The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

On today's episode, I chat with creative duo Adwoa & Solomon of Adeche.atelier.  They discuss how they use their collective talent in art to explore African mythology  & the resurgence of knowing one's culture & identity.  We look at some of the folktales from Africa and other parts of the world, the recent recasting of 'The Little Mermaid', storytelling & the author Neil Gaiman.  We chat about the pantheon of gods from the Yoruba,  Ashanti & Greek cultures, and the lasting effects of colonialism and missionaries.  Adwoa & Solomon also talk about their podcast, and their exhibition 'African Odyssey: Exploring Cultures, Myths and Stories.  We also address the most important of questions as to who makes the better jollof rice, and of course, they share the quote that continually inspires them. 

To see more of Adwoa & Solomon's work, please visit their website:https://adeche.com/.  To hear more about what they have to say about African mythology, gods and stories, check their podcast 'Afro Mythos Podcast'.

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Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I chat all things Teddy bears with Penelope Carrington, a self-described 'Chief Bear Alchemist', and editor of 'One Good Road Buddy'.  Penelope shares how she had her first Teddy bear, Albert, and how she has been making teddy bears since she was 13.  She also talks about the importance and relevance of teddybears, and the psychology of holding and cuddling a teddy bear.  We discuss childhood memories, the importance of therapy, mental health and well being.  Penelope also demonstrates why you're never too old to have a cuddly toy.  We also talk about other famous teddy bears within popular culture, an experience in Costa Rica with Albert, and of course, Penelope shares the quote that continually inspires her.

Penelope is the editor of 'One Good Road Buddy', and also hosts 'Goodbye, Zombie Bear' Podcast. Penelope is also an award-winning writer and editor, and is also a multimedia producer.   Her work has been published by The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, Time, CNN, NBC News, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, U.S. Airways, and Vogue Italia’s PhotoVogue, among others.   Penelope's work is also part of the permanent collections at the Virginia Treatment Center for  Children and Family Lifeline.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I chat with Masterchef Quarter Finalist 2022 & Commercial Property lawyer, Ally Middleton.  He shares with us how he got into law and why he chose to go into Commercial Property law.  He also talks about his immense love for cooking, his early memories of the first dish that he was taught to cook, the people that have inspired him and why he finds food fascinating.  Ally chats about his time on the BBC Hit series Masterchef, his signature dish, the lessons he learned and the friendships made.  Ally reveals the one sauce he couldn't live without, whom he would love to cook for at a feast, and of course, the quote that continually inspires him.

Ally is a self-taught classical chef from Edinburgh, who reached the Quarter Finals of MasterChef UK 2022 and has since launched a private dining business offering fine dining experiences at home and supper clubs across the UK.  Outside of the kitchen, Ally is a qualified property solicitor. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode I chat with actor Vinay Rai.  Vinay talks about his passion for rugby, his time playing for Bangalore Rugby football club (B.R.F.C), the injuries he sustained during his playing days and whom he idolises within the sport.  Vinay  discusses how he started within the film industry in India, the importance of having a strong work ethic, how his language skills have kept him in good stead working within the diverse Indian filmmaking communities.  We look at Vinay's filmography so far, his encounters with fans & critics, his thoughts about the Writers' strike in Hollywood, and what he loves most while on a film set.  Vinay also talks about his proud Tulu heritage, shares what his favourite beverage is,  anecdotes, and of course, the quote that continually inspires him. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I chat with husband and wife team Simon & Louisa Georgiou about their product, 'Louisa's Honey'.  They share how the business started with a road trip  to Italy with their neighbour and now business partner, Peter,  and also discuss their passion behind the business and why it is important to them. We chat about sustainability, apiculture and the environment.   They also talk about the flavours, what their favourites are, including one that is an 'acquired taste', but is also their bestseller, and also which they would serve to Winnie the Pooh. 

Simon and Louisa also talk about their shared cultural heritage and experiences, their love and passion for food, life and of course, they share with us the quotes that continually inspire them both. 

'Louisa's Honey' had a commendation at the Quality Foods Awards 2022.  It has also been showcased at The BBC Good Food Show Winter 2022 & Summer 2023.  The product has also been highly recommended by renowned Gennaro Contaldo, and also by past participants of 'Masterchef'. 

For more information about Louisa's Honey, please visit: https://louisas-honey.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I have a chat with actor & Comic Connoisseur Michael Ajih.  He shares the deep and positive impact that comics have had on his life, especially with the challenges that he has had with dyslexia & learning difficulties.  Michael also shares with me the first comic superhero that piqued his interest,  his favourite comic book character, how many comics he currently has in his collection, and a personal story behind a copy of  'Amazing Fantasy #15' (the first appearance of Spiderman).

Michael and I also discuss the importance of storytelling, representation, identity & diversity in comics & popular culture.  We also talk about cosplay, and whom he would want to cosplay as, and also what his line-up would consist of in his version of 'The Sinister Six'.  And of course, Michael shares with me the quote that continually inspires him.   

In Michael's own words: 'I’m an actor, a content creator, cosplayer, presenter and most importantly a Comic Connoisseur. I discuss everything comic book related. I’m a huge comic book enthusiast.'

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelajih
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelajih/?hl=en

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I chat with award winning musician & educator Joey Stuckey.  Joey talks about his life in music, his career in the industry, and his love & passion for The Blues, and why music has always been a source of solace to him.  Apart from all things musical, Joey shares with us the health challenges he encounters, what his superpower could be, and of course, a quote that continually inspires him.

Joey Stuckey is the Official Music Ambassador of his hometown of Macon, Georgia. Joey spends every moment living life to the fullest and sharing his story and inspirational spirit through his musical performances and speaking engagements. As a toddler, Joey was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery with little hope of survival. Though the tumor left Joey blind and with other health challenges, today, he continues to live a successful life of intention in his chosen field of music. Joey is professor of music technology at Mercer University, the music technology consultant for Middle Georgia State University, and an official music mentor for the Recording, Radio and Film Connection in Los Angeles as well as an active voting member of the Grammys. He is the owner and senior engineer at Shadow Sound Studio which is a destination recording facility with state-of-the-art analog and digital technology.  He has spoken and performed all over the world including at the University College of London, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and the Audio Engineering Society in New York City, just to name a few. In his roles as producer, engineer, recording artist and journalist, he has worked with many musical legends including Trisha Yearwood, Clarence Carter, James Brown, Alan Parsons, Gene Simmons (KISS), Al Chez (Tower of Power), Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie), Danny Seraphin (Chicago), Kevin Kenney (Drivin’ and Cryin’), and many, many more.

For more information visit www.joeystuckey.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joeystuckey
Twitter: @jstuckeymusic
Instagram: @jstuckeymusic

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I chat with Erick, a Script editor & Story Consultant.  He shares with us his story and how he got into the industry, the ongoing challenges he faced and still faces, why representation is vital and the importance of heritage & cultural storytelling and providing platforms  for the unheard stories. Erick breaks down what a Script editor does and what makes a good script.  On a lighter note, we also address the ongoing debate on which jollof rice is better, and of course, Erick shares with us the saying that continually inspires him. 

Erick Kwashie is a London-based British Ghanaian Script Editor and Story Consultant with experience in drama and comedy among other genres. Erick studied Film Production and Screenwriting at the University of the Arts, London. He is particularly passionate about working with writers from traditionally underrepresented groups and developing their unique and as yet untold stories.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, I chat with journalist, film critic & nerd, Marshall Julius.  We talk about his new book, 'Masters of Make-Up Effects: A Century of Practical Magic' which he co-authored with legendary effects wizard Howard Berger. We delve into a few of the stories from the book including conversations with Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero, James McAvoy, John Landis, Bruce Campbell and many more.  Marshall and I  geek out over films including 'The Exorcist', 'The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe', and we take a deep dive into John Carpenter's cult classic 'The Thing' and why it still stands the test of time. 

Marshall also shares with me why he believes that there is a curse with his full name; what being an obtainer of rare antiquities' actually means to him; his love for 'Star Wars'; his role as quizmaster for The London Action Festival; and of course, he shares with us the quote that continually inspires him.

'Masters of Make-Up Effects: A Century of Practical Magic' can be found at all good bookstores. 

The London Action Festival 2023 takes place between the 21st-25th of June across various locations in London. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, it's a laid back chat with my good friend, Tinu, and you can tell from the first 10 seconds of conversation!   We talk about her upbringing, life vignettes, what it means to be Yoruba, its traditions and culture.  We also discuss life issues including generational trauma & mental health within communities, EDI (Equality, diversity and inclusion), discrimination, parenting, the importance of legacy,  codeswitching & language use.  And of course, Tinu shares with us a saying that continually inspires her. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

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 like to be a guest, drop me a line at [email protected] or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram
Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!