BIO

My previous career was as vocalist for the indie/punk mewithoutYou. Over two decades and 1,400+ shows, I made my living flailing around shouting about things I found important. It was an extremely cool job, but I traded it for the only cooler job I can imagine: teaching anthropology. In that role I continue–a bit more quietly–doing what I did as a lyricist, i.e., to explore big questions in small ways: What has it meant, across time and space, to be human? Where does nature end and culture begin? What is ‘the self,’ and how does it shape our view of reality? What for our species makes life worth living? What sets us apart from the non-human world, from each other? What binds us together? In my classes (e.g., Religion, Magic[k] & Witchcraft; Mythology and Folklore; Modern Indigenous Cultures; Madness and Civilization; Anthropology of Science Fiction), I hope to foster curiosity, humility, and respect for our breathtaking range of cultural diversity as we endeavor–in the words of King Lear–to “take upon [us] the mystery of things.”

I currently live in Nampa with my wife, two children, a densely planted garden and an increasing array of non-human animals. We hold a monthly potluck dinner and a capella singing at our home, to which all are welcome.

EDUCATION

Ph.D., Temple University, 2016

M.S. Ed. University of Pennsylvania, 2010

B.S. Ed., Temple University, 2001

SCHOLARSHIP & RESEARCH

Weiss, A. (2025). The Creed of a Muslim: Boundaries of Orthodoxy at a U.S. Islamic School. (Under Review).

Weiss, A. (2025). Cracks in the Dam: The Quiet Faith of a [CENSORED] Schoolteacher. (Under Review).

Weiss, A. (2024). Pant Leg Pedagogy: Context and Conflict at Tafsīr Islamic Academy. Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 32(2), 303-321.

Weiss, A., Mazzotta, R., Mazzotta, R., Beaver, B., Angelella, D. (2018). [UNTITLED] LP. Run for Cover Records, BMI Publishing.

Weiss, A. (2017). Lead vocals/lyrics on Paramore’s “No Friend,” from After Laughter, Fueled by Ramen, Warner Brothers.

Weiss, A., Mazzotta, R., Weiss, M., Jehanian, G., Beaver, B. (2015). Pale Horses. Run for Cover Records, BMI Publishing.

Weiss, A. (2014). Guest vocals/lyrics on Say Anything’s “Push,” from Hebrews. Equal Vision Records.

Weiss, A. Weiss, M. Mazzotta, R. Jehanian, G. Beaver, B. (2012). Ten Stories. Pine Street Records, BMI Publishing.

Weiss, A., Mazzotta, R., Weiss, M., Jehanian, G. (2009). It’s All Crazy! It’s All False! It’s All a Dream! It’s Alright. Tooth & Nail Record Co., EMI/CMG Publishing.

Weiss, A., Mazzotta, R., Weiss, M., Kleinberg, C., Jehanian, G. (2006). Brother, Sister. Tooth & Nail Record Co., EMI/CMG Publishing.

Weiss, A., Mazzotta, R., Weiss, M., Kleinberg, C., Pishock, D. (2004) Catch For Us the Foxes. Tooth & Nail Record Co., EMI/CMG Publishing.

Weiss, A. (2002). Guest vocals/lyrics on Norma Jean’s “Memphis Will be Laid to Waste,” from Bless the Martyr, Kiss the Child. Solid State Records, EMI/CMG Publishing.

Weiss, A., Mazzotta, R., Weiss, M., Kleinberg, C., Pishock, D. (2002). [A –> B] LIFE. Tooth & Nail Record Co., EMI/CMG Publishing.