About Those Who Wander
This newsletter is for readers who want to learn about the meaning of travel, why we seek adventure, and how to structure more of it into our lives. In short, this is the anthropology of wandering. We’ll also explore the history and subject matter of anthropology and archaeology, along with the topics from my forthcoming book: An Anthropology of Wandering: How Adventure Can Alleviate a Fearful Culture. The book is a first-person account of backpacking the Appalachian Trail that dives into travel, risk, the meaning of adventure, and fear in society and culture.
In the summer of 2014, I backpacked the Appalachian Trail with my partner (now wife), Hilary. We developed a project that interviewed modern adventurers and published our stories on our blog, Those Who Wander. I have long wanted to revive this website and well, here it finally is!
Subscribe to get access to my newsletter, the archives, and updates on my upcoming book.
About Justin S. Bailey
I am a registered professional archaeologist (RPA) and anthropologist interested in the topics of adventure, history, culture, fear, risk, and resilience in society. I have a B.A. in anthropology and history from Indiana University and an M.A. in anthropology from the University of Tennessee.
While living in Steamboat Springs, Colorado I was employed with archaeological and environmental firms and the US Forest Service. I conducted archaeological surveys and excavations for infrastructure projects across Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Hilary and I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in the fall of 2017, where I continued work as an archaeologist throughout the southeastern United States. I am now working with the Tennessee Valley Authority as an archaeologist to help mitigate impacts on archaeological sites on federal lands throughout the Tennessee River Valley.
My archaeological research in graduate school focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications for archaeology and how hunter-gatherer societies mitigated their risks and promoted resilience in their cultures via exchange networks. My thesis is Exchange and Social Interaction in the Tennessee River Valley: A Geospatial Approach to the Analysis of Late Archaic Archaeological Sites. For those interested, you can download the thesis here.
From these experiences in anthropology, archaeology, backpacking the Appalachian Trail, and research on adventure, it is my goal to bring readers a perspective on the world that is rooted in curiosity, integrity, and an openness to exploring our shared humanity.
What a Subscription Gets You
There will be weekly posts for everyone, but subscribing grants you access to all of my content, including archived writing and all excerpts from my upcoming book as well as more opportunities to engage..
Here’s what you can expect: new weekly blog posts (except when traveling I hope you will forgive) in short and long forms that explore a range of topics from the meaning of travel and adventure in society to the history and relevance of anthropology and archaeology in today’s world. I also want Those Who Wander to be a resource for readers to further explore these topics on their own, so I will provide plenty of links to essential scholars, authors, ideas, and books I believe are worth reading and reflecting on. Quick disclaimer: while many of the books mentioned in posts link directly to purchasable products, I do not receive any commission from their sale.
I will be sending a free weekly newsletter to all subscribers every Friday morning, but if you like what you are reading and want access to additional content that will include extra posts, all excerpts from my upcoming book, and access to the full archive of content, please consider upgrading to the full subscription. Additionally, paid subscriptions will allow you to comment, engage in group discussions, and provide the opportunity for ‘Ask Me Anything’ posts and open submissions for ideas from readers for future content.
Wondering where to wander first?
Consider starting with Those Who Wander’s About Page to get to know a little about me and what I’ve been up to in archaeology and anthropology.
Read my about the Motives of Those Who Wander.
Read my first post and first published excerpt from my book Our Ancient Narrative.
