Voices of Ancient Egypt

Melinda Nelson-Hurst, Ph.D. (Voices of Ancient Egypt)

Welcome to Voices of Ancient Egypt — the podcast for people who don’t just want to learn about ancient Egypt, but want to understand it at a deeper, more meaningful level. Your podcast host, Melinda Nelson-Hurst, Ph.D., is an Egyptologist with years of experience teaching at the university level, working in Egypt, and training students around the world to read real ancient Egyptian texts. She’s spent decades studying this civilization in a traditional academic setting so you don’t have to — and so you can access knowledge that’s usually locked behind academic walls. With a blend of solo deep-dives and conversations with experts and everyday Egyptophiles, this podcast brings ancient Egyptian history, beliefs, and language to life — and shows you how learning hieroglyphs is possible, no matter your age, background, or schedule. Whether you want to read hieroglyphs in museums, on social media, or on your next trip to Egypt, you’ll find the tools, stories, and encouragement to make it real. Let’s hear the voices of the ancient world — together.

Episodes

  1. 1D AGO

    008: How Jen Skyrocketed Her Hieroglyphs Learning – Even Reading Literature and Medical Texts

    In this episode of Voices of Ancient Egypt, host and Egyptologist Dr. Melinda sits down with hieroglyphs student Jen to explore how real people with busy lives are making incredible progress reading hieroglyphs. Jen shares her journey from a childhood fascination with Egypt to successfully navigating ancient medical texts and classic literature. You’ll discover how Jen moved past the "puzzle" stage of seeing hieroglyphs as just cool pictures and started understanding them as a living language. Whether you’re a museum enthusiast or a lifelong learner, this episode reveals the strategies and support that make mastering hieroglyphs possible outside of a traditional university setting. In this episode, you will learn: • How to bypass the "Academic Wall": Discover how Jen learned to read hieroglyphs without committing to a multi-year graduate degree or the pressure of traditional grades. • The Secret to Cracking the Code: Learn how Jen moved past seeing hieroglyphs as a "puzzle" of pictures to recognizing specific determinatives and markers that signal where one word ends and another begins, transforming a jumble of symbols into clear sentences. • Why Your "Stupid Questions" are Your Best Tool: Jen explains how a supportive community removes the fear of making mistakes, allowing you to learn faster by seeing that everyone else has the same questions. • The Secret to Multi-Dimensional Learning: Discover how Jen uses cultural context—including ancient Egyptian magic, medicine, and history—to make sense of the language, rather than just memorizing grammar in a vacuum. • From Pharaoh’s Names to Ancient "Best-Sellers": Find out how to progress from basic offering formulas to reading complex literary works like The Shipwrecked Sailor and fascinating ancient medical texts. • How to Learn Hieroglyphs on Your Own Terms: Learn how to use a flexible curriculum to keep making progress even when life gets busy, you’re traveling, and during “life issues.” • The "Double Support" Advantage: See how interacting with fellow students who have diverse interests—from ancient magic to Egyptian cats—can fill in your knowledge gaps of history and culture. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    27 min
  2. 3D AGO

    007: Heqanakht: the Most Famous Ancient Egyptian You Never Heard of

    In this episode, we explore the fascinating Heqanakht letters, a collection of 4,000-year-old documents discovered in the rubble of an ancient Egyptian tomb. Unlike the typical "treasures" associated with Egyptology, these papyri offer a rare, unfiltered window into the personal and financial affairs of a Middle Kingdom priest and landowner named Heqanakht. We’ll dive into how these mundane letters survived for millennia and why they eventually became the unexpected inspiration for one of the world's most famous mystery novels. What you’ll learn in this episode: • The Secret in the Rubble: Discover how a modest tomb excavation in 1921-1922 led to the discovery of a scribe's kit and perfectly preserved letters hidden -- not in a golden chest -- but inside a ramp of construction debris. • Ancient "Office" Drama: Hear the actual words of Heqanakht as he scolds his employees for sending him "old dried up" barley while he suspects them of "pigging out" on the fresh stuff back home. • The Agatha Christie Connection: Learn how these 4,000-year-old family feuds inspired the Queen of Crime to write Death Comes as the End -- and how Heqanakht’s family drama reached billions of readers under different names. • Life Beyond the Pharaohs: Explore a level of society rarely seen in the historical record, from the logistics of leasing land and grain shipments to the messy reality of household squabbles and mistreated wives. • "They Are Starting to Eat People Here": Uncover the dramatic (and likely hyperbolic) ways Heqanakht described a famine to justify cutting his family’s salaries and managing expectations during hard times. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    15 min
  3. FEB 18

    006: From Struggling to Sightreading Hieroglyphs with Rick Richardson

    In this episode of Voices of Ancient Egypt, Dr. Melinda sits down with Rick Richardson, a software developer and "Master Scribe" student, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to master hieroglyphs amidst a busy life. Rick shares his journey from childhood curiosity to hitting "academic walls" with traditional courses, eventually finding success by shifting his focus. They discuss the transformative power of community accountability, the science of how we actually learn, and how to fit ancient languages into a modern schedule without needing hours of free time. Whether you are a beginner or looking to level up to complex literature and the Book of the Dead, this conversation provides the practical strategies and inspiration needed to make your goals a reality. In this episode, you will learn: • Why your previous attempts to learn might have failed: Discover why traditional university-style methods often lead to frustration, and why a reading-first approach can be the key to your breakthrough. • The "90% Breakthrough" secret: Hear the moment Rick realized he could suddenly read almost an entire text at first glance and how treating language like a physical workout builds the "muscle memory" needed for fluency. • How to hack your schedule for success: Learn how Rick uses "small chunks" of 30 minutes rather than waiting for large blocks of time to make consistent, massive progress. • The power of "failing forward": Understand why making mistakes is a vital part of the learning science Melinda uses to help students overcome the fear of "getting it wrong". • Why community beats solo study: Explore how a group environment --complete with informal book clubs and even ancient Egyptian cooking -- provides the accountability and camaraderie necessary to keep you from stalling. • Reading hieroglyphs "in the wild": From local museums to Disney’s Epcot, learn how to spot and translate real ancient texts in the most unexpected places. • Accessing the "human" side of history: Move beyond dates and kings to read personal letters and literature, allowing you to see the world exactly how the ancient Egyptians experienced it 3,000 years ago. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    26 min
  4. FEB 16

    005: Your Ticket to the Afterlife - Heart Scarabs

    In this episode of Voices of Ancient Egypt, we go beyond the museum glass to uncover the mysteries of the heart scarab, one of the most iconic objects found in ancient Egyptian burials. These large, beetle-shaped amulets were far more than simple ornaments; they served as a sophisticated form of "afterlife insurance," designed to protect the deceased during their most vulnerable moment: the final judgment before the gods. We’ll explore the physical craftsmanship of these objects, the terrifying consequences of failing the "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony, and the specific hieroglyphic spells used to command the heart to remain silent about one's past misdeeds. What You Will Learn in This Episode: • The Silent Witness: Discover why ancient Egyptians feared their own hearts might "tattle" on them during judgment and how the heart scarab was used to forbid the heart from testifying against its owner. • The Devourer: Learn about the high-stakes "Weighing of the Heart" ceremony and the fearsome creature Amemet -- part crocodile, part lion, and part hippo -- who waited to swallow those who didn't measure up to the concept of ma’at. • The  Green Stone: Find out how actual heart scarabs sometimes were made out of materials other than the ideal outlined in the Book of the Dead. • Ancient "Ready-to-Wear" Magic: Explore evidence that these powerful amulets were often produced in advance, allowing people to “shop” for one, similar to how we shop in stores today. And hear how, in their haste, the deceased’s name was sometimes left out. • Decoding Spell 30B: Get a deep-dive translation of the actual hieroglyphic text found on the bottom of these scarabs, including the ancient idiom for "joy" and desperate pleas for one's name not to "stink" in the presence of the gods. • A Divine Beetle: Discover why a scarab beetle is actually the perfect shape for an amulet that helps you get to the afterlife. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    23 min
  5. FEB 11

    004: How Marianna Learned More in 20 Minutes Than in 8-Hour Cram Sessions

    In this episode, Melinda sits down with student Marianna Sanborn to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to transition from struggling student to confident translator. Despite having an MA in Egyptology, Marianna found traditional academic methods left her "shell-shocked" and unable to actually read the texts she loved. Join us as Marianna shares the specific strategies, mindset shifts, and "grace" she used to stop memorizing and start understanding—proving that you don’t need a Ph.D. or eight hours a day to finally hear the voices of the ancient world. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The "Anti-Academic" Advantage: Discover why Marianna learned more in 20 minutes of focused study than she did during eight-hour cram sessions in a Master's program. • From "Just the Alphabet" to Full Phrases: Hear the "wow moment" when Marianna returned to a museum "false door" and realized she could finally identify the people, the offerings, and the story behind the stone. • The Power of Reverse Engineering: Learn the exact method Marianna uses to deconstruct answer keys to build her confidence and "diagram" ancient sentences like a pro. • Overcoming "Post-Traumatic Hieroglyph Syndrome": How to ditch the stress of grades and embrace a "spiral" learning style that allows your brain to process complex grammar in the background while you rest. • Navigating Life’s "Monkey Wrenches": Marianna opens up about maintaining her studies through a serious medical diagnosis and how "giving yourself grace" is a vital part of the linguistic journey. • Creating an Egyptian "Immersion" at Home: How to use everything from butcher paper on sliding glass doors to 3x5 cards to keep the language familiar and fresh every day. • The Ultimate "Why": Why learning the language is the only way to truly bridge the gap between us and the ancient Egyptians, their gods, and their daily lives. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    34 min
  6. FEB 9

    003: Can You Still Learn Hieroglyphs (as an Adult)?

    In this episode of Voices of Ancient Egypt, Dr. Melinda Nelson-Hurst addresses the burning question many enthusiasts have: Is it too late to learn how to read hieroglyphs?. Drawing on her years of academic and field experience, Melinda explores why hieroglyphs are the "missing piece" for anyone who has spent years consuming content about ancient Egypt but still feels a disconnect from the actual words of the people who lived it. You will hear inspiring stories from real students—ranging from a 73-year-old learner to someone managing chronic health issues—who have successfully unlocked the ability to read texts in museums and even at Disney World. The episode breaks down the three essential traits of successful learners and explains how to ditch the goals that are holding you back and switch to a process that actually fits into a busy, modern life. What You Will Learn in This Episode: • The "Missing Piece" Mystery: Discover why reading the actual words of the ancient Egyptians provides a depth of understanding that documentaries and books alone simply cannot reach. • The Joy Factor: Learn about the surprising, research-backed links between pursuing a hobby like hieroglyphs and achieving better health, happiness, and life satisfaction. • The "Perfect Time" Myth: Why waiting for a clear schedule is a trap, and what the most successful students do instead to make progress during the "messy" reality of their current lives. • Outcome vs. Process Goals: Find out why traditional "SMART" goals might be setting you up for burnout, and how to shift your focus to create win after win in learning hieroglyphs. • The 15-Minute Method: How to fit learning into your life—whether it's over morning coffee or a lunch break—without needing to return to graduate school or pore over "dusty books". • From Confusion to Clarity: Why trying to learn hieroglyphs often leads to "eye-glazing" frustration and how to get started and set up an "insurance plan" to keep your success going. • Real-World "Superpowers": Hear how students went from just looking at pictures to "flawlessly" reading Egyptian texts in museums and even spotting bogus hieroglyphs in shows, books, and pop culture. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    28 min
  7. FEB 3

    001: How I Became an Egyptologist, University Professor, & Serial Traveler

    In this debut episode of the Voices of Ancient Egypt podcast, Dr. Melinda Nelson-Hurst shares her personal journey from a young child enamored with a "beat-up" museum catalog to becoming a professional Egyptologist with a Ph.D. She opens up about the real-life challenges of pursuing a career in academia, the sensory-rich experience of living in Cairo, and her mission to break down the "academic walls" that keep ancient knowledge hidden. Whether you are a longtime fan of ancient history or a curious newcomer, this episode reveals why understanding the authentic voices of the past—their beliefs, families, and daily lives—is more accessible than you ever thought possible. In this episode, you will learn: • The "Spark" That Changed Everything: Discover how a single traveling exhibition in Boston ignited a lifelong obsession and why a well-loved, worn-out book remains the most important item in Melinda’s library. • Overcoming the "Academic Wall": Learn how Melinda navigated the elite world of Ivy League Ph.D. program and how she overcame the feeling of being "out of her element". • The Introvert’s Guide to Cairo: Find out what happens when a "huge introvert" moves to one of the most sensory-overloaded cities in the world and how that pivotal experience transformed her from a risk-averse student into a confident expert. • Behind the Scenes of Archaeological Fieldwork: Hear what it's really like to work six days a week at the remote site of Abydos and the awe-inspiring experience of seeing the massive columns of Karnak Temple for the first time. • Filling the "Missing Gap" in Egyptology: Discover why most information about ancient Egypt is either too basic or too academic, and how Melinda is building a bridge to provide deep, meaningful knowledge without the jargon. • The Secret to Mastering Hieroglyphs: Learn why learning to read ancient texts doesn't have to be "excruciatingly detailed" or painful. • Unexpected Career Detours: Hear about the surprising paths Melinda almost took—from accounting to becoming a flight attendant—before realizing that ancient Egypt was the only career that could satisfy her curiosity. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    33 min
  8. FEB 3

    002: This Podcast Will Change How You See Ancient Egypt

    In this episode of the Voices of Ancient Egypt podcast, Egyptologist Dr. Melinda Nelson-Hurst pulls back the curtain on why she founded Voices of Ancient Egypt and what it means to truly understand ancient civilization on a deeper, more meaningful level. After years of teaching at the university level and working in the field, Dr. Nelson-Hurst recognized a massive "canyon" between sensationalized, repetitive media and the dense, jargon-filled academic world. This episode explores the mission to bridge that gap, making the ancient world accessible to everyone—regardless of their background or schedule. You will hear how this podcast aims to bring the actual voices of the ancient Egyptians into the modern world, offering you the tools to transform from a casual observer into someone who can read and interpret the past for yourself. What You Will Learn in This Episode: • The "Canyon" of Knowledge: Discover why most information about Egypt is either too basic and repetitive or locked behind inaccessible academic walls, and how you can finally access the "middle ground" of expertise. • Why You Don’t Need Graduate School (if you don’t want to): Learn how the mission of this podcast is to provide a pathway to learning hieroglyphs that previously only existed in expensive, decade-long Ph.D. programs. • The Secret to Being a "Genius" at the Museum: Hear the inspiring stories of everyday students—like Steve, who was hailed as a genius in Rome for reading obelisks, and a veteran tour guide who finally deciphered hieroglyphic texts in the Luxor Museum like a morning newspaper. • More Than Just Language: Understand how the "Voices" of the past are found not just in text, but in house sites, burials, and rituals, revealing the motivations, feelings, and daily lives of the people who built the pyramids. • A Prescription for Joy: Explore why pursuing a passion for Egyptology is more than just a hobby—it’s a way to improve your health and bring much-needed joy into your busy modern life. • Your Roadmap for the Future: Get a sneak peek into upcoming episodes, including expert interviews, student success strategies, and deep dives into ancient Egyptian beliefs and experiences in the field. _________________________________________ My 6-month, next-level hieroglyph reading program, Master Scribes, is opening for enrollment very soon. In this program you'll go from reading the basics to reading next-level texts, like literature, letters, and the Book of the Dead, with confidence. Space is very limited due to the high level support with me, so jump on the waitlist now to be ready for applications to open: www.masterscribes.com

    19 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Voices of Ancient Egypt — the podcast for people who don’t just want to learn about ancient Egypt, but want to understand it at a deeper, more meaningful level. Your podcast host, Melinda Nelson-Hurst, Ph.D., is an Egyptologist with years of experience teaching at the university level, working in Egypt, and training students around the world to read real ancient Egyptian texts. She’s spent decades studying this civilization in a traditional academic setting so you don’t have to — and so you can access knowledge that’s usually locked behind academic walls. With a blend of solo deep-dives and conversations with experts and everyday Egyptophiles, this podcast brings ancient Egyptian history, beliefs, and language to life — and shows you how learning hieroglyphs is possible, no matter your age, background, or schedule. Whether you want to read hieroglyphs in museums, on social media, or on your next trip to Egypt, you’ll find the tools, stories, and encouragement to make it real. Let’s hear the voices of the ancient world — together.