The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

On today's episode, my guest is Certified Wellness coach and author David Greenwalt.  David talks about his interest in exercise started at a  young age; his time as a State Trooper in the State of Illinois and how he took up powerlifting and bodybuilding.  We talk about how he pivoted into the fitness industry and how he founded the Leanness Lifestyle University.  David and I delve into calories, weight management and nutrition.  We also look at the subject of healthy eating and the issue of ultra processed food.  Mindset, self compassion and self-talk  also comes up during our conversation, and of course, David shares the quote that continually inspires him. 

David is a Certified Health Coach, fitness expert, author, husband, father, former police officer, and former competitive state-level bodybuilder and powerlifter. After weight cycling between bodybuilding and powerlifting for 15 years, in 1997, at age 32, David lost 50 of his own excess pounds one more time, for the last time. Since 1999, through his company Leanness Lifestyle University, David has been helping clients from every walk of life lose the excess fat, keep the muscle, and manage this crazy life.

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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!

My guest on today's episode is Healthcare Practitioner Nkem Ndefo.  Nkem shares with me how she began her career within this field, including how she trained as a midwife to her current role as founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit and how she helps people build a sense of resilience. We chat about issues surrounding healthy boundaries, marginalised identity, appeasement, survival, socio-economic matters, race and code switching.  We  delve into issues concerning mental health,  the impact of day to day traumas, but also as people how we have the capacity and potential to transform through healing and development.

Nkem shares her heritage with me, how she unwinds, hidden medical conditions, the many lessons she has learned and shaped her through her life, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.

Nkem Ndefo, MSN, CNM, RN, is the founder of Lumos Transforms and creator of The Resilience Toolkit. She is a skilled practitioner, dynamic speaker, and valued strategist. She is known for her unique ability to connect with people of all types by holding powerful healing spaces, weaving complex concepts into accessible narratives, and creating synergistic and collaborative learning communities that nourish people’s innate capacity for healing, wellness, and connection.

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!

My guest on today's episode is film curator and author Nadia Denton.  We discuss Nigeria film making and why she coined the term 'Beyond Nollywood.  We talk about the Nigeria film space, her visits to Nigeria, content coming out from the region, storytelling from Africa and the challenges of bringing said stories to streaming platforms for a wider audience.  We also delve into what she would describe as a genre unique to Nigeria film making.  Nadia talks about her role as a curator of films, and the importance of cultural curation. We examine conversations surrounding diversity in the industry and women within the industry.  And of course, Nadia shares with us the quote that continually inspires her. 

Nadia Denton has worked in the UK film industry for over a decade as an Impact Producer, Curator and Author. She specialises in Nigerian Cinema and coined the term BEYOND NOLLYWOOD. She has worked with the Berlinale EFM, British Film Institute, British Council, Doc Society, London Film School, SUNDANCE Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival and Comic Relief. Her books include The Nigerian Filmmaker’s Guide to Success: Beyond Nollywood and The Black British Filmmaker’s Guide to Success: Finance, Market and Distribute Your Film.

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, my guest is former British Army commando, author and entrepreneur Mark Llewhellin.  Mark gives an insight to why he joined the army and specifically his reasons for wanting to become a commando and earning his 'Green lid'.  Mark also talks about his time in the army, from reading personal development books,  his entrepreneurial spirit and his transition to civilian life.  We talk about mental health within the armed forces, and a common trait shared by members of the Special Forces community that he has spoken with.  We chat about mindset, psychology and the NHS.  Mark also shares why he became an author and what his next projects are, his love for ultrasports and most things American, and of course, we talk about the quote that continually inspires him.

Mark is a former commando with 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.  He is a best-selling author whose books include 'The Underdog', 'Happy: Finding Happiness In A Crazy Ass World', and 'Delusions of Grandeur: How to Become More Than You Ever Dreamed Possible.'

*Trigger warning*: This episode contains issues regarding depression and self harm .

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 this episode, my guest is veteran broadcaster and journalist Kadaria Ahmed.  Kadaria shares how she started her journey into journalism, from growing up listening to The BBC in Nigeria to ending up working for the corporation, and why she decided to leave and move back home to establish her career.   Kadaria talks about her deep passion for Current Affairs and News, and the challenges of working within the broadcasting industry within Nigeria.  We discuss accountability, misinformation and disinformation, mental health and well being and its importance to her.  We also chat about her role as a Town Hall moderator in the run-up to the upcoming presidential elections in Nigeria.  Kadaria also talks about her other interests in this episode and of course, she shares with us the quote that continually inspires her.  

Kadaria Ahmed is a leading Nigerian journalist and media entrepreneur.  She sits on the Nigerian board of trustees of the International Press Institute and has been recognized as one of the 5 most influential people in Nigeria’s media landscape. Kadaria is a recipient of grants in support of her work in accountability journalism from leading donor agencies including the Ford Foundation, OSIWA, PLAC and MacArthur Foundation. She is the Executive Director of Daria Media, a company whose focus is public service journalism, and also the MD of Radio Now 95.3 FM.  Kadaria has written extensively and has been published in national and international newspapers including the Daily Trust, The Guardian, Premium Times, and the Financial Times of London. She is a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigerian Institute of Directors. 

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, my guest is Ayo Norman-Williams, a games designer and Computer Scientist.  Ayo shares his love for computer games, including the very first title that placed him on his current career path.  We geek out and argue over a few titles, his dream of wanting to work at a famous animation studio at age seven, the games he has created so far and how he was nominated for the BAFTA Young designer of the Year Award.  Ayo also talks through the process of being a designer, his area of speciality and who has influenced him in his career.  We chat about the importance of communicating ideas and telling the right story, and which of his created games he would like to see adapted for the big screen.  We discuss how Black people, contrary to popular belief,  are heavily into various global pop cultures and anime.   And of course, Ayo shares with us in the episode the quote that continually inspires him.


You can check more of Ayo's work here:

https://www.artstation.com/ayomakesart/albums/all

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 all about the joys of good food & cooking as I chat with Aida Khan, the co-founder and Creative Director of Shola- Karachi Kitchen.  I describe her as a 'culinary ambassador for Pakistani cuisine', which is evident from her  deep love and passion for cooking.  She shares with me how she started her career and  her first dish she made as a child.  We talk about Pakistani recipes, in particular Haleem; what ingredients she cannot live without and the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur and chef.  We talk about family influences and hospitality, cultural flavours and her work ethic.  And of course, Aida shares her favourite quotes and how they continually inspire her.

Shola - Karachi Kitchen is Aida Khan’s food venture, winning hearts (and bellies!) in  London and Islamabad alike. A passionate chef and food lover, Aida’s expertise with  Pakistani cuisine goes back a long way. Coming from a family of foodies, the former  banker scripted  and presented a travel food show on Pakistani television called “For The Love of  Food.” When Aida moved to London in 2012, she noticed a lack of options for the  kind of wholesome home-cooked Pakistani food she grew up on. She therefore  developed and adapted recipes taken from her family, so she could share the food of  her childhood with her own children. She then completed training at Leith’s School  of Food and Wine, learning to apply modern techniques to traditional recipes. With  her new repertoire, she hosted a series of ‘Gourmet Karachi Supper Clubs’ across  London.  Shola in White City Place has been a labour of love for Aida, where she has  introduced diners to the distinctive flavours of Pakistani cuisine, as well as providing  a nostalgic taste of authentic home-cooking to South Asians in London. The emphasis  throughout is on fresh ingredients, fragrant spices that are freshly roasted and  ground in their own kitchen, and above all on the deep and powerful flavours of  Pakistan  Aida has also been featured on The Lorraine Show on ITV sharing her Pakistani  recipes.  From February 2022 Shola has hosted a pop up every Thursday night at White City  Studios. This July Shola also took over the Shack at White City Poolside serving  Pakistani street food.  Shola Blurb  Shola (‘spark’ in Urdu) is our new Pakistani restaurant in London. We bring to the  table Chef Aida Khan’s passion for authentic flavours and traditional recipes from  Karachi, Pakistan’s most cosmopolitan city.

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!

My guest on the latest episode is  Eva Chukwunelo, a poet, writer and digital marketer.  Eva chats about her interests in the arts, in particular creative writing and dancing.  We actually created a short story during our conversation!  Eva discusses why she left the teaching world for a career within the digital sphere and the opportunities that have since presented themselves.   We also touch upon why she goes by the moniker 'Beaucyborg';    She shares her personal story and challenges with Osteomyelitis, prosthetics, disability awareness and inclusion within Nigeria.   She shares with us the quote that continually inspires her.

For more about Eva's journey, please check her blog page here.

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!

My guest on today's episode is filmmaker Clarence Peters.  We talk about his new TV series called 'Inside Life', which is his own small take about life in Lagos, Nigeria, that no one really talks about.  We discuss various mediums of storytelling and the need for making content for a core Nigerian audience, which in turn triggers  much needed conversations within Nigeria.  We look at Clarence's other series 'Hex' and spirituality.   We look at certain issues surrounding 'Nollywood' and film making in Nigeria.  We also do a deep dive into how Clarence started his career within the industry and the challenges he encounters.  And of course, as we are both Nigerians, it goes without sayings that we come back to proverbs and sayings that continually inspire him. 

Clarence is a music video director and filmmaker.  He is the founder and CEO of production company Capital Dream Pictures.  He has worked on numerous musical projects  including collaborations with Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy and Wizkid.  Clarence has also worked on a series of documentaries and TV features.

Clarence's latest endeavour is the TV series, 'Inside Life'.

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 my guest is music producer and Technopreneur Charles Bosco.   He shares with us how his musical journey started from going to Tamil School, to producing music and collaborating with musicians from all over the world.  We chat about his musical influences, the intricacies of Copyright and music rights and ownership.  Charles also talks about why he started to create his 'refixes' to classic tunes, and also whom he would like to work with as part of his dream team on tour.  We also talk about all things NFTs, and of course, we look at the quotes and sayings that have inspired him.

Charles Bosco is an award-winning Music Producer and you can find some of his works here:

https://www.instagram.com/charlesbosco/?hl=en
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2aZMJZvvSb072ZPDKRmep1

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!