The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast
Hosted by Akín, this podcast features diverse guests sharing their lived experiences, stories, and the words or sayings that have shaped their mindsets. The conversations explore themes of mental health, wellbeing, heritage, and culture, while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone. The show aims to be educational and enriching for listeners, encouraging them to keep rising and thriving.
Episodes
Episode #178 with Farha Jamadar
In today's episode, I chat with Farha Jamadar, a Senior Chartered Global Management Accountant & Account Technician. Farha talks about her career path, why she enjoys numbers, and what's in her work tool box. Farha also discusses the challenges she has faced, the importance of having basic accountancy as part of the school curriculum, the importance of apprenticeships, and what hu
Episode #177 with Ọmọ́tọ́lá Sodeinde Adéníyì
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Ọmọ́tọ́lá Sodeinde Adéníyì, a Cultural Connoisseur for all things about the Yorùbá tribe within Nigeria and across the world. We talk about the language and the tonal system, including the power behind words and what an 'Oríkì' means; the traditions within the Yorùbá culture & the challenges it faces within the 21st Century and
Episode #176 with Hilary Salzman
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Hilary Salzman, a business storytelling consultant, keynote speaker and author specialising in helping female founders and leaders find and use their real story. Hilary talks about the importance of uncovering and vocalising women's stories, the reoccurring themes and underlying issues that women face including inequality & sexual assa
Episode #175 with Dr. Ravishankar Chamarajnagar
On today's episode, I'm in conversation with Dr. Ravishankar Chamarajnagar, talking about most things Computing. Ravi chats about his career in IT thus far, including cyber security and cryptology. We discuss Artificial Intelligence and look at its pros & cons including its adoption; Crypto and its relevance, and the importance of analytical thinking. Ravi also shares his experien
Episode #174 with Eposi Litombo Litumbe
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Eposi Litombo Litumbe and talking about her upcoming hand painted graphic novel 'Serpents in the Sand', which is part of her 'Songs of the Sahara' project that is inspired by the historical legend of Sundiata Keita of Mali, and showcasing the history from Western regions in Africa through a fictional historical narrative. E
Episode #173 with Sangu Mandanna
On today's episode, I'm in conversation with author Sangu Mandanna. Sangu recounts a childhood memory involving a chasing elephant which in part led to her wanting to become a writer. We chat about language and identity; how her interests in Space, science fiction and The Mahabharata led to her critically acclaimed 'The Celestial Trilogy'. We discuss mythology & beliefs,
Episode #172 with Zoe Àríkẹ́
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Zoe Àríkẹ́, an Australian, who, in her own words "met a guy & moved to Nigeria." We chat about her lived experiences in the country so far, the cultural nuances & the humorous side of Nigerian life; the local cuisines she is obsessed with, her appreciation & respect of the resilience of the people. Zoe also chats about h
Episode #171 with Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green
On today's episode I'm geeking out with Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green and talk about her upcoming book 'Don't Open the Door: Infections in Film'. She discusses why her love for film and popular culture and being a scientist prompted her to start the book. Elaine also shares why she became a microbiologist, mental health & wellbeing, the joys of having a good cup of
Episode #170 with Dr Jana Denzel
On today's episode, I'm in conversation with cosmetic dentist Dr Jana Denzel. Jana shares why he took the route of dentistry, his entrepreneurial drive, and the importance of integrity. He shares basic dental hygiene and why dental checkups are vital. We also talk about his time on the BBC hit programme 'The Apprentice', and why he decided to leave the show. We chat about J
Episode #169 with Oluwashina Okeleji
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji. Shina shares with me how he started off his career within the broadcast industry due to his passion for football and why he decided not to follow the same calling as his father; we talk about his upbringing in Ajegunle, an infamous town in Lagos State, Nigeria, and how it shaped his mindset. Shina talks a
Episode #168 with Ophelia Paine
*Warning: This episode contains themes of Adult content.*On today's episode I'm in conversation with writer & audio storyteller of Erotic literature, Ophelia Paine. Ophelia discusses her forms of chronicles that explore themes of desire and intimacy; why she is a strong advocate of consent and body positivity. We also talk about her new book 'StoryTime with Ophelia: Stories f
Episode #167 with Tèmi Dewa (Adéwakùn)
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast, Tèmi Dewa Adéwakùn. Tèmi shares how she started her fitness journey due to Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia from her two pregnancies, and why exercise has become a fundamental part of her wellbeing. Tèmi is also a keen advocate for weight-lifting and encouraging people, in particular Black pe
Episode #166 with Marcus Ryder
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity. We talk about the changing landscape of the media within the UK, why it is important to ask the right questions about racism within the media industry, and Marcus' concern about social media and narratives not being challenged enough. We discuss about Black British representation, Media Divers
Episode #165 with Thana Sivasambu
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Thana Sivasambu, founder of RUCI Foods. Thana shares her story including her background in accountancy and finance, and her proud Tamil and Sri Lankan heritage. She also talks about why she was compelled to volunteer during the aftermath of the devastating 2003 Tsunami. Thana shares the story how RUCI foods was created by working directly wit
Episode #164 with JP
On today's episode I'm in conversation with former Marine (United States Marine Corp), JP. He shares why he signed up to the military, his time during boot camp, his deployment, and the importance of mindset. We also chat about financial markets, the importance of financial literacy and taking risks, cryptocurrency and Technology. JP also chats about his role as a farmer and his conc
Episode #163 with Lucas Pelizaro
In today's episode I'm in conversation with Filmmaker Lucas Pelizaro. Lucas discusses how his love for cinema began his passion for filmmaking at a young age. We also delve into the deeper meaning to why he describes himself as a 'self-proclaimed film guy', and what filmmaking has taught him so far in his career and life. We also get to play our own version of his '20
Episode #162 with Ozoz Sokoh
On today's episode I'm in conversation with culinary anthropologist & food explorer and fellow Nigerian Ozoz Sokoh, to talk about her new recipe book 'Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria'. Ozoz shares her food journey with me , celebrating the cuisines of Nigeria, her heritage, what cultural hospitality means to her, and why it was important for her to create her new bo
Episode #161 with Dauda Jammeh
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Dauda Jammeh, Head of Finance Operations at a specialised insurance company. We talk about aspects of money including generational wealth, financial injustice, the importance of real financial education, and theories as to whether the system is rigged to the benefit of a few at the expense of many. Dauda is also a great advocate about diversi
Episode #160 with Nicola Williams
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Criminal judge and author, Nicola Wililams. Nicola talks about how her love for debating set her on a path of law. We chat about her legal career including being a barrister in private practice specialising in criminal law and police misconduct; her time as a Service Complaints Ombudsman for the UK Armed Forces; her role at the then IPCC (kno
Episode #159 with Garry Vanderhorne
On today's episode I'm in conversation with former wrestler, entertainer, geek and creator of 'Lucha Britannia', Garry Vanderhorne. Garry shares how he was influenced by wrestling during his youth, including being introduced to Lucha Libre wrestling from Mexico, and how this encounter has shaped his life. Gary also talks about the power of storytelling in the ring in Lucha L
Episode #158 with Dr. Clare Anyiam-Osigwe
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Dr. Clare Anyiam-Osigwe, a skincare scientist, holistic wellness advocate and filmmaker. Clare talks about her new book 'Clarity' and shares stories of the successes of her life including her businesses as a successful entrepreneur in skincare, but also the challenges in life that have included Bell’s Palsy and mental burnout. We a
Episode #157 with Kanthi Thamma
In today's episode I chat with award-winning chef Kanthi Thamma. Kanthi shares how his passion for cooking started and how it has taken him around the world. We talk about South Indian cuisines and Kanthi gives a breakdown and the historical origins of where certain ingredients originated from various countries and how they have influenced Indian cooking. Kanthi also talks about his other co
Episode #156 with Jim Davis
In today's episode, I'm in conversation with broadcaster journalist & radio presenter Jim Davis. Jim shares how he started his journey in the industry and why he is passionate about radio. We talk about how the Global pandemic and lockdown transformed his life and career; what he believes it takes to retain and engage listenership and audience in a competitive digital world, and th
Episode #155 with Teanne & Anthony Andrews of We Are Parable
On today's episode, I'm in conversation with Husband and wife duo Anthony & Teanne Andrews, founders of We Are Parable. We talk about the powerful importance of storytelling from a Black perspective & using various platforms of reaching wider audiences across the globe. Teanna and Anthony share why it was important to them to name the company 'We Are Parable', and how
Episode #154 with Shawn Edwards
In this episode, it's all about (mostly) Black films and I'm in conversation with professional film critic & film producer Shawn Edwards about The Black Experience within film, including the importance of a good distribution network to showcase Black cinema to the wider global audience. Shawn discusses what Black cinema and content making means to him; his honest views about the OSC
Episode #153 with Julie Talbot
On today's episode I chat with Julie Talbot, property investor and travelling nomad. Julie shares how she and her husband were expats working in The Middle East and how they decided to explore the world with their daughters through travel. Julie talks about what she defines as financial freedom, the challenges of being a property owner, nomadic investing, what life and travel have taught h
Episode #152 with Tejas Kotecha
On today's episode I'm in conversation with former Sky Sports News Producer Tejas Kotecha. Tejas shares how he started in the media at the age of 23 as a Sky News graduate trainee and worked in a variety of roles in the newsroom and out ‘on the road’. We also talk about his time at Sky Sports, his role as a producer and his career highlights. We discuss the evolution and devolution of
Episode #151 with Ashley Tabatabai
On today's episode I chat with filmmaker and actor Ashley Tabatabai. We talk about his Oscar® qualified short film 'Hamdardi' and why it was important for him to make, and the technical challenges he and his team had to navigate during production. We chat about issues of Identity, heritage, storytelling and how political policies have far reaching consequences. Ashley and I geek o
Episode #150 with Deborah McLeod
In today's episode, I'm in conversation with British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreter Deborah McLeod. Deborah talks about how she started off as an interpreter and why it has now become her calling in life. We discuss various aspects within her career including her role as a medium between medical professionals and patients by interpreting complex medical terminology and procedures durin
Episode #149 with Charlie Lamdin
On today's episode I chat with Charlie Lamdin, an entrepreneur, pilot and founder of BestAgent. We chat in-depth about the property market including new builds and house prices, the right time to invest, and what he believes is one, among many, of the great legal scams in the housing market. Charlie is also an advocate for ending homelessness, and shares what he believes the government and
Episode #148 with Mia Mask
On today's episode, I'm in conversation with Professor Mia Mask and talk about her book 'Black Rodeo: A History of the African American Western', and why she wrote this book. We discuss the film genre of the Westerns and look at issues of whitewashing and changing narratives including revisionist Westerns and critiques. We also chat about the portrayal of masculinity in film,
Episode #147 with Mario Van Peebles
On today's episode, director and actor Mario Van Peebles takes some time out to come on the podcast to chat about his career and life. We talk about the great influence his father, Melvin Van Peebles, has had in his career; his passion for the Western genre and why he made the film 'Posse', and 'Outlaw Posse'. We discuss the importance of telling the right story, legac
Episode #146 with Allison Shadock
On today's episode I'm in conversation with Allison Shadock, an advocate for Glioblastoma (GBM) awareness and research. Recently her husband John sadly passed away from this malignant brain tumour. With Ali's consent, we made this episode to celebrate John's life and talk about how they both met, their lives together and how they both fought this cancer. Allison Shadock is th
Episode #145 with Drs. Sarah & Ata Anane-Adusei
On today's episode I'm in conversation with wife and husband medical practitioners Sarah and Ata Anane-Adusei. Sarah shares her career as a radiologist and why she chose this career path. She also stresses the importance for women and men to have regular breast screening checks. Ata talks about his career as a psychiatrist, why mental health and well-being is vital, and he gives his
Episode #144 with Stephen Yemoh
With the upcoming release of Season 2 of 'Squid Game', on today's episode I chat with BAFTA Award winning Executive Producer Stephen Yemoh. We talk about his work on the Squid Game: The Challenge TV series, how he started off his career within the entertainment industry and also the importance of representation. We also talk about his heritage, his love for music, Liverpool F.C a
Episode #143 with Miguel Faus
On today's episode I'm in conversation with director, screenwriter and producer Miguel Faus and talk about his debut feature film "Calladita" ('The Quiet Maid'), the first European film that was funded via an NFT crowdfund that Miguel started. Naturally, Miguel and I talk about NFTs and the community, talk about the challenges he faced with funding and how Film Dire
Episode #142 with Zai Sylla
On today's episode I'm in conversation with actress and creator Zai Sylla. Zai shares how she started on her career path as a content creator, her immense interest in Black stories and lived experiences via the medium of books, film and TV, and the importance of reaching a wider audience in sharing these stories. During the course of our chat, We also go in-depth about why the film &ap
Episode #141 with Neeraja Raj
On today's episode I have the honour of chatting to the talented animator, director and screenwriter Neeraja Raj. We geek out over all things animation including Studio Ghibli, 'Wallace & Gromit', Stop-motion animation legend Ray Harryhausen, and anime. Amongst other things, Neeraja shares which animation inspired her on her career path, her Malayali heritage and how other othe
Episode #140 with Jess & Sarah of The HIV Podcast
In today's episode I have the pleasure of talking to the hosts of The HIV podcast, Jess and Sarah. The ladies talk about their individual careers before embarking on their current path working together at a HIV support organization for 16 years and continue to do so. They share how The HIV Podcast came into fruition and why it is important to continually educate people about HIV. In the co
Episode #139 with Zainab Adigun
In today's episode I'm in conversation with Structural Engineer Zainab Adigun. Zainab shares how her early love for buildings put her on her career path, talks about the mindset of an engineer, her passion for calculations, problem solving and redoing modules, the importance of Net Zero and sustainability, and the excitement her role gives her. She discusses the challenges she faces a
Episode #138 with Kadisha Kaur-Singh
In today's episode I'm in conversation with Social Media Strategist Kadisha Kaur-Singh. Kadisha draws on her expertise and advises on how to grow one's platform, why being able to hit certain metrics is important, and the relevance of being part of an online community. Kadisha also answers a few of my questions including whether everything is a numbers game; the many pressures con
Episode #137 with Coryell Hyatt
Music Producer Coryell Hyatt is the latest guest on the podcast. Coryell talks about how he started off within the music industry and his journey ever since. We discuss what his creative process is like, popular music today and why artists and musicians are adapting for certain target audiences, especially with today's social media. The conversation also puts a spotlight on copyright & I
Episode #136 with Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and in today's episode I have a chat with Tonye-Faloughi-Ekezie, author and founder of Simone's Oasis Foundation. Tonye shares with us the story of her daughter, Simone, who has Down's Syndrome, and the journey it has taken her and the family on. Tonye talks about why it was important for her to create an educational and creative platform
Episode #135 with Sangeetha Kowsik
On today's episode I chat with Sangeetha Kowsik , founder and creator of Ihsanishan Design. Sangeetha talks about her role as the serving Hindu Chaplain at NYU/Columbia, the importance of her faith and why she is affectionately called 'The Puja Queen'; and furthering interfaith dialogue.We talk about her career as a designer, including her role as the previous Head Designer for th
Episode #134 with Radek Sienski
On today's episode I have a chat with Film and TV Editor Radek Sienski. Radek shares how he started his career within the industry and what he's learnt thus far. He talks about the importance of a good edit, what attributes are needed to be an effective editor and the importance of a good working relationship with the director on the project. Radek also talks about other projects he&a
Episode #133 with Rishma Dhaliwal
On today's episode, Rishma Dhaliwal has a sit-down with me to nerd out over most things Hip-Hop related. Rishma shares her immense love for the music, why its cultural importance and influence is of continual importance and significance in society, and what, in her opinion, is insightful Hip-Hop. From the Old Guard to the up and coming talent of Hip-Hop, we chat about it all including whom s
Episode #132 with Nick Rizzini
On today's episode I talk with writer and film director Nick Rizzini. Nick talks about how he started his career and why he believes directing is his true calling rather than acting. We also discuss in depth of our shared passion for NFTs, and talk about his new documentary, "Deep Down The Rabbit Hole"- a documentary about NFTs, community, hope and despair. Nick also discusses the
Episode #131 with Enva Lewis
On today's episode, I chat with actor Enva Lewis. Enva chats about her film acting debut in 'How to Have Sex', and why the film is important in exploring issues of consent and relationships. Enva also shares how her heritage has shaped her identity, the importance of being grounded and being true to oneself, and her pride for being a Birmingham native. Enva and I also talk abou
Episode #130 with Zarrar Kahn
On today's episode I chat with Film director, producer and writer Zarrar Kahn. Zarrar shares with us how he started his career including his passion for theatre. We also talk about his debut feature film, 'In Flames', which was Pakistan's official submission for Best International Film at the 96th Academy Awards in 2024, and also premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. We
Episode #129 with Anthony Cheng
On today's episode I chat with Radio Producer, Photographer and Filmmaker Anthony Cheng. Anthony shares his story about his musical education as a classically trained pianist, how he started within the industry, and also talks about his podcast, FORTE, where he has conversations with musicians, artists and musicians about their lives and philosophies. We also discuss his upcoming independen
Episode #128 with Jeya Sivans
**Trigger warning*: contains descriptions of domestic violence**.In today's episode, I talk with entrepreneur and Revenue Consultant Jeya Sivans. Jeya talks about her career and what it takes to sustain a business in today's climate. We chat about what she encounters as a woman working within the Tech industry, and how she strives for equality within a male dominated industry. She als
Episode #127 with Krishna Mckenzie
On today's episode, I chat with Farmer, educator and musician Krishna Mckenzie. Krishna shares with us his journey from childhood in England including his time at The Jiddu Krishnamurti School, to The Auroville Farms and setting up Solitude Farm in Tamil Nadu, South India. Krishna talks about the importance of Permaculture, understanding local foods including the importance of food, culture
Episode #126 with Valérie Osouf
On today's episode, documentary filmmaker Valérie Osouf talks about her role as co-curator on 'Tigritudes'- a Pan-African cycle of 128 films from 42 countries produced between 1956 and 2023. Valérie discusses the relevance of Tigritudes, the lack of respect and knowledge towards Pan-African cinema. We discuss issues surrounding heritage, the legacy of colonialism, including France&
Episode #125 with Christiana Ajilore
*Trigger warning*: Due to the nature of Christiana's job as a lawyer, sensitive issues come up in the conversation that some listeners may find disturbing.In today's episode, I talk with lawyer and entrepreneur Christiana Ajilore. Christiana discusses why she took up the profession of law and the field she specialises in. She shares the challenges and rewards that come from her career
Episode #124 with Helen Dewdney
On today's episode, I chat with Consumer Rights champion Helen Dewdney, otherwise known as 'The Complaining Cow'. Helen talks about the importance of understanding your rights as a consumer especially within the UK, topical consumer issues and why it's important for companies to invest in customer services. Helen discusses how local council budget cuts can have a lasting impa
Episode #123 with Sathnam Sanghera
In today's episode, I'm in conversation with The Sunday Times bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera. We discuss his new book 'Empireworld', and his other books including 'Empireland' and 'Stolen History'. We discuss the British Empire, it's history and the painful legacy of colonialism. The topics of racism, language, patriotism, identity & he
Episode #122 with Paul Thompson
"There was something about the instrument that always spoke to me (being a shy person) because it was like the most important instrument on stage, but not the instrument that anybody noticed. You weren't as visible as the drummer. You weren't as flashy as the guitar player. And yet everything you do on the bass affects everything else. And you're kind of steering the ship, so
Episode #121 with Kate Verity Wilson
My guest on today's episode is Kate Verity Wilson, an ex-film producer who runs the anti-discrimination and workplace culture app 'Call It!'. Kate talks about the challenges and limited options for many creatives within the film industry, including the lack of diversity and inclusivity and harassment of genders. We also chat about her experiences of her time working in Hollywood
Episode #120 with Remel London
"I grew up seeing people on TV and being like, wow, that's amazing, I would love to do that! And it was also the excitement of seeing a black person on TV. I literally heard my mum be like 'Oh, I need to call my sisters. I need to make sure they're watching. There's a black person on TV, 6pm tonight!' And it's like...it was such an amazing feeling to feel repres
Episode #119 with Micallar Walker
"I can speak from a marketing perspective, and one of the things that's really helpful for us is that the author wants to be front and centre of the campaign. It's really helpful if the author is prepared to come out and meet the audience, whether it's through Q&A's or panels, doing little video snippets for social media. Those little things are really amazing and he
Episode #118 with Grant Miller
"And what ZSL and other senior NGOs do is we do conservation by consent. So the indigenous people, the local communities, it's their country, it's their forest, they have those rights. So we do it by consent and actually it's a really mature way to talk about it because there's a huge amount of old knowledge within that community about how it's been managed over the
Episode #117 with Kunle Falodun
On today's episode, I chat with Kunle Falodun, Vice President Distribution & Networks, Africa at Sony Pictures Television. Kunle shares stories about his upbringing in Nigeria including his NYSC stint and how he started his career in media. We talk about the content creation within the visual sphere, the reality behind distribution to wider markets and investing in particular regions. W
Episode #116 with Maria Motúnráyo Adébísí
"I really wanted to create a magical world that would again bring these beings to attention and bring some respect to the fact because I think like, whatever religion they have, they can appreciate the sophistication of that system, you know what I mean? Most Italians are Christian, right? But they don't denounce their old gods. They would respect them. Whereas for us, we're taught
Episode #115 with Amani Simpson
*Content/Trigger Warning: This episode contains issues relating to knife crime & violence.*"It's really important (for young people to be intentional with what they plan to do with themselves). A digital project I'm working on now is really geared towards doing that and empowering young people through their phones to, as you said, kind of find that purpose and sense of pride.
Episode #114 with Crazy Gin's Paramjit & Bruce Nagra
"Western chefs use Indian spices from different regions and they'll call it a British cuisine with these spices , but they're the clever ones but we can't be clever because we just know how to make curry? And so, that's not true. Why can't we do this with drinks? Why can't that stereotype change? And no, it's not a curry in a bottle; it's depth and fl
Episode #113 with Ellen E Jones
On today's episode, my guest is broadcaster and journalist Ellen E. Jones. Ellen talks about her new book 'Screen Deep: How film and TV can solve racism and save the world', and we delve into issues including how racial identity is constructed through the visual mediums of film and tv, issues surrounding representation, narratives and identity. Ellen also talks about her mixed her
Episode #112 with Hamid Ibrahim
"...so we just came together ( with Tolu Olowofoyeku & Olufikayo 'Ziki' Adeola). The goals were close enough where we all wanted really good African storytelling, so that's the main umbrella (for forming 'Kugali'). But in terms of going into the nuance of it from my point of view, I really wanted the quality to be absolutely good, because Africa has amazing stor
Episode #111 with SUKKI
" 'I SEE HER' is my first film, and it was a response to seeing the spike of cases of women and girls post-pandemic. During the pandemic, the cases of abuse in women and girls rose to 25%-33% higher. It was so bad that they coined the pandemic 'The Shadow Pandemic'. Post-pandemic cases rose by 8%. There was another pandemic going on that people were not even acknowledg
Episode #110 with Mahryah Shain
"There's tons of reasons why people lose hair, there's a lot. There's hormonal changes, medication, illness, diet, environment, but the overall reason is genetics. Here's how the genetic factor works: when your body breaks down the male hormone testosterone, it creates a by-product called 'DHT'. Now, these DHTs are generally excreted through your body, but w
Episode #109 with Lucy Clarke
'It was a hard journey because for those five years I was earning nothing from writing, and it also feels quite a grandiose thing to suggest to your friends that "I'm going to be a writer, I want to be an author of published books!", so kept I kept it fairly on the down-low; like it wasn't a secret, but I wasn't out there publicing the fact that i had this big dream
Episode #108 with Kemi Lawson
"People (economists)have put together a number of lost earnings, looking at the interest value of money, and it comes into the trillions; we're talking of a profound amount. And so....it's not like anyone is expecting a country to transfer a Trillion pounds next week, but that shouldn't put you off reparations but it's getting the conversation started....imagine a Trillio
Episode #107 with T A P E Collective
"I think in terms of expectations, we (T A P E Collective) are just very, very honest. What we have found...is that there really is a disconnect between a filmmaker's idea and it reaching audiences. I think people really don't understand how distribution, exhibition and production work...and that is something that I think we're quite good at trying to demystify."In this
Episode #106 with Carl & Karla (Two's a Duo)
*Content Warning: This episode contains issues relating to substance abuse, knife crime, violence & trauma.*"...I had to just walk away...It was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made because it was the only time that Carl actually had to go out and get it out of his system and work on himself, for himself."In today's episode I chat with couple Carl & Karla,
Episode #105 with Kish Hirani
In today's episode I chat with CTO | Technical & Creative Leader Kish Hirani. Kish talks about how he's love for Mathematics and how that led to his start in his career within the games industry. We delve into his time while he worked at Sony Playstation, and what that experience has taught him. Kish talks about his advocacy for underrepresented ethnicities, hence the creation o
Episode #104 with Antonello Mirone
On today's episode, I chat with Antonello Mirone, a Stonemason, Fresco painter and Historian. He shares his love of the craft and why he got into the business. Antonello also talks about the differences in stones and what his preferred material to work with is; why the stonemasonry is a dying industry, especially in Italy and why council cuts are leaving a lingering impact on Canterbury Cath
Episode #103 with Warda Mohamed
In today's episode, I talk to filmmaker and story teller Warda Mohamed about her debut narrative short film 'Muna'. Warda also talks about her Somali heritage, language & identity and what it means to be British Somali. We also discuss classic films from the 1980s and focus on a particular film that she would love to adapt for the stage, and whom she would cast. And of course,
Episode #102 with Comfort Emmanuel
On today's episode I chat with filmmaker & writer, Comfort Emmanuel. Comfort shares why her passion for writing and filmmaking got her into the industry, and the challenges in getting her vision to a wider audience. We discuss how her corporate background has given her a grounded reality, and balancing realities and expectations when it comes to making films. Speaking of films, Comfort
Episode #101 with Eron Mibo
On today's episode I have an interesting conversation about all things cocktails with mixologist and entrepreneur Eron Mibo. Eron shares with us how her interest in the hospitality industry led her to start a career with beverages. We talk about ingredients, thriving businesses in her neighbourhood, the lack of women of the Global Majority within this side of the industry. Eron also discus
Episode 100
Today's episode is a very short thank you to all the listeners of The Swinging Palm Trees podcast, and a special thank you to all my guests who have taken the time to have a chat with me and share their lived experiences and quotes that inspire them. Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport! I would also like to tha
Episode #99 with David Martinez Flores
In this episode, I talk with David Martinez Flores about his love for film and heritage. David shares the positive influence his family has had on him for his appreciation for film, especially from his mother. We talk about his pride of being Mexican, and the importance of heritage and storytelling. David also talks about his advocacy for representation, diversity and LGBTQ and their portrayal
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