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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

Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 중간 자녀 기운|The One with Dr. Joannah Otashu: Middle Child Energy and Thriving in Corporate Spaces | Episode 2 (2025)
Get ready for one of the most fun-filled episodes of the podcast yet! In this chaotic and hilarious conversation, I sit down with my dear friend Dr. Joannah Otashu— one of Arii’s beloved Aunties. From her childhood in Nigeria, growing up as the middle child in a perfectly balanced family of six, to her journey in Chemical Engineering at Ahmadu Bello University and PhD studies at UT Austin, Dr. Otashu takes us on a captivating ride. She shares how discipline, faith, and her family’s “Otashu Rule Book” shaped her values and her professional drive. You’ll laugh, you’ll reflect, and you’ll find inspiration in her story of navigating male-dominated spaces, turning delays into opportunities, and thriving as a Black immigrant woman in the corporate world.
We also explore her transition from academia to software sales, the importance of building workplace allies, and how intentional relationships have opened doors in her career. Beyond work, Dr. Otashu speaks candidly about the challenges of immigrant responsibilities amidst Black Tax, the art of setting boundaries, and how she stays true to her core values of kindness, empathy, and justice. Whether she’s sharing wisdom on balancing career and personal life or teasing me about our adventures, Dr. Otashu’s story is one of authenticity and joy. Don’t miss this heartfelt, laughter-filled episode packed with lessons on community, purpose, and self-growth. Tune in, Mosiblings—you’re in for a treat!
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Happy New Year, everyone!
Kick off 2025 with me as I sit down with the brilliant minds behind The More Sibyl Podcast—my incredible Virtual Assistants, Abimbola Olasupo and Ifeoluwa Adegbola. Together, we take a heartfelt look back at the highs and lows of 2024, celebrate the lessons we’ve learned, and relive some of our most memorable podcast moments (spoiler: picking favorites is so hard!). This candid conversation is filled with gratitude, insights, and laughter, highlighting the unique contributions of Abimbola and Ifeoluwa, who are the creative and strategic engines that keep this podcast running smoothly.
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re diving in with big dreams and exciting plans just for you, our amazing listeners! This year promises to be packed with storytelling, meaningful connections, and plenty of fun surprises. Curious about what we have in store or want a peek into my thoughts on my VAs? Tune in for all the juicy details, valuable takeaways, and some inspiration to kick-start your year.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram (@themoresibylpodcast) and TikTok (@the.more.sibyl.po) to stay connected and join our vibrant community. We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a comment about your favorite episode or share how the podcast has impacted you—your voice matters, and we can’t wait to listen.
Hit play now, and let’s embrace 2025 together!
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/on-past-year-reflections-and-new-year-resolutions-8871eed00d9f

Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by the incredible Vivian Nwogu, known endearingly as Vee. Her story of resilience, courage, and grace will leave you inspired. Imagine working while undergoing cancer treatments! This alone takes a huge amount of tenacity. From her early days in Nigeria to becoming a licensed nurse across four countries, Vee’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. But what truly sets her apart is her battle with breast cancer. Vee opens up about her emotional and physical journey, sharing how her cancer diagnosis sparked a fire to empower others and advocate for women’s health. Her strength, even in the face of unimaginable challenges, is a powerful reminder that we can rise above life’s toughest moments.
Thie stories from Vee’s childhood struggles to her unyielding drive to become a nurse and cancer survivor left me in awe of her strength. As she continues to inspire women worldwide, Vee proves that our struggles don’t define us; our response to them does. Don’t miss this uplifting conversation—subscribe to the podcast, leave a comment sharing where you’re tuning in from, and join us in supporting Vivian’s journey. Tune in now and follow our platform for more empowering stories! You can also show your support by donating towards her cancer treatments, her GoFundMe is linked below. Follow Vivian’s story on her IG @vee.manifest.
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:
Read the blog here:
Vivian’s GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/2815c2ec

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
What’s it really like to grow up with a built-in best friend—or partner in crime? In this lively and heartfelt episode, we explore the fascinating world of twins with two incredible sets: The Popoola Twins and the Adedipe Twins. Kenny Popoola, Kenny Adedipe, and Taiwo "T-Dawg" Adedipe—my husband and a twin himself—share stories ranging from childhood mischief to the unique bonds and challenges of twinhood. This episode unpacks myths, cultural traditions (hello, Yoruba tribe), and the individuality that makes twins so extraordinary. From the Popoola twins’ calm childhood to the Adedipe twins’ knack for stirring trouble, we explore how shared birthdays don’t always mean shared destinies. Plus, we uncover why even twins with telepathic legends don’t always pick up the phone to call each other every day—looking at you, T-Dawg!
And the twin tales don’t stop here! Coming soon, we’ll bring in the wives to spill the tea on what it’s like being married to twins. Is it double the joy or double the competition? You won’t want to miss their take on navigating life and love with these dynamic duos. Whether you’re fascinated by twins, curious about cultural traditions, or just looking for a heartwarming listen, this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and surprising revelations. Tune in now, and stay tuned for more twin-themed magic!
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:
- Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/exploring-twin-dynamics-d80df1d5af89
- You can watch the live show here: https://www.youtube.com/live/jV4wXoaV3Q8?si=1FY0F_Yvp3s0fFRV

Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
This week's episode features the inspiring Mrs. Morenike Afolabi, a woman whose influence has deeply impacted someone very dear to this podcast: my former assistant's remarkable mother. She’s an administrator, professional chef, wife, mother, and business co-owner. She graciously shared her multifaceted journey, offering a wealth of wisdom on topics like growing up in a harmonious polygamous family, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship in Nigeria, and modern parenting. Mrs. Afolabi candidly spoke about the hurdles of pricing and publicity in Nigeria’s catering industry and how she’s adapting to the evolving technological landscape to sustain her businesses.
We also talked about parenting in today’s world, where Mrs. Afolabi shared her balanced approach to fostering discipline and friendship with her children. She emphasized the importance of intentionality in building strong parent-child relationships, especially in a generation that values open communication. The episode also took a poignant turn as we discussed the impact of prostate cancer on her family, with her father’s journey highlighting the importance of early detection and proactive health management. This conversation is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice on entrepreneurship, parenting, and prioritizing health—don’t miss it!
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/balancing-work-family-and-health-bffe955537fb

Monday Nov 18, 2024
Monday Nov 18, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Shawn Daniel, JD, whose journey from the rough streets of Englewood, Chicago, to military service, law school, and founding a tech company is nothing short of inspiring. Shawn shares how his life's challenges—shaped by the harsh realities of gang violence, a father's absence, and the trauma of 9/11—helped forge his unshakeable resilience and drive. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the wisdom he's gained from overcoming adversity, and how his faith has been his guiding light through some of the darkest moments of his life. This episode is packed with valuable insights on leadership, growth, and the power of community support.
In addition to his personal story, Shawn dives into the creation of Triune Alert, an innovative app designed to bridge critical communication gaps during emergencies, including encounters with law enforcement. Triune Alert was inspired by life-altering experiences, such as his mother’s health crisis while he was stationed in Iraq and a similar situation with his grandmother. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black individuals, especially during high-pressure situations with police, Triune Alert provides a much-needed tool for keeping families connected and safe. By quickly notifying loved ones and legal contacts, the app ensures that individuals have immediate support, particularly in sensitive or potentially dangerous interactions.
Shawn's journey exemplifies how adversity can fuel purpose and drive. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience, mentorship, and giving back to the community. Don’t miss the chance to hear Shawn’s incredible journey and learn from his experiences.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/from-chicagos-south-side-to-tech-leadership-037884d76ca1

Monday Nov 11, 2024
Monday Nov 11, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Resilience is spelled, Sola Adewumi, AKA my cousin, with whom I am well-pleased!
Now a third-year nursing student in Canada, Sola returns to the podcast to share her incredible journey. Despite living with Retinitis Pigmentosa—a genetic disorder that causes gradual retinal degeneration, leading to progressive vision loss and, eventually, blindness—and having a career in digital marketing, Sola felt a calling toward nursing and boldly pursued it. Now thriving in her studies, she reflects on her resilience, faith, and the immense growth she has experienced along the way. Her determination and strength have not only shaped her life but also profoundly impacted her family and inspired everyone around her.
In this heartfelt episode, Sola opens up about the highs and lows of navigating a demanding academic environment with a rare eye condition. From the support she’s received in school to the mental and emotional shifts that have empowered her, Sola’s story emphasizes the power of resilience and faith. We also explore the importance of breaking generational patterns, facing emotional challenges, and cultivating a positive vision for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to overcome life’s obstacles and discover joy and determination amid adversity.
Tune in and be inspired by Sola’s journey to keep moving forward, no matter what.
- Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/thriving-with-retinitis-pigmentosa-b734f44b8e2f
- Sola’s 2021 episode: https://mosibyl.podbean.com/e/solasaka2021/

Monday Nov 04, 2024
Monday Nov 04, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
TW: This episode discusses suicide and grief.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with my dear friend, Debra Blaylock, who courageously shares her journey of grief and resilience following her husband's suicide, which took place just before the COVID-19 lockdown. The timing added layers of isolation and loneliness to her already immense sorrow, complicating the healing process. This episode aims to explore the immediate and prolonged aftermath of such a tragic loss and to share, in Debra’s words, how “the pain never leaves; it’s transferred down to the family.” Debra talks about the invisible nature of pain—how it can quietly consume loved ones and leave a permanent impact on those left behind. She reflects, “You have to realize you are not a person; you are just involved,” encapsulating how grief reshapes one’s identity. Debra stresses the importance of recognizing the signs of distress, having open conversations about mental health, and seeking support when needed. Her story is a poignant reminder that although the pain may be overwhelming, there is always hope, and no one is ever truly alone. She leaves listeners with the crucial message: “There is always hope, and you are never truly alone.” This conversation sheds light on the silent struggles many face and offers hope and guidance for anyone navigating a similar path. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Together, we can break the silence around mental health and be a source of light and support for one another.
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/life-after-the-suicide-of-a-loved-one-76b9dac957

Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
Hold onto your headphones, folks, because today’s episode of The More Sibyl Podcast is a must-listen! I enjoyed chatting with the ever-fabulous Nike Adeoye—my go-to source for all things binge-worthy. When Nike says, “You’ve gotta watch this!” you know you're in for something special!
In this episode, we dive into the delightful chaos of Nobody Wants This, a Netflix gem that brings the perfect mix of laughs, love, faith, and relatable drama. We covered it all—from the undeniable chemistry between Adam Brody’s Noah and Kristen Bell’s Joanne, to the intricate sibling rivalries and messy romantic entanglements.
Nike shared some seriously wise words on love and community that hit home, reminding us how important it is to stand up for ourselves, especially when navigating the tricky waters of relationships. We even had a good laugh about how hard it can be to trust in love these days—because, let’s be real, that feels rarer than ever!
If you need a fun escape and food for thought, this episode is your go-to! Don’t miss out—tune in, laugh with us, and maybe even rethink your next binge-watch. This is your sign to dive into Nobody Wants This if you haven’t already!
- Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/nobody-wants-this-e89ab3ba972a
- Nike's previous episode: https://www.mosibyl.com/podcast/2018/5/10/-the-one-with-adenike-the-nigerian-youth-episode-8-2018

Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this episode, Dr. Wale Ojo, Associate Program Director of Indiana University's Addiction Psychiatry Program, discusses the complexities of mental health and addiction. Starting with his education at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, Dr. Ojo discusses his transition to the U.S. and contrasts cultural perceptions of mental health in both countries.
The conversation explores the cultural perceptions of mental health in Nigeria, the influence of religion, and the stigma around seeking psychiatric help. Dr. Ojo reflects on the increase in drug addiction among Nigerian youth, attributing it to globalization and societal changes. He emphasizes the role of family dynamics, support systems, and cultural values in mental health and addiction recovery. Additionally, he discusses the complexities of perinatal addiction and the challenges faced by women balancing societal expectations. Dr. Ojo calls for decriminalizing cannabis to better study its effects and advocates for integrated mental health and addiction care. Through anecdotes of patient success stories, he underlines the importance of internal motivation and a supportive environment in recovery. Overall, the episode offers a thoughtful exploration of mental health, addiction, and the importance of patient-centered care across diverse cultural settings.
If you're ready for real talk on mental health, recovery, and resilience, you must check out this episode. Trust me, you won't regret it!
Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/addiction-psychiatry-aa0ff469ce67