On today's episode I'm in conversation with Zoe Àríkẹ́, an Australian, who, in her own words "met a guy & moved to Nigeria." We chat about her lived experiences in the country so far, the cultural nuances & the humorous side of Nigerian life; the local cuisines she is obsessed with, her appreciation & respect of the resilience of the people. Zoe also chats about her heritage, being autistic, mental wellbeing, and of course, she shares the words that continually inspire her.

Zoe is a marketing and communications professional from Australia who relocated to Nigeria to start a new chapter with her partner, Banji. After a friend encouraged her to share the experience, she created Zoe Arike to document her journey.

Follow along on Instagram and TikTok @zoe.arike, and on YouTube @zoearike.

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'm geeking out with Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green and talk about her upcoming book 'Don't Open the Door: Infections in Film'. She discusses why her love for film and popular culture and being a scientist prompted her to start the book. Elaine also shares why she became a microbiologist, mental health & wellbeing, the joys of having a good cup of tea, and she shares the quote the continually inspires her.

Professor Elaine Cloutman-Green is a Clinical Academic, holding roles both as a Consultant Clinical Scientist within the NHS, and an Honorary Professorship with UCL. For over two decades she has worked clinically, and undertaken research, on how to diagnose and prevent infectious disease.

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Elaine is a passionate science communicator and public engagement advocate. She is the creator of the popular "Girlymicrobiologist" blog and has even produced an award-winning play, "Nosocomial", to highlight antimicrobial resistance and the often-unseen work of Healthcare Scientists. Outside of work, she loves movies, games, and adores a nice pot of tea.

*Editor's note: The correct name of the film is 'Pontypool', not 'Pontyville'.

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'm in conversation with cosmetic dentist Dr Jana Denzel. Jana shares why he took the route of dentistry, his entrepreneurial drive, and the importance of integrity. He shares basic dental hygiene and why dental checkups are vital. We also talk about his time on the BBC hit programme 'The Apprentice', and why he decided to leave the show. We chat about Jana's Tamil heritage, his faith and belief, mental well-being and he shares the words that continually inspire him.

Jana Denzel is the founder of Denstudio, a Harley Street Dentist. He is also a speaker and Lecturer.

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'm in conversation with Sports journalist Oluwashina Okeleji. Shina shares with me how he started off his career within the broadcast industry due to his passion for football and why he decided not to follow the same calling as his father; we talk about his upbringing in Ajegunle, an infamous town in Lagos State, Nigeria, and how it shaped his mindset. Shina talks about his varied role as a sports journalist and the importance of being versatile. We discuss the current state of football in Nigeria and whether the government is doing enough in terms of support; we discuss the national team's performance at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and his thoughts about the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Shina and I also talk about mental health and his response to trolling; life, his dream Starting-Eleven for an all-star Nigeria football team and he shares a saying that continually inspires him.

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!

*Warning: This episode contains themes of Adult content.*

On today's episode I'm in conversation with writer & audio storyteller of Erotic literature, Ophelia Paine. Ophelia discusses her forms of chronicles that explore themes of desire and intimacy; why she is a strong advocate of consent and body positivity. We also talk about her new book 'StoryTime with Ophelia: Stories for Grown-Ups', why she believes that adults should be able to indulge in Stories for Adults; the different tropes within eroticism; psychology and mental health within the space, and the strong encouraging community that she belongs to. The conversation also looks at issues of AI and creativity; questions of pushing boundaries and... Jason Voorhees???

Ophelia Paine is a Creative writer and also uses audio formats specialising in immersive, voice-led narrative experiences of SFW and NSFW audio scripts. Her book can be bought here:

https://books.by/ophelia-paine

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'm in conversation with Entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast, Tèmi Dewa Adéwakùn. Tèmi shares how she started her fitness journey due to Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia from her two pregnancies, and why exercise has become a fundamental part of her wellbeing. Tèmi is also a keen advocate for weight-lifting and encouraging people, in particular Black people to take up Hyrox.

Tèmi and I also talk about our Yorùbá heritage, and the vital importance of teaching her children of their history and bringing them up as Black British-Nigerians in the UK, and of course, she shares the quote that continually inspires her.

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'm in conversation with Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity. We talk about the changing landscape of the media within the UK, why it is important to ask the right questions about racism within the media industry, and Marcus' concern about social media and narratives not being challenged enough. We discuss about Black British representation, Media Diversity and the importance of empowerment, and also look at the topic of mental health and well-being within the industry especially for freelancers, and the many challenges they face.

We also talk about his latest book, 'The Big Payback: the Case for Reparations for Slavery and How They Would Work' that he co-authored with Sir Lenny Henry; heritage and code-switching. And of course, Marcus shares with us the quote that is a reminder to him about life.

'The Big Payback' is available at all good bookshops.

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'm in conversation with Thana Sivasambu, founder of RUCI Foods. Thana shares her story including her background in accountancy and finance, and her proud Tamil and Sri Lankan heritage. She also talks about why she was compelled to volunteer during the aftermath of the devastating 2003 Tsunami.

Thana shares the story how RUCI foods was created by working directly with Sri Lankan farmers, fisherfolk, and women-led enterprises and bringing their produce to a wider audience, and also discusses issues surrounding sustainability and safeguarding farmers.

Tea and Seeni Sambol is also on the menu of discussion and of course, Thana talks about the quote that sees her through her living/lived experiences in life.

For more information about RUCI foods, you can check the website:
https://www.rucifoods.com/

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!