology, including Edgar Allan Poe's influence and the myths surrounding tomb raiding. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with Halloween festivities and more.

00:00 Halloween ...

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Derek Pitman and Lawrence Shaw discuss their recent award nomination and the importance of community in archaeology. They welcome Dr. Rose Ferraby, an artist and archaeologist, who shares her journey from studying archaeology at Cambridge to working in Italy and transitioning into the arts. The conversation explores the intersection of art and archaeology, the significance of accessibility,...

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Lawrence and Derek engage in a lively discussion with Dr. Samuel Dix, an expert in conflict and first contact archaeology. They explore Sam's early fascination with archaeology, his diverse career experiences, and the evolution of Aboriginal archaeology in Australia. The conversation also touches on the importance of community engagement, the challenges of fieldwork, and the exciting projec...

Summary

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Lawrence and Derek discuss their recent travels across Europe, reflecting on the unique aspects of the British landscape compared to the vast open spaces of Central Europe. They also share insights from their work, including the excitement of Freshers Week and a film review of '28 Weeks Later.' The episode features a special guest, Penny Lock, who shares her journey into archaeology...

In this episode of Career in Ruins, Derek and Lawrence finally sit down—successfully!—with Dr. Robin Rönnlund, classical archaeologist at the University of Gothenburg and the Swedish Institute at Athens. After two failed recording attempts (one lost to rooftop wine, the other to a rustling coat), Robin joins us from the field in Greece to talk about excavations at ancient Vlochos, the challenges of running international projects, a...

In this episode of Career in Ruins, Derek and Lawrence finally catch up after a busy few months. Derek joins us from sunny Greece while Lawrence checks in from a much rainier Britain. We chat about the latest Time Team episodes, Derek’s ongoing work in Greece, and some of the adventures we’ve shared recently on Career in Ruins—including our visit to the Crannog Centre and a trip to Belfast.

We also give a sneak peek at a forthcom...

In this bonus episode from the slopes of Divis Mountain, we join Malachy Conway, Northern Ireland Regional Archaeologist for the National Trust, as he shares behind-the-scenes insights from a live community excavation during the Festival of Archaeology. 

Malachy takes us on a journey through 6,000 years of human history, from Neolithic pits and prehistoric pottery to 19th-century sheepfolds and modern-day volunteer-powered research...

Festival of Archaeology 2025

We’re coming to you from the launch of the Council for British Archaeology’s 2025 Festival of Archaeology, high up on Divis Mountain, Belfast, hosted by the National Trust.

In this special episode, we meet fascinating people from across the heritage world, discover the unique archaeology and history of Northern Ireland, hear first-hand about an exciting excavation, and dive into everything you need to k...

In this special year-end episode of Careers in Ruins, we are thrilled to welcome Jacqueline McKinley, a trailblazer in osteoarchaeology. Jacqueline takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, from being inspired by Magnus Magnusson’s iconic documentary on Skara Brae to becoming one of the first self-proclaimed osteoarchaeologists.

With her characteristic wit and passion, Jacqueline delves into her love for burial practices...

In this episode of Career in Ruins, Lawrence and Derek kick things off with some lighthearted chatter about the buzz surrounding Gladiator 2—what might Ridley Scott have in store for fans of ancient drama and epic storytelling?

Then, we’re joined by the incredible Professor Henry Chapman, a landscape archaeologist whose expertise spans GIS, ancient landscapes, and the unique environments of bogs. Together, we explore:

• How GIS ...

In this episode, hosts Lawrence Shaw and Derek Pitman sit down with Professor Mike Parker Pearson to delve into a career that has shaped the field of archaeology on multiple fronts. The conversation begins with reflections on the late Lord Colin Renfrew, a transformative figure in archaeology and Mike's former lecturer, whose recent passing adds a poignant note to the discussion.

Mike provides unique insights into the evolution o...

In the first episode of the new season, Derek and Lawrence sit down with Chris Leonard, Senior Project Officer at Cotswold Archaeology. Chris shares his fascinating career journey, starting with a degree in South American Studies and navigating the highs and lows of short-term contracts in commercial archaeology. From uncertain beginnings to becoming a leading professional in the field, his story is a must-hear for anyone curious a...

In this special episode, we bring you exclusive coverage from the launch event of the Festival of Archaeology, hosted at the scenic Scottish Crannog Centre on the banks of Loch Tay. Join us as we dive into engaging conversations with event organizers from the Council for British Archaeology, explore the vibrant stalls, and interact with the passionate site staff and living history specialists who bring the past to life. Whether you...

Our first episode of 2024 is a fascinating chat with Karen Kirk. Karen has had a brilliant career which has spanned commercial archaeology, BBC drama productions and more recently, the production of archaeological TV programs. With shows and documentaries ranging from Digging for Britain, Time Team, Secrets of Stonehenge and Titanic’s Final Mystery, Karen talks us through how she got involved in working in such an important area wh...

The episode of Career Ruins features a conversation with Colm Donnelly, a Senior Research Fellow at Queen's University in Belfast. Derek and Lawrence reflect on the highlights of the year and discuss Colm's career journey in historical archaeology and community archaeology. Colm shares insights into his notable projects, including excavating medieval castles in Ireland and participating in post-ex Russia. The episode highlights the...

In this episode Derek and Lawrence chat to Helen Geake, an archaeologist and member of the television show Time Team. She discusses her career in archaeology, starting from when she was unsure about what she wanted to do and eventually discovering her passion for the subject. She talks about her academic journey, including her research on Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, and her work at Norwich Castle Museum and the Portable Antiquities Sch...