The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

On today's episode, I chat with playwright and actress Rani Moorthy about her one-woman show performances and plays that are drawn from her lived migrant experience: born in Malaysia but due to the race riots of 1969, eventually getting to Singapore where she began her career before emigrating to the UK.  We discuss the local influences and cultures that inspired her plays; her Tamil ancestry...

On today's episode, I chat with musical storyteller & composer Rosabella Gregory about songwriting, composition, collaborations with Soumik Datta & Bernhard Schimpelsberger , Anoushka Shankar , Indian classical music, and being mentored by the legend, Bob James. We also talk about her albums, her creative process, her current projects including writing the music for  Broadway Records&...

On today's episode, my guest is the multi-talented  Akinola Davies Jr .  We chat about his career in filmmaking, music and collaborations with other creatives.  We talk about certain perspectives of  the Black Experience, discussing projects that have included BBC's 'Black to Life' about the oft overlooked, and mostly forgotten stories of black British figures. We also go in le...

On today's episode, I chat with Nathalie about her career in photography, and what her initial career choice was going to be.  We go old school about manual cameras, F-stops and aperture speeds, and the joys of working in a dark room. We also talk about mentoring, representation within the field;  her quest to win the Taylor Wessing Award ; accents and lips (not in that order);  more photogra...

On today's episode, I chat with Podcast and Radio Producer Amy Elizabeth about her career within the field of broadcasting.  We talk about how she took on various odd jobs, and various freelance media gigs before her break at the BBC.  We discuss music, breakfast radio, dancing, work ethic, family, and of course: cake!  With refreshing honesty Amy talks multi-tasking, grafting & the wise...

In today's episode, I chat with my 'geek sis', Michelle, about her love for all things popular culture including The Green Lantern Corp, Comic-con conventions, Isaac Asimov and Alan Moore, and growing up in the 80s, and why she has the nickname 'Kermit Mash'. We also talk about her love for music that includes being the manager in a blues and rock band; being a radio prese...

In today's episode, I had the opportunity to  chat with exciting British-Nigerian film director Tomisin Adepeju .  We talk about his journey from Nigeria to London at a young age; how finding and shaping his identity led  him to film making: from his first short film at college to his catalogue of high profile short films thus far.  We delve into his passion for film and talk about the works...

On today's episode, I chat  with  Melanie about her fascinating career working in the field of photography, including commissioning photographers, art directing, the importance of following the brief to the letter,  challenging editorial and advertising shoots, setting up a photography agency, the business of photography, being diplomatic with clients, editors and journalists and the minefiel...

In this episode, I chat with Abby V about music, more music and everything music.  We even got to jam a bit.  We talk about how his musical journey started in Carnatic,  Hindustani and Western classical music;  his musical influences including the biggest of them all: his dad, Mr Venkat.  We chat about his time in Chennai and the music season, competing in musical contests, food, ' 73 raagas...

On today's episode, I caught up with the multi-talented Charlie Blokhuis.  We chat about pediatrics and why she got into this field of medicine & what it means to her.  We  geek out on  'Fear the Walking Dead', 'Galavant' and 'Once Upon a Time'.  We also chat about music, art, and most importantly, her approach to living life and a few of the quotes and affir...

On today's episode, Rapper Rama Kazi talks about being a musician, science, his African-American and Indian heritage, and the meaning behind his name. We also chat about his album, Delusions of Grandeur,  and his immense love for AR Rahman,  Lupe Fiasco and the city of Atlanta. Rama Kazi is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur. He is of African American and South I...

On today's episode, Jonah and I chat about relationships, in particular 'blindian' relationships, and how he started the #BlindianProject, a media platform and global community at the intersection of Black  and Brown culture. We also talk about identity, heritage and why Black is seen by many as 'other' within these Indian Subcontinent communities.  We also talk about the...

Today's episode takes a slightly different detour from the normal format.  I invited my bass teacher, David Gyamfi , to chat about music, his faith and education, while also teaching me chord progressions and jamming during the episode.  We also talk about how growing up with a gospel church background continually builds his strong musical foundation. ​This episode is mostly about music and u...

On today's episode, Anu Hasan talks about her career including acting in films and TV, how she negotiated with her famous uncle, her work ethic, and why she always tries to keep her sunny side up!  We also chat about how she cannot bring herself in uttering the F-word and how she deals with trolls. Anu Hasan is an actor, author, TV personality, entrepreneur, cook, and a proponent for mental h...

On today's episode, I chat with uber-talented musician Olugbenga (the first 'g' is silent) about his career in music as a producer, dj and bassist, his heritage, collaborations with family and friends ,  chatting with producer Brian Eno while on a bus in Bamako, and how Pounded Yam with okra stew pounds Mashed potato & pie. Born in Lagos to a Kenyan mother and Nigerian father, O...

On today's episode, Ram talks about his Tamil immigrant story: from growing up in Western Nigeria to arriving on the shores of Canada.  We also chat about his activism within Human Rights issues, being a proud Canadian Tamil and how he believes good policy can make a difference in people's lives.  We also discuss music, anecdotes about his time in Nigeria, family heirlooms, why he gives...

On today's episode, Nigerian linguist, writer and cultural activist Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún talks most things Yorùbá and why he is on a mission to keep the language in written form, including his campaign in bringing the language to a wider audience. We also talk about how he became a linguist and his love for languages; how he was invited to meet Nobel laureate Professor Wo̩lé S̩óyíinká and his favou...

On today's episode, I consult with the 'Oracle' Amrita, about all things books, Tolkien & Tolstoy, her time in New York & her unique career path. We also talk about dinner guests, podcasts and how to pronounce 'Khandaan'. If you love books and like a good recommendation, then head over to Amrita's Youtube page, 'Amrita by the Book'.   She also co-hos...

On today's episode, entrepreneur Mark discusses yoga and it's benefits. We also talk about his enthusiasm for cycling, business ventures, cinema and what music to listen to while making a cup of coffee. We also touch upon the controversial topic that every Ghanaian & Nigerian argue over:  who makes the better jollof rice!   Mark Sarfo-Kantanka is a director at Cellar Door Group .  He...

In today's episode, Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula &  Somatic Psychotherapist Sangheetha has a chat with me about her career change from the corporate world to the birthing world.  We discuss mental health &  mindsets, midwivery, dismantling the patriarchy, and empowerment.  We also talk about her love for music,  including her favourite raagas, and much more. Sangheetha Parthasarat...

On today's episode, creative entrepreneur and consultant Bhavna Malkani talks football, including 'She's Got Skills', a platform dedicated to women in football, and her undying loyalty to Tottenham Hotspurs F.C. Bhavna also delves into her Indian heitage, and why Busta Rhymes would always have a seat at her dinner parties. Bhavna is co-founder of ' She's Got Skills &a...

On today's episode, Ade talks about mental health, self-study & well being, plus his time in Greece  and growing up in Nigeria. Ade is an author , entrepreneur, and a mean cook! 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 thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar ,  for all her hard work. If you'd...

Thespian.  Owner of Museum Heritage Interpretation company. Foodie. Traveller. Experiential Interpretation specialist. Storyteller. Lover of life. Life coach!  Janine is doing it all.  Janine talks about the many facets of her life, including her stint working with Benedict Cumberbatch, the ups and downs of auditioning, and how to make the perfect cup of tea! Janine Marsh ( @marshjanine ) is also...

On today's episode, I have a chat with Elibinayi, who, in  her own words, is ' a young millennial trying her hand at adulting'. Eli talks about her favourite poem, and the verse that continually inspires her.  She also talks about  her heritage and uniqueness of her name, and why  she loves action movies. Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their...

On today's episode, Dj Akinso talks about his musical tastes, friendships, mental health, and also abouta particular Yorùbá proverb his mother would say to put him in his place. Akinso is a music dj, and you can find some of his mixes at Soundcloud .    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 t...