The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast Hosted by Akin

"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.



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.

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.



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.

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.


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.

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.




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.

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. 

 
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.

Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!

On today's episode, my guest is broadcaster and journalist Ellen E. Jones.  Ellen talks about her new book 'Screen Deep: How film and TV can solve racism and save the world', and we delve into issues including how racial identity is constructed through the visual mediums of film and tv, issues surrounding representation, narratives and identity.  Ellen also talks about her mixed heritage and her perspective on various issues.
We also discuss certain chapters from the book, including the Western, Horror and Superhero genres, and what she has learned while she wrote the book, and she shares the quote that continually inspires her.

Ellen E Jones is a film and TV journalist and the co-host of the BBC flagship film and TV programme, Screenshot (BBC Radio 4, Fridays at 7.15pm and on BBC Sounds). She writes regularly for The Guardian, The Observer, Empire magazine and others. Her book ’Screen Deep: How film and TV can solve racism and save the world’ is out now, published by Faber. 








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.

Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!