Cleopatra's Bling Podcast

Host Olivia Cummings is the founder of the jewellery brand Cleopatra’s Bling. Cleopatra’s Bling travels around the world, meeting fascinating creatives, craftspeople, and cultural experts to inspire our artisanal collections. This podcast invites you into those intimate conversations which bring tradition and practices from the past into the present.

On Refusing to be "A Subtle Girl": Artistry, Creativity, Style 11/15/2024

On Refusing to be "A Subtle Girl": Artistry, Creativity, Style 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 purchase. – This episode was live-recorded Wurundjeri country. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/33932767

She's Coming: Are You Ready? 10/24/2024

She's Coming: Are You Ready? "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 becoming a first time mum. If you have ever wondered about having a child, feared the prenatal period and birth, or if you, like so many, feel alone, judged, and uncertain in parenting and raising kids, this discussion is a salve to the soul. Even for those without kids, it's a chance to understand women's perspectives on topics not often dared to be discussed, in Olivia, Lauren, and Lucinda's –to see how the caregivers in our lives are navigating things. – This episode was live-recorded Wurundjeri country. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/33596662

Making Headlines: Tales From the Heart of the Media Sphere 10/03/2024

Making Headlines: Tales From the Heart of the Media Sphere 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 delicious. The sweet and the sour; the salty, the bitter - both literally through the medium of food, and metaphorically when reflecting on her storied life. We talked how she got her start in the newsroom, some of the most difficult stories for her to cover, and much more. For more of her tales of travel and adventure, as well as some lip-smacking recipes for side dishes, find A Bit on the Side, . This episode contains descriptions of sexual harrasment in the workplace and domestic violence. If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. – This episode was live-recorded Wurundjeri country. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/32810097

Stories of the Pharaohs: God, King, and Symbol 09/04/2024

Stories of the Pharaohs: God, King, and Symbol 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 view now, Amanda talked me through the myth and iconography of some of the more than 500 objects–including towering sculptures, statues that graced ancient temples, coffins, and of course jewellery–which immerse visitors in the world of the ancient pharaohs. Tickets . Cleopatra’s Bling jewellery is now stocked in the , including exclusive pieces designed as a celebration of the Pharaoh exhibition, referencing some of the symbols we spoke about in this episode. – This episode was live-recorded Wurundjeri country. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/32894807

Going Rogue: A side of myself I don't often share. 08/28/2024

Going Rogue: A side of myself I don't often share. 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 for a more personal discussion about our shared paths. We are close personal friends and share a business philosophy centred on sustainability and practical, beautiful designs. You've heard us talk on the Pod before, but today Eri's insights and thoughtful questions lead to deep personal discussions and revelations. I also answer questions from you, our listeners. – This episode was live-recorded Wurundjeri country. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/32689627

Homecoming 06/29/2023

Homecoming 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 Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/27255363

News as a Force for Good 05/23/2023

News as a Force for Good 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 better understanding of what we as news consumers can do to help. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/26922375

The Business of Building Brands 04/26/2023

The Business of Building Brands This 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 founder sat down with the creative director of , , 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 and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/26659131

Relationship Revelations 04/12/2023

Relationship Revelations is a bestselling writer and journalist whose passion is having . Her weekly newsletter and her essay compilations of the same name help us understand how relationships function, and how they grow through our lives. Natasha has interviewed Alain de Botton, Esther Perrel, and David Sedaris about love, and I was delighted to have the opportunity to interview her. I walked away from this conversation feeling wiser about love, life, and the length and breadth of all human relationships. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/26522637

The Story of Who We Are 03/29/2023

The Story of Who We Are A dinner party guest we'd all love to be next to (or, frankly, be!) is the warm, encylopaedically knowledgeable historian . As quick with an interesting anecdote as with unexpected insights into the connections between far reaching areas in the ancient world, listening to her is like being transported to Egypt, India or the Middle East in times gone by. Bringing the lofty topic of history down into the earthy realm of the "story of who we are and how we came to be here", Erin takes facts and makes them a human drama that teaches us about our past in a vivid and gripping way. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/26379999

Cheesy Feelings 03/15/2023

Cheesy Feelings If you’ve ever wondered why a chef might need to know the exact temperature of a cow's fourth stomach, chef Lucy Whitlow - is here to fill you in. She turns dairy produce into delicious cheeses, creams, and milk products, balancing the slowness needed to keep cheese "happy" and "calm" with the fast paced restaurant industry. She and Olivia discuss emotions that go into food, the complex qualities of milk, the intricate processes of making cheese, and how she balances her life as a restaurant chef with the meditative and time-consuming process of working with dairy. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/26236830

Creative Soul Corporate World 03/01/2023

Creative Soul Corporate World understands the predicament many of us are in in the 21st century - we need a money job to pursue a creative passion. As an author, he managed to capitalise on his experience working as a brand strategist and use it to fuel his writing with biting humour and detailed observation. Ennis’ work deals with disillusionment, displacement, and the odd feeling of living in our modern world. His debut short story collection Sadvertising is published by Penguin Random House. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/26091264

Words From Ghosts 02/15/2023

Words From Ghosts There is a moment in every child's life when they realise that the relationships around them may not be as simple as they seem. It's a perplexing sensation that can stay with us well into adulthood: times when you see your partner speaking, but hear the words of their father or grandmother emerging from their mouth. That generations present are haunted by generations past is something that poet contemplates through moving, spare writing. Trivarna calls up ghosts sensed from absences felt, creating sequeneces of words that make the poet's almost 200k Instagram followers feel seen and understood in just a few lines. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/25940931

Loving When It's Hard 02/01/2023

Loving When It's Hard Bestselling , and marriage and family therapist, has been helping couples and parents for decades. She uses attachment theory to help individuals understand better how and why they are reacting to emotional triggers. Her insights have been featured on the Huffington Post, the New York Times, and Oprah. Olivia sat down with Elizabeth to discuss how to love, even when it gets hard, getting into the nitty gritty of our relationships, both good and bad. Elizabeth's ability to explain these emotionally charged and deep topics with effortless simplcity is just one of her amazing talents. Content Note: Grief, infant loss, child loss, topics about difficulties in relationships i.e. infidelity briefly touched on in this episode. Cleopatra's Bling Podcast was produced by and the CB team. Original music by Cameron Alva. You can discover Cleopatra's Bling designs, . /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/25796724

Olivia and James Chat: Love Rings 06/29/2022

Olivia and James Chat: Love Rings What kind of engagement ring would a jeweller want for herself? These questions and more in our final episode of the season that covers the earliest ever love rings, engagement rings' secret codes, and how capture by pirates led to one of the world's most iconic love ring designs. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/23575799

Interview with Sustainable Florist, Petrina Blooms 06/15/2022

Interview with Sustainable Florist, Petrina Blooms Our guest today is more often referred to by the charming moniker “Blooms” which she uses as her Instagram handle . This cheerful gardener is as riotously colourful and funny as the wild and varied flowers she tends to in the green expanses of her suburban Melbourne home. It’s these flowers that Petrina Burrill handpicks and sells as part of her sustainable floristry practice. In signature pale pink overalls you can find her in a garden that , frollicking amongst pastel petals, and deep green fronds. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/23435543

Interview with Forager and Chef, Liam Spurrell 06/08/2022

Interview with Forager and Chef, Liam Spurrell Many of us spend our whole lives attempting to climb the ladder of success in our chosen profession. Liam Spurrell found accolades and opportunities early: thanks to his talent for flavour and keen eye for detail already at a young age he found positions opening up to him in some of Melbourne’s best restaurants. But rather than stay in the ratatouille race, Liam decided to trade in his chef’s whites for muddy boots, secateurs and scissors. He is now a full time forager, sourcing ethical and sustainable produce from beach bananas, to mountain marigold, to olive herb. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/23367536

Olivia and James Chat History: Ancient Spies and the Death of a Star 05/25/2022

Olivia and James Chat History: Ancient Spies and the Death of a Star Co-host James is back to the Podcast to talk a small but ubiquitous accessory with a very long history: the silk scarf. This week we've got ancient spies, martial arts, war propaganda, and the death of a star of the stage. Plus: Listener questions! /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/23223419

Interview with Political Commentator, Yousef Alreemawi 05/11/2022

Interview with Political Commentator, Yousef Alreemawi Over the past years Olivia has found twin passions in learning the Arabic language and advocating for Palestinian liberation. A mentor and teacher who helped to guide her in this journey is Yousef Alreemawi - a lecturer, political adviser and commentator, editor, and friend. They discuss the beauty of Arabic as a language, its unique expressiveness, and his experience as part of the Palestinian diaspora. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/23079632

Interview with former Vogue Editor in Chief Kirstie Clements 04/20/2022

Interview with former Vogue Editor in Chief Kirstie Clements Kirstie Clements has presided over the most glamorous corners of the Australian fashion industry throughout her long career. At one point in time her role took her from clubbing with supermodels and Guns N’ Roses in Paris, to high tea with Estée Lauder at the Plaza New York, to travels alongside Armani in Shanghai. Despite these stylish credentials, she finds that much of her creative and professional inspiration has been drawn from fine art, poetry, music, film, and travel. She sat down with Olivia to dish on how to reinvent your creative message, adapting to life in a new country, and how it felt to be elevated to Vogue's editor in chief. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/22850408

Olivia and James Chat History: Murder, Gold, Necromacy 04/06/2022

Olivia and James Chat History: Murder, Gold, Necromacy Co-host James returns to the Podcast to talk the life and times of the Renaissance's most infamous scoundrel: Benvenuto Cellini. This week we've got murder, sex, war, poetry, goldsmithing... with a touch of necromancy and some favours done for the Pope. It's the history of the life of Florence's most famous goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini. What better man or place to cover than that which inspires so many of our collections and where our first bespoke solid gold pieces were made? Plus: Listener questions! /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/22669184

Interview with Olympic Boxer Harry Garside 03/23/2022

Interview with Olympic Boxer Harry Garside The male boxer you see fighting it out in the ring at the Olympics, or the man who comes round to repair your burst water pipe - these might be the last kind of people you would stereotypically expect to pull off their gloves to reveal bright nail polish. Our guest today, Harry Garside, happens to be both: a professional fighter, and a tradesman. He also happens to be a laid back pioneer of the diverse possibilities of gender expression, having sported nail lacquer in the ring. His colourful hands were shown to the world when the gloves came off for a celebration of his Bronze Medal-winning stoush. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/22541063

Interview with Permaculture Expert, The Urban Nanna 03/09/2022

Interview with Permaculture Expert, The Urban Nanna Permaculture is the development of agricultural systems that are sustainable and self-sufficient. Anna, more widely known as "The Urban Nanna", is a former primary school teacher with a horticultural background. Nowadays, rather than a stuffy building, the great outdoors is her classroom. Anna teaches traditional ways of crafting, preserving, and cooking, all the while living in the precarious rental market of suburban Australia. Olivia spoke with Anna at her wifi-less home, to discuss how foraging goes far beyond food, and the reviving of cultural traditions involving connection to Country and community. Listening to this episode will make you see the urban world around you in a completely new way, from using roses for flavour, to hawthorn for lowering blood pressure, wild violet and cherry blossom for infused sugars, and pine mushrooms for pizzas, stocks, and risottos. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/22389530

Olivia and James Chat History: Jade 02/23/2022

Olivia and James Chat History: Jade We welcome new co-host James to the Podcast, who will join for regular chats that will give you a laugh as you cook or commute. CB founder and designer Olivia, and musician James are good friends with a wealth of stories and banter between them. They'll also provide insight into the historical backgrounds of some of the world's most famous materials, places, and objects that historically connect us to the jewels we wear today. This week we've got Big Men, brain goo, and a treasure map of precious minerals told through myth. It's the history of the gemstone jade, which features heavily in all Cleopatra's Bling collections. Plus: Listener questions! /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/22229603

Interview with Linguist, Leo Kretzenbacher 02/09/2022

Interview with Linguist, Leo Kretzenbacher Leo Kretzenbacher views language as a collective artwork created by all people who use it. He was born in Austria, grew up in Germany and has been teaching and researching in the German Studies Program of the University of Melbourne’s School of Languages and Linguistics for over a quarter of a century. While Leo has done literary and cultural studies as well, his main interest is in linguistics. Collectively he and Olivia speak over 15 languages. They discuss the best ways to learn a new language, frankness vs politeness in different languages, proxemics or "closeness" in intercultural communication. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/22077575

Interview with Melbourne Food and Wine Festival's Pat Nourse 01/26/2022

Interview with Melbourne Food and Wine Festival's Pat Nourse Imagine trying to feed one of the world's most famously foodie cities in the middle of a pandemic. With COVID-19 forcing us to cover our mouths, that's exactly what Pat Nourse with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival somehow managed to do. Pat and his team not only found creative ways to bring incredible food to people, he also delved deeper into writing about food once more. Against a backdrop of chirping native birds Olivia talks with the one man who knows more about the world's best restaurants than just about anyone. They share their favourite eateries with each other (and us!), discuss how the table was a place to put down our weapons and lean across cultures, and give insights into what defines Australian cuisine. Check out the MFWF March edition (March 25-9 April). Tickets on sale in February via . Mentioned this episode: /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/21875762

Goddess of Love and War, Inanna 10/26/2021

Goddess of Love and War, Inanna Host Olivia Cummings is the founder of the jewellery brand Cleopatra’s Bling. In this new series of minisodes, Olivia takes us on a journey to the far reaches of the globe, giving an insight into the historical and cultural practices that inspire the Cleopatra's Bling artisanal jewellery collections. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/20942735

Interview with Everyone at the Table's Julie Marr 07/21/2021

Interview with Everyone at the Table's Julie Marr Host Olivia Cummings is the founder of the jewellery brand Cleopatra’s Bling. Cleopatra’s Bling travels around the world, meeting fascinating creatives, craftspeople, and cultural experts to inspire our artisanal collections. This podcast invites you into those intimate conversations which bring tradition and practices from the past into the present. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/19885235

The Seven Headed Serpent, Muš-saĝ 07/07/2021

The Seven Headed Serpent, Muš-saĝ Host Olivia Cummings is the founder of the jewellery brand Cleopatra’s Bling. In this new series of minisodes, Olivia takes us on a journey to the far reaches of the globe, giving an insight into the historical and cultural practices that inspire the Cleopatra's Bling artisanal jewellery collections. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/19736480

Interview with Birth and Postpartum Doula, Kalifa Doucet 06/15/2021

Interview with Birth and Postpartum Doula, Kalifa Doucet Host Olivia Cummings is the founder of the jewellery brand Cleopatra’s Bling. Cleopatra’s Bling travels around the world, meeting fascinating creatives, craftspeople, and cultural experts to inspire our artisanal collections. This podcast invites you into those intimate conversations which bring tradition and practices from the past into the present. /episode/index/show/cleopatrasblingpodcast/id/19487627

Cleopatra's Bling Podcast

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