Merrill Kazanjian is one of the most respected metal detectorists in the United States, the U.S. Ambassador for XP Metal Detectors, and the man behind Metal Detecting NYC — one of the most technically rigorous and entertaining detecting channels on YouTube. He's a 20+ year NYC school teacher, a husband, a dad, and a friend to so many in this community. He's also the only person in all of metal detecting who has created his own language for the hobby — words like Sushi and Jello that his fans live for and nobody outside his world can explain. On this episode, we go beneath the surface on all of it: his teaching career, his technical approach, the story behind his fictional rap alter ego Barry, and finally — the definitive answer to the question his fans have been asking: what does "Sushi has been unlocked" actually mean?

Host Ryan Marcus introduces Beneath the Surface and speaks with sociologist, author, and researcher Dr. Anna Maria Bounds about the psychology and culture of metal detecting. Anna shares her lifelong connection to detecting through her father, a Virginia Beach treasure hunter and shop owner who even built an early underwater detector, and recalls how she later returned to the hobby after his death. They discuss the excitement of “the signal,” why detecting feels addictive, and how it differs from goal-driven treasure hunting by emphasizing open-minded discovery, learning, and connection to past and present. Both highlight detecting’s meditative benefits for stress and blood pressure, and Anna describes the hobby’s unusually supportive community. Ryan also explains how his Subter platform uses research, terrain analysis, and privacy-protecting encryption to help plan hunts. Anna closes with a story about her father finding a ring believed to be linked to espionage.

In Episode 2 of Beneath The Surface, Ryan Marcus sits down with Out with Mo, a professional metal detectorist from northern Germany whose passion for discovery has taken him across Europe and into some of the most historically rich landscapes in the world.Mo shares how he first got started in metal detecting during the COVID lockdowns, how a chance discovery of Napoleon-era buttons and silver coins hooked him on the hobby, and how his journey eventually led him to detecting in countries like Bulgaria where ancient Roman history still lies just beneath the soil.The conversation explores the realities of metal detecting in different countries, the regulations and responsibilities that come with recovering historical artifacts, and the mindset required to pursue meaningful discoveries. Mo also recounts unforgettable moments in the field, including days where dozens of Roman coins surfaced and the emotional discovery of an ancient sword buried on a remote mountain.Beyond the finds themselves, this episode dives into the deeper connection detectorists feel to history, the importance of stewardship and research, and how a global community of enthusiasts shares knowledge and experience across borders.Because beneath every signal, there’s more than metal — there’s a story waiting to be uncovered.

In this inaugural episode of Beneath the Surface, host Ryan Marcus sits down with Mike DiTrani, a retired NYPD lieutenant, Coast Guard veteran, and founder of the Staten Island History Hunters Club—the only non-profit metal detecting club in New York City.Mike shares how decades of law enforcement and Coast Guard service shaped his approach to metal detecting, from reading terrain like a crime scene to making split-second decisions on whether a signal is worth digging. He reveals the "zen" quality that drew him to detecting after a career of constant high-stakes decision-making, and explains why skill and research matter far more than expensive equipment.You'll learn:How situational awareness from police work translates to finding targets others missThe research process behind successful hunts (LIDAR, Sanborn maps, historical aerials)Why mastering your detector matters more than buying the latest modelThe Scout ethos: leaving sites better than you found themCommon mistakes new detectorists make (unrealistic expectations, not learning their machine)Mike's signal analysis process: the exact steps from beep to dig decisionThis conversation goes beyond the finds to explore the mindset, method, and ethics that separate serious detectorists from casual treasure hunters. If you want to level up your detecting game, this episode is essential listening.

A prelude to Beneath The Surface