The More Sibyl Podcast
Lagos podcaster
Episodes

Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
Wednesday Nov 26, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
What does it mean to belong everywhere and nowhere at once?
In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, I sit with Dr. Xin She, a pediatrician, global health scholar, researcher, mindfulness educator, polyglot, and Fulbright Fellow, whose life spans continents, cultures, and ways of knowing. Together, we explore what it means to heal beyond medicine, to find wholeness not in prescriptions but in purpose, compassion, and connection.Born in 1980s Shanghai, in a one-room home without hot running water, Dr. She’s earliest lessons in resilience came from bucket showers and blackouts long before she ever entered a clinic. Those childhood experiences later shaped her calling to global health, from Haiti’s pediatric wards to the U.S.–Mexico border, where a simple Coke bottle filled with stones can spark joy for a child processing trauma.
We talk about motherhood and migration, burnout and rebirth, and the tender work of raising a global citizen; a child who learns empathy not from textbooks, but from refugee camps, shared meals, and birthday cakes at the border. We also reflect on our Fulbright journeys, hers in Mexico and mine in Korea, and the quiet, unseen sacrifices our families make so we can stand in the places we feel called to. Our conversation moves through the meaning of work-life integration, the courage to say no without guilt, and the discipline of creating joy even in places marked by pain.
And woven through it all is a simple truth: despite our differences, people everywhere long for the same things: wellness, dignity, connection, and meaning. This episode is a reminder that across borders and experiences, there is always common ground.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-geography-of-being-human-e6fd0d48d5fe

Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
To close out our Prostate Cancer & Men’s Wellness Awareness Series, we sit with Dr. Timi Adepoju, a physician, leadership coach, entrepreneur, and living proof that adversity can be a launchpad.
From growing up in Ibadan during Nigeria’s era of scarcity to building thriving clinics and leadership programs in the U.S., his story is a masterclass in grit, grace, and growth. He reflects on how childhood lessons, faith, and a “make the most of what you have” mindset shaped the man he is today and why he refused to abandon his dream of becoming a physician, even when others urged him to take an easier road.
But this conversation isn’t just about achievement. It’s a full reset on men’s wellness and balance; a candid look at why men around the world are dying younger, how the “provider” mindset fuels silent exhaustion, and why rest, nutrition, yearly checkups, and breathing space are not indulgences, but survival tools.
Dr. Adepoju shares his own transformation from 100-hour workweeks to building rhythms of rest, intentional vacations, and sustainable balance. For leaders and multitaskers, his thoughts on clarity, structure, and letting go will resonate deeply: how to create systems, trust your team, set weekly anchors, and accept that the world will keep spinning even when you take a day off.
We also explore how he built Empower Children’s Clinic in Mississippi by turning barriers into blueprints — seeing poverty, health disparities, and limited pediatric access as opportunities to serve. “Light comes out of darkness,” he says, and his clinics, now in multiple locations, prove it.
In the end, we return to what greatness truly means. Vulnerability. Accountability. The courage to grow and evolve year after year. If you’re a physician with a vision, a man redefining strength, or anyone learning to balance ambition with well-being, this episode will both ground and inspire you.
Tune in to hear the full conversation; available now on all podcast streaming platforms.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/becoming-a-well-built-man-fd6c07daa8c6

Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this episode, I sit down with Mr. Mark A. Harris, a men's health advocate whose story redefines what it means to face illness with faith, courage, and community.
Recorded on Father’s Day, this conversation goes beyond prostate cancer; it’s about legacy, love, and learning to “do it afraid.” Mr. Harris opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, the heartbreaking loss of his son to a rare cancer, and how both experiences shaped his mission to help men speak up, get checked, and live fully.
From the power of early detection to breaking the silence around men’s health, Mr. Harris reminds us that strength and softness can coexist, and that sharing your story doesn’t make you weak; it makes you a guide for others finding their strength.
🎧 Tune in to hear:
Why fear and shame shouldn’t stop men from seeking help
How illness reshapes relationships and faith
The importance of early detection and open conversations
What true advocacy looks like when love meets loss
This episode will move you, challenge you, and remind you that healing isn’t just about the body, it’s about connection, courage, and community.
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that it’s okay to be strong and soft at the same time.
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/breaking-the-silence-against-prostate-cancer-41885e507480

Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
What does it mean to live well, even in the face of illness? How do we care for those navigating both the physical and emotional realities of cancer?
In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, we sit down with one of the pioneers of psycho-oncology, Dr. Andrew Roth, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and longtime attending psychiatrist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Together, we explore the emotional ripple effects of a cancer diagnosis, how anxiety and shame often hide beneath stoicism, and why naming our fears can sometimes be the most courageous act of all. Dr. Roth introduces tools like the Distress Thermometer and MAX-PC (Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer), simple yet profound ways clinicians can detect emotional suffering early, before it turns into isolation. These tools, he explains, aren’t just checklists; they’re bridges that reconnect patients to language, to care, and to hope.
But perhaps the most powerful insight from Dr. Roth is this: healing doesn’t always mean cure. Sometimes it means learning how to live with uncertainty, reclaiming joy in moments that medicine can’t measure, and building relationships that remind us we are more than our diagnosis.
He speaks of the courage it takes for men to open up, for partners to listen without judgment, and for doctors to lead with empathy rather than ego. In sharing his own journey, from community organizing in Brooklyn to a lifetime of helping patients find meaning in the midst of uncertainty, Dr. Roth shows how emotional honesty can transform medical care and what it truly means to “live better” with illness.
Whether you’re a clinician, caregiver, patient, or loved one walking beside someone in pain, this conversation will leave you with a renewed understanding of how connection, courage, and curiosity can shape the way we heal and the way we live.
Because healing, as Dr. Roth reminds us, isn’t just medical. It’s profoundly human.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-human-side-of-cancer-d06690f1375e

Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
At five or six years old, Mr. Roland Odeleye walked miles through the chaos of Nigeria’s 1966 military coup, guided by an inner compass that brought him home safely. That moment became a defining spark in his journey, from Bodija’s fruit-filled streets to a life of purpose, advocacy, and resilience in the face of prostate cancer.
In this deeply moving episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, I sit down with Mr. Roland Odeleye, a Nigerian-born patent attorney, nonprofit leader, and prostate cancer advocate, whose story redefines what it means to live with purpose after illness.
From his joyful childhood in Bodija, Ibadan, surrounded by fruit trees and family warmth, to decades of service providing free prostate screenings in Nigeria, Mr. Odeleye’s life reflects resilience rooted in community, faith, and knowledge. But when the advocate became the patient, his mission took on a new meaning.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, he chose active surveillance (regular checkups) instead of immediate surgery, leaning on his family and faith through the journey. Years later, when surgery became necessary, he faced the realities of recovery: physical limitations, emotional healing, and redefined manhood.
In this candid conversation, he opens up about:
Growing up in Ibadan and the lessons of love, diversity, and resourcefulness.
Building a foundation that offered free prostate and cataract screenings across Oyo State.
His prostate cancer journey, from diagnosis to surgery, and what “healing” really means.
Honest reflections on manhood, quality of life, and faith after prostate surgery.
Why he rejects the label “survivor” and calls himself “a man who lived through cancer and carries its legacy.”
His ongoing mission to track and support men from his foundation’s past medical outreaches.
Mr. Odeleye’s story is not one of mere survival, but a call to redefine strength through vulnerability, to talk openly about men’s health, and to find purpose even in pain.
Whether you’re on a health journey, supporting a loved one, or seeking inspiration, listen in to be inspired by a story that blends courage, humor, faith, and service, and reminds us all that healing is not a destination, but a daily act of purpose. Because, as the Yoruba saying goes, ”T’aba Mọ Ọna A kò baje”: if we know the way, we won’t get lost.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/on-prostate-cancer-purpose-and-the-power-of-openness-3ebc6d3c6f8c

Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and depression. Please take care of your heart before you listen.
How do we talk honestly about youth suicide, parenting, and mental health in communities where silence has been the norm? In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, we present a raw, necessary, and profoundly human conversation on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Joined by Dr. Jessica Puri, Dr. Mathero Michelle Nkhalamba, and Doc Ayomide, this panel takes us inside the struggles too often hidden behind children’s smiles. From Jessica’s courageous story of attempting suicide at eight years old, to Michelle’s reflections on breaking cycles of toxic parenting, to Ayomide’s insights on why children need the language of emotions, each voice calls us to pay closer attention to the silent battles our young people fight.
Together, we explore what it means to create psychologically safe environments in homes, schools, faith-based spaces, and communities. We discuss how technology can be guided by wisdom rather than fear, why parents must confront their own unresolved trauma, and how the phrase “it takes a village” is more than just a proverb.
This episode offers more than reflection. It is a blueprint for prevention, equipping parents, teachers, and communities with tools to name emotions, build safe support networks, and confront the “not my kid” mindset
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caring friend, you’ll leave with the tools to spot silent suffering and the courage to discuss it openly.

Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 볼 수 있어야 꿈꾼다| From Ikorodu to the World: Testimony of Purpose and Possibility — The One With Testimony Adebiyi | Episode 27 (2025)
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Miss Testimony Adebiyi, a passionate changemaker whose story begins in the low-income neighborhood of Ikorodu, Lagos. The daughter of a teacher and a pastor, Testimony grew up facing the harsh reality of being unable to attend school due to financial constraints. But instead of being defined by scarcity, she used it as fuel.
Now a first-class graduate in Library and Information Science and a Programs Coordinator at Millennium Campus Network, Testimony has impacted over 4,000 people globally through her work in education, leadership, and youth development.
She opens up about the pain of near-missed opportunities, the power of books and community, and her decision to live an intentional life rooted in faith, impact, and advocacy. She also shares her vision for the future: leading programs that support youth development, gender equality, and meaningful change, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. We also dive into a spirited conversation about Gen Z values, digital distractions, and bridging generational gaps with compassion and curiosity. There’s honesty, laughter (yes, even a “japa” moment), and how she went from surviving survivor’s guilt to giving back through mentorship and storytelling. This is the story of a woman who turned obstacles into stepping stones.
If you’ve ever felt like your beginnings were too small for the dreams you carry, this episode is your reminder to keep going.
🎧 Listen now and be inspired to make meaning of your journey and pay it forward.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/from-ikorodu-to-the-world-3f6307a9dd29

Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
Tuesday Jul 29, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Can you imagine sending your 8-year-old back to your home country for school after immigrating to another country? Before you say, “Heck no!” Especially my Naija people, you might want to listen to this episode.
This week, we’re joined by the remarkable Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges: educator, community builder, founder, and mother extraordinaire. We both met in boarding school almost three decades ago. In this captivating conversation, she takes us on a journey through her life as a Nigerian-American woman shaped by both Brooklyn and boarding school. And yes, she made the bold decision to send her American-born daughter back to Nigeria for high school, not as a punishment, but as an intentional investment in identity, discipline, and legacy.
From her own cross-continental upbringing to raising bicultural children, Dr. Elizabeth shares how early immersion in a Nigerian boarding school (beginning at age 8) sharpened her independence, forged resilience, and even earned her an unforgettable nickname. We unpack what it means to truly belong, as she redefines home not as a zip code but as “where you make an impact.”
This episode is for every parent questioning how to raise grounded kids in a culture that often feels disconnected from their roots, and for anyone navigating the in-between of heritage and new beginnings. We also explore her passion for civic leadership, the role of faith, and how she’s preparing the next generation to lead with both heart and heritage.
Tune in now to learn why, for some families, going “back” can be a powerful step forward.
Contact Dr. Elizabeth directly: e.ajayibridges@gmail.com
Let her know you found her through The More Sibyl Podcast.
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/back-to-the-roots-why-i-sent-my-american-kid-to-a-nigerian-boarding-school-332912b8ae22

Thursday Jul 24, 2025
Thursday Jul 24, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Legacy. Leadership. Life Lessons. This episode on The More Sibyl Podcast is surely unforgettable. I had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Onatolu Odukoya, the former Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
What began as a conversation about legacy evolved into an enriching dialogue about purpose, faith, leadership, and the wisdom that comes with age. We explored his remarkable academic career, starting with his early days as a standout scholar who would later make his mark at Harvard.
We discussed the evolution of Nigeria’s medical education system, particularly in light of emerging technologies like AI and their impact on diagnostics. Professor Odukoya expressed cautious optimism about the future, hopeful that, with the right reforms and vision, both medical education and the broader healthcare sector in Nigeria can grow and thrive.
Now in retirement, Professor Odukoya is far from idle. He continues to serve on several medical and community boards, including the Holy Trinity Hospital Board and the Academy of Medical Sciences. He shared candidly about the fears many high achievers have around retirement, especially the fear of becoming irrelevant, but offered a powerful model for staying engaged and purposeful through service, planning, and faith.
We also discussed his newly released memoir, which chronicles his life of discipline, faith, loss, and service. It’s not just a story of accomplishments, but of values: how he and his wife have deliberately passed down faith and integrity to their children and grandchildren.
This episode is a rich blend of wisdom, history, and practical advice. Whether you’re an academic, a parent, a leader, or someone reflecting on your own legacy, Professor Odukoya’s story will leave you both challenged and inspired.
Oh—and something BIG is coming this month. Mark your calendars for July 19th: More Than a Backpack is a live panel session featuring moms, dads, and a behavioral specialist, who will dig even deeper into how we can collectively advocate for our kids in the North American education system. That’s right, both the U.S. and Canada. Save the date, and we’ll see you there!
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-incredible-journey-of-an-academic-medicine-legend-fcf89fc24502
Order his book here: https://form.typeform.com/to/YNxANf4j

Sunday Jul 13, 2025
Sunday Jul 13, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Welcome to July! We’re kicking off the month with a deeply resonant episode featuring my dear friend, Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu. She’s no stranger to this space; it’s not her first rodeo! But this time, we welcome her back in a role that’s even more intimate and relatable: as a mother and, as you’ll hear, a fierce advocate.
As immigrant parents prepare for another school year, it’s about more than just backpacks and supply lists. It’s about the emotional load we carry, navigating unfamiliar systems, decoding school emails that make our hearts race, and resisting the urge to turn our frustration inward on our children.
In this timely and personal conversation, Otito shares how her son’s early struggles in school became a mirror, reflecting a lifelong journey of being misunderstood. We unpack the silent burdens immigrant parents bear while navigating Western education, especially in the U.S., with stories that will resonate deeply.
One of the most significant aspects of our conversation centers on neurodiversity. As a mom to two neurodivergent sons, Otito reframes ADHD not as a deficit, but as a different kind of brilliance, changing not just how she supports her children, but how she affirms herself.
We also explore the cultural dissonance between Nigerian and American schooling. For many of us who grew up trusting that teachers had our best interests at heart, it’s jarring to now feel the need to constantly explain, advocate for, and defend our position.
As another school year begins, many immigrant families will return to systems not built with their context in mind. This episode offers solidarity. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or ally, now is the time to rethink what advocacy, success, and belonging really mean.
Listen. Save. Share. Come back to it when August rolls around and you need a reminder: you are not alone in this journey. And if you know a parent trying to raise a child who feels seen, safe, and strong, send this their way.
Also, go read The Belonging Paradox, Dr. Otito’s incredible book (available on Amazon). The episode only scratches the surface—its pages offer deeper truths about identity, parenting, and reclaiming belonging across cultures and systems. No spoilers here. Just go read it.
Oh—and something BIG is coming this month. Mark your calendars for July 19th: More Than a Backpack is a live panel session featuring moms, dads, and a behavioral specialist, digging even deeper into how we can collectively advocate for our kids in the North American education system. That’s right—both the U.S. and Canada. Save the date, and we’ll see you there!
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/on-belonging-and-advocacy-for-ourselves-and-our-children-74c3b0f724af