In this illuminating episode, we explore the hidden side of human history: the night. Dr. Nancy Gonlin, professor of anthropology at Bellevue College, joins us to discuss her pioneering work in the Archaeology of the Night. Learn how ancient cultures navigated darkness, how modern lighting is disrupting our biology and making us sick, and why night pollution (aka light pollution) is more than just a nuisance—it’s a threat to health, heritage, and humanity.
💡 Topics We Cover:
– The Anthropology of Night and its emerging academic recognition
– Light as a status symbol: From ancient torches to LED floodlights
– Health impacts of artificial light and the plight of those hypersensitive to LEDs
– Night pollution vs. light pollution—and why the distinction matters
– Cultural practices around sleeping, steaming, storytelling, and darkness
🔥 Plus, Mark Baker offers an update from the Soft Lights Foundation, sharing the latest efforts to reduce harmful lighting technologies in public spaces.
🔗 References & Resources:
Find Nancy’s books, including Archaeology of the Night, here: https://upcolorado.com/our-books/our-authors/item/264-nancy-gonlin-editor
In Praise of Shadows by Junichiro Tanizaki, Amazon: https://a.co/d/eGWT7rF,
Dark Futures, by Nick Dunn, Amazon: https://a.co/d/iFCta0H
How to Sleep Like a Caveman, by Merijn van de Laar, Amazon: https://a.co/d/0pQVMLv
#RestoringDarkness #LightPollution #ArchaeologyOfNight #NancyGonlin #Anthropology #SoftLights #DarkSky #NightStudies #SleepHealth