The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast
Hi there! My name is Akín, and thanks for tuning in.
On the podcast I chat with diverse guests from all backgrounds, and they talk about their lived experiences & stories, and share the words, quotes or sayings that have shaped their mindsets. With all the stories that are shared, there is also the underlying theme of mental health and wellbeing, and in many instances, also discussing heritage, culture and their own unique individual outlook to life
Also, despite the serious tone of certain issues and themes discussed, a light-hearted approach is also injected into the conversations which also displays the resilience of the guests and their humour, despite the circumstance.
I hope you find the conversations educational and enriching to your wellbeing.
Keep Rising & Thriving, Aṣẹ!
Executive producer: Ashanti Omkar
Episodes
175 episodes
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 lege...
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 int...
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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 Ni...
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 st...
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 ...
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 c...
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 ...
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 exerci...
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 indust...
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 ...
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 abou...
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 's...
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 , cel...
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 e...
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 pra...
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 Libr...
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 bu...
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 or...
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 a...
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 re...
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 show...
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...
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 ‘...
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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 pr...
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 withi...
