Episode 4 of the "Digging Digital" podcast series released: Best Practice Examples of Storytelling
24/07/2026
The ARCHAEODIGIT project is pleased to announce the release of the fourth episode of its podcast series, "Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast." Developed within the framework of the project's training and communication activities, the series explores innovative approaches to the valorisation of archaeological heritage through digital skills, communication, and audience engagement.
Following the thematic structure of the ARCHAEODIGIT Joint Training Courses, the podcast series brings together experts and practitioners to discuss key topics related to the digital transformation of archaeology and cultural heritage. Through conversations and practical examples, the series provides valuable insights for cultural heritage professionals, tourism operators, researchers, students, public authorities, and anyone interested in making archaeological heritage more accessible, engaging, and sustainable.
Episode 4: Best Practice Examples of Storytelling
Hosted by Izabela del Vechio, Head of the Department for Science, Technology and Entrepreneurship at Juraj Dobrila University of Pula (UNIPU), the episode features Prof. Mauro Dujmović, Full Professor at UNIPU, who explores the crucial difference between simply informing visitors and creating genuinely memorable heritage experiences through storytelling.
During the conversation, Prof. Dujmović explains why the quality of interpretation and the skills of the storyteller can make even less-preserved archaeological sites unforgettable. Rather than limiting interpretation to the presentation of historical facts, he illustrates how effective storytelling combines scientific evidence with carefully crafted narratives to help visitors imagine everyday life in the past and establish a deeper emotional connection with heritage.
The episode also examines the challenges of heritage interpretation in today's tourism landscape. While storytelling can make cultural sites more engaging and accessible, excessive commercialisation risks reducing heritage to a commodity and undermining its authenticity. Prof. Dujmović discusses the importance of finding the right balance between education, entertainment, and cultural preservation, ensuring that storytelling enhances rather than oversimplifies archaeological heritage.
Another key theme is the role of local communities and tourism stakeholders. The discussion highlights how educating and actively involving those who live and work around heritage sites is essential for preserving authenticity, strengthening local identity, and creating meaningful visitor experiences that respect both the cultural significance of the site and the expectations of modern audiences.
Continuing the journey through digital archaeology
"Digging Digital: the ARCHAEODIGIT Podcast" consists of 20 episodes, organised into thematic modules reflecting the project's training programme. Future episodes will continue exploring digital communication, heritage interpretation, innovative technologies, audience engagement, sustainable tourism, and collaborative approaches to preserving and promoting archaeological heritage across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
The podcast series represents another step in ARCHAEODIGIT's commitment to strengthening the skills of professionals working in archaeology and cultural heritage while encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange among institutions, researchers, tourism stakeholders, public authorities, and local communities.
Follow the ARCHAEODIGIT project and stay tuned for the upcoming episodes as we continue exploring innovative ways to connect archaeology, digitalisation, storytelling, and cultural heritage through expert conversations and practical insights.
