The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

"We're looking into things that were not even imagined before, like with  The James Webb (telescope)that was just launched, you're going to be able to peer further into the galaxy than we were before, and now who knows what that's going to open up.  I feel like, at the dawn of the space age, we were just looking at earth and how to get to the moon; I feel like now is a perfect time because you're coming into the industry and we're talking about lunar gateways, colonizing the moon, putting boots on Mars. I mean, this is such an exciting time to be part of that."

On today's episode, I get chatting with Principal Space Systems Engineer Nimal about all things space.  We discuss how his interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) started out; how a former Physics teacher influenced his passion for engineering & astronomy.  We chat about all things space payloads, satellite technology, and Mars Simulation.  Naturally, this podcast would be amiss if we didn't chat about Science Fiction shows like 'Battlestar Galactica', 'The Expanse', and 'Star Trek', and which of these shows have the potential for realism.

Nimal also talks about his pride of being a Tamilian, and of course, we talk about the saying 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!

'Obviously, kids in care are there because they've had something that's gone on in their lives, either from birth or if they're five or six, or even in their teens.  That's not to make excuses for them but they are normal kids and you can't let them get away with things that other children wouldn't get away with.  All the time, though, you're trying to explain (to them) why you're doing something, so it's not a "because I said so", it's "this is why you can't do this; it's because, etc",  and set it out like that.'

On today's episode, I chat with my special guest Vanessa about being a foster parent.  She shares some of her experiences with me including the challenges, emotions and the rewards fostering brings.  We discuss about LGBTQ & fostering, what 'Respite Fostering' is, and what she has learnt so far with her partner in their parenting journey.  Vanessa also chats about how she picked up Eastern European languages, trips to the former Soviet Union.  Ness also shares her musical tastes, what her first Rock concert was and why she plays the viola.  And of course, we talk about the quote that continually inspires her. 

Vanessa Townsend graduated from Sheffield University with a degree in Modern East European Studies and joined a charity as a researcher into religious and human rights abuse in the then Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. She then joined Jane’s Defence Weekly
as a reporter/sub-editor. Having worked on numerous business magazines, including freelancing for a book publisher, business and commercial publications and newspapers, she has been production editor on Recruiter/recruiter.co.uk since 2007, and two other
magazines. In her spare time, she plays viola for the Bromley Symphony Orchestra and other musical groups in the local area, enjoys walking with her partner and two mischievous Cavapoo dogs, Misty and Millie – and goes to the gym, where she tries not to
injure herself.

Vanessa and her partner have been respite fostercarers for the past 5 years, looking after children from 5-18 any time from overnight to a couple of months. They also fostered a 16-
year-old girl over lockdown until she turned 18, and they continue to help her outside fostering now that she’s in supported accommodation.

For further information about fostering, please visit https://www.gov.uk/becoming-foster-parent

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!

"To photograph is to frame, and to frame is to exclude".

On today's episdode, I chat with Zimbabwean Fine Art photographer & Sony World Photography (Open World Photographer Category 2021) winner Tamary Kudita. We chat about what influenced her to enter this creative field, the challenges and the inspiration behind many of her series.  We talk about the legacy of colonialism, & how her art rewrites the visual narratives which have been.  We chat about a few of her exhibitions including 'Maintaining Memories' and 'African Victorian', why she wanted women models in this particular shoot.  Tamary also shares with me the history about her dual ancestry.  We also look at her photography, in particular the shot that won her the Sony World Photography competition.   We discuss how she would like to re-visualise Zimbabwe from the current image that is portrayed by certain media,  and counter the narrative.  We discuss the visual artists that inspire her, and of course, the quote that continually motivates her.

This podcast episode is part of celebrating women and their achievements, as part of the International Women's Month.

You can see more of Tamary's work 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!

 "The thing about it, my journey to date, is that I always like to tell the story to encourage others in the sense that, achieving success, or, (let me) take it back: fulfilling your dream, your vision, it comes with a lot of obstacles, with trials, with stumbling blocks.  You have to make up your mind,  see where you are going...not that I'm saying that it's easy, or there won't be some points that you won't feel weak, but you just keep going. You can't afford to give up.  Along the way I have seen the impact of my experience, being able to tell it, I've been able to encourage others."

Continuing to celebrate International Womens' Month, I chat with Chief Biomedical Scientist and Virologist Bamidele Farinre about her career within the field of sciences so far.  Bami talks about how, against all the odds, she broke into her profession.  We chat about the vital role of biomedical sciences and discuss how being a BAME scientist encourages young women to consider the sciences, and why she is also a big advocate of STEM and The WISE Campaign.  We banter in Yorùbá, and compare our educational notes growing up in Nigeria.  Bami also demystifies the labs you see on TV  to what the reality is.  We also talk about whose blood she would very much like to analyse.  And of course, we talk about the quote that continually inspires her.  

Bamidele is the Chief Biomedical Scientist for (DHSE -UKHSA Covid-19 Mobile Processing Units (MPUs) at the London Medical Lab (LML). Responsible for training and development of biomedical scientists, associate practitioners, and medical lab assistants to perform and manage the analysis of COVID-19 swab samples using RT-LAMP technology.    Bamidele has worked across different organisations in the healthcare sector; Hammersmith Hospital, Clinical Biochemistry dept, St .Georges Hosp Tooting, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH), Public Health England (PHE) now known as UK Health Security Agency, and Viapath Analytics LLP in the position of Operations Lead as part of the National Testing Programme requirements to implement local COVID-19 laboratories. She has been instrumental in leading, designing and implementing the June Almeida Lab based in the Franklin Wilkins Building, Waterloo London. This was a collaborative project between Kings College London and Viapath Analytics LLP. Using her knowledge and skills in molecular virology she has ensured that good laboratory processes and training were implemented throughout this project.   Bamidele is a member of the IBMS Virology Advisory Panel group. This panel play an important role in the work of the IBMS including the setting of the Congress Scientific programmes and updating the IBMS qualifications including the HSD. Bamidele is a WISE campaign role model for ‘My Skills My Life’, inspiring the Future STEM ambassador, Mentor, Freedom to Speak Up ambassador, British Science Association (BSA) Crest award assessor, IBMS CPD officer and a Freedom to Speak-Up Ambassador.   She’s featured on many platforms and her commitment to her profession has been acknowledged. Some of her accomplishments included; Nominated for COVID Unsung Heroes Awards, 2 categories (WISE New Educator  and WISE Responsive Hero Award, and Winner, Champion of Biomedical Science Award 2019 for the IBMS London Region. Finalist in The Pathologist’s 2019 “Trailblazers” Power List, Finalist Women in IT Excellence Awards category: Role Model of the year 2019, Finalist for The Academy for Healthcare Science award for Inspiring the healthcare science workforce of the future 2019. Nominated for a STEM Inspiration Award in the category; Outstanding New STEM Ambassador 2018. She’s authored several articles for the IBMS, the Pathologist Magazine and InspiringtheFuture. Some of her work was featured in the Tara Binns case studies project with The WISE Campaign. 

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!

"Endometriosis cannot be cured and it cannot be prevented. It's not your fault & don't let anyone make you think otherwise."

In the month of March we celebrate International Women's Day, and  on today's episode, I chat with Nicole Flanagan, who is using her platform to engage with people about her experiences dealing with the debilitating & chronic condition, Endometriosis, to coincide with Endometriosis Awareness Month.

**Trigger Warning:  there are in depth discussions about issues of mental health.**

Nicole & I talk about how endometriosis has affected her life mental and physically; what  chocolate cysts are; the difference between endometriosis and adenomyosis; painful periods and infertility.  Nicole also shares her experiences with medical practitioners & her numerous surgeries to alleviate her pain. We also discuss her plans to create more of an awareness about endo amoung youngsters and teenagers. Nicole and I also celebrate her victories during these trying times.  She also shares with me her deep love for all things Harry Potter, writing, lipstick  and villains.  And of course, Nicole talks about the quote that continually inspires her.

If you would like to chat to Nicole, you can dm her via instagram.   You can also check her tumblr page here.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age within the UK.

For more information, please check the following links:

Endometriosis support groups (Global)

Endometriosis Support groups (UK)

Supporting People with Endometriosis in the workplace.

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!

"I'm not really here to have a conversation about cancel culture, but I do think that we have to be as gracious and merciful as possible when possible, and sometimes that's missing from the conversation, and I hope to introduce that, while also still being clear that "no, no: this is bad; this is wrong", but introducing as well a certain sense of healing.  And I tie that to the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. That's where I kinda root that idea and commitment ."

On today's episode, we go across the pond and commemorate American Black History Month with anti-racism activist and history buff Garrison Hayes.  We discuss topics ranging from the lasting ramifications of the  Trans-atlantic slave trade, religion, and inter-generational trauma.  We examine The Southern Strategy and Emancipation proclamation.  We look at the importance of key historical dates, including the importance of 1663 in African-American history.  Garrison also explains to me what he means when he says that 'America loves Martin Luther King as an Idea'.  We talk about Black History Month and the importance of its relevence now more than ever;  Black Trauma, Black Lives Matter, the discourse on black identity and the issues of tokenism.  We also chat about ancestry, his profound love for Atlanta, and of course, the quotes that inspire him.

Garrison is a husband, content creator and DEI facilitator whose work exists at the intersection of antiracism, faith and storytelling. He is an Atlanta, GA native and enjoys cheering on his Atlanta Hawks, listening to a great podcast and spending time exploring new places with his lovely wife, Simone.

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!

'...So when you ask me "why are some governments against crypto?", is because, it's a new space, it's a strange space  and everyone fears change, and of course, at least they think that their  status quo is threatened;...the idea that anyone can spawn up their own version of a currency, I think governments cannot wrap their heads around the fact that they cannot have control over such a fundamental thing...'

In today's episode, I take a deep dive with Mechanical Engineering tech-head & Crypto enthusiast @MawaMaverick.  Mawa talks about cryptocurrencies, what terms such as 'defi', 'Byzantine Algorithm',  'white papers', 'ecosystems' and NFTs actually mean, and the relevance of the metaverse.  We also discuss how certain countries are taking the lead in adopting digital currency, while other countries and financial institutions are resisting changes, and also discuss the enormous possibilities that cryptocurrencies would open up in Africa, and why we've only scratched the surface regarding this digital frontier.  Mawa also talks about one of his favourite blockchain and how it allows users to create autonomous software agents that automate task.  We also vent about 'gas fees', and of course, we look at the quote that continually inspires him

Mawa has a background in Mechanical Engineering and Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence.  He is also a Content Creator on Youtube, Twitter and other social channels.  He is a keen advocate for Cryptocurrency and believes that, although he only started out in 2017, he is only getting started.  One of Mawa's favourite sayings is: "Don't get de-structed and stay alert!"

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!

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!

"I always consider myself to be more of a people person maybe, so the photography almost comes second hand; I try to understand the people & what their reservations are for being in front of the camera or what they enjoy about it & I try to build on those qualities that they show."

On today's episode, I chat with one of London's nicest & most published photographers, Pål Hansen.   He has photographed a list of mostly who's who within many industries, including entertainment and food.   We chat about how he started out in the photography industry, internships, Hasselblads, working with clients and briefs.  Pål also shares a few stories from some of his photoshoots that include Jackie Chan, Tilda Swinton, Niles Rodgers  and Forest Whitaker.  He also discusses with me how he was able to photograph Queen Margrethe II of Denmark smoking during an interview.

Pal also shared with me his personal projects including "Windrush - Leave to Remain",  and 'Rear View Mirror', which was shot during the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown.  We also talk about chefs he has photographed for the Observer Food Monthly, and whom he would like to have sit for his dream photoshoot.  And of course, we look at the quote that continually inspires him.

Pål Hansen is a London based photographer. His pictures are seen in many British and international publications on a weekly basis and his work is often seen on the shortlists of the worlds biggest competitions.  

Pål is mostly recognised for his portrait work but he has also excelled in reportage. He works closely with his sitters to expose the true character behind the face.  The nature of editorial and portrait photography puts the photographer in very difficult locations and with little time to take a portrait.  Pål prides himself on creating interesting, dynamic and aesthetically beautiful images no matter what the circumstances are. His pictures show sensitivity and a great understanding of his subjects as well as incorporating humour where possible.  

Some of Pål's highlights have been photographing: the Queen of Denmark (smoking a cigarette), Nicole Kidman, Kanye West, Ringo Starr, Forest Whitaker, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz and many more. He has also enjoyed producing covers for TIME Magazine, Sotheby's, Observer Magazine, Guardian Weekend, Sunday Times Magazine, Patek Phillipe Magazine and Emmy Magazine.

Commercially he has worked for AUDI, Virgin Radio, Vodafone, BA, Tesco, EBAY, The National Theatre, Glenlivet, PETA, Schwartz, MENG, Billington's, SHH, Goddard and Littlefair and more.

He has also enjoys great success with his personal bodies of work, such as "Teenage Parents", "Christiania", "24 Hours in Brooklyn", "Under the Arches" and "Windrush - Leave to Remain".

Pål has regularly been a selected as exhibitor for the National Portrait Gallery's Taylor-Wessing Award. He has had several of honourable mentions and nominations from Colour Awards, and shortlisted by Sony World Photography Awards and many other international awards. Pål was also selected to be part of the prestigious World Press Masterclass in 2004 and had his images used as the main promotional image for The National Portrait Gallery's Portrait Award exhibition in 2005.

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!

"It's hard, it just is.  There's no easy way to do it.  Even when you do understand what you want to do and how you want to get there, there are lots of 'no's',  there are a lot of 'who you know ' settings and scenarios..."

On today's episode, I chat with film aficionado and events producer Toyin about her career in the film industry thus far.  We talk about the business and  challenges she's encountered, and what these instances have taught her.   We discuss where her love of film all began( it's an interesting origin story!), and how it has led her to her current role as an Events producer at Directors UK.
We discuss our shared Nigerian heritage, food, and  geek out over popular culture tv and film including Buffy the Vampire slayer.  I also get to see how much she loves Viola Davis, and of course, her fixation for all things based on 'The Matrix'.  We also re-enact a scene from the film, 'Inception', and of course, we look at the quotes that continually inspire her.

A born and raised Londoner and very much South, Toyin started her career into film through her journalism degree which she put to use when writing for Studio Film Magazine, internships at Vertigo Films and Birds Eye View Film Festival, and watching as many films as possible! From memorising Morpheus' monologue in The Matrix Reloaded to having The Mummy on repeat or singing with full force the entire catalogue of Aladdin, Toyin has fully immersed herself with stories.

Toyin has worked as a freelance Events Producer for clients including; BAFTA, BFI, European Cultural Foundation, Into Film, The London Film Festival and the BBC, and has also garnered on-set experience on feature films including; Mission Impossible: Fallout and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. 

Toyin now produces engaging events at Directors UK for their members which includes director-to-director In Conversation Q&As. Guests have included; Steve McQueen, George Clooney, Regina King and Chloe Zhao.

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!