The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

*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...

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...

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...

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 wi...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 c...

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...

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...

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...

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...