Thick Skin, High Fashion: Runway Real Talk
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
"You're not like other girls, you're not pretty... you look... interesting." These are the words Syrian-Palestinian-Emiratee model has heard many times throughout her career. In today's episode she shares her story, alongside her advice on overcoming naysayers, nastiness, and prejudice. Through her career Albeik has combined activism, heritage, and fashion in ways that defy stereotypes. Having worked for Elle, Vogue, Burberry and others, she became a muse for brands while never losing her strong sense of self. This unreleased episode, recorded in early 2023, was delayed by technical issues....
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Other People's Lies: A writer and activist's journey to the truth
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
There was a moment in 2020 when Instagram was suddenly blanketed by black squares as social media users struggled to find a way to express that they supported the justified anger and calls for justice within the Black community. In the years since, as the frenzied media cycle churned on, the spotlight may have shifted away from issues of racial justice and the black squares were quietly deleted, archived, or simply moved down the feed, subsumed by images of holidays, events, and new outfits. My guest , a writer and activist, has to issues where race and queer issues intersect. He speaks with...
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Balance: Health Advice from a TCM Expert
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
Have you ever wondered what connections ancient cultures see between totally disparate parts of the body? How earlobe connects to spleen, and eyebrow to abdomen? After discovering a breast tumour in her 20s, realised that she needed to make some changes in her life to protect her health. This involved an innovative approach to Western and Eastern medicine. Coming from a “traditional Chinese family” in Shanghai, then studying Western nutrition in New York, she decided to complement this learning with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Today she is a registered dietician and TCM...
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On Refusing to be "A Subtle Girl": Artistry, Creativity, Style
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
Artist proclaims proudly, "I'm not a subtle girl". In this episode filled with laughter and the sharing of history and creative influences, Olivia and Atong joke about painfully plain interior design trends, the pipeline from large families to the decision to elope, and Atong's view of herself as The conversation also takes a deep turn towards the history and traditions of the Dinka people, Atong's understanding of her context as a visual artist, and how she has made it as one of Australia's leading photographers. Atong is represented by in Australia, where her work is available to...
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She's Coming: Are You Ready?
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
"I love this lack of control." These are the words founder and designer Olivia Cummings used to describe the contrast between becoming a first time mother, and running a business. On the 18.10.24 our founder Olivia , as she birthed her first child, a daughter, into this world. A few weeks ago, in the final stages of her pregnancy, she sat down with podcasters Lucinda McKim and Lauren Treweek of the hilarious, frank, and informative for an honest discussion about her pregnancy, labour, and the realities of motherhood. Olivia shares her worries and expectations about the entire process of...
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Making Headlines: Tales From the Heart of the Media Sphere
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
Virginia Trioli has won not one, but two Walkleys–the highest prize for journalism in Australia–through her illustrious career which spans decades and many eras of politcal and cultural life. It's no wonder, then, that you've never heard a more engaging storyteller. Virginia became a household name as the host of the morning news, and famed political panel program Q&A, and currently delves into the essence of creativity in her program on the ABC, . Her book, , is out now with Pan Macmillan Australia. In it, Virginia reflects on the “side dishes” that make life really...
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Stories of the Pharaohs: God, King, and Symbol
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
Imagine a world in which the same earth you walk had been populated by Gods in years past. These deities may have had bull's tails, or the heads of falcons, held massive whips, or possessed the moon in their left eye. This was the belief system of the Ancient Egyptians, who saw their Kings and Queens as direct descandents of these divinities, and founders of human society. The Pharaoh ruled not only by divine right, but as a direct heir of these Gods. I sat down with . She heads up the monumental exhibition Pharaoh: a landmark in the collected display of treasures from Ancient Egypt. On...
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Going Rogue: A side of myself I don't often share.
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
In the first episode of the 5th season, I wanted to focus on my journey: owning and running a successful beauty, history, and design-driven ; being an expectant first-time mother; and navigating life's ups and downs. This is a side of myself I don't always share, but I wanted to open up this more personal and vulnerable aspect, in the hopes that it might touch you too, and make you feel like you're not alone in this. That's whether "this" is work, motherhood, or just trying to be happy and fulfilled. My good friend, —entrepreneur, creative, and CEO of the cosmetics company —joins me...
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Homecoming
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
Olivia first came across Charnel Rizk when she read her moving short essay My Family’s Yellow Fibro Home was my Greatest Teacher. As a young writer Charnel writes about her identity as a Lebanese-Australian, and how her background forms an indelible part of the performer, musician, and creative she is today. Talking to Charnel gives us new insights into the way that coming from an immigration background can be simultaneously difficult and breathtakingly beautiful. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover...
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News as a Force for Good
Cleopatra's Bling Podcast
Do you sometimes feel scared about the direction that the world is going in, but not sure what you can do to help? Too overwhelmed to turn on the news? is a journalist and researcher for , covering everything from the most headline-grabbing events to some of the forgotten stories of our times. Her dedication to bringing to light stories from far flung corners of the world that deal with oppressed peoples gives her deep insight into lesser known details about important political dynamics. She shared her insights with Olivia about the state of journalism in the world today, offering a...
info_outlineThis episode contains inspiring ideas, intimate connection, and practical advice, as we explore the power of purpose-driven work. Less an interview and more a free ranging and informative conversation between two longtime friends and successful businesswomen.
Ethical beauty brand Fluff founder Erika Geraerts sat down with the creative director of Cleopatra's Bling, Olivia Cummings, to delve into the pressing issues of our time and the role that a life's vocation can play in shaping a better future.
Don't miss this opportunity to understand the journey from launch to legacy, and to learn about the business of building brands that truly matter.
This episode was live-recorded Wurundjeri country. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by Zoltan Fecso and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, here.