Season 2 Episode 3: Ancient Maya Royal Courts - Interview with Dr. Jason Yaeger.

In the third episode of season two, Mae and Alyssa sit down with Dr. Jason Yaeger, President's Endowed Professor of Anthropology at the University of Texas, San Antonio and Co-Director of the Mopan Valley Archaeological Project in Belize (http://anthropology.utsa.edu/faculty/jason-yaeger)

Listen in as Dr, Yaeger discusses some of his team's recent finds at the Classic Maya sites of Xunantunich and Buenavista del Cayo in western Belize, including a royal burial with a precious heirloom. Both sites were part of a large network of royal courts that competed with one another for power and sought to maintain influence by serving as mediators between the gods and their kingdoms. Alyssa, Mae, and Dr. Yaeger also discuss some of the reasons why human sacrifice continues to be a common theme associated with the ancient Maya civilization.

Uncovering the Ancient Maya is a student-run podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between Ancient Maya scholars and a broader public audience interested in the Ancient Maya civilization. The hosts interview archaeologists, art historians, ancient writing scholars, and other experts who specialize in studying the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Through their conversations, listeners are introduced to recent research projects about the Ancient Maya, providing us all an opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information about the ancient Maya civilization straight from the experts. The hosts for season 2 are Jhanella Mae Martinez (Art History '24) and Alyssa Guerrero (Anthropology '23).

The podcast was co-created by Jackeline Hernandez (Anthropology '22) and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo (Anthropology '22), and producer Annais Garcia (Journalism '22), and represents a collaboration between the Anthropology and Communications Departments at CSUDH. The theme music was created by Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley (Music '23).

Season 2 Co-hosts: Jhanella Mae Martinez and Alyssa Guerrero
Co-creators: Jackeline Hernandez, Lesli Hernandez Arevalo, Annais Garcia
Music: (Copyright) Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ken Seligson
Consultant: Rebecca Lee Douglas

S2 Ep3 - Ancient Maya Royal Courts (w/ Dr. Jason Yaeger)

Season 3 Episode 1: Jade Caches and the Preclassic Period in the North - Interview w/ Evan Parker

In the first episode of season three, Mae and Alyssa sit down with Evan Parker, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Millsaps College and Co-Director of the Proyecto Arqueologico de Sitios de Pequena Escala en el Puuc Oriental. (https://millsaps.academia.edu/EvanParker)

Listen in as Prof. Parker discusses some of his team's recent finds at the small Preclassic site of Paso del Macho in northern Yucatan, Mexico, including an amazing series of greenstone caches buried at the site's founding. Alyssa, Mae, and Prof. Parker discuss broader developments during the Preclassic Period across the Maya lowlands that set the foundation for the later, more well-known Classic Period Maya civilization.

Uncovering the Ancient Maya is a student-run podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between Ancient Maya scholars and a broader public audience interested in the Ancient Maya civilization. The hosts interview archaeologists, art historians, ancient writing scholars, and other experts who specialize in studying the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Through their conversations, listeners are introduced to recent research projects about the Ancient Maya, providing us all an opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information about the ancient Maya civilization straight from the experts. The hosts for season 2 are Jhanella Mae Martinez (Art History '24) and Alyssa Guerrero (Anthropology '23).

The podcast was co-created by Jackeline Hernandez (Anthropology '22) and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo (Anthropology '22), and producer Annais Garcia (Journalism '22), and represents a collaboration between the Anthropology and Communications Departments at CSUDH. The theme music was created by Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley (Music '23).

Season 3 Student Co-hosts: Jhanella Mae Martinez and Alyssa Guerrero
Season 3 Student Producer: April Whitcomb
Co-creators: Jackeline Hernandez, Lesli Hernandez Arevalo, Annais Garcia
Music: (Copyright) Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ken Seligson
Consultant: Rebecca Lee Douglas

S3 Ep1 - Jade Caches and the Preclassic Period in the North (w/ Evan Parker)

Season 3 Episode 2: Stone Weapons and Tools - Interview w/ Dr. Alejandra Roche Recinos

In the second episode of season three, Mae and Alyssa interview Dr. Alejandra Roche Recinos, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Reed College in Portland, OR. (https://www.reed.edu/faculty-profiles/profiles/roche-recinos-alejandra.html)

Listen in as Dr. Roche Recinos discusses the different types of stone weaponry made and used by the Classic Maya, as well as what the production and exchange of lithics like obsidian tools can tell us about the Classic Maya economy. Alyssa, Mae, and Dr. Roche Recinos discuss the broader socio-economic implications of stone quarrying, processing, and trade and how archaeologists go about learning key insights into ancient Maya society from the material remains they left behind.

Uncovering the Ancient Maya is a student-run podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between Ancient Maya scholars and a broader public audience interested in the Ancient Maya civilization. The hosts interview archaeologists, art historians, ancient writing scholars, and other experts who specialize in studying the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Through their conversations, listeners are introduced to recent research projects about the Ancient Maya, providing us all an opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information about the ancient Maya civilization straight from the experts. The hosts for season 2 are Jhanella Mae Martinez (Art History '24) and Alyssa Guerrero (Anthropology '24). April Whitcomb (Communication, '24) is now serving as the producer/editor.

The podcast was co-created by Jackeline Hernandez (Anthropology '22) and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo (Anthropology '22), and producer Annais Garcia (Journalism '22), and represents a collaboration between the Anthropology and Communications Departments at CSUDH. The theme music was created by Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley (Music '23).

Season 3 Student Co-hosts: Jhanella Mae Martinez and Alyssa Guerrero
Season 3 Student Producer: April Whitcomb
Co-creators: Jackeline Hernandez, Lesli Hernandez Arevalo, Annais Garcia
Music: (Copyright) Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ken Seligson
Consultant: Rebecca Lee Douglas

S3 Ep2 - Stone Weapons and Tools (w/ Dr. Alejandra Roche Recinos)

Season 3 Episode 3: Lithics in Belize - Interview w/ Dr. Rachel Horowitz

In the third episode of season three, Mae and Alyssa interview Dr. Rachel Horowitz, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Washington State University (https://anthro.wsu.edu/faculty-and-staff/rachel-horowitz-2/)

Listen in as Dr. Horowitz discusses how Classic Maya communities in Belize made and used chert stone tools, and what analyzing tool production processes can tell us about the ancient economy.  Alyssa, Mae, and Dr. Horowitz discuss the broader socio-economic implications of chert quarrying and production and what stone tools can tell us about rituals related to the underworld.

Uncovering the Ancient Maya is a student-run podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between Ancient Maya scholars and a broader public audience interested in the Ancient Maya civilization. The hosts interview archaeologists, art historians, ancient writing scholars, and other experts who specialize in studying the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Through their conversations, listeners are introduced to recent research projects about the Ancient Maya, providing us all an opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information about the ancient Maya civilization straight from the experts. The hosts for season 2 are Jhanella Mae Martinez (Art History '24) and Alyssa Guerrero (Anthropology '24). April Whitcomb (Communication, '24) is now serving as the producer/editor.

The podcast was co-created by Jackeline Hernandez (Anthropology '22) and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo (Anthropology '22), and producer Annais Garcia (Journalism '22), and represents a collaboration between the Anthropology and Communications Departments at CSUDH. The theme music was created by Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley (Music '23).

Season 3 Student Co-hosts: Jhanella Mae Martinez and Alyssa Guerrero
Season 3 Student Producer: April Whitcomb
Co-creators: Jackeline Hernandez, Lesli Hernandez Arevalo, Annais Garcia
Music: (Copyright) Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ken Seligson
Consultant: Rebecca Lee Douglas

S3 Ep3 - Chert Quarrying and Processing (w/ Dr. Rachel Horowitz)

Season 3 Episode 5: Cultural Heritage Preservation - Interview w/ Dr. Tomás Gallareta Cervera

In the fifth episode of season three, Mae, Alyssa and Reese interview Dr. Tomás Gallareta Cervera, Assistant Professor of Anthropology and Latino/Latina Studies at Kenyon College. https://www.kenyon.edu/directory/tomas-gallareta-cervera/

Listen in as Dr. Gallareta discusses is his current research on cultural heritage and conservation in the Puuc Region of the northern Maya lowlands. Dr. Gallareta has worked with local community members on the digital archiving project "Voices Of The Puuc Angels: Rural Life Among The Archaeological Ruins In The Yucatan Peninsula,” which, through oral history, contributes to the decolonization of contemporary archaeology.

Uncovering the Ancient Maya is a student-run podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between Ancient Maya scholars and a broader public audience interested in the Ancient Maya civilization. The hosts interview archaeologists, art historians, ancient writing scholars, and other experts who specialize in studying the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Through their conversations, listeners are introduced to recent research projects about the Ancient Maya, providing us all an opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information about the ancient Maya civilization straight from the experts. The hosts for season 3 are Jhanella Mae Martinez (Art History '24), Alyssa Guerrero (Anthropology '24), and Reese Santonil (Anthropology '24). April Whitcomb (Communication, '24) is the podcast's producer/editor for the third season.

The podcast was co-created by Jackeline Hernandez (Anthropology '22) and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo (Anthropology '22), and producer Annais Garcia (Journalism '22), and represents a collaboration between the Anthropology and Communications Departments at CSUDH. The theme music was created by Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley (Music '23).

Season 3 Student Co-Hosts: Jhanella Mae Martinez, Alyssa Guerrero, and Reese Santonil
Season 3 Student Producer: April Whitcomb
Co-creators: Jackeline Hernandez and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo
Music: (Copyright) Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ken Seligson
Consultant: Rebecca Lee Douglas

S3 Ep5 - Cultural Heritage Preservation (w/ Dr. Tomás Gallareta Cervera)

Season 4 Episode 1: Classic Maya Palace Spaces and Feasting - Interview w/ Dr. Maxime Lamoureux-St-Hilaire

In the first episode of Season 4, Reese, Diana, and Jose interview Dr. Maxime Lamoureux-St-Hilaire, Assistant Professor of Anthropology (Archaeology) at Mount Royal University. https://www.mtroyal.ca/ProgramsCourses/FacultiesSchoolsCentres/Arts/Departments/SociologyAnthropology/Faculty/Maxime-Lamoureux-St-Hilaire.htm

Listen in as Dr. Lamoureux-St-Hilaire discusses his investigations within the palace complex of the Classic Maya site of La Corona in northwestern Guatemala. Dr. Lamoureux-St-Hiliaire's team uncovered several storage spaces, hieroglyphic monuments, and a huge midden area with evidence of several feasting episodes. In addition to digging into the implications of all of these finds, the interview also discusses the challenges and excitement of off-the-grid archaeological research deep in the Mesoamerican jungle.

Image Credit: Artistic reconstruction of the Northwest Group featuring the storage contexts and retainers and administrators performing ancillary activities (courtesy of
Aaron Alfano).

Uncovering the Ancient Maya is a student-run podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between Ancient Maya scholars and a broader public audience interested in the Ancient Maya civilization. The hosts interview archaeologists, art historians, ancient writing scholars, and other experts who specialize in studying the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Through their conversations, listeners are introduced to recent research projects about the Ancient Maya, providing us all an opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information about the ancient Maya civilization straight from the experts. The hosts for season 4 are Diana Chavez (Anthropology '25), Reese Santonil (Anthropology '24), and Jose Quintero (Anthropology '25).

The podcast was co-created by Jackeline Hernandez (Anthropology '22) and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo (Anthropology '22), and producer Annais Garcia (Journalism '22), and represents a collaboration between the Anthropology and Communications Departments at CSUDH. The theme music was created by Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley (Music '23).

Season 4 Student Co-Hosts: Reese Santonil, Diana Chavez, and Jose Quintero
Co-creators: Jackeline Hernandez and Lesli Hernandez Arevalo
Music: (Copyright) Shannon Gaebrielle Hefley 2022
Advisor: Dr. Ken Seligson
Consultant: Rebecca Lee Douglas

S4 Ep1 - Classic Maya Palace Spaces and Feasting (w/ Dr. Maxime Lamoureux-St-Hilaire)

Season 5 Episode 1: Maya Hieroglyphs and Languages - Interview w/ Dr. Mallory Matsumoto

In the first episode of Season 5, Co-Hosts James Alcaraz and Samantha Amarillas interview Dr. Mallory Matsumoto, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and expert in Ancient Maya Hieroglyphs at UT Austin: https://liberalarts.utexas.edu/rs/faculty/mm97298

Listen in as Dr. Matsumoto discusses her research on Ancient Maya Hieroglyphs and the evolution of Mayan languages over time. She covers the types of topics that the Ancient Maya scribes would write about and explains how the language used by the Classic Maya Kings and Queens gave way to the dozens of Mayan dialects spoken around eastern Mesoamerica today!


Uncovering the Ancient Maya is a student-run podcast dedicated to bridging the gap between Ancient Maya scholars and a broader public audience interested in the Ancient Maya civilization. The hosts interview archaeologists, art historians, ancient writing scholars, and other experts who specialize in studying the ancient Maya civilization of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador. Through their conversations, listeners are introduced to recent research projects about the Ancient Maya, providing us all an opportunity to learn the most up-to-date information about the ancient Maya civilization straight from the experts. The hosts for season 5 are James Alcaraz (Anthropology '27), Samantha Amarillas (Anthropology '26), and Karla Atanacio (Anthropology '27).

New tracks tagged #MayaCivilization