Career in Ruins

Welcome to the launch of the 2026 Festival of Archaeology at Westonbirt National Arboretum.

This year's theme is Archaeology & Nature, and throughout the day we explore why these two subjects can't be separated. From ancient woodlands and prehistoric landscapes to Stonehenge, conservation and climate change, we speak to the people shaping the future of archaeology.

In this episode you'll hear from:

• 🌳 Andre...

The conversation begins with a reconnection and catching up between Derek and Lawrence, followed by a discussion on recent projects and exciting content. The conversation then transitions into a reflection on archaeological musings and craft fairs, exploring the themes of reuse, craft, and everyday life in the archaeological record. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to archaeology, including teaching, learning,...

Join Derek as he takes Career in Ruins to Hengistbury Head, Dorset to meet curator and archaeologist Dr Hayden Scott-Pratt. In this on-location interview inside a reconstructed Iron Age roundhouse, Hayden shares his journey from undergraduate experiments in copper smelting to curating one of Britain’s most important archaeological sites. Discover why Hengistbury Head was once a major Iron Age international trading port, conne...

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Lawrence and Derek reflect on the new year, share personal updates, and pay tribute to their late friend Kerry Ely. They discuss exciting developments in archaeology, introduce Afifa Khan, who shares her journey from a young enthusiast to a professional archaeologist, and explore the challenges of commercial archaeology. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, the role ...

In this episode, the hosts reflect on their recent experiences at an awards ceremony, share insights from their visit to the Titanic exhibition, and discuss their ongoing projects. They welcome Professor David Nash, who shares his journey from geology to archaeology, focusing on his research on silcrete and sarsens, the formation of the stones of Stonehenge, and the interdisciplinary nature of his work. The conversation delves into...

In this episode of Career in Ruins, hosts Lawrence and Derek engage in a lively discussion with Rob Sutton, Director of Heritage Consultancy at Cotswold Archaeology. The conversation covers a range of topics including the intersection of archaeology and video games, the importance of storytelling in archaeology, and Rob's extensive career journey from a young enthusiast to a leading expert in heritage consultancy. The episode highl...

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 remarkab...

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...

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 p...

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 res...

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 y...

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 pra...

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:

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 of...