The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

In today's episode, I'm in conversation with The Sunday Times bestselling author Sathnam Sanghera.  We discuss his new book 'Empireworld', and his other books including 'Empireland' and 'Stolen History'.  We discuss the  British Empire, it's history and the painful legacy of colonialism.  The topics of  racism,  language,  patriotism,  identity & heritage are also discussed and we talk about why there are new insights & points of view into established historical narratives in relation to the empire from the colonised perspective.  Sathnam also talks about his Punjabi heritage, our shared distaste for a particular song, mental health and of course, the quote that continually inspires him.

Sathnam Sanghera was born to Punjabi parents in the West Midlands in 1976. He entered the education system unable to speak English but, after attending Wolverhampton Grammar School, graduated from Christ’s College, Cambridge with a first class degree in English Language and Literature. He has been shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards twice, for his memoir The Boy With The Topknot and his novel Marriage Material, the former being adapted by BBC Drama in 2017 and named Mind Book of the Year in 2009. His third book, Empireland: How Imperialism Has Been Shaped Modern Britain became an instant Sunday Times bestseller on release in 2021, was named a Book of the Year at the 2022 British Books Awards, and resulted in Empire State of Mind, the acclaimed two-part documentary for Channel 4 for which he earned a Best Presenter shortlisting at the 2022 Grierson Awards. 

The book also inspired a sequel, Empireworld: How British Imperialism Has Shaped the Globe, which became an instant Sunday Times bestseller on release in 2024, and Stolen History: The Truth about the British Empire and How it Shaped Us, which went to No 1 on several children’s books charts when it was released in 2023 and was shortlisted for a British Book Award and Children’s Book of the Year by Foyles. His work has been recognised with the awarding of numerous honorary doctorates and journalism prizes, including Young Journalist of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2002, Media Commentator of the year in the 2015 Comment Awards and the Edgar Wallace Trophy for Writing of the Highest Quality at the 2017 London Press Club Awards. He was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2016, and elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in recognition of his contribution to historical scholarship in 2023.

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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!

"There was something about the instrument that always spoke to me (being a shy person) because it was like the most important instrument on stage, but not the instrument that anybody noticed.  You weren't as visible as the drummer. You weren't as flashy as the guitar player. And yet everything you do on the bass affects everything else.  And you're kind of steering the ship, so to speak.  So I love​d the power that the bass had over the music.  I loved how it combined elements of harmony like a piano player and the elements of rhythm like a drummer; I loved how the bass is always playing.  Usually the bassist doesn't stop playing and those low sounds always appealed to me."  

On today's episode we ​are talking all things music with bassist and music educator Paul Thompson. Paul talks about how he started his musical journey and why the Double Bass is instrument of choice. We both delve into our passion for jazz, with an emphasis on how listening to all genres is important to a​ great musical education . Paul also shares how he lives with Multiple Sclerosis and the challenges that it brings, mental wellbeing and of course, he talks about the quote that continually inspires him.

Paul Thompson has been playing bass professionally for over 30 years, including recording and touring stints with trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. Performance credits include Hubert Laws, Geri Allen, Michael Feinstein, Bob James, John Pizzarelli, Phil Woods, Bob Reynolds, Dan Wilson, Sean Jones, and Billy Porter, among others. Currently, he can be seen playing around the Pittsburgh area with the THOTH Trio, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, in pit orchestras of Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, Front Porch Theatricals, PCLO, and Pittsburgh Public Theatre, or performing with some of Pittsburgh's rich Jazz community.

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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 Kate Verity Wilson, an ex-film producer who runs the anti-discrimination and workplace culture app 'Call It!'.  Kate talks about the challenges  and limited options for many creatives within the film industry, including the lack of diversity and inclusivity and harassment of genders.  We also chat about her experiences of her time working in Hollywood which led her to write her first fictional novel 'Prospects', which is about California, wellness and illness, success and failure and the experiences of women in Hollywood.  Kate also shares her ongoing fight with the BRCA gene, what life has taught her so far, her love for independent film, her favourite film of all time and of course, the quote and saying that continually inspires her.

Kate Verity Wilson is a Writer, Consultant and Co-Founder at Call It! creating safer and fairer productions.

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 grew up seeing people on TV and being like, wow, that's amazing, I would love to do that! And it was also the excitement of seeing a black person on TV. I literally heard my mum be like 'Oh, I need to call my sisters. I need to make sure they're watching.  There's a black person on TV, 6pm tonight!' And it's like...it was such an amazing feeling to feel represented whenever we did see someone.  I actually feel like that buzz has actually gone a bit now because we actually expect not to see black people on TV...back then, it was just  like, we're just proud.  And as a young person growing up, I saw Oprah.  My mom watched The Oprah Winfrey Show on Channel 4.  We saw Trevor McDonald. We saw Moira Stewart doing the news and it was like, you know, my Guyanese nanny used to be like 'Moira's on telly tonight!' And it's like, yes, I love seeing that celebration of talent. So I knew growing up that I wanted to tap into that world of being on screen."

On today's episode, I chat with Broadcaster & Live Host Remel London.    She shares how her enthusiasm for all things media related spurred her into a career in broadcasting.  Remel talks about the challenges she has encountered within the industry, the importance of representation within the media, being true to one's self, and how having a strong work ethic can make all the difference.  Remel and I also discuss her mixed heritage and what identity means to her, mental wellbeing and what keeps her anchored and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her. 

Passionate, driven and at the very forefront of innovation within entertainment, Remel London is one of the most exciting breakout names in British broadcasting.  Already the face of Sky One’s What’s Up TV and host of her own radio show on Capital Xtra, Remel is also the founder of much celebrated creative platform The Mainstream which provides key networking opportunities, live events, workshops/seminars and podcasts to support exceptional diverse talent in developing their career in the mainstream media space. 

A defining voice within the culture, she’s played key roles in the development of the iconic music platform Link Up TV, working as lead presenter and producer to win partnerships with Footasylum and Boiler Room TV as well as being weekly host of London’s top live music event ILUVLIVE. 

Her extensive knowledge of music and entertainment led to her joining the MOBO Awards panel before going on to host the MOBOs official Red Carpet. A passionate advocate for young creatives, she has hosted the Music For Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall a record seven times and is resident host of the Rocking Ur Teens Girls Conference. 

As a former semi-pro athlete, Remel is also a Nike Ambassador with several branded partnerships including Puma, Spotify, Wagamamas and Apprentice Nation. She is also Notting Hill Carnival’s official annual host. 

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 can speak from a marketing perspective, and one of the things that's really helpful for us is that the author wants to be front and centre of the campaign.  It's really helpful if the author is prepared to come out and meet the audience, whether it's through Q&A's or panels, doing little video snippets for social media.  Those little things are really amazing and helpful.  Also, I think it's important for authors to be really clear with their publishers, that it's important for them to reach a diverse audience because sometimes publishers rest on their laurels and will just do exactly the same thing."

On today's episode I have a conversation with Micallar Walker, founder at Dark Matter.  Micallar talks about how she moved from a career in film marketing to starting a collaborative marketing agency, catering in particular for  Black audiences.  We chat about some of the campaigns that she has worked on, the importance of telling and sharing Black stories to wider audiences through the mediums of books and cinema.  We also discuss issues of cultural identities, mental health and wellbeing, what, in her opinion, is a genre Black readers crave when it comes to reading, the importance of collaborations,  the importance of literary work and why book publishing will continue to thrive.  

Micallar also shares what her film passions are, and of course, the quotes that continually inspire her. 

Micallar (Mi-kay-la) is a marketer, event producer and audience development consultant with expertise delivering impactful campaigns in the UK, Middle East and North Africa.  Formerly Head of Marketing for Front Row Filmed Entertainment, and Head of Events for Picturehouse Cinemas prior to that, she brings over 20 years of marketing experience to inform strategies and shape authentic campaigns.

In 2020, Micallar founded inclusive marketing agency Dark Matter to connect culture with Black audiences. Highlights for Micallar and the agency include being nominated for a Screen International award for Diversity and Inclusion and presenting a case study of her work at Faber's Independent Alliance Conference.

In 2021 and 2022, Dark Matter contributed to three winning campaigns at the Book Marketing Society Awards and produced events for two books nominated in the Best Marketing Campaign category at the 2023 British Book Awards.

Micallar's consultancy work includes working with Fane Productions, as well as Picturehouse Cinemas where she provides ongoing support to reach and develop Black audiences.

Micallar divides her time between her hometown of London and Dubai, where she currently lives with her husband and two children.

Instagram: @darkmattermktg @micallarwalker
www.darkmatteragency.co.uk

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!

"And what ZSL and other senior NGOs do is we do conservation by consent.  So the indigenous people, the local communities, it's their country, it's their forest,  they have those rights. So we do it by consent and actually it's a really mature way to talk about it because there's a huge amount of old knowledge within that community about how it's been managed over the years and how we can learn.  So, yes, we bring our science, we bring our ideas, we sit down, we talk them through what we propose doing, but we get the community to sign up to that because without their buy-in, without their commitment to it, you're wasting your time."

On today's episode I chat with Grant Miller MBE, Counter trafficking and law enforcement advisor with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).  Grant talks about his passion for the environment, including his career experiences and encounters during his travels across the globe within his current role within the ZSL, how he and his team approach cultural sensitivity within communities;  issues surrounding trauma and mental health within the line of duty;  the vital work that the local rangers conduct including the challenges of  dealing with poachers and the illegal activity of trafficking; what's on the endangered species list, and other topics. Grant also talks about his time in the military and law enforcement, his Scottish heritage, and of course, he shares the quote that continually inspires him. 

Grant has over 30 years’ experience working within UK Law enforcement structures. He rose from the uniformed ranks to a senior leadership role within the UK Border Force. His final ten years of service saw him lead the UK CITES enforcement controls at the UK Border. This entailed providing the strategic leadership to the Internationally recognised UK Border force Cites enforcement team.

In 2017 Grant was elected Chair of the INTERPOL wildlife crime working group, the first non police officer to hold this position. He was a co-founder of the globally recognised IWT enforcement operations under the “Thunder” brand. He has provided training for the World Customs organisation, Interpol, UNoDC, CITES Secretariat, EU life, The Durrell Institute and WWF.  In 2019 Grant was appointed a member of the British Empire for services to the international protection of wildlife and wider border security. In 2016 Grant was awarded a World Customs Organisation
commendation from the Secretary general for his lead in the enforcement of the CITES Convention.

In 2014 Grant and his team won the WWF wildlife crime operation of the year, for the detection, investigation and subsequent successful prosecution of two offenders involved in the smuggling of San Salvador rock Iguanas from the Bahamas through the UK. Grant has trained on IWT Issues in over 20 countries globally.

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 Kunle Falodun, Vice President Distribution & Networks, Africa at Sony Pictures Television. Kunle shares stories about his upbringing in Nigeria including his NYSC stint and how he started his career in media.  We talk about the content creation within the visual sphere, the reality behind distribution to wider markets and investing in particular regions.  We also delve into his passion for the
growth of the African media industry.  Kunle also talks about his faith, what interests him, and of course, he shares the quote that continually inspires him.  

Kunle Falodun is currently the Vice President Distribution & Networks, Africa at
Sony Pictures Television. He is currently responsible for the distribution of Sony’s
Television Series, Feature films as well as Scripted and Unscripted formats in Sub-
Sahara Africa.

Kunle joined Sony Pictures in 2017 from Econet Media where he was the Group
Head of Business Development for Kwese Free to Air TV. At Econet Media, he
helped to set up or acquire Free TV Channels in more than 8 African countries as
well as a network of affiliate broadcasters in more than 30 African countries.
He previously spent more than 10 years at Optima Sports Management Int’l (OSMI)
where he rose to the post of Managing Director before co-founding Africa Sports
Content Syndicate in the UK. At OSMI, Kunle had the opportunity of distributing
premium sports content to broadcasters in more than 33 countries in Sub-Sahara
Africa consistently for many years.

Kunle has an MBA from The Bradford School of Management and serves on the
Board of Trustee of three (3) Charity organisations.

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 really wanted to create a magical world that would again bring these beings to attention and bring some respect to the fact because I think like, whatever religion they have, they can appreciate the sophistication of that system, you know what I mean? Most Italians are Christian, right? But they don't denounce their old gods.  They would respect them. Whereas for us, we're taught to kind of hate what our ancestors believed in.  We're taught that there's no sophistication in it, that there's no knowledge in it, that there's no sense in it.  And that's really, really sad."

On today's episode, I chat with children's author and adventure fantasy writer, Maria Motúnráyo Adébísí, and she talks about her new novel 'Kòkú Àkànbí and the Heart of Midnight', part of the Jujuland series. Maria shares with me why her love of her Yorùbá heritage, fantasy and celebration of Black joy were a few of the reasons behind writing this book.  We discuss themes of belonging and identity, the hypermasculinity of young black boys, tradition and cultural nuances, creating an awareness about Sickle Cell anemia.  We also chat about the power behind names, Oríkì (Yorùbá) praise poetry, Mythology from West Africa, and readdressing history from Nigeria.

Maria also shares with us her time at college in Oxford, her love for Japanese animation, which old fable character she would like to re-imagine, and of course, she also discusses the quote that continually inspires her. 

Maria Motúnráyo Adébísí graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature. Writing her middle grade fantasy Jujuland: Kòkú Ákánbí and the Heart of Midnight helped Maria Motunrayo on her journey to fully embracing identity as a British Nigerian. Maria Motúnráyo’s critically acclaimed novel Kòkú Ákánbí and the Heart of Midnight has been described as “sharp, witty and thrilling” by the Guardian. It was longlisted for the Spark Book Awards 2024 and is currently up for the Jhalak Prize which recognises outstanding literary talent from writers of colour. The sequel, Kòkú Ákánbí and the King of Lost Souls is available for pre-order, and will be out in August this year.

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!

*Content/Trigger Warning: This episode contains issues relating to  knife crime & violence.*

"It's really important (for young people to be intentional with what they plan to do with themselves). A digital project I'm working on now is really geared towards doing that and empowering young people through their phones to, as you said, kind of find that purpose and sense of pride.  Because I think it's important.  There's loads of theory around hope and the fact that hope enables you to be less susceptible to, you know, health challenges and criminality and all of these things and kind of push through and be more resilient. So, I think it is super important."

In this episode, I talk to award-winning youth coach, speaker and filmmaker Amani Simpson.  Amani kindly shares chapters about his life including how a violent, traumatic encounter changed his life and gave him purpose and a new direction in serving others.  Amani talks about the importance of his faith, stewardship, mindset & work ethic, and working with the youth in communities via social enterprises.  We discuss the importance of intention, mentorship and also look at social & health issues including youth crime, poverty and mental wellbeing.  I also chat with Amani about film career as a director, writer and producer.  We also talk about music, The Hunger Games franchise, and of course, Amani shares the quote that continually inspires him. 

AMANI SIMPSON is a gifted youth coach, filmmaker and campaigner with a calling to empower current and future generations. He uses his inspirational story of transformation, creativity, and expertise in youth engagement to challenge, uplift and enrich. Most notably he is the producer and protagonist of the acclaimed short film 'AMANI' starring Hollywood actor, Joivan Wade, which has now been watched over 4 million times. Amani is also founder and CEO of social enterprise, AVIARD Inspires which has produced impactful youth initiatives alongside The Mayor of London, Goldman Sachs and former 2x Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

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!

"Western chefs use Indian spices from different regions and they'll call it a British cuisine with these spices , but they're the clever ones but we can't be clever because we just know how to make curry?  And so, that's not true.  Why can't we do this with drinks? Why can't that stereotype change? And no, it's not a curry in a bottle; it's depth and flavour.  And again, a lot of these spices are used in other gins.   Just because we've called it a British Indian gin, people automatically go to that assumption.  So it is very cool for us to try to change a narrative, even though it's a big task.  But we thought: 'Do you know what? Someone's gotta start it'."

On today's episode, I chat with the owners and distillers of Crazy Gin, Bruce and Paramjit Nagra.  They recount how a Friday night- in with a bad takeaway birthed the idea of Crazy Gin, how they went about creating the flavours that also celebrates and respects their Indian heritage, including their proud Punjabi roots and also being British. We discuss ingredients, recipes, and experimenting with ideas of various flavours of the gin, and why it was vital to get the branding right for their product. 

The couple also share not only the challenges they faced in setting up the business including the  racism and the lack of women distillers within the hospitality industry, but also their triumphs. We also discuss food and music and of course, Paramjit and Bruce share the quotes that continually inspire them.

What drives someone to pursue a dream that others label as 'crazy'? For Paramjit and Bruce Nagra, it meant having the boldness to sell their home, quit their secure jobs, and leave London to transform their vision into reality. In 2016, they ventured into the drinks industry with Crazy Gin, a testament to their determination to infuse their British Indian heritage into pioneering, flavour-packed spirits. They unveiled the world’s first Clear Lassi Gin and Punjabi Chai Gin, each a celebration of their rebellion against the mundane, skillfully blending vibrant flavours and untold stories into the fabric of the drinks landscape.

 Their journey represents more than just the creation of unique spirits; it's a powerful advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the drinks sector. By challenging established norms and fostering representation and empowerment, they’ve not only broken barriers but have also emerged as pathfinders for South Asian entrepreneurs in the drinks industry. From dreaming big to becoming innovators in their field, their story is a vivid illustration of the impact of heritage, innovation, and unwavering belief.

You can buy Crazy Gin on their website,  at Harvey Nichols and other retail outlets. 

 

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!