Best Tristan Alexander Podcasts (2025)

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Bog Bodies 1:02:02

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5h ago1:02:02

1:02:02

What lurks under the surface of the dense black peat pits strewn across northern Europe? Bog bodies, naturally mummified humans, have fascinated archeologists for decades as they offer unique insights into ancient cultures. Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Melanie Giles to examine how old these bodies are, how they're preserved and incredible …

1
Elf on the Shelf Is A Cop 1:38:46

2d ago1:38:46

1:38:46

Ancient Aliens claims that myths about divine "Watchers" from the Anunnaki to the Eye of Horus are actually cultural memories of extraterrestrial surveillance systems. But what if the truth is far more terrestrial and much more insidious? Tristan argues that these stories aren't about alien technology, but a very human one: the invention of divine …

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Marcus Aurelius: The Philosopher Emperor 1:09:07

4d ago1:09:07

1:09:07

He's known as Rome’s philosopher-emperor and faced plague, rebellion and war in the East. Yet Marcus Aurelius ruled with a pen as much as a sword, finding peace in philosophy which still inspires the world today. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor William Stephens to uncover the life, legacy, and stoic philosophy…

1
The Sons of Attila the Hun 46:26

7d ago46:26

46:26

The year is 453 AD. The most feared warlord in Europe - Attila the Hun - lies dead on his wedding night. But what happened next plunged his vast empire into bloody chaos. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Hyun Jin Kim to uncover the dramatic story of Attila’s heirs and the fall of the Huns. From bitter rivalries…

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The Gospel According to the House Hippo 1:22:19

9d ago1:22:19

1:22:19

After an 11-month hiatus that felt like a biblical epoch, Tristan and Scott are back to ask the tough questions, like "Do you remember the name of our own podcast?" and "Do Christians actually believe in angels?". The answer, according to Ancient Aliens, is that they shouldn't because angels were actually extraterrestrial visitors misunderstood by …

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Micka on Influence - Lily Vasic 25:26

10d ago25:26

25:26

In this episode of Micka on Influence, Micka sits down with Lily Vasic, Brand Manager at RCL Foods and LiveKindly, to explore the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, particularly within the growing plant-based movement. From her early career in traditional marketing to leading innovative, purpose-driven campaigns, Lily shares how her journe…

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Rise of Islam 1:04:08

11d ago1:04:08

1:04:08

In the 7th century, a new empire rose from the sands of Arabia - united by faith, driven by conquest, and destined to change history forever. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Khododad Rezakhani to explore the emergence of Islam from the ashes of Rome and Persia’s great struggle for supremacy. Together they discover ho…

1
The First Hawaiians 51:57

14d ago51:57

51:57

Tristan Hughes goes on an exploration of Hawaii's earliest settlers, guided by the insights of Dr. Patrick Kirch, a leading expert on Hawaiian archeology. From the arrival of Polynesians around AD 1000, using sophisticated double-hull canoes, to their unique agricultural practices and the construction of monumental architecture, they delve into the…

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Dramatic_Fart.mp3 1:41:12

16d ago1:41:12

1:41:12

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Gladiators: A Day in the Life 59:56

18d ago59:56

59:56

The Colosseum packed with roaring crowds, the sand stained with sweat and blood. But today, you’re not watching - you’re fighting. Welcome to a day in the life of a Roman gladiator. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by historian and author Dr Harry Sidebottom to uncover the brutal reality behind Rome’s most iconic fighters. …

1
Origins of Mythology 47:45

21d ago47:45

47:45

From Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast, the roots of fairy tales stretch back thousands of years — to the dawn of Indo-European languages and beyond. In this episode of The Ancients, Tristan Hughes is joined by author and journalist Laura Spinney to explore the origins of mythology. From the tales compiles by the Brothers Grimm to cutting-edge lin…

1
Corrections: We Are The Liberal Joe Rogan Now 1:02:01

23d ago1:02:01

1:02:01

To kick off the new season, Scott and Tristan uphold their sacred tradition: correcting all the things they've gotten wrong. What begins as a simple corrections episode quickly spirals into a sprawling conversation about the Canada-U.S. relationship, the strategic importance of maple syrup, and a revolutionary new food group known as "pickle fries.…

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The First Pharaohs 45:58

25d ago45:58

45:58

Unveiling the Enigmatic Story of Egypt's First Pharaohs, roughly 5,000 years ago. Tristan Hughes is joined by Professor Aidan Dodson to discuss the renowned Scorpion King and early dynasties, the unifying figure of Narmer, as well as the evolution of early Egyptian tombs and traditions, providing a fascinating insight into the dawn of Egypt's earli…

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Inanna: Mesopotamian Sex Goddess 41:43

28d ago41:43

41:43

Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Kate Lister to take us on a journey through the fascinating history of Innana, an ancient goddess of love, war, fertility, and political power. They delve into her evolution from a humble agricultural deity to one of the most powerful and complex figures in ancient mythology, revered in Mesopotamia and beyond. This o…

1
The Picts: Rulers of the North 45:45

1M ago45:45

45:45

Tristan Hughes journeys up to windswept Scotland to uncover the secrets of the Picts — fierce warriors, skilled artisans, enemies of Rome and rulers of the North. In this special episode of The Ancients - recorded on site at East Lomond hill fort and National Museums Scotland - Tristan is joined by Professor Gordon Noble and Dr. Martin Goldberg exp…

1
The Permian Extinction: When Life Nearly Died 58:20

1M ago58:20

58:20

It was the biggest mass extinction event in Earth’s history. 250 million years ago, a 252 million years ago, Earth faced its deadliest crisis. 97% of all life was wiped out in the Permian Extinction – a cataclysm so severe it’s known as The Great Dying. In this episode of The Ancients, the fourth and final part of our Great Disasters miniseries, Tr…

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Micka on Influence - The best advice from our first 4 guests 9:06

1M ago9:06

9:06

In this episode, Micka dives into the best advice from the first four guests of Micka on Influence. From practical do’s and don’ts to key takeaways, you’ll hear standout lessons on influence, leadership, and personal growth. Murray Legg kicks things off with his “Creator Triangle” — content, community, and commerce — showing creators how to grow im…

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541 AD: The Worst Year in History 1:04:20

1M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Was this the worst year in human history? Bubonic plague sweeps across the Mediterranean. The sun vanishes behind volcanic ash. Crops fail, famine bites, and the Roman empire lurches towards collapse. In this episode of The Ancients, the third in our special Great Disasters series, Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr Kyle Harper to uncover the perfect s…

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Fall of the Sumerians 1:01:36

1M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Tristan Hughes continues our special series on Great Disasters, journeying back to ancient Mesopotamia with Dr Paul Collins to explore the fall of the Sumerians. 4,000 years ago, the great cities of Sumer — Ur, Uruk, Lagash, Girsu — stood as glittering centres of power, crowned with mighty ziggurats and ruled by ambitious dynasties. Yet within a fe…

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The Minoan Eruption: Bronze Age Cataclysm 55:09

2M ago55:09

55:09

More 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, …

1
How Greece Shaped Rome with Mary Beard 53:59

2M ago53:59

53:59

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…

1
The Sumerians 50:24

2M ago50:24

50:24

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-…

1
The Sea Peoples 1:11:07

2M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

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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Micka on Influence - Tristan Moses 46:36

2M ago46:36

46:36

In this episode of Micka on Influence, Micka sits down with Tristan Moses, former athlete turned content creator and influencer. Tristan shares his journey from the sports field to the digital stage, unpacking the evolution of influencer marketing and what it takes to build a strong personal brand. From successful campaigns and brand collaborations…

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Origins of Homo Sapiens 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

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…

1
Ashurbanipal: The Last Great King of Assyria 52:11

2M ago52:11

52:11

Known 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 …

1
The White Huns 53:32

2M ago53:32

53:32

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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Roman Aqueducts 1:04:50

2M ago1:04:50

1:04:50

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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Micka on Influence - Pieter Groenewald and Denelle Morais 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

In this episode, Micka sits down with Pieter Groenewald, CEO of theSalt, and Denelle Morais, Marketing Manager of Bestmed Medical Scheme, for a deep dive into their unique partnership that blends trust, strategy, and innovation. They unpack the evolution of influencer marketing, the shift toward customer-generated content, and the balancing act bet…

1
How to Survive in Carthage 1:08:10

2M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

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…

1
The Olmec: Mother of Mesoamerican Civilisations 1:08:13

3M ago1:08:13

1:08:13

Iconic 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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Livia: Empress of Rome 1:00:21

3M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

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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Siberian Ice Mummies 49:05

3M ago49:05

49:05

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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263. Why I Changed My Mind About Hydrogen Water (with Tyler LeBaron) 2:01:22

3M ago2:01:22

2:01:22

Ever wondered why a molecule as simple as hydrogen could influence everything from Parkinson's to metabolic syndrome? We explored how molecular hydrogen selectively targets only the most harmful free radicals while leaving beneficial ones alone, making it fundamentally different from every other antioxidant supplement gathering dust in your cabinet…

1
Fall of Roman London 58:21

3M ago58:21

58:21

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…

1
Irish Mythology 1:06:08

3M ago1:06:08

1:06:08

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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Megalodon 40:20

3M ago40:20

40:20

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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Grapplecast: Building up to Grapplemax 2 with Tristan Smith & Dave Weston 24:10

3M ago24:10

24:10

The lads run through the fight cards, the benefits of the sponsors and all things Grapplemax 2By The Stromcast

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The First Sharks 51:10

3M ago51:10

51:10

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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Micka on Influence - Nuri Gallow 37:29

3M ago37:29

37:29

In this episode, Micka sits down with Millennial Mom and social media sensation Nuri Gallow. Known for her heartwarming and relatable content, Nuri is a powerhouse content creator and skilled video strategist with a flair for authentic storytelling and creative engagement. In the conversation, Nuri shares valuable insights on how to approach and co…

1
The Queen of Sheba 52:16

3M ago52:16

52:16

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 …

1
Doggerland: The North Sea Atlantis? 47:36

4M ago47:36

47:36

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,…

1
Hannibal's March on Rome 55:55

4M ago55:55

55:55

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…

1
Plato's Republic 55:27

4M ago55:27

55:27

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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Micka on Influence - Mbulelo Mashilo 19:14

4M ago19:14

19:14

In this episode of Micka on Influence, we're joined by the insightful Mbulelo, a marketing strategist with a passion for all things creative and data-driven. We explore his journey into the world of influencer marketing, unpack what makes it unique, and talk through the challenges and game-changing moments he's faced along the way. From the rising …

1
The Apocryphal Gospels 38:08

4M ago38:08

38:08

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…