✨ Ready to build a business you love — even if it feels a little messy right now? You’re in the right place. I’m Cassandra, the colorful creative behind Pretty Pineapple Bead, and I’m on a mission to go from side hustle to full-time business. Sparkle & Shine is your go-to space for real talk about growing a handmade brand, taking bold steps, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. In each episode, we’re getting honest about what it takes to build a business from the ground up — ...
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A podcast where I explain, spoil and obsess over musicals, sometimes including a guest to be along for the ride. The hope is that the guest enjoys the musical and moving forward will want to see more musicals
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A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes. New episodes every Sunday and Thursday. From History Hit, the world's best history channel and creators of award-winning podcasts Dan Snow's History Hit, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets. Sign up to History Hit fo ...
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The voice of the Caribbean American
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It's mid evil times. The king of kingdom of Damascus is dying. In order to keep his brother off the throne he has given his daughter a quest. The Princess Cassandra searches for a solution, but instead she finds Adam. Then things get... interesting.
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The podcast exploring between “belonging” and carving your own path. “How long will it take to be successful?” “Don’t you think you should…” “When does this whole thing get easier?” “So you… don’t know what you’re doing?” Existential questions that plague our every day, especially as multicultural, hyphenated-folx who are between belonging and carving our own paths. I’m lost, so what? podcast shares bi-weekly episodes to explore the nuance and gray areas of life, culture, identity, work, and ...
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From the writer of the #1 Podcast OUTLIERS and the new psychological thriller Podcast, GREETINGS FROM SALTON SEA. In 1961, at the height of the Cold War, an enigmatic CIA operative investigates the source of a mysterious shortwave signal—generated either by Russian double agents/spies and their handlers or originating from extraterrestrial aliens/UFOs, or both—and systematically tracks the source in order to disrupt the possible activation of a thermonuclear “dead man’s switch.” At the same ...
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The Colored Girls Museum is proud to announce the pilot season of our new podcast, The Girlfriend Kit: Ask A Colored Girl, hosted by DaSaint and Vashti Du Bois. Our featured girlfriends for the pilot season include Page Turner, Cassandra Bolding of BlackLotus, Gordita Libre, Rev. Leslie D. Callahan, Pastor of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, Elizabeth Wellington, Queenphierce, Jeannine Cooke of Harrietts Bookshop, and Starfire. Show topics cover everyday girlfriend triumphs and tribulations from g ...
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The Minoan Eruption: Bronze Age Cataclysm
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55:09
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55:09More than 3,500 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption devastated Thera - modern day Santorini - engulfing the Bronze Age world in ash and fire. Entire landscapes were buried, ash darkened the skies, and the shockwaves rippled across the eastern Mediterranean. In this episode of The Ancients, the first in our new special series on Great Disasters, …
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Episode 18: A Week in the Life of a Full-Time Creative Entrepreneur
5:58
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5:58🌟 Episode Length: 5 minutes, 58 seconds 💬 In This Episode: Ever wonder what running a creative business really looks like? Spoiler: it’s not picture-perfect — it’s messy, unpredictable, sometimes magical, and always a work in progress. In this short and honest episode, I’m pulling back the curtain to share what my week actually looks like as a full…
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Professor Mary Beard and Charlotte Higgins join Tristan in this episode all about Greece and Rome - the two greatest civilisations of classical antiquity. How did the Romans borrow, adapt, and sometimes rival Greek culture? What did they admire and what did they reject? From temples and theatre to politics and philosophy, join us as two of the UK’s…
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More than 5,000 years ago, in what is today southern Iraq, one of the world’s first civilisations emerged. A civilisation often credited with the invention of writing, the wheel and cities. The Sumerians. The Sumerians are a people that you have probably heard of, but might not know too much about. And in today’s episode of The Ancients, we are re-…
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Episode 17: The Comparison Trap: How to Stay in Your Lane & Thrive
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8:06
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8:06🌟 Episode Length: 8 minutes, 6 seconds 💬 In This Episode: Have you ever scrolled Instagram, seen someone else’s success, and immediately felt like you’re behind? If comparison has ever knocked your confidence, this episode is for you. I’m opening up about my own experiences with comparison — from quiet markets to second-guessing my prices — and sha…
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Tristan Hughes sits down with Professor Eric Cline to explore the enigmatic Sea Peoples, often blamed for the catastrophic Bronze Age collapse over 3,000 years ago. Together they explore surviving sources from ancient Egypt to find out who the Sea Peoples were, and how they swept into Egypt. They discuss the diverse groups that comprised these inva…
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Where do we come from? The origins of modern humans stretch back hundreds of thousands of years, and new discoveries are reshaping how we understand our species’ story. In this episode, recorded on location at London’s Natural History Museum, Tristan Hughes speaks with Professor Chris Stringer, one of the world’s leading paleoanthropologists. Toget…
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Episode 16: Visibility with Heart — How to Show Up Online Without Burning Out
7:31
7:31
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7:31🌟 Episode Length: 7 minutes, 31 seconds 💬 In This Episode: Ever feel like you’re supposed to be everywhere online? Posting every day, keeping up with every platform, and still hearing crickets? In this episode, we’re breaking down how to show up with heart — in a way that’s sustainable, authentic, and actually supports your business instead of drai…
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Ashurbanipal: The Last Great King of Assyria
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52:11Known as the 'King of the World' and the last great king of Assyria, Ashurbanipal bestrode the ancient Mesopotamian world as a warrior but also a scholar, ruling the great Assyrian empire at the height of its power. In this episode, Tristan Hughes is joined by Assyriologist Dr Selena Wisnom to uncover the dual legacy of this fearsome conqueror and …
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The Huns weren’t just Attila’s warriors in Europe — in Central Asia, the White Huns built the most powerful Hunnic empire, ruling for a century and dominating the ancient Silk Roads. While the European Huns fought Rome, the White Huns commanded trade routes, overthrew kingdoms, and waged relentless campaigns across Central and South Asia. Their inf…
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Episode 15: Defining Your Niche Without Feeling Boxed In
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13:08
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13:08🌟 Episode Length: 13 minutes, 8 seconds 💬 In This Episode: Have you ever felt like choosing a niche means boxing yourself in or turning people away? You're not alone. In this episode of Sparkle & Shine, we're diving into what a niche really is, why it matters for your business, and how to define yours in a way that feels empowering—not limiting. I'…
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How did Roman aqueducts help build an empire? They’re some of the most iconic structures from the ancient world — feats of engineering that transformed cities. But how exactly did Roman aqueducts work, and why were they so revolutionary? Join Tristan Hughes and Dr Duncan Keenan-Jones as they explore the rise and reach of Roman aqueducts. From mount…
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From towering tenements to Punic porridge — step into the streets of ancient Carthage. In this immersive episode of The Ancients, Tristan travels back to 210 BC to explore daily life in the heart of one of the ancient world’s richest and most vibrant cities. Joined by Dr Eve MacDonald, together they uncover what it took to survive in Carthage befor…
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The Olmec: Mother of Mesoamerican Civilisations
1:08:13
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1:08:13Iconic monumental stone heads, the intriguing Lord of Las Limas, the enigmatic 'were-jaguar' figures, so much survives from the ancient Olmec civilisation. Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Jillian Mollenhauer to unravel the Olmec's sophisticated artistry, the symbolic significance of greenstone, and the blend of naturalistic and supernatural portray…
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Powerful, cunning, uncompromising, even murderous (allegedly)... meet Rome’s first empress and one of ancient history’s ultimate power players. Livia Drusilla has long been cast as the bloodthirsty matriarch of the early Roman Empire — wife of Augustus, mother of Tiberius, and alleged poisoner of rivals. But how much of this infamous image is fact …
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Episode 14: Clarify Your Message – How to Talk So Your Dream Customer Listens
19:45
19:45
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19:45🌟 Episode Length: 19 minutes, 45 seconds 💬 In This Episode: You’re posting. You’re showing up. You’re writing captions, emails, and product descriptions from the heart… but it still feels like your dream customer isn’t listening. Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the power of clear, heartfelt messaging—what it is, why it matte…
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In this special episode of the Ancients, released just hours after the embargo on new research was lifted, Tristan Hughes discusses the fascinating discovery of ancient Siberian ice mummies and their tattoos with Dr Gino Caspari, the senior author of the study. The Iron Age Pazyryk culture, renowned for their elaborate burials in the Altai Mountain…
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Why was London transformed from a bustling Roman metropolis into a ghost town by the fifth century? Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Dominic Perring to explore the rich archaeological findings that reveal the city's final chapters, including the building of defensive walls, the influence of key figures like Magnus Maximus, and the economic shifts imp…
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Episode 13: How to Actually Find Your Dream Customer (Without Guessing)
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29:07🌟 Episode Length: 28 minutes, 17 seconds 💬 In This Episode: If you’ve ever said, “I don’t know who I’m talking to online” or felt like your content just isn’t landing… it might be time to revisit your dream customer. In this foundational episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to identify and connect with your dream customer—without just guess…
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Epic heroes, sacred rivers & ancient gods – this is Irish mythology as you’ve never heard it. From Newgrange to the Hill of Tara, Ireland’s myths are rooted firmly in its prehistoric past. In today's episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Anthony Murphy to explore the rich tapestry of Irish mythology – stories of divine battles, magic…
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As part of our week of Sharks on the Ancients, today we tell the story of Megalodon, the largest living marine animal, ever. Does this colossal prehistoric shark still lurk beneath the waves? Tristan Hughes is joined by leading expert Professor John Long to unveil the jaw-dropping size, power, and ferocity of this ancient super-predator. John recou…
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Episode 12: If I Were Starting My Business Today: These Are The Foundations I’d Define First
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28:05
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28:05🌟 Episode Length: 28 minutes, 5 seconds 🎙 In This Episode: If you’re starting a business—or feeling like you need to circle back and rebuild your foundations—this episode is for you. I’m taking you on a deep-dive journey through the exact areas I would focus on first if I had to start Pretty Pineapple Bead from scratch today. This is a coaching-sty…
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Long before the first dinosaurs, the first trees or even the formation of the rings of Saturn, our planet's oceans were ruled by prehistoric sharks. Across two special episodes of The Ancients this week, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor John Long to journey back 300 million years and dive into the deep history of sharks – from their humble ori…
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A figure of wealth, wisdom, and global fascination - how did the Queen of Sheba become one of history’s most enduring royal icons? In this episode, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Jillian Stinchcomb to trace the enduring story of the Queen of Sheba — from her biblical debut to her roles in Islamic tradition and Ethiopian royal ancestry. Where might …
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Episode 11: Celebrating 8 Years of Pretty Pineapple Bead
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10:27
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10:27🌟 Episode Length: 10 minutes, 27 seconds In This Episode: Wow, I can’t believe Pretty Pineapple Bead just turned 8 years old! 🎉 In this episode, I’m sharing the full story of how it all began—from making my first bracelet in my backyard to crossing 1,000 orders and shipping to 16 states. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but through the pivots,…
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Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Rachel Bynoe who has literally dived into the enigmatic world of Doggerland, a prehistoric landmass now submerged beneath the North Sea. They discuss how archaeological research is conducted underwater, the challenges and discoveries associated with Doggerland, and insights into human and animal life dating back 200,…
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It was perhaps Hannibal’s greatest gamble — after years of victories, not least his famed trek across the snow-capped Alps, could he strike at Rome itself? In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Louis Rawlings to explore the dramatic years after Hannibal’s crushing triumph at Cannae. With Rome refusing to surrender despite…
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Episode 10: Recommitting to the Dream: One Month of Full-Time Business
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9:20
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9:20🌟 Episode Length: 9 minutes, 20 seconds In This Episode: One month ago, I left my part-time job to go all in on my business. This episode is a real, behind-the-scenes look at what that first month has actually been like—surprises, struggles, rainy day markets, and all. I’m sharing the honest wins, the mindset shifts, the distractions I’ve had to fa…
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Today we journey into the creation of Plato's Republic. Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. James Romm to discover how Plato's encounters with the tyrant-ruled city of Syracuse and its rulers, Dionysius the Elder and Dionysius the Younger, deeply influenced his philosophical masterpiece. Plato's involvement in a civil war, Syracuse's power struggles an…
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If you've heard of the mysterious and often controversial Apocryphal Gospels, you may have been told that they weren't important, or useful; that they 'didn't make the cut' to be included in the Canonical Bible. Not at all, these early Christian texts were hugely significant and influential as well as completely fascinating. Tristan Hughes is joine…
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Episode 9: Fighting Distraction & Finding Focus
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9:57
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9:57🌟 Episode Length: 9 minutes, 57 seconds In This Episode: Have you ever caught yourself telling yourself, “Oh, just one more video” — and suddenly an hour has flown by? Same. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own social media distractions, how I’m learning to stay focused, and how I’m balancing discipline with giving myself grace. …
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As a 4,000-year-old timber circle uncovered on a Norfolk beach, Seahenge is one of Britain’s most remarkable prehistoric finds. Discovered in 1998, it drew quick comparison as a 'Stonehenge by the sea' - but who built it and what was it used for? In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Sue Greaney to explore the mystery of …
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Episode 8: When Messy Action Wins Over Perfectionism
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7:45
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7:45🌟 Episode Length: 7 minutes 45 seconds Have you ever scrapped a piece of content because it didn’t turn out the way you imagined? Or maybe you’ve held off launching something new because it didn’t feel perfect yet? In this episode of Sparkle & Shine, we’re getting real about the power of messy action—and how a reel I almost didn’t post turned out t…
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As Rome rose to power, pirates seized the seas - wreaking havoc from Spain to Syria and challenging Roman dominance in the ancient Mediterranean. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Nick Rauh and Dr Adam Dawson to explore the explosive rise of piracy across the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. From Cilicia’s rugged coastline to…
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What makes the Amazons one of the most captivating myths in ancient Greek culture? Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. David Braund, Emeritus Professor at the University of Exeter, to explore and celebrate the legends of the Amazons in ancient Greek culture. From their portrayal through iconic myths involving Heracles, Achilles, and Theseus to modern m…
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Episode 7: The Power of Showing Up (Even When You’re Not Sure It’ll Work)
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8:38
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8:38🌟 Episode Length: 8 minutes, 38 seconds Have you ever felt like something just wasn’t going to be worth it—but you showed up anyway? In this episode, I’m sharing a story from a market I almost skipped… and how it turned into one of the most surprising and encouraging days in my business. This one is for those messy middle moments when you’re tired,…
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Embark on an epic journey with Tristan Hughes and acclaimed author William Dalrymple as they unravel the enigma of the Kushan Empire, the ancient superpower of Central Asia. Together they tell the riveting stories behind the Empire's rise in Bactria (modern-day Afghanistan), their astonishing spread into Northern India, and the profound impact of I…
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Tristan Hughes journeys into the heart of one of history's most intriguing civilisations: the Minoans. With Professor Nicoletta Momigliano, he explores the origins and rise of these Bronze Age titans on Crete around 7,000 BC, their early settlements, and the emergence of complex societies. Packed with archaeological insights, Tristan hears about th…
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Episode 6: How I’m Marketing My Business Now That I’m Full-Time
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10:30
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10:30🌟 Episode Length: 10 minutes, 43 seconds In This Episode: If you’ve ever said, “If I just had more time, I’d figure out my marketing…” — this one’s for you. Now that I’ve officially stepped into full-time entrepreneurship (still wild to say!), I’m sharing how my marketing approach is shifting with more time, space, and energy to grow Pretty Pineapp…
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Episode 5: Why You Don’t Have to Build Your Business Alone (and How to Find Your People)
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8:31
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8:31🌟 Episode Length: 8 minutes, 40 seconds In This Episode: Running a small business can feel incredibly isolating — especially when you’re the one doing everything. If you’ve ever thought, I love my business, but I feel so alone, this episode is for you. I’m opening up about the loneliness that comes with entrepreneurship — the days when it feels lik…
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Episode 4: Building a Business That Feels Like You — Not What Everyone Else Is Doing
7:20
7:20
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7:20🌟 Episode Length: 7 minutes, 31 seconds In This Episode: If you’ve ever felt like your business doesn’t quite feel like you — like you’re just mimicking what’s “supposed” to work — this episode is your permission slip to build differently. As I step into full-time entrepreneurship (yes, I officially left my job!), I’m reflecting on how I’ve shaped …
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How is the unique narrative of the Ark of the Covenant deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture and tradition? Embark on a journey to the Kingdom of Aksum with host Tristan Hughes and archeologist Dil Singh Basanti, located in present-day northern Ethiopia and Eritrea. They discuss how fourth-century African merchants from Axum sailed from Eritrea to Ind…
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Buried in ash, frozen in time—Pompeii offers one of the most extraordinary windows into everyday life in ancient Rome. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of Pompeii, to explore the latest discoveries at this iconic site. From slave quarters and gladiator graffiti to possible signs of early …
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Episode 3: How to Stay Confident When You’re Starting Something New
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8:07
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8:07🌟 Episode Length: 8 minutes, 17 seconds In This Episode: Confidence isn’t just about having it all figured out — it’s about showing up anyway. In this mindset-focused episode, I’m sharing the real and raw experience of building my handmade jewelry business full time, and what it’s been like navigating the self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and invisibl…
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Episode 2: Why I’m Leaving My Job to Go All In on My Business
7:18
7:18
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7:18🌟 Episode Length: 7 minutes, 27 seconds In This Episode: In today’s episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a major decision — stepping away from my part-time job to go all in on my business, Pretty Pineapple Bead. After months of feeling burnt out, unfulfilled, and like I was holding on to a safety net that no longer served me, I knew it was …
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Long before telescopes or space agencies, ancient Mesopotamians were decoding the secrets of the cosmos. Beneath skies unpolluted by modern light, they tracked the movements of planets, charted eclipses, and read the stars not just for science—but for signs from the gods. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Moudhy Al-Ras…
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Episode 1: Welcome to Sparkle & Shine: The Start of a New Journey
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3:10
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3:10🌟 Episode Length: 3 minutes, 14 seconds In This Episode: Welcome to the very first episode of Sparkle & Shine! I’m Cassandra, the creative force behind Pretty Pineapple Bead, a colorful, confidence-boosting jewelry brand. Today, I’m sharing a bit about where I am right now — in the messy middle of transitioning from a “safe” job to pursuing my busi…
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What happened after Alexander the Great died? On June 11, 323 BC, at just 32 years old, Alexander left an empire without a clear heir, sparking chaos among his generals. Tristan Hughes and Dr. Graham Wrightson explore the immediate aftermath of his death, the power struggles among his top generals, and the rise of new kingdoms from the fractured em…
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Saxon mercenaries, collapsing Roman order, and a new chapter for Britain. Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Peter Heather to explore the mysterious Saxon migrations, their Germanic roots, and how they shaped early medieval Britain. A gripping dive into post-Roman chaos and emerging kingdoms. MORE The Fall of Roman Britain https://open.spotify.com/epis…
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1700 years ago, the Roman Emperor Constantine called an unprecedented meeting of early Christian leaders from across the empire to settle a fierce dispute threatening to split the early Church. The result? The Council of Nicaea - Christianity’s first great general council and the birthplace of the Nicene Creed. In this episode of The Ancients, Tris…
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