If I had to sum up what drives my research, teaching, and outreach, it would be this quote often linked to anthropologist Ruth Benedict: “making the world safe for human differences.”
For me, that means helping people understand and appreciate cultural diversity — and making that knowledge accessible to everyone. Whether it’s speaking in classrooms, collaborating with organizations, or co-hosting a podcast, I’m passionate about sharing insights that build bridges between different ways of life.
If you’re interested in bringing cultural insights to your classroom, workplace, or event, I’m always open to speaking opportunities. I enjoy working with audiences of all kinds — from students to professionals — and tailoring talks to fit your needs.
Get in touch if you’re interested. I’d love to hear from you.
You can explore some of my projects below.
Beyond the Human explores the mysteries of the paranormal through an anthropological lenses, revealing how culture shapes our experience of the unknown.
Listen to our latest episode here!
Along with my friend Jay Bohanon, I co-host the podcast Religiously Literate a podcast that dives into the world’s diversity of spiritual belief to foster understanding, respect, and meaningful dialogue across beliefs.
Listen to our latest episode here!
As a speaker at the 2025 Paranormal Research Symposium, I participated in a livestream to discuss paranormal phenomena in Native America, specifically exploring their cultural significance, historical context, and the ways they’ve been reinterpreted within non-Indigenous paranormal communities. Watch the whole livestream here.
I speak on contemporary Native issues including health disparities, sovereignty, and spirituality. Here’s a panel discussion, “American Indians 101”, that I spoke on with research colleagues. You can hear my portion starting at 17:59, here.
I was a guest contributor on Astonishing Legends to discuss, along with colleague Sean Daley, the “Indian burial ground” trope in paranormal research and popular media. You can hear my contribution starting at 40:05.
Ryan Goeckner, PhD, MA 