The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

Hosted by Akín
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Personal Journals
  • Biweekly

Hi there! My name is Akín. What words inspire you?  On the podcast I chat with diverse guests from all backgrounds, and they share their lived experiences & stories, and the words, quotes or sayings that have shaped their mindsets.   There is also an underlying theme of mental health and wellbeing, and in many instances,  discussing heritage, culture and their own unique individual outlook to life.  And yet, despite the serious tone of certain issues and themes discussed, a light-hearted approach is also injected into the conversations which also displays the resilience of the guests and their humour, despite the circumstance.  I hope you find the conversations educational and enriching to your wellbeing.  Keep Rising & Thriving, Aṣẹ! Executive producer: Ashanti Omkar

  1. 6d ago

    Episode #185 Chithra Jeyaram

    On today's episode I'm in conversation with filmmaker Chithra Jeyaram to talk about her latest  film documentary 'LOVE CHAOS KIN', that sees the true story of what an Indian family went through in their adoption process in America of white twins,  and how issues of identity and belonging, and family dynamics are addressed.  Chithra also chats about her career, why she loves storytelling, and she shares the words that have continually shaped her mindset.  Chithra Jeyaram is a physical therapist-turned-filmmaker dedicated to exploring the resilience and love within biological and chosen families. Whether it’s reframing menstruation as a broader issue in Rags to Pads or using dance to contrast the brutality of cancer in Foreign Puzzle, her goal is always to move the audience from passive viewing to active conversation. Her recent documentary, LOVE CHAOS KIN, highlights a multicultural family in an open adoption, showcasing an inclusive and connected America. She lead produced the acclaimed short AMMA’S PRIDE (2024), which champions trans rights and marriage equality in India. An adjunct faculty member at NYU, Chithra is an alumna of prestigious programs, including Visions du Réel’s Rough Cut Lab, the Chicken & Egg (Egg)celerator Lab, the BGDM Artist Fellowship, the Gotham Documentary Fellowship, and the Jerome Foundation. She is currently writing her first screenplay, LONGEST SUMMER, and developing a hybrid documentary, THE PRACTICE OF US. A Pay-per-view link of the film can be seen here:  https://kinema.com/films/love-chaos-kin-ktlfhw 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #185 Chithra Jeyaram

  2. Oct 21

    Episode #184 with Peter Schwabach

    On today's episode, I'm in conversation with Peter Schwabach, CEO and Founder of Innovision IP Ltd, and Industrial Robotic Solutions.  Peter talks about his interest in robotics, the importance of its technology and continual evolution; the confluence of robotics and AI, and the ongoing debate surrounding Artificial Intelligence and why it is important for there to be checks in place.  He discusses how breakthroughs in robotics has helped people affected with traumatic brain injuries (TBI).  Peter also talks about his varied career, his passion for history and his heritage, and he shares the words that have shaped his mindset.  Peter is a former Goldman Sachs investment banker who founded two successful British technology companies. The son of Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany he is a great believer in the UK and its ability to re-invent in the 21st century. 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #184 with Peter Schwabach

  3. Oct 13

    Episode #183 with Vishakha Singh

    On today's episode, I'm in conversation with actor, producer and creative entrepreneur Vishakha Singh talking about cinema, creativity, taking unconventional paths and finding stories worth telling. She shares with me how she got into acting and why she transitioned into producing, the challenges of being a working woman within the industry, social inequalities and being an empath.  We talk about her latest project, the recently nominated International Emmy for the series 'Real Kashmir Football Club' of which she is the Executive Producer, and why she was interested in telling their story to a wider audience.   Vishakha also talks about classic films, and also shares the words that have continually shaped her mindset.  'Real Kashmir Football Club' can be streamed on Sony Liv. 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #183 with Vishakha Singh

  4. Oct 11

    Episode #182 with Nancy and Sean Vu

    On today's episode I'm in conversation with Sean and Nancy Vu, a husband-and-wife team behind M&S Construction Group, a design-build contracting firm serving homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area in Canada. They share how they started in the industry, the challenges they meet head on, bespoke requirements and importance of maintaining clientele retention.  They also talk about their Vietnamese heritage, their immigrant experience and why they chose to settle in Canada.  The ongoing US-Canadian tariff war also comes up in the conversation and Nancy & Sean chat how it affects the industry and wider market.  For more information about M&S Construction Group, you can check out their website. 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #182 with Nancy and Sean Vu

  5. Sep 30

    Episode #181 with Sonney Patel

    On today's episode I chat with tech enthusiast and generalist Sonney Patel.  The topics we discuss include the rise of Artificial intelligence, its many hidden dangers, digital surveillance, mathematics, equations and intentionality.  Sonney also chats about why gardening and cooking is important to him, what life has taught him so far, and he shares the words that have shaped his mindset.  Sonney Patel has been a software engineer for the past 10 years.  He studied Mathematics at University, found a love for computer programming which led to it becoming his career. He has an interest in understanding the intersection of humanity and the advent of AI while noticing his own role evolving, thus reflecting on his sense of purpose and soul searching. You can reach out to Sonney on instagram at @sonneypatel. 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #181 with Sonney Patel

  6. Sep 16

    Episode #180 with Dan from Worhammer Podcast

    On today's episode I am deep-diving as a newbie to all things Warhammer 40k with one of the hosts of Worhammer Podcast, Dan.  Dan breaks down what 40k is all about including the lore, the tabletop gameplay and what the miniatures are all about, and the fandom.  We discuss the different factions, terms such as 'Grimdark' and go all in about the Horus Heresy.   We also chat about how popular culture has been influenced by WH40k, how anyone can get into the game and the upcoming film and television adaptations.  Dan also helps how WH40k has helped him through trying times, and he shares the quote that has shaped his mindset.  If you're interested in Warhammer 40k, you can hear Dan's Worhammer podcast here. "The Emperor protects!" 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #180 with Dan from Worhammer Podcast

  7. Sep 9

    Episode #179 with Dunsi Bolarinwa

    On today's episode, I am in conversation with Dunsi Bolarinwa, a Cancer pharmacist.  Dunsi shares how she started her career within her field, and what she has learned so far.  She discusses a variety of issues including Myeloma and the Black community, dispelling cancer myths and the importance of reliable knowledge in a world of social media and misinformation.  She talks about her concerns about the role of pharmacists in the future and healthcare in the UK.  We also chat about our Yorùbá heritage, the importance of her faith, and of course, Dunsi shares the words that shape her mindset. Dunsi Bolarinwa is a Senior Haematology Pharmacist with over a decade of experience in cancer services across both NHS and private settings. She holds an MSc in Clinical Oncology and is a non-medical prescriber. Her work spans oncology and haematology, including the EMMBRAce project, which tackles the barriers patients face in accessing novel therapies like bispecifics — with the goal of making advanced treatments equitably available across the UK.  She is passionate about improving cancer care through education, research, and innovation.   Dunsi can be reached on social media via https://linktr.ee/haempharm 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #179 with Dunsi Bolarinwa

  8. Jul 17

    Episode #178 with Farha Jamadar

    In today's episode, I chat with Farha Jamadar, a Senior Chartered Global Management Accountant & Account Technician.  Farha talks about her career path,  why she enjoys numbers, and what's in her work tool box.  Farha also discusses the challenges she has faced, the importance of having basic accountancy as part of the school curriculum, the importance of apprenticeships, and what humbles her within finance.  We also chat about her faith, overcoming imposter syndrome, her charity work, her love for football and she shares the words that continually inspire her.  Farha Jamadar is a finance leader, mentor, and change-maker who has built her career through resilience, ambition, and a determination to challenge the traditional image of leadership within finance. As an Asian woman in a space where there are still very few people who look like her at senior level — and where she definitely does not fit the stereotype of your “typical accountant” — she brings honesty, humour, commercial insight, and authenticity to conversations around leadership, transformation, and career growth. From rebuilding finance functions to influencing at board level, Farha is passionate about showing the next generation that you do not have to change who you are to lead successfully. 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 theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com or @theswingingpalmtrees on Instagram Keep Rising & Thriving.  Aṣẹ!

    Episode #178 with Farha Jamadar
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hi there! My name is Akín. What words inspire you?  On the podcast I chat with diverse guests from all backgrounds, and they share their lived experiences & stories, and the words, quotes or sayings that have shaped their mindsets.   There is also an underlying theme of mental health and wellbeing, and in many instances,  discussing heritage, culture and their own unique individual outlook to life.  And yet, despite the serious tone of certain issues and themes discussed, a light-hearted approach is also injected into the conversations which also displays the resilience of the guests and their humour, despite the circumstance.  I hope you find the conversations educational and enriching to your wellbeing.  Keep Rising & Thriving, Aṣẹ! Executive producer: Ashanti Omkar

Information

  • Creator
    Hosted by Akín
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    186
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

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