Episode #115 with Amani Simpson

The Swinging Palm Trees Podcast

*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 [e-mail].
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!