#29 - Anna Riling

EiS Short: The Game & the Game

In the century past, I was a committed and even a fanatical player of Dungeons and Dragons, and spent much of my time, especially classroom time, drawing dungeon level maps on graph paper, creating characters, I favored paladins, and memorizing arcane rule books, all so that I and friends could gather together around a table in some basement and roll dice together for a few hours. And why did I devote so much time to this classically geeky hobby? Because in many games, there would be a few magic moments when I would forget that it was a game and get so caught up in the play that my heart would pound as I contemplated the fate of some fictional character that I had created and nursed through several games. And those precious seconds not only made the hours of preparation worthwhile, it enlivened them. And frankly, I sometimes wish there was something in my life today that excited the same feverish passion.

#31 - Pete Kelsey

Uncover the astonishing story of the last missing female pilot of World War II, Gertrude "Tommy" Tompkins, and how cutting-edge underwater technology might finally bring her home. In this episode, Angus and returning guest Pete Kelsey discuss how modern multi-beam sonar and autonomous underwater vehicles are transforming underwater archaeology and search-and-rescue efforts. They also address the fascinating engineering of UUVs (unmanned underwater vehicles): their capabilities, limitations, and the quest to identify aircraft wreckage in over 250 feet of water. Furthermore, the significance of artifacts like WWII oxygen tanks and how they lead to potential crash site discoveries—bringing both closure and celebration of the brave pilots who served. Perfect for history buffs, tech enthusiasts, and explorers at heart—this episode reveals how the convergence of science, storytelling, and relentless curiosity keeps history alive beneath the waves. Plus, Pete shares insights on future projects that leverage these innovations for preservation and discovery.

EiS Short: A Perfect Circle

It is sometimes said that the only perfect circles available for the contemplation of early humans were the sun, the full moon, and the iris of the eye. I think this is overstated. The ripples formed by a pebble falling in still water come to mind as do the circles formed in the center of sunflowers, such as sunflowers. But still, the point stands. Perfect circles were unusual in the life of early hominids and seeing as how the best examples ruled the daytime and nighttime skies, circles must have seemed mystical and miraculous, almost godly, worthy of veneration. Since circles were also found in the very sense organ used to observe the perfect circles in the sky, it doesn't seem impossible that these theoretical early hominids might have felt connected to the mystical circles in the sky, part of the divine mystery in a way that plants and mountains and trees were not, as if we were reflections or extensions of the great sun god or wise moon goddess. So imagine the very first hominid, a Neanderthal or Denisovan perhaps, or perhaps it was left for a member of our own species, Homo sapiens, that discovered a method for reliably creating a perfect circle here on earth...

#30 - Frank Artmont

Most bridges are designed to be functional—this one was crafted to be a striking work of art that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings. In this episode, Frank Artmont, PE, PhD a senior engineer at Modjeski and Masters, reveals the innovative design secrets behind the award-winning Hawk Falls Bridge in Pennsylvania's scenic state park. From the strategic use of weathering steel to complex hinged arch mechanisms, discover how this project balances aesthetics, engineering excellence, and environmental harmony over a decade-long journey.

#29 - Anna Riling

Anna Riling is a seasoned geologist and award-winning cartographer based in Durango, Colorado. She's recognized for her stunning, purpose-driven maps that blend aesthetics with environmental advocacy and cultural storytelling. If you've ever wondered what goes into making a map that's both exquisite and meaningful — or how maps can serve as powerful tools for activism and education — this episode is your guide. Hit play to see the landscape through Anna's artist's eye and discover the future of creative cartography.