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The More Sibyl Podcast is hosted by Mo! Sibyl - a Nigerian-born, US-educated, Korean-speaking, Struggling Intellectual. The More Sibyl Podcast is a podcast about culture and culture nomads designed for Blacks and Asians and those who love them. On The More Sibyl Podcast, Mo! talks mostly with an invited guest, who she is inspired by, on a variety of issues, related to cultural experiences or other lived experiences related to third culture. If your concept of home is fluid, you feel like you are neither here nor there, or you consider yourself a cultural hybrid, then this podcast is for you. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mosibyl/support
Episodes
Thursday May 26, 2022
Thursday May 26, 2022
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Female genital mutilation or cutting is a very old practice that is unfortunately still common in many countries and communities. In fact, it was only just got prohibited in the USA in 1996 and in Canada in 1997, and even then, many states are yet to take a firm stance on its abolishment. Those who advocate for FGM/C justify it with beliefs about marriage, perceived health and sexual benefits, and upholding tradition.
In this episode, Jessica, an expert in biological sciences, public health, and social sciences, takes us on the journey of her hands-on experience in FGM/C from her academic knowledge and research to her personal experience with victims, law enforcement, and legalities.
She also shares her personal life, battle with mental health, and academic successes. And how she navigated a move to the USA all by herself at just 17 to build the life she has today. An accomplished woman who traces her success to her faith, Jessica’s story not only inspired us but also highlighted the importance of living outside our comfort zones and shifting from just chasing your own desires to living a life focused on helping others.
Catch up on the episode here, and share it with your friends.
- If you’re an FGM/C survivor looking to talk to someone, need resources, or you’re passionate about FGM, please reach out to Jessica using the contact details below.
- Jessica’s email: jessica.puri@northwestern.edu
- LinkedIn: Jessica Puri, MPH
- Twitter: @jessypuri
Stop the Cut!
Mo!, Jessica, and Ayomide
Friday May 20, 2022
Friday May 20, 2022
In Ayomide’s words: “Mental health is not solely individual; it's very much social. It’s relational.”
May is mental health month, and the theme for this year is “Let’s connect.” In this episode, we talked about why mental health is more than just being about you - but relational and social—how you connect with others. We cannot attain the fullness of mental health until all areas of our lives are experiencing “peace” in the sense of relational wholeness. That’s what we discuss in this episode.
I shared my struggles with my mental health since I was ten, including losing a close friendship with which Ayomide shared his thoughts on. If you’ve lost (or are at risk of losing) a close friendship, you’ll find a lot to relate to here as we discuss managing such situations in light of our mental health. Then we go on to discuss anxiety, depression, and the challenges around taking medications for mental health issues!
Mental health and relationships are two very important areas of our lives—so be sure to share this episode’s link with everyone you know.
Read here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/mental-health-isnt-personal-it-s-relational-83449606c877
Thursday May 12, 2022
Thursday May 12, 2022
Urmi Identifies as “Italian by birth, Bengali by blood, and Canadian by love.”
Urmi’s passion for women and children drives her to volunteer in nonprofit organizations and children’s hospitals and help underserved women raise money. She was born in Italy to Bengali immigrants, and she always felt out of place in both worlds. As a result, she gravitated toward interests in mental health, lifestyle, and financial education, especially how women are affected, but confessed she still, like many children of immigrants, struggles with feeling like a disappointment to her parents.
Urmi shares her experiences as an immigrant in Italy and navigating cultural differences and parental and family pressures. Yet, over time, she has managed to build a life that works for her and makes her happy amid all the pressure of their expectations and her experiences.
She took us down memory lane through her childhood, her feelings, struggles, achievements, and failures, and how they have made her the woman she is today. It was a delight to listen to her account and how she has learned to embrace all of her cultural identities.
If you’re an immigrant (or, as we prefer to say, expatriate), you’ll love this episode, but it’s also a celebration of family, relationships, and knowledge.
Read here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/bengali-by-blood-italian-by-birth-canadian-by-love-a8caf3e86323
Thursday May 05, 2022
Thursday May 05, 2022
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In Mo's words, "I have realized that you can't keep hiding your light or diminishing your strengths. You must learn how to use it because there is just the power in letting it shine. What comes to you so effortlessly might be something someone else is trying to get."
This episode is about strengths, or as we describe them, your superpowers: identifying, cultivating, and using them to serve others besides yourself. After all, we don't want to be like a new superhero who doesn't realize their own strength.
We also discuss how relationships and communities help you hone your superpowers and how we manage our excesses for a more significant cause. The conversation starts with Ayomide and I sharing our high points for the week. It then turns into what might be one of the show's most enlightening and soothing episodes ever.
What's your superpower, that thing others wonder how you do so easily? How do you let it shine? How do you strengthen it? How do you make sure you aren't selfish with it? How do you use it to make the world a better place?
Hear our answers to these questions on the episode here, and then share yours in the comments on Instagram!
Shine on, you super, you!
Mo! & Ayomide
Resources:
- Read blog post here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-one-with-the-two-mo-doc-ayomide-1ae24dc85fb9
- NYT Article: Why Is It Hard to Make Friends Over 30?
Proverbs 18:24:- A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (KJV)
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
Thursday Apr 07, 2022
The new year comes with a new season for The More Sibyl Podcast but for me, it's not always about resolutions but just implementing on goals I hope to achieve.
This episode is to welcome you all to Season Five of The More Sibyl Podcast and to unpack all that we have in store for you. In this episode, I give an update of the things I have been up to since you last heard from me, a recap of last season’s award winners, and what you should expect this season. I went off the tangent a little, but that’s fine too.
I shared a bit about my personal struggles, wins, plans, changes, and all I have been up to, in an encouraging way. Hoping you can glean something from this.
There’s a big change coming to the podcast, listen in to know exactly what it is!
This episode is quite inspirational, lighthearted, and vulnerable and you will learn a lot not only about me but about yourself and the real changes you should be making for yourself in 2022.
Listen to everything shared here.
Resources:
- The Story of civilization by the Durants (11 volumes)
- Podbean link: https://mosibyl.podbean.com/
- Visit our website to binge on past episodes: https://www.mosibyl.com/
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
Thursday Dec 16, 2021
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents
새로운 사업주| The One with Olabimpe Shode - On Running a Business from the Diaspora & Other Stories: Episode 40 (2021)
With the discovery of the Omicron variant, another Omega variant, the variability of information, the vaccination palaver, and the travel ban, 2021 has been a ride, like a journey from the big year 2020. My teenage friend, Bimpe, who is not new to the podcast, was with me to discuss 2021 so far.
We discussed the inconsistency of information on the COVID, the controversies that have circulated, and she shared safety tips for those traveling during this holiday season. Mask up, whether you've been vaccinated or not!
In the midst of 2021, she launched her business in Nigeria, and we discussed how to start and run a business in Nigeria. She had an entrepreneurial spirit even before moving to the United States, which she has now developed. Bimpe founded Beams Kiddies to serve children aged 0 to 12 and their caregivers, selling lifestyle products and gently used items. Running a business in Nigeria and entrusting it to others is risky, but my resilient friend did it anyway and shared her challenges, wins, and everything in between.
It was a lighthearted and enjoyable episode in which we shared relatable stories about almost everything. Listen to everything we shared here.
You can find Bimpe's business on IG - @beamskiddies.luxury and @beamskiddies.thrift and physically at 20 Ajose Street, Mende, Maryland, Lagos.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/running-a-business-from-the-diaspora-other-stories-63923ec87fc2
Beam me up, Scotty,
MO!
Friday Nov 26, 2021
Friday Nov 26, 2021
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Happy Thanksgiving, fam!
From moving countries and learning new languages (German and then English) to adjusting to gradually losing her eyesight from the age of 13, Dagmar has grown to become tenacious and inspiring.
Dagmar Jamieson, my cousin's mentor and a life coach to many, became legally blind as a teenager. She was diagnosed with Stargardt macular dystrophy at an early age. She is happily married with a son and a certified life coach, business owner, and community leader.
In this episode, Dagmar shared her journey from Czechoslovakia to Austria and then Canada, adjusting to a new environment and learning new languages. Then there was the gradual loss of her sight and her determination not to let any limitations hold her back. You'll learn about some myths about blindness, as well as how strong and determined an 8-year-old can be amidst life-changing circumstances.
Dagmar's life is inspiring. She has demonstrated great rigor and an unbeatable outlook on life. We are grateful for her, especially in this thanksgiving and her impact on those around her. You should definitely listen to this episode because Dagmar's story will make you thankful.
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Thursday Nov 11, 2021
Have you ever had someone whose playbook you borrowed and has significantly impacted your life? Perhaps, is there someone you deeply admire from afar? How do you think it would feel to be able to finally sit down with such a person letting them know the many ways they have shaped your life?
This is Dr. Abraham for me, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to finally talk with her on this show. Dr. Olufunmilola Abraham is an Associate Professor in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She directs the CRoME (Collaborative Research on Medication Use and Family Health) lab, which is trying to develop and disseminate novel methods to improve medication safety for vulnerable and underserved populations. To improve medication adherence, they employ a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach.
In this episode with Dr. Oluwafunmilola, we shared the collective experience as former Chevron employees pursuing grad school in the US and life as assistant professors. She also shared much about her research work and how mentorships have been a big part of her process.
Dr. Olufunmilola and I are similar in a few ways, such as the fact that we both enjoyed teaching and had no strong desire to practice pharmacy anymore.
I hope this episode inspires you to be great and teaches you how to live a balanced life at work and home. If you have any questions about this episode, don't hesitate to get in touch with me at talktomo@mosibyl.com.
Thursday Nov 04, 2021
Thursday Nov 04, 2021
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Did you know that Nigeria made the list of the countries with the hardest countries to get a visa?
Dealing with Nigerian authorities, no matter where you are in the world is always an experience. I've had my fair share of this, and I do not hold back on sharing my experiences and lessons learned.
I'm back with more visa stories, but this time with beneficial tips for obtaining a Nigerian visa from the diaspora, particularly the United States. If you are a Nigerian in the diaspora with an expired Nigerian passport and want to visit home, or if you are married to a Nigerian and want to visit Nigeria with your spouse, or if you are going to visit Nigeria with your Nigerian friend(s), you will need this information. Or perhaps you don't fit in any of these criteria but would like to find ways to support your Nigerian friends!
I have also written a blog with step-by-step instructions for obtaining a Nigerian visa; I hope you find them helpful. Finally, listen to the podcast for its meat and provide feedback as you use the provided resources.
Read here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/acquiring-a-nigerian-visa-in-the-usa-38ff988adb0b
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
Thursday Oct 14, 2021
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Being on the receiving end of questions feels strange but in a good way. I turned 35 recently and decided to have a reflective moment with my friend, Linda.
Linda is back! Linda Jena, my dear friend, and sister, came back from the Proust questionnaire interview with even more deeply reflective questions. Linda is one of the show's most committed supporters. She is from Zimbabwe and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree at Texas A&M University in Commerce, TX.
This episode was soul-searching and self-reflective for me. In this episode, we talked about living life, joy, pride, faith, the importance of finding your tribe, and most importantly, learning lessons and moving forward amidst grief and disappointments.
Brace yourself for bolder stories, and please let us know how we can better serve you and what topics you'd like for us to explore.
Read more here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/being-35-a5534537b77
Recommended Song: “Seventeen" – Simon Webbe (2006)
Thirty-Fine!
모 /Mo!/