Mo' Sibyl

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

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 취약성 수용|The One with Kemi Sope-Agbebi - Navigating Life's Challenges with Courage and Connection: Episode 5 (2024). She has

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.

아프리카의 목소리에 힘을 실어주기|The One with Bidemi Adedire - On Empowering African Voices: Episode 3 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Bidemi Adedire - On Empowering African Voices: Preserving Oral Traditions and Driving Digital Innovations

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.