The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 co...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 independe...

**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 al...