The More Sibyl Podcast

목적이 이끄는 삶| Rebuilding Lives: Overcoming Stigma, Addiction, and Cultural Perspectives - The One with Stephen Buckley: Episode 9 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

This week, we are excited to share the inspiring journey of Stephen A. Buckley, whose path from Dallas, Texas, to Northwestern University and beyond is driven by a profound faith and commitment to making a difference. Growing up in a football-centric environment, Stephen balanced his athletic prowess with a deep-rooted Christian faith. Excelling both academically and athletically, he earned a scholarship to Northwestern University, where he studied Learning and Organizational Change. After graduation, Stephen embarked on a diverse career journey, driven by a passion for assisting others while ensuring financial stability. His path led him through roles in home healthcare sales and pharmaceutical sales before he discovered his calling at Edovo. At Edovo, Stephen dedicated himself to providing educational resources to incarcerated individuals across America, aiming to reduce recidivism and restore dignity to marginalized communities.

Stephen's commitment to prison ministry is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences and steadfast belief in redemption. His multicultural marriage to his Nigerian wife, Dr. Jessica Puri, has enriched his understanding of family and cultural harmony and profoundly influenced his perspective on life and community. During our conversation, we explored the complex landscape of mental health, particularly as it affects Black men in America. We also talked about his journey of finding purpose beyond traditional career paths, discussing how his faith anchors his pursuit of social justice and community impact.

Tune in to hear Stephen's story of faith, resilience, and social justice, including his entrepreneurial ventures with DBE Logistics. Through DBE Logistics, Stephen integrates his faith into business, aiming to create enduring impact and opportunities for underserved populations. Subscribe to the More Sibyl Podcast for more inspiring stories.

Read the Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/overcoming-stigma-addiction-and-cultural-perspectives-63cc82325e5a

 

녹내장과 함께 생활| Beyond Vision: A Journey of Strength Through Glaucoma - The One with Coach Sydney Kamanga: Episode 8 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

I'm thrilled to share an inspiring episode featuring Coach Sydney Kamanga, whose journey from Zambia to Scotland blends sports coaching, entrepreneurship, and glaucoma advocacy. Despite losing his vision to glaucoma in 2022, Coach Sydney empowers people with disabilities and raises awareness about this condition. Special thanks to Chulu from the Africana Woman Podcast for the introduction!

Raised in Zambia and Edinburgh, Sydney's diverse cultural foundation shaped his resilient spirit. Returning to Zambia in 2010, he founded K28 Fitness. His life changed with the onset of glaucoma, linked to blunt force trauma, challenging him to redefine resilience with loved ones' support.

Sydney's journey highlights the impact of early myopia, trauma, and the importance of regular check-ups while advocating for wellness and dismantling stigmas around preventive care. Navigating visual impairment in Zambia, he uses a reflector cane and technology like the BlindShell Classic 2 for mobility and connectivity, aiming to transform perceptions of disability.

Starting his day at 4 AM with workouts and virtual training, Sydney's dedication to professional and family duties challenges conventional ideas of strength. His story underscores the importance of community support and seeking assistance. Join us as Coach Sydney discusses how losing his sight enhanced his other senses, reshaping his coaching approach and fostering positivity.

To support Sydney's advocacy, follow K28 Fitness and Let There Be Sight on social media. Subscribe to the More Sibyl Podcast for more inspiring stories.

Please help nominate "The More Sibyl Podcast" for the APVA Awards! Visit [APVA Africa](https://apva.africa/?fluent-form=3), click "Nominate," and follow the instructions. Enter Mo Sibyl's details (talktomo@mosibyl.com), choose the “Podcasters” category, and select “Diasporan Podcast of the Year.” Upload a 30-second sample from [Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1LR5ZZ2KI_X8f1AytMsYPeiI_sMU2LEr-) , describe the podcast, and include social media links (Instagram: @Themoresibylpodcast, Website: www.mosibyl.com). Complete and submit the nomination. Let's make "The More Sibyl Podcast" the Diasporan Podcast of the Year!

 

🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂: 

• Read the Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/beyond-vision-a-journey-of-strength-through-glaucoma-9630141707a0 

어버이날| Unbreakable Bonds: A Father's Day Special with Paula and Mr. Theophan Mulamula: Episode 7 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Present:

Today’s episode is unique as we celebrate Father's Day with two extraordinary guests, Paula and her father, Mr Theophan Mulamula. I first stumbled upon Paula's story a couple of years ago through a podcast she did with her dad, which left a lasting impression on me. Now, I’m thrilled to have them both share their experiences. Paula's admiration for her dad is palpable. She recounts cherished memories from her childhood in Tanzania to her current life in Georgia, each story highlighting her father's unwavering support and love. One significant moment she shared was during a chaotic night in Tanzania, where her father's calm presence and quick action reassured her and her friends amidst a crisis. It's moments like these that exemplify their strong bond.

During our conversation, it becomes clear that Paula and her father have a bond beyond traditional father-daughter relationships. Mr. Mulamula, a single father, candidly discusses his challenges as a parent and his unconventional approach to parenting. Growing up in a traditional African household with strict discipline, he recognized the need for a different approach with his children.

Paula, who affectionately refers to herself as a "daddy's girl," describes how their bond developed over time. From daring adventures in Tanzania to her adolescent rebellion, their path was distinguished by mutual respect and understanding. She cherishes her father's support throughout her life, from cutting her hair to expressing her feelings about his girlfriends. Their partnership exemplifies the power of unconditional love and mutual respect in building a good parent-child relationship.

We touched on essential topics ranging from Paula's background in Tanzania to her adventures in Georgia. One remarkable incident was when Paula went to Birmingham without saying anything, leaving her family apprehensive until she called her father. It symbolized their trust and understanding, a link that transcended space and time. Another poignant event was Mr. Mulamula's honest sex education discussion with Paula, an uncommon and bold step for a dad of his time. Tune in to this beautiful episode.

Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/a-fathers-day-special-3d6ab96ee32d

Watch video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yegRsUD5ZUE

40살이 되면|On Milestones and Memories - The One Where TDawg Turns 40: Episode 6 (2024)

Today’s special episode features my wonderful, devoted, and sweet husband, Taiwo, also known as TDawg. For TDawg, May was a month of celebrations and introspection as he turned forty, a momentous milestone. Even with his rigorous work schedule—36 days straight with little time off—TDawg could still enjoy the satisfaction of reaching this goal. As we celebrated his 40th birthday, he talked about how this decade feels distinct but still important. His expectations were far exceeded by the lavish nature of the 40th birthday celebration. Everything was well thought out, from the branded drinks to the careful planning.

Questioning TDawg during the episode about his biggest triumphs and difficulties, he shared, despite his modesty, that he recognized many noteworthy achievements. It was a dream come true for him to finish residency training and work alongside his colleague, Dr. Diana Escobedo, as chief resident. His professional recognition demonstrated his excellence in the field, including an invitation to set the standard for the American Board of Family Medicine. He adores our daughter Arife, and he considers becoming a father to be a wonderful and meaningful experience. Securing a master's degree in Public Health and Epidemiology represented yet another noteworthy accomplishment on his path. He also acknowledged that there have been difficulties along the way.

TDawg shared heart-warming memories of his late father, highlighting the values instilled in him—hard work, dedication, and striving to be the best version of himself. He reminisced about their time together, from learning multiplication tables to working on the family farm in Ota, Ogun State, filled with laughter, hard work, and invaluable life lessons. Despite the pain of losing his father, he finds comfort in the fond memories and the enduring influence of his father's teachings, which continue to guide him in his approach to life and his aspirations for the future.

TDawg's journey to 40 is marked by significant achievements, profound reflections, and a deep appreciation for the love and support of his family and friends. His story is one of growth and gratitude. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, he does so with a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that the best is yet to come. His experiences serve as an inspiration to prioritize well-being, find joy in the little things, and always strive for balance. TDawg’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact of meaningful connections in shaping a fulfilling life journey.

Special thanks to TDawg’s niece, Ibukun, for her immense help with this episode.

Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/celebrating-my-husband-at-40-712f9850d953 

취약성 수용|The One with Kemi Sope-Agbebi - Navigating Life's Challenges with Courage and Connection: Episode 5 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 

I am thrilled to welcome my long-time friend and former student, Kemi Sope-Agbebi, also known as KSA. Kemi has journeyed remarkably from her days in pharmacy school to becoming the Global Head of Special Projects at mPharma. She also leads Room 707, an initiative she started in 2021 to support young people facing challenges like grief, depression, addictions, and abuse, having helped over 300 individuals so far.

Kemi's story is one of strength and dedication. We explored our shared history, her personal experiences with loss, and her unwavering commitment to mentoring others and breaking the stigma around seeking help. Kemi opened up about growing up in a family where her father's desire for a son made her feel unwanted. Despite this, she excelled academically, driven by a desire to prove her father wrong. However, her achievements were overshadowed by bitterness and a lack of fulfillment. She candidly discussed her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues early on.

Kemi's transformation is truly inspiring. She embraced forgiveness, highlighting the importance of letting go of past grievances for personal growth and healing. Her work with Room 707 underscores the necessity of seeking help without stigma and the critical role of open communication between parents and children. She stressed the psychological impact of parental comments and the need for safe spaces where children can express themselves without fear of criticism.

Furthermore, Kemi praised her husband's unwavering support in her personal and professional life. She discussed the evolution of Room 707 from a church-based initiative to a global platform for mental health support, offering group therapy sessions and exploring broader accessibility through technology. 

Kemi's narrative is a powerful testament to the transformative power of forgiveness and the human capacity for growth. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, open communication, and tailored parenting, providing hope and a call to action for better mental health support and understanding.

Find her on IG @yourroom707.

Read the Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/navigating-lifes-challenges-with-courage-and-connection-episode-5-2024-1cc1753eee82

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