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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 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 정체성을 되찾기 위한 여정| The One with William - From Manning to Edoziem: An African-American Man’s Journey to Redeeming Identity and Homecoming to the Igbo Nation: Episode 9 (2023)
This week's podcast episode featured William Edoziem and his wife, Hailey, who came over to share their story. William was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN, and studied African and African-American studies at Indiana State University. He describes himself as a son of God, a follower of Jesus, a poet, a human rights activist, an occasional dancer, and a music junkie. He is passionate about empowering BIPOC and other marginalized communities by ensuring their voices are heard. As a fellow Nigerian, I was particularly interested in his journey of discovering his roots.
During our conversation, we talked about what it was like for William growing up, how he felt when he discovered his Igbo heritage, and what it's like tracing his roots. We also discussed his decision to change his last name, which he had wanted to do since high school. It was fascinating to hear about Hailey's perspective on the journey and how she has supported him along the way.
As William is a vocal Christian, we also touched on his faith and how it intersects with his identity. We ended the episode with a naming ceremony, making it unique. William changed his surname from Manning to Edoziem, Hailey received an Igbo name, and so did their son.
Overall, it was a wonderful conversation that explored culture, identity, and faith.
- Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-one-with-william-from-manning-to-edoziem-e61df8fb3730
- Connect with William: IG: @iamwilledoziem; Facebook: William Edoziem

Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this week's episode, we enjoyed hosting Amy (Amarachi), a talented chef, photographer, and lab technician from Oklahoma. Amy's culinary expertise and involvement in various culinary communities have fueled her success as the owner of Amy's Place.
We discussed Amy's remarkable journey from Nigeria to becoming a thriving chef in Oklahoma, touching on the challenges and rewards of starting a business in a new country. Our conversation highlighted the power of food in bridging cultures and the importance of building a supportive community.
Amy emphasized the value of finding like-minded individuals for guidance and support, while I underscored the significance of self-belief in one's career pursuits. We also touched on the universal language of kindness, recognizing its ability to transcend boundaries.
Join us as we delve into Amy's culinary adventures, the fusion of cultures through food, and the understanding that kindness knows no limits.
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-one-with-amy-of-amys-place-ba8cb9ddcd00

Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this week's episode, Nosa Iyare, a consultant for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and serial entrepreneur, came on the show. Nosa founded successful ventures, including Truck Desk, Podbreak, and Overwrite Inc. He created the Culture Class Podcast, inspired by his love for documentaries, culture, and podcasting.
Nosa shared an intriguing insight into his childhood in Nigeria. His father's military career led them to reside in 20 different states. Though he initially disliked the constant relocating, he realized it was a blessing in disguise as it allowed him to make friends with people from diverse cultures.
During our discussion, Nosa explained the push and pull factors that compelled him to leave Nigeria and relocate to the United States. He shared his entrepreneurial journey, including his challenges and how he established two successful companies within five years of moving. He also discussed the genesis of the Culture Class Podcast, Podbreak.
As our interview concluded, Nosa shared some valuable advice. He emphasized the importance of being diligent in any circumstance and being a giver of value, which will leave a lasting impression on people.
Connect with Nosa Iyare: IG: @nosa_iyare @cultureclasspodcast @pod.break
Email: info@overwrite.com
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-one-with-nosa-iyare-founder-truck-desk-podbreak-and-overwrite-inc-32ee6c5108f

Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
This week's episode features an interview with Jonathan Middleton, an art enthusiast, naturalist, and wildlife photographer with over five years of experience in the field. Photography is Jonathan's passion, and he derives great pleasure from capturing the beauty of nature through his lens.
During our conversation, Jonathan opened up about some of his significant challenges and struggles, including growing up and searching for answers to questions about his faith, mental health, and navigating issues related to racism, insecurities from his own community, and sexuality. In addition, he shared the many hurdles he has had to overcome in his journey.
Despite facing significant obstacles, Jonathan has found solace and purpose in photography. Through his lens, he has captured the beauty of the natural world and expressed his creativity. In addition, he views photography as a form of therapy, helping him to find peace and clarity amid life's difficulties.
As our conversation drew close, Jonathan and I reflected on the importance of a supportive community. Despite negative experiences with people from our backgrounds, it's important to remember that good people are still out there. In addition, our own community members often play a crucial role in our lives, serving as a source of support and encouragement.
- Connect with Jonathan on IG @jon_naturalist or @shin_alpha13
- Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/navigating-childhood-mental-health-and-identity-in-america-through-the-lens-of-a-black-2a7a0d288091

Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this week's episode, I interviewed Suzette Vearnon, an author and speaker helping women over 40 redefine what makes them enough in life and love on their terms.
This episode was about tracing her roots. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, Suzette Vearon experienced the deculturalization and assimilation of dark-skinned people, leading to feelings of unworthiness and self-perception. The sudden loss of her last parent, turning 63, and a looming pandemic caused turmoil inside her, leading her to seek her identity. These events, coupled with watching Marvel's Black Panther, Suzette was inspired to trace her African roots, where she discovered she was 99% African, with a significant part of that DNA being Esan and Mende. By connecting with the richness of these cultures, Suzette has transcended the limiting definitions she's been taught as a Black person in America. She now aims to offer pathways to mental and emotional freedom as a life coach and relationship solutionist, especially for Black women. Suzette believes connecting with her roots has been a crucial part of her journey to understanding her worth and enoughness. During our conversation, we delved into the various obstacles she has encountered since childhood and how she overcame them. Our discussion ended on an empowering note emphasizing the significance of discovering one's identity and realizing they are sufficient and will always be so.
PS: I would love to hear your story about how you have identified with your roots and the steps you have taken to reconnect with them. Suzette is also willing to connect with the Esan and the Mende tribe; if you know anyone from that tribe or you are from that tribe, please send us a message, and we will be glad to make the connection.
Best,
Mo!
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/finding-home-an-african-american-womans-journey-to-reconnect-with-her-roots-in-africa-2c53b0882a91

Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Guess who's back with a lot of energy and some confidence? Yes, your favorite podcast host is back! I don't know anyone better to return here with and discuss my walk to podcasting confidence than Bimpe, my childhood friend. Yes, I lost some confidence, and this episode was my attempt to regain it. Or a semblance of it. What caused this loss in confidence? Well, turned out it was several factors. You gotta listen to find these out.
We discussed the difficulty of maintaining hobbies and passions when life becomes hectic. Bimpe offered helpful advice on rekindling interest in things you once enjoyed amidst the concept of self-limitation and the importance of self-discipline. Finally, the conversation concluded with a powerful message to never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult they appear to pursue.
I’d like to hear from you. Please share your experience regaining confidence and consistency after life's busyness has taken it away.
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/when-the-mic-shakes-351c8ce4554b

Friday Mar 03, 2023
Friday Mar 03, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Funmi is a serial entrepreneur, an angel investor, and a humanitarian. She’s also a catalyst, a crusader by design, and very savvy with money. She’s someone who truly understands the value of bringing to life visions that have the potential to transform human lives. She has spent over 14 years in finance, education, technology, and non-profit, across sales, operations, marketing, and fundraising. Through her ventures, she’s done great work lifting women from low-income families via entrepreneurship from poverty while providing education pathways to their progenies.
In addition to helping manage some of my investments back home in Nigeria, she also serves as the mother to my godchildren. Funmi is happily married with three kids.
In this episode, we explored her life story: career and marriage, businesses (starting and losing one), coaching, financial literacy, and investment. It was a fun one!
Learn more about Funmi here or on IG @radiantfuturesld or @funmiokubanjo
Check out the video recording for this episode: https://youtu.be/lGkqo9h99BA
Stay Radiant,
Mo!

Saturday Dec 31, 2022
Saturday Dec 31, 2022
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
2022 has been quite the year. As we wrap it up, Bimpe and I thought to share our thoughts on a critical topic – suicide inspired by a recent event. A few weeks ago, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, aged 40, a husband, father, DJ, and former executive producer of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" died by suicide. Though we both don't have any personal ties to him, the news of his demise affected us. Suicide rates have peaked in recent years due to COVID, and men, especially Black men, have been reported to be at a higher risk. So, here's a reminder to check in on them.
In this episode, we shared our collective experiences with suicide, near brushes, and those we lost through it. In her book, Stay: A History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It, Jennifer Michael Hecht said, "Suicides happen in clusters, with one person's suicide influencing the other's. If a parent commits suicide, his or her children are three times as likely to do so at some point in their lives. People in the act of committing suicide may feel isolated, but, in fact, they are deeply connected to those around." As Hecht put it, if you want your loved ones to make it through their dark nights, you have to make it through yours.'
And if you are reading this at a very tender and vulnerable moment, we are here to remind you that you are needed here with us. So consider staying; you are not forgotten! We are rooting for you. Stay.
Happy New Year!
Love ya!

Monday Dec 19, 2022
Monday Dec 19, 2022
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 친구가 아니라 웬수야| The One with Olabimpe Shode - With Friends Like Those - The Shanquella Robinson Story: Episode 35 (2022)
I am back again with yet another fascinating conversation. This week, I am joined by someone we know all too well—my friend of many, many years, the lovely Olabimpe. We tackle a prevalent conversation around friendship: the good, the bad, and the ugly. Yes, we talk about it all.
The current investigation of the death of Shanquella Robinson inspired this conversation. A 25-year-old American woman is rumored to have been murdered by her friends when they vacationed in Mexico. Shocking right? The times we are living in.
Listen here.
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/with-friends-like-those-the-one-with-olabimpe-shode-cfe2a929ff30

Monday Dec 12, 2022
Monday Dec 12, 2022
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 두 번의 암 생존자| The One with Udie Soko - Two-time Cancer Survivor: Episode 34 (2022)
In this week's episode, I interview an amazing woman that has led and continues to live a meaningful life. She is a two-time cancer survivor (breast and lymph nodes) and an advocate for cancer awareness and has founded a society called the Zambian cancer society in her country, Zambia, Africa.
Of course, she shares her story with us. Her lessons along the way and how this has shaped her life. I hope this episode inspires you and is as informative as it was for me. Here’s a sign, if you needed one, to go get your health checked!
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/ms-udie-soko-two-time-cancer-survivor-c729b58e5057