The More Sibyl Podcast

우리 시어머니와 함께|The One with Deaconess Esther Adedipe - Family, Faith, Loss, and Love: A Journey with Grandma: Episode 4 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

In this week's episode of "The More Sibyl Podcast," we're joined by a special guest, Deaconess Esther Adedipe, TDawg’s mom and my mother-in-law, fondly called Grandma. On the show, she shares her remarkable life journey. Born in 1946 to a devout family, Grandma reflects on her upbringing guided by her minister father, showcasing the values of courage and wisdom instilled in her from a young age. She recounts her academic achievements and fond memories of her family, highlighting her father's multifaceted talents and their influence on her skills and faith.

The conversation explores Grandma's love story with her late husband, Grandpa, revealing the timeless romance nurtured through handwritten letters and shared values. Amidst tales of motherhood and unexpected twists, Grandma's resilience and faith shine through as she navigates challenges with grace and perseverance. Grandma discusses the pressure from family members to have more children, especially sons, and the spiritual journey they embarked on to conceive twins after already having five children.

Grandma opens up about the profound loss of her beloved husband, sharing the deep grief and sense of loss that followed. Yet, her story is one of triumph over adversity, as she speaks candidly about finding strength in her faith and the support of her family during such a difficult time.

As Mother's Day echoes in the background, Grandma offers words of encouragement to mothers everywhere, sharing her wisdom on finding joy beyond loss and embracing new beginnings. The episode concludes with reflections on the joys of grandmotherhood, reminding listeners of the enduring power of love and family bonds.

Read the Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/family-faith-loss-and-love-a-journey-with-grandma-4b7b733005a2

아프리카의 목소리에 힘을 실어주기| The One with Bidemi Adedire - On Empowering African Voices, Preserving Oral Traditions and Driving Digital Innovations: Episode 3 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

In this episode, we had the privilege of hosting Bidemi Adedire; a trailblazer in cultural preservation and storytelling. Her work is not just about preserving the past; it's also about ensuring that our voices are heard and our stories are remembered for generations to come. She is a founding member of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA). Ms. Adedire has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of African podcasting and voice artistry. Through APVA, she has pioneered initiatives to resource the audio-creative sector, including the APVAAwards, which honored us with the Diasporan Podcast of the Year award last year, fostering a thriving community that celebrates the diversity and richness of African storytelling.

Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Bidemi navigated the complexities of life with the unwavering support of her parents, who prioritized education despite financial constraints. This early exposure to the value of learning ignited a lifelong passion for knowledge and storytelling in Bidemi. Bidemi fondly recalls her childhood love for reading, which was nurtured by her father's gift of a box of novels. These books opened doors to new worlds and ideas, shaping Bidemi's perspective on life and her place in the world.

As an adult, Bidemi’s commitment to empowerment is palpable. From facilitating forums like Lunch and Learn for women to fostering community engagement, she champions the ethos of giving back. Her vision for a future where African voices resound with pride and recognition is both aspirational and attainable. Bidemi's story reminds us of the power of resilience, generosity, and community. Her journey inspires us to believe in the potential for positive change, both within ourselves and in the world around us.

Join us in this enlightening conversation as we explore the impact of family, education, and community support on personal development and discover the importance of empowering African voices in podcasting and beyond.

PS: After recording this episode, Bidemi and I quickly became best friends, bonding over the similarity of our lived experiences. Who knew that a podcast recording could double as a friendship matchmaking service?

Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/empowering-african-voices-preserving-oral-traditions-and-driving-digital-innovations-ae6212addf48 

 

인종간 입양인|The One with Christelle Pellecuer - Between Worlds: A Transracial Adoptee's Journey from Madagascar to France: Episode 2 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

In this episode, Christelle Pellecuer, a certified coach empowering black adoptees, joined us on The More Sibyl Podcast to share her journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. As a transracial adoptee (someone who has been adopted into a family of a different racial or ethnic background) from Madagascar raised in France, Christelle's narrative is one of resilience, growth, and the ongoing quest for identity.

The conversation explored Christelle's experiences growing up in France, feeling disconnected from her Malagasy roots, and the complexities of transracial adoption. She shared poignant moments from her childhood, highlighting the challenges of navigating her identity in a predominantly white environment. Despite these hurdles, Christelle's story is one of hope and perseverance.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode was when Christelle spoke about the joy of reconnecting with her African roots. She expressed the bittersweet realization of not fully embracing her heritage earlier in life, citing the "black tax" as a barrier to cultural understanding. However, she emphasized the importance of embracing one's identity and urged families to do better in fostering cultural connection. Christelle also shared her reflection on her journey as a mother. She candidly shared the challenges of raising her daughter while still grappling with her own identity. Through her experiences, Christelle learned the value of self-awareness and the importance of creating a supportive environment for her daughter's growth.

Throughout the conversation, Christelle stresses the active involvement of adoptive parents in their child's cultural education, advocating for the incorporation of cultural elements into the home and participation in cultural events. She concludes by encouraging listeners to embrace self-awareness and explore their identities, highlighting the adoption journey as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Christelle's story serves as a powerful reminder that perseverance and self-reflection can lead to finding belonging despite the challenges of transracial adoption.

 

Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/between-worlds-a-transracial-adoptees-journey-from-madagascar-to-france-bee24caef572

Christelle’s episode on Nancy’s podcast: https://concretepastures.podbean.com/e/s4-ep-12-christelle-pellecuer-black-adoptees-identities/

다시 시작하자, 우리|The One with Mo!Nologue - On Diverse Stories, New Perspectives: Episode 1 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

Dear Mosiblings,

In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, we welcome you all to Season 7 with immense gratitude. Reflecting on our journey since April 2018, your support has been invaluable. This season promises engaging and diverse discussions on workplace dynamics, personal resilience, and more. Entering our sixth year and seventh season feels surreal yet immensely rewarding. Reflecting on this journey, I'm reminded of the wisdom shared by Ira Glass about the creativity gap. He aptly described the initial phase of a creative journey as a period where there's often a disparity between our vision and the quality of our work. While it may be discouraging when our efforts fall short of expectations, it's essential to recognize the significance of these early steps in our growth process.

Embracing the imperfections of our early episodes was key to reaching Season 7. This season, we'll continue our authentic storytelling, exploring diverse experiences, asking tough questions, and building community. As we gear up for Season 7, we're expanding our team. If you're a young creative looking to join us in post-production, brand sponsorship, or social media management, send your resume and cover letter to talktomo@mosibyl.com.

On a personal note, the past few months have been filled with both challenges and growth. While I eagerly anticipate sharing my stories with you, some are still in progress to ensure that everyone's privacy and dignity are respected. Season 7 will serve as a celebration of diversity, featuring engaging narratives, and unveiling fresh perspectives.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Here's to an enriching and inspiring Season 7!

🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂: 

• Read the Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/welcome-to-season-7-diverse-stories-new-perspectives-12f7e75ac618 
• Buy Mo! some coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mosibyl
• Join/Contribute to TMS Fertility Project: https://gofund.me/5ee68d96 
• Recommended Song: “The Best Is Yet to Come (A Song for the New Year)" - Ben Rector (2021)
• Ira Glass on the Creative Process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5Kc1DVlqq4 

지지하는 배우자| The One with TDawg - Overcoming Fertility Trials as a Couple - The Husband’s Perspective: Episode 34 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

In our ongoing fertility series, we're thrilled to have a special guest—my ever-supportive husband, Taiwo Adedipe, affectionately known as TDawg, TMoney, and Brown Eyes. He's a family physician and public health practitioner. His passion for his wife and work and familiarity with our show make him no stranger to our audience. Switching gears a bit, I invited my husband to join me today to shed light on his perspective as a pillar of support during our infertility journey. 

This episode delves into the emotional complexities that supportive partners face while navigating roles as lovers, supporters, and more, all while remaining sensitive to the challenges of infertility. We discuss the emotional strains and connection hurdles that infertility can introduce. As we delve deeper, we explore the positive impacts our struggles have had on our relationship and our lives, particularly in strengthening our bond as a couple. We also touch on our experience adopting Arii and the challenges related to differences in skin color. TDawg candidly shares his childhood dream of having a family.

Wrapping up, we outline the goals of our fertility project and TDawg's initial reaction when I proposed the project. We share some endearing moments, discuss our shared love for pickleball, and offer a few tips for playing the game better. Lastly, we encourage our audience to discover and pursue their passions. This project is ongoing, extending various forms of support. Men dealing with fertility issues are encouraged to share their stories. For more details on support or how to contribute, email us at talktomo@mosibyl.com. If you or someone you know needs guidance on fertility struggles, reach out to us at talktomo@mosibyl.com. Remember, even small contributions count toward making a meaningful difference.

🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂: 

• Join/Contribute to TMS Fertility Project: https://gofund.me/5ee68d96
• Read the Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/overcoming-fertility-trials-as-a-couple-the-husbands-perspective-b0e31bf53c34 
• Buy Mo! some coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mosibyl

 

 

이차성 불임| The One with Funmi Okubanjo - Navigating the Trials and Triumphs of Secondary Infertility: Episode 33 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

Disclaimer: We will discuss depression-related topics in this episode. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, please seek professional help immediately. You're not alone, and support is available via our ongoing fertility project. We discuss the mental, physical, and emotional stress concerning miscarriages, infertility treatments, and negative social and environmental factors that contribute to the mental stress that accompanies going through infertility. 

 

Continuing our fertility series, I'm sharing my 12-year fertility journey and those of remarkable women around me. If you or someone you know is struggling with fertility and needs assistance, reach out to us at talktomo@mosibyl.com. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.

In this episode, we dive into secondary fertility with Mrs. Funmi Okubanjo, an old friend from high school and a board member of our ongoing project. Mrs. Okubanjo shares her journey, the challenges, and the stigma she faced. We also discuss the importance of educating children about their reproductive systems.

As we get into the episode's heart, we explore Mrs. Okubanjo's fertility journey, her trials, and the emotional toll. I share my own feelings of being stuck on this journey while helping others move forward.

We wrap up by outlining the goals of our fertility project. We aim to create a supportive community where women can find joy and regain themselves while navigating fertility challenges. This project is an ongoing effort, offering various forms of support. Men with fertility issues are also welcome to share their stories. For more information on support or how to contribute, email us at talktomo@mosibyl.com. 

🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂: 

• Read the Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/navigating-the-trials-and-triumphs-of-secondary-infertility-cc0cb87b6f02 
• Buy Mo! some coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mosibyl
• Join/Contribute to TMS Fertility Project: https://gofund.me/5ee68d96 

벨트 아래| Below the Belt with Temitope Abiona - A Journey Through Endometriosis and Infertility: Episode 32 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

My Dearest Mosiblings,

I hope this message finds you all in good health. I am grateful for your continued support during our recent deep and introspective episodes. Today, I must share that we are embarking on another sensitive journey. In recent shows, including "Dark Nights with Doc Ayomide," we've explored various emotionally charged topics. In our most recent episode, my virtual assistant and I delved into my 12-year struggle with infertility, marking the launch of our ongoing Fertility Project. This project provides mental, emotional, and financial support to women and couples facing infertility challenges.

This week, we are honored to have a special guest, Mrs. Temitope Abiona, a remarkable individual who wears many hats. By day, she's a business consultant for various companies, a certified functional salesforce professional, a certified project manager, and an entrepreneur. She's not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but also to caring for others. Mrs. Abiona has a deep passion for mental well-being and spreading joy. She is happily married and resides in Minnesota, serving as a board member of our Fertility Project. Like me, she has faced her own challenges on her journey to conceive, and she is here to share her story.

Mrs. Abiona takes us on a poignant journey through her childhood and education during our episode. She recalls her initial encounter with excruciating pain during her menstrual periods at her mother's workplace, where she discovered significant blood clots. Over time, the pain during her monthly cycles became a constant companion, leading her to rely on potent painkillers, including opioids, for relief. Although these painkillers provided temporary respite, the pain resurfaced a year before her marriage. Between 2015 and 2019, her frequent visits to the emergency room became a distressing routine, and she underwent several surgeries during that period. Mrs. Abiona candidly shares the profound impact her painful menstrual periods have had on her life, drawing from personal experiences.

We also talk about our experiences with surgeries and the unique challenges of dealing with medical practitioners who may not fully understand or appreciate our cultural backgrounds. A pivotal moment came during a visit to the emergency room when Mrs. Abiona was diagnosed with endometriosis. She shows how this diagnosis has made it exceptionally challenging for her to conceive, resulting in failed IVF attempts and various other obstacles.

In conclusion, Mrs. Abiona addresses our questions about her decision to become a board member of the show. She offers spiritual guidance and encouragement to women and couples facing fertility challenges, emphasizing the importance of not offering unsolicited advice to those dealing with these issues.

I want to remind everyone that no contribution is too small for our cause. If you or someone you know needs support, please do not hesitate to contact us via email at talktomo@mosibyl.com.

Until our next episode, thank you for your unwavering support.

 

Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/infertility-trials-tears-and-triumphs-218d4cef574d 

Yours truly,

Mo!

 

The One with Mo! - On Infertility - Trials, Tears, and Triumphs: Episode 31 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 불임의 눈물과 승리|The One with Mo! - On Infertility - Trials, Tears, and Triumphs: Episode 31 (2023)

Dear Mosiblings,

Today, our show takes a unique turn as my virtual assistant, Hauwa, takes on the role of the interviewer. This episode delves into my personal infertility journey spanning over 12 years and the heartfelt project I've recently initiated, The More Sibyl Fertility Project (TMS).

Why, you may wonder? This project holds a profound significance for me as it mirrors my journey through over a decade of infertility, encompassing pregnancy losses, IVF treatments, fleeting hopes, bouts of depression, multiple laparoscopy surgeries, hormonal struggles, and the sense of losing oneself along the way. The objectives of TMS are multifaceted, aiming to shed light on the universal experience of infertility among women, providing financial assistance and mental and emotional support, and building a supportive community. I emphasize the importance of being part of a community of "women in waiting" and the hope it can offer by listening to the stories and testimonies of others.

 

What better way to introduce this project than through my own story? In this intense episode, I delve deep into the details of my journey, holding nothing back. Hauwa guides me in discussing events and experiences that have led me to embark on this fertility project.

I narrate the trajectory of my fertility journey, including the early years of my marriage and the struggles I faced with my husband, TDawg. We also explore my dream of adoption, its temporary loss, and its eventual restoration by my ever-supportive husband. We engage in a meaningful conversation about the potential pressures a Nigerian wife faces, including family dynamics. I clarify that I encountered minimal pressure from my in-laws, with the majority originating from my mother, given my status as the first child and the only married one for an extended period. Hauwa and I touch upon the dynamics of parenthood, offering insights into how parents can support their children and couples facing fertility challenges. Discussing the negative impacts of fertility challenges, I express profound gratitude to my husband, TDawg, for his unwavering encouragement, reassurance, and steadfast support over the years.

As we conclude the episode, I highlight the avenues through which women and couples can seek healing and help, such as therapy and community support. I encourage people to support couples struggling to conceive by being good listeners, making supportive calls, respecting their privacy and choices, and refraining from offering unsolicited advice. We hope you found this episode as insightful and heartfelt as we did, and I urge you to contribute to the cause. Remember, no amount is too small.

Until next time, I remain your dearest Mo!

혼자 살지 마세요|The One with Doc Ayomide - The Dark Nights of the Soul: Episode 30 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

Disclaimer: We will discuss suicide-related topics in this episode. If you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, please seek professional help immediately. You're not alone, and support is available. This podcast provides information and support but is not a substitute for professional mental health care. Your well-being matters and help is accessible.

This week's episode features my SENIOR colleague, close friend, psychiatrist, and former co-host of The More Sibyl Podcast, Doc Ayomide. Our discussion delves into the sensitive and complex subject of "Dark Nights of the Soul," which is the primary focus of our episode.

We explore the concept of "Dark Nights of the Soul" from spiritual and non-spiritual perspectives. This term signifies a profound spiritual and psychological experience that individuals go through, often to draw them closer to God, but not exclusively so. We dive deep into the spiritual aspect of these dark moments while addressing their relationship to depression in a non-spiritual context.

Additionally, we examine the core existential assumptions, deeply held beliefs about life that cannot always be scientifically proven. For example, the belief in the equality of all humans is one such assumption. We also differentiate between active suicidality, which involves active planning for suicide, and passive suicidality, which encompasses the desire or thoughts of ending one's life without taking immediate action.

Towards the conclusion of our conversation, Doc Ayomide and I provide insights into how people can support their family or friends going through dark moments or nearing them. We discuss the delicate balance between waiting out these moments and the possibility of sinking into depression, the role of medications, and the tough decisions about what to let go of and what to hold on to. We stress the importance of hope and encourage those experiencing dark moments to remain hopeful. Doc Ayomide also highlights the significance of observance of seemingly happy individuals, as they might be concealing a history of pain or sadness.

In summary, our episode covers the multifaceted aspects of "Dark Nights of the Soul" and offers guidance on supporting and maintaining hope during challenging times.

 

🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:

Buy Mo! some coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mosibyl 

Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-dark-night-of-the-soul-d5925771ea73 

Resources: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/dark-night-of-soul

아프리카 이야기 살펴보기|The One with Süwi and Malimba - Exploring Our African Stories: Episode 29 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

Dear Mosiblings,

Before we jump into today's episode, I've got some exciting news to share. We've been honored with the  Diasporan Podcast of The Year award from the Association of African Podcasters and Voice Artists (APVA). None of this would have been possible without your incredible support; I'm sincerely grateful.

In today's show, I'm thrilled to introduce our special guests, Mr. Süwi and Mr. Malimba , co-hosts of the Zambian podcast "The Village ZM." Their friendship, born from their mothers' high school connections, has led to this fantastic podcast. 

During our chat, we reminisce about cherished childhood memories and share amusing stories about their interactions with Nigerians, highlighting our renowned hospitality. We also delve into changing narratives, stereotypes about our countries, brain drain issues, the "Zambian dream," and how our African identity shapes our global perspectives.

As we wrap up the episode, Mr. Malimba threw three intriguing questions my way:

1. What advice would I give my younger self?
2. What was I known for in primary school?
3. What's my favorite aspect of podcasting?

To discover my answers, be sure to listen to the full episode. Until next time, I remain your dearest Mo!

🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:

Buy Mo! some coffee: https://ko-fi.com/mosibyl 

Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-village-chronicles-with-the-zambians-533755a0eb8e 

Resources: https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/06/27/the-challenges-of-male-friendships/