The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

Episodios

• Episode #178 with Farha Jamadar 17.07.2026 48m

  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 humbles her within finance. We also chat about her faith, overcoming imposter syndrome, ...
• Episode #177 with Ọmọ́tọ́lá Sodeinde Adéníyì 29.06.2026 50m

  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 beyond; identity, mental health & wellbeing, pride in one's heritage. Ọmọ́tọ́lá also shares...
• Episode #176 with Hilary Salzman 03.06.2026 1h

  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 assault, and her encounters with internet trolls and mansplaining. Hilary also shares how her career started, the ch...
• Episode #175 with Dr. Ravishankar Chamarajnagar 26.05.2026 51m

  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 experiences as an Indian immigrant to the U.S, South Asians within the tech industry, what the Bambo...
• Episode #174 with Eposi Litombo Litumbe 13.05.2026 1h 10m

  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. Eposi discusses the genesis behind the project including her team; her immense love for storytelling and what s...
• Episode #173 with Sangu Mandanna 27.04.2026 59m

  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, revisionism and colonialism. Sangu also talks about her Neurodivergent journey including having...
• Episode #172 with Zoe Àríkẹ́ 08.04.2026 44m

  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 her heritage, being autistic, mental wellbeing, and of course, she shares the words that continually inspire...
• Episode #171 with Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green 31.03.2026 1h 5m

  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 tea, and she shares the quote the continually inspires her. Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green is a Clinical Academic, h...
• Episode #170 with Dr Jana Denzel 18.03.2026 48m

  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 Jana's Tamil heritage, his faith and belief, mental well-being and he shares the words that contin...
• Episode #169 with Oluwashina Okeleji 03.03.2026 1h 2m

  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 about his varied role as a sports journalist and the importance of being versatile. We discu...
• Episode #168 with Ophelia Paine 23.02.2026 55m

  *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 for Grown-Ups', why she believes that adults should be able to indulge in Stories for Adults; the...
• Episode #167 with Tèmi Dewa (Adéwakùn) 10.02.2026 1h 4m

  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 people to take up Hyrox. Tèmi and I also talk about our Yorùbá heritage, and the vital importance...
• Episode #166 with Marcus Ryder 28.01.2026 1h 5m

  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 Diversity and the importance of empowerment, and also look at the topic of mental health and well-being within th...
• Episode #165 with Thana Sivasambu 13.01.2026 53m

  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 with Sri Lankan farmers, fisherfolk, and women-led enterprises and bringing their produce to ...
• Episode #164 with JP 06.01.2026 54m

  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 concerns about ultra processed foods. We also take the 'Palm Kernel Time Machine' to...
• Episode #163 with Lucas Pelizaro 22.10.2025 1h 5m

  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 Questions' game format. Lucas also talks about his heritage, his inspirations, and of course the quot...
• Episode #162 with Ozoz Sokoh 25.09.2025 53m

  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 book. We also talk about the extraordinary journey of the humble 'Àkàrà (bean fritter) to other parts of the...
• Episode #161 with Dauda Jammeh 03.09.2025 1h

  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 diversity, equality and inclusion, mentoring and we also discuss his faith and heritage, the inevitable ...
• Episode #160 with Nicola Williams 13.08.2025 1h

  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 (known now as the Independent Office of Police Conduct). Nicola shares the challenges and...
• Episode #159 with Garry Vanderhorne 30.07.2025 1h 12m

  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 Libre, why masks are important to a Luchadore & Luchadora (male and female wrestlers), and the legends w...