The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

In today's episode, I talk to filmmaker and story teller Warda Mohamed about her debut narrative short film 'Muna'. Warda also talks about her Somali heritage, language & identity and what it means to be British Somali.  We also discuss classic films from the 1980s and focus on a particular film that she would love to adapt for the stage, and whom she would cast.  And of course, Warda shares with us the quote that continually inspires her.

Warda is a BIFA nominated filmmaker, she began her film career assisting Faye Ward & the Fable Pictures team on ROCKS, where she consulted on the elements of Somali representation within the film. Since then she has worked with Nira Park & the Complete Fiction team, as the assistant to Roger Michell on THE DUKE, and in the AD team on Edgar Wright's latest - LAST NIGHT IN SOHO.

Her first experimental short SORRY MY SOMALI IS NOT VERY GOOD premiered on BFI Player in June 2021 and has been screened at BFI Southbank and at Aesthetica Film Festival. Warda was also involved in the writers room for the second season of Nida Manzoor WE ARE LADY PARTS for Channel 4 & Peacock.

Expanding her talents into the theatre, Warda co-directed DUGSI DAYZ, a comedic riff on The Breakfast Club that won the 2023 Untapped Award and performed a month-long run at Edinburgh Fringe across summer 2023, ultimately winning the BBC Popcorn Award for New Writing. She is part of the 2023 cohort of BFI Network @ LFF talent development programme.

BBC FILM-backed MUNA, Warda’s debut narrative short, is currently on the festival circuit - where it has played at Raindance, Aesthetica, London Film Festival among others - winner of Best Short Film at the British Short Film Awards.

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 filmmaker & writer, Comfort Emmanuel.  Comfort shares why her passion for writing and filmmaking got her into the industry, and the challenges in getting her vision to a wider audience.  We discuss how her corporate background has given her a grounded reality, and balancing realities and expectations when it comes to making films.  Speaking of films, Comfort talks about her 2023 short film, 'The Inside Joke',  and we look at issues surrounding mental conflict, body shaming, imposter syndrome and trauma. 

Comfort and I talk about why she enjoys stories from the diaspora, what writing means to her and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.

Comfort Emmanuel is a writer/director based in London, UK. She was born in Sweden to Nigerian parents and moved to London at a very young age. This mix of cultures has gone on to massively inform her writing. She is inspired by diverse stories with unexpected heroes, particularly those from minority backgrounds.

Though Comfort has a background in finance, her overwhelming interest in story-telling led her to quit her job in banking in 2019 to pursue that dream. She has since gone on to complete a six-month independent filmmaking course at Central Film School London.  Comfort has written a number of short films as well as a TV pilot.

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 an interesting conversation about all things cocktails with mixologist and entrepreneur Eron Mibo.  Eron shares with us how her interest in the hospitality industry led her to start a career with beverages.  We talk about ingredients, thriving businesses in her neighbourhood, the lack of women of the Global Majority within this side of the industry.  Eron also discusses what she believes makes a good cocktail, what her favourite mix is, and the one she doesn't care much for.  We also talk about her pride for her community, its mixture of different cultures and how it has shaped her.  And of course, Eron shares the quote that continually inspires her. 

Eron Mibo describes herself as a cocktailpreneur and founder of Tales & Tails UK, a beverage content management and events company.  Her journey began blogging cocktail recipes to now working with beverage brands on a range of creative projects such as content creation, recipe development, events and more. Eron was born and raised in Broadwater Farm Estate Tottenham, and is proud of her North London heritage.

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!

Today's episode is a very short thank you to all the listeners of The Swinging Palm Trees podcast, and a special thank you to all my guests who have taken the time to have a chat with me and share their lived experiences and quotes that inspire them.  

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!

In this episode, I talk with David Martinez Flores about his love for film and heritage.  David shares the positive influence his family has had on him for his appreciation for film, especially from his mother.  We talk about his pride of being Mexican, and the importance of heritage and storytelling.  David also talks about his advocacy for representation, diversity and LGBTQ and their portrayal in film.  He also shares how, while reading his favourite book at a work canteen,  changed the course of his life by a serendipitous meeting.  David also reveals his favourite childhood film, his kind of music, and of course, the saying that continually inspires him.

David Martinez is the Executive Director of London's Raindance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the UK, with over 10 years of experience in events and film promotion. His previous experience includes working as a film programmer for Glastonbury Festival and events coordinator at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival.  He has a Master in Film as Mass Communications at the University of Leicester, David advocates for diversity and representation in film. He specialises in the promotion of Latin American and queer cinemas. His academic and professional experience in Mexico, US and UK ranges from advertising and marketing to film studies, focusing on film promotion at festivals.

David is also a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Awards and a Trustee on the Board for CASA Latin American Arts Festival in the 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!

On today's episode I chat with Jerry Mannikarote.  He shares with us his lived experiences over the years that includes being a physician and sleep technologist.  As sleep is an area that fascinates me, Jerry breaks down the importance of understanding sleep, and discusses sleep disorders including insomnia, Restless Leg Syndrome & Obstructive Sleep apnea.  Jerry also stresses the importance of having a good night's sleep, and provides tips for bedtime routines.

Jerry also talks about his enthusiasm for Martial Arts and the application of its tenants in other areas of his life; his heritage, and his love for music; that one actor he would love to meet and have a chat with, and of course, Jerry shares with us the quote that continually inspires him.

Dr Gerald George Mannikarote (Jerry) is a sales and marketing professional based in the United States. However, he doesn't let his professional work define him. Over the years, Jerry has worked as a physician, sleep technologist, DJ, musician, personal trainer, and martial artist. His current mission is to spread the message of wellness. He is based in Houston, Texas, USA, is married and has twin college aged young men.  Jerry also co-hosts 'The Sleep Talk' podcast, which looks into all things within the field of sleep technology.

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 sisters Donna and Abigail Otchere, a Mechanical Engineer and Biomedical Scientist respectively.  We talk about their interest in the sciences and why they created SiSTEM, a non-profit organisation connecting women and Sciences. The sisters talk about what science means to them, the importance of encouraging children towards science; they challenges they've had within their respective fields of expertise, and their thoughts as to why women are generally unrecognised for their achievements.  They also share the importance of confidence, mental health and how their faith supports them.  It also goes without saying that the topic of Jollof rice comes up in conversation, and of course, the quote that continually inspires them. 

Dr Abigail and Donna are sisters and co-founders of SiSTEM. SiSTEM is an initiative which connects women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  Abigail is a PhD graduate of biomedical science and works in medical communications. Donna is a mechanical engineering graduate working as a program officer. Birthed from their own experiences, SiSTEM is a network to support women and improve retention and the uptake of women by inspiring from early years to working professionals. Both sisters are passionate about seeing more young girls in STEM especially black girls and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. 

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 the pleasure of talking with Psychologist, university lecturer and author, Dr Anna Scarnà.  Anna talks about her career and her passion for words and language, including bilingualism and language acquisition. 

We talk about her co-authored book with Robert Ingersoll entitled 'Primatology, Ethics and Trauma: The Oklahoma Chimpanzee Studies',  and we talk about language and trauma amongst chimpanzees. We also look at Anna's award-winning research on dopamine in the brain and psychological disorders, and her work on personality, autism and non-drug treatments for mood disorders like Bipolar disorder.

Anna also talks about her rich Italian heritage, which career path she would have taken if not within the field of academia, neurons, and of course, the quote that continually inspires her.

Dr Anna Scarna is a Psychologist at the University of Oxford.  Her co-authored book with Robert Ingersoll entitled 'Primatology, Ethics and Trauma: The Oklahoma Chimpanzee Studies' (published by Routledge), can be purchased 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!

On today's episode I talk with songwriter  and singer Gloria Stanley.  Ms Stanley shares her joy for singing, her compositions and how she discovered herself.  She discusses her love for all things music, and also her passion for the city of Macon, Georgia.  We also talk about the importance of her faith & belief,  why she describes her charity work as 'philanthropy with flair', and she shares the quote that continually inspires her.

Gloria Stanley is the Founder of Macon Make Music Day Worldwide Celebration in Macon, Georgia.  She is also the host of the 'Happy Talk Radio' Podcast.

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 the  Scottish Green Party Councillor Holly Bruce.  We look at why she sees herself as an activist first, and why she got into politics from a career in law.  Holly discusses her role as an councillor within the community; her role in passing a motion at Glasgow City Council,  making Glasgow 'UK's first feminist city' making women integral to “all aspects of planning, public realm design, policy development and budgets”.  We also have a dialogue about sustainability,  Indyref2, the impact of Brexit,  the effects of budget cuts to the community,  Holyrood and Westminster.  

Holly also talks about her Scottish heritage; how she manages her mental health; whom she would invite out for Karaoke, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.

Holly Bruce is the  Scottish Green Party Councillor for Langside Ward, Glasgow.

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!