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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 Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 조용히 인생을 정복하다| The One with Dr. Adeodat Ilboudo - On Quietly Conquering Life: Episode 13 (2023)
In this week's podcast episode, I spoke with Dr. Adeodat, a passionate scientist and educator from Burkina Faso. We covered diverse topics, including childhood experiences, politics, the challenges of moving abroad, and the importance of education. Dr. Adeodat shared frustrations with France's influence in Africa and encouraged listeners to take risks and embrace learning. We also discussed work-life balance for women in high-achieving roles.
Dr. Adeodat has had an impressive academic journey, obtaining her Ph.D. in France and conducting postdoctoral research at Hunter College in the U.S. She focused on studying disparities in prostate cancer among individuals of African ancestry. Currently, she serves as the Dean of Studies at Bard High School Early College in Manhattan and is a dedicated mother and wife.
Dr. Adeodat is enthusiastic about sharing her experiences and knowledge with her students. Recently, she launched her podcast, “Adulting 101 Tips For Your Teenage Years & Beyond," where she continues to inspire and educate through her discussions. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Adeodat, as she exemplifies the African woman who excels in multiple roles. She challenges the misconception that women cannot excel in diverse areas. Her dedication and achievements are truly inspiring and fascinating. I hope you find her interview as enjoyable and enlightening as I did. She is a personal hero of mine.
Connect with Dr. Adeodat here:
- Email: iadeodat@gmail.com
- LinkedIn: Adeodat Ilboudo
Saturday Jun 10, 2023
Saturday Jun 10, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this week's podcast episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Helen Leale Greene, an inspiring individual dedicated to educational work in Zambia. I initially met Helen during a panel discussion on education in Africa, where her passion for the subject was evident. After the discussion, I approached Helen and invited her to feature on my podcast, leading to this episode.
Helen is the founder and CEO of an impactful charity called Our Moon, which focuses on empowering bright but financially disadvantaged young Zambians. She also serves on the executive committee of HALI Access Network. Her mission is to ensure equitable access to education and university opportunities for young Africans, enabling them to reach their full academic potential and become catalysts for positive change in the continent. Currently residing in the UK with her husband and dog, Helen is a proud mother of three grown sons.
During our conversation, Helen shared insights into her early career, her decision to switch paths, and the remarkable achievements of her organization thus far. As an African, I deeply appreciate the significance of Helen's work in helping underprivileged youth access university education and providing them with essential guidance and support. I am genuinely excited to witness her continued growth and impact.
Listen to this episode to hear about Helen's inspiring journey and learn more about her incredible work to transform lives through education.
Thank you for your continued support, and stay tuned for more engaging episodes.
Connect with Helen: Instagram and Facebook: @ourmooneducation
Website: www.ourmoon.org.uk
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/empowering-zambias-youth-and-transforming-education-ab0073c4b8e2
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: More Layers of Life - Exploring Farah’s Journey from Childhood to Blended Family (Part 2)
In this week's continuation of Farah's life journey, we were joined by Tony, her husband, and our session together was truly enjoyable. Tony, former military personnel, described his marriage to Farah as one of the greatest adventures of his life. Despite societal perceptions of second marriages, their unique story, which began when they met in church during their respective divorces, has resulted in a successful union of over 25 years.
During our conversation, Tony shared deeply personal experiences that have shaped his perspective on family. He revealed that the time he discovered he had a 17-year-old son, a surprising revelation that turned his world upside down (for good). Additionally, he opened up about the pain of being estranged from his daughter for seven long years. These challenges have tested his resilience and reshaped his understanding of fatherhood.
Despite these hardships, Tony's love for his children knows no bounds. He expressed a profound desire to see them live fulfilling lives guided by their own choices and the will of God. He emphasized the importance of allowing them to explore, take risks, and grow, even if it meant they had to be physically distant from him. Tony's unwavering support and acceptance shine through as he embraces the complexities of parenthood.
Tony and Farah have built a blended family with six children, each with a unique story and background. Their journey as a family is filled with anticipation for the future, including the joy of being grandparents. Their commitment to love, understanding, and overcoming challenges has fortified their bond.
Resources
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Read this week's blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-one-with-farah-tony-stout-bdd41bb5573e
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Read last week’s blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-one-with-farah-stout-d4babfa742a3
Best,
Mo!
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:
In this week's episode, I had a delightful conversation with Farah, a multi-talented mother, wife, photographer, singer, and respite caregiver. We met at church through a mutual friend, and our connection was instant. Farah's restaurant recommendations proved trustworthy, and she and her husband even became godparents to our Arii.
Our conversation was so engaging that it spanned various topics, including Farah's childhood experiences, her parent's divorce, her first marriage, and her current blended marriage. The session was so captivating that we split it into two parts for the podcast. Farah's layered personality and unique experiences, such as being part of a blended family, added depth to our discussion. Join us as we delve into Farah's remarkable story, exploring her childhood, relationships, parenting, and everything in between.
Connect with Farah @tonysfarah on IG.
Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-one-with-farah-stout-d4babfa742a3
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
Friday Apr 21, 2023
Friday Apr 21, 2023
The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: High Fives All Around: On Celebrating the Podcast’s 5th Anniversary
Join me on a special episode of the More Sibyl Podcast as we celebrate a significant milestone - our 5th anniversary! It's been an incredible journey filled with heartwarming stories, life-changing conversations, and amazing content that has touched the lives of thousands of listeners across the globe.
As we reflect on our achievements, challenges, and the changes ahead, I invite you to be part of this unforgettable experience. We've come a long way from our humble beginnings to over 300 episodes, 6k downloads, 10k listeners, and 26k subscribers!
Our community has grown, and we've shared stories from all walks of life, covering personal development, mental health, culture, travel, and much more. This anniversary episode celebrates all the beautiful moments we've shared.
So, come along for the ride as we celebrate this milestone and look forward to even more exciting adventures in the future. I can't wait to share this special episode with you!
Resources:
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Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/high-fives-all-around-on-celebrating-the-podcasts-5th-anniversary-5f6e3222a848
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Recommended Song: “Faraway” – Infinity Song (2020)
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View slides from our party here
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!