Mo' Sibyl

아프리카 디아스포라의 이야기| The One with Ms. Kemi Seriki – On Stories from Africans in the Diaspora: Episode 1 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Ms. Kemi Seriki – On Stories from Africans in the Diaspora

It’s Black History Month on this side of the pond. Though we get the shortest month in the year we gon’ make it loud and long. And what better way to do this than having a chat with a Nigerian who’s passionate about pan-African relationships and has made it her life work to close the social distance between our cousins (Blacks abroad) and us? I chatted with Ms. Kemi Seriki of the Pánsá Pánsá Forum, a Nigerian immigrant of Yoruba ethnic diversity.

We talked about life in the diaspora, staying connected to the Motherland, negotiating national, ethnic, and racial identities as Black immigrants, improving race relations with native-born Blacks and other communities, and so much more.

우리 아버지의 일생| The One With Jirade Bepo - On Baba: Fatherhood and Sacrifice: Episode 11 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One With Jirade Bepo - On Baba: Fatherhood and Sacrifice

Jirade has been on the show before and it’s great to have her again! In honor of Father’s Day, June 19, we invited Jirade to share with us the warm and inspirational relationship she had with her father. Baba, as everyone fondly called him, died a few weeks before we recorded this episode, while they were planning for his 79th birthday. It was a deep loss for everyone who knew Baba, who was loving, large-hearted, full of life, and loved the people in his life.

In this episode, Jirade shares about the kind of father Baba was, and the sacrifices he made, Including some warm memories.

We found her stories about her memories of Baba’s values and character very inspiring and emotional: you need to hear her tell them in her own voice.

사랑과 상실| The One With Von Apochi - On Love and Loss: Episode 9 (2022)

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사랑과 상실| The One With Von Apochi - On Love and Loss: Episode 9 (2022)

In today’s episode, Ayomide and I interviewed my dear friend, Von Apochi. He is currently living in the US and is president of the SabiWaka Natural Company. He is also a business analyst in a top financial firm and an entertainer. He is proudly African, loves diverse cultures, and is sociable.

Von has a very supportive family and system and this episode reinforced my conviction of the value of family. In a similar vein, Von also has a deep love for Black Americans and refers to them as “our cousins.” We discussed some of the history of tension between African Americans and Africans.

We also discussed his entrepreneurship and the challenges he has faced, and he shared some of the lessons he’s picked up along the way, how he has managed his brand after the heat of fame, and what he is currently working on.

Finally, the episode gets heavy as we discuss Von’s grief since losing his sister, Tega Apochi Akpofure* (@tegaapochi), in January and how he’s been coping since her death.

Listen to the full episode here, and don’t forget to share it with others.

*In Memoriam of Tega Apochi Akpofure,

Mo! & Doc Ayomide

여성 할례| The One With Jessica Puri - On Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): Episode 8 (2022)

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여성 할례| The One With Jessica Puri - On Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): Episode 8 (2022)

Female genital mutilation or cutting is a very old practice that is unfortunately still common in many countries and communities. In fact, it was only just got prohibited in the USA in 1996 and in Canada in 1997, and even then, many states are yet to take a firm stance on its abolishment. Those who advocate for FGM/C justify it with beliefs about marriage, perceived health and sexual benefits, and upholding tradition.

In this episode, Jessica, an expert in biological sciences, public health, and social sciences, takes us on the journey of her hands-on experience in FGM/C from her academic knowledge and research to her personal experience with victims, law enforcement, and legalities.

She also shares her personal life, battle with mental health, and academic successes. And how she navigated a move to the USA all by herself at just 17 to build the life she has today. An accomplished woman who traces her success to her faith, Jessica’s story not only inspired us but also highlighted the importance of living outside our comfort zones and shifting from just chasing your own desires to living a life focused on helping others.

Catch up on the episode here, and share it with your friends.

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 평화롭게 살자| The One With The Two – Mental Health isn't Personal; It's Relational: Episode 7 (2022)

In Ayomide’s words: “Mental health is not solely individual; it's very much social. It’s relational.”

May is mental health month, and the theme for this year is “Let’s connect.” In this episode, we talked about why mental health is more than just being about you - but relational and social—how you connect with others. We cannot attain the fullness of mental health until all areas of our lives are experiencing “peace” in the sense of relational wholeness. That’s what we discuss in this episode.

I shared my struggles with my mental health since I was ten, including losing a close friendship with which Ayomide shared his thoughts on. If you’ve lost (or are at risk of losing) a close friendship, you’ll find a lot to relate to here as we discuss managing such situations in light of our mental health. Then we go on to discuss anxiety, depression, and the challenges around taking medications for mental health issues!

Mental health and relationships are two very important areas of our lives—so be sure to share this episode’s link with everyone you know.

Let’s connect,

Mo! & Ayomide

파도처럼 흐른다| The One With Urmi – On Being Bengali by Blood, Italian by Birth, Canadian by Love: Episode 6 (2022)

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파도처럼 흐른다| The One With Urmi – On Being Bengali by Blood, Italian by Birth, Canadian by Love: Episode 6 (2022)

Urmi Identifies as “Italian by birth, Bengali by blood, and Canadian by love.”

Urmi’s passion for women and children drives her to volunteer in nonprofit organizations and children’s hospitals and help underserved women raise money. She was born in Italy to Bengali immigrants, and she always felt out of place in both worlds. As a result, she gravitated toward interests in mental health, lifestyle, and financial education, especially how women are affected, but confessed she still, like many children of immigrants, struggles with feeling like a disappointment to her parents.

Urmi shares her experiences as an immigrant in Italy and navigating cultural differences and parental and family pressures. Yet, over time, she has managed to build a life that works for her and makes her happy amid all the pressure of their expectations and her experiences.

She took us down memory lane through her childhood, her feelings, struggles, achievements, and failures, and how they have made her the woman she is today. It was a delight to listen to her account and how she has learned to embrace all of her cultural identities.

If you’re an immigrant (or, as we prefer to say, expatriate), you’ll love this episode, but it’s also a celebration of family, relationships, and knowledge.

Find Urmi on IG @ urmamio.

Fear Forward,

Mo! & Doc Ayomide

초강대국과 공동체| The One With The Two – On Superpowers & Communities - Episode 5 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

초강대국과 공동체| The One With The Two – On Superpowers & Communities - Episode 5 (2022)

In Mo's words, "I have realized that you can't keep hiding your light or diminishing your strengths. You must learn how to use it because there is just the power in letting it shine. What comes to you so effortlessly might be something someone else is trying to get."

This episode is about strengths, or as we describe them, your superpowers: identifying, cultivating, and using them to serve others besides yourself. After all, we don't want to be like a new superhero who doesn't realize their own strength.

We also discuss how relationships and communities help you hone your superpowers and how we manage our excesses for a more significant cause. The conversation starts with Ayomide and I sharing our high points for the week. It then turns into what might be one of the show's most enlightening and soothing episodes ever.

What's your superpower, that thing others wonder how you do so easily? How do you let it shine? How do you strengthen it? How do you make sure you aren't selfish with it? How do you use it to make the world a better place?

Hear our answers to these questions on the episode here, and then share yours in the comments on Instagram!

Shine on, you super, you!

Mo! & Ayomide

러시아계 미국인이 되는 것| The One With Natasha – On being Russian - American and Other Stories: Episode 4 (2022)

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러시아계 미국인이 되는 것| The One With Natasha – On being Russian - American and Other Stories: Episode 4 (2022)

Describing Russia in a 1939 radio broadcast, Winston Churchill said, "It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma." Like a matryoshka doll, one might say?

Today we have a wonderful guest, a dear friend since graduate school (The University of Texas, Austin #Hookem!), where she was my senior – Dr. Natasha Shcherbakova, super smart but very down to earth. Natasha is currently an associate professor at the Western England University, College of Pharmacy. She was on the show last year and it is a privilege to have her on again, this time with Ayomide.

In this episode, Natasha opens up to Ayomide and me about her love for reading, how the use (or not) of social media has made her a more productive adult, her life as a Russian in the USA, and the cultural differences she has faced since she moved. Of course, she also bares her heart about how she feels about her home country in light of recent news.

If you are passionate about reading, personal development, cultural differences, and how to easily navigate them, this episode is surely for you.

I really enjoyed this episode and found it enlightening. I respect Natasha's intellect; so, it was inspiring to learn more about the values that have formed her and the perspectives she has gained. I think you will see what I mean as you listen.

благодарю вас

Mo! & Ayomide

마흔 살이 되다| The One With The Two – On Birthdays & Meanings: Episode 3 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 마흔 살이 되다| The One With The Two – On Birthdays & Meanings: Episode 3 (2022)

When I turned 20, a dear friend, Dr. Olamiju, said to me: "Your 20s are for discovering what you want for your life. In your 30s, you put more meaning into those discoveries. Finally, at 40, you fully live that life in a well-defined way." – Mo!

With this quote in mind, Ayomide shared his thoughts on turning 40! He said he's made mistakes and tried many things, but the confidence he's garnered thus far is of limits and not of certainty.

Are birthdays societal constructs? Or are they reflective times? As you grow older, do you worry about how old you get? Do you worry about aging? What is your ideal birthday like? What expectations should one have and live up to as they grow older?

With the wisdom associated with aging, Ayomide dished out quite a lot of this, especially on accepting the reality of again and slowly dying (spoiler alert, we all are from age 20 and up).

This was quite a deep and retrospective episode.; so listen to this remarkable episode here.

PS: Do you, too, think birthdays are a social construct?! Let's hear from you.

Happy Birthday, Gramps!

시간을 초월한 친구| The One With The Two – On Being Friends Across Space & Time: Episode 2 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 시간을 초월한 친구| The One With The Two – On Being Friends Across Space & Time: Episode 2 (2022)

The best friends to talk with are those friends that you agree enough that you can talk endlessly but you disagree enough that you can debate forever.

Friendship is a place for safety and comfort, so imagine how much more this can be with a “best friend!” What exactly is a best friend and who should a friend or best friend be in the real sense of the word?

Today, my friend and new co-host Doc Ayomide (who has been my friend for 18 years, BTW) shared his thoughts on friendship using our own friendship as an example. We look at our relationship throughout the years and how we have managed to remain friends.

In this episode, you’ll hear it all: the highs, lows, positives, and even the struggles we’ve had in our friendship and how we have managed to navigate and surpass them. You’ll also learn what true friendship really is and how to be intentional and deliberate in your own friendship, especially with people you really care about.

This is one episode you should share with that special friend or person in your life. It will help reinforce and strengthen the relationship you already have going! Don’t forget to tag and share this episode with your “best” friend.

Listen to this remarkable episode here.

Yours Friendly,

Mo! & Ayomide

천주교 신부 되기| The One with Father James Anyaegbu – On Being a Catholic Priest: Episode 41 (2021)

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천주교 신부 되기| The One with Father James Anyaegbu – On Being a Catholic Priest: Episode 41 (2021)

When asked what they want to be when they grow up, most children say they want to be a doctor, a lawyer, or an engineer, among other things. However, it is rare to come across someone who wishes to become a priest. Well, I had the opportunity to meet someone who had been fascinated with the idea of becoming a priest since the age of six.

Father James Anyaegbu is a Catholic Diocese of Aba and a Nigerian priest currently serving in pastoral ministry in Scotland, United Kingdom. He entered the seminary at the age of 11 to be trained as a priest.

With his passion for young people, he founded an online platform to share his faith and charity work. And, even though he was born when there was no internet, he figured out social media and has used it as a tool to reach many by teaching them about the Catholic faith and reassuring them about the love and faith in Christ since the pandemic.

It was a pleasure to sit with this TikTok-savvy priest as he reflected on his childhood and how far he has progressed in his priesthood journey. Fr. James is incredibly passionate about his work as a priest and bridging ecumenism. He also shared some insightful advice for those traveling home for the holidays and some sound advice for parents.

새로운 사업주| The One with Olabimpe Shode - On Running a Business from the Diaspora & Other Stories: Episode 40 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

새로운 사업주| The One with Olabimpe Shode - On Running a Business from the Diaspora & Other Stories: Episode 40 (2021)

With the discovery of the Omicron variant, another Omega variant, the variability of information, the vaccination palaver, and the travel ban, 2021 has been a ride, like a journey from the big year 2020. My teenage friend, Bimpe, who is not new to the podcast, was with me to discuss 2021 so far.

We discussed the inconsistency of information on the COVID, the controversies that have circulated, and she shared safety tips for those traveling during this holiday season. Mask up, whether you've been vaccinated or not!

In the midst of 2021, she launched her business in Nigeria, and we discussed how to start and run a business in Nigeria. She had an entrepreneurial spirit even before moving to the United States, which she has now developed. Bimpe founded Beams Kiddies to serve children aged 0 to 12 and their caregivers, selling lifestyle products and gently used items.

Running a business in Nigeria and entrusting it to others is risky, but my resilient friend did it anyway and shared her challenges, wins, and everything in between. It was a lighthearted and enjoyable episode in which we shared relatable stories about almost everything. Listen to everything we shared here.

10 살 소녀의 세계: The One with Elizabeth Bamidele - On Sparking Your Inner Creative Self: Episode 10 (2021)

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10 살 소녀의 세계: The One with Elizabeth Bamidele - On Sparking Your Inner Creative Self: Episode 10 (2021)

In the words of singer Whitney Houston, "the children are our future," and it's only fitting that we pay them their dues on today's episode, which happens to coincide with Children's Day.

On the show today, we have Elizabeth Bamidele, a 10-year-old who likes reading and being creative. She's a Nigerian but lives in the UK with her parents; she is the founder and creator of her YouTube channel called Sparklight Kids Club. It is a channel with inspirational videos, educational activities, and creative/fun challenges for kids and pre-teens to help build their confidence, develop their creativity and empower them to become better people.

In this episode, we talked about her journey to online content creation, her inspiration and vision for her channel, as well as her creative process. We also learned more about her family and social relationships and how she's helping her community live better lives through her content.

The brilliant Elizabeth had a word for parents and adults seeking a better relationship with their children - out of the mouth of babes, indeed! Find out when you listen and subscribe to her channel (link is in the show notes).

Thank you, Elizabeth, for gracing us with your presence on the show.

떠돌이 작가| The One with Enyeribe Ibegwam – On Identity, Becoming a Writer, & Other Stories: Episode 24 (2020)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Enyeribe Ibegwam – On Identity, Becoming a Writer, & Other Stories

How would you define the word "brother?" Well, after listening to this episode, you will discover that your brothers or sisters are not just those with whom you share blood relationship, but also those with whom you share solidarity.

My guest today is Enyeribe Ibegwam. He was brought up in Lagos, Nigeria but now resides in the US. A writer, he has been awarded a PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize and was a finalist for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize. He is a recipient of several grants, and his story has been published in the PEN America Best Debut Stories 2019. He's also a Truman Capote Fellow at the Iowa Writers' Workshop.

As a young man in the US, he initially felt uneasy being called "brother" by strangers because he was Black, but it was only a matter of time before he too became a "brother" to other brothers.

In this episode, Enyeribe walks down memory lane to his childhood experiences; we talk about Africans' duty to African-Americans and go behind-the-scenes of his literary work. Kindly do yourself a favor by visiting here to read more of Enyeribe's stories.

Download this episode to find out more about this amazing "brother" and writer.

Best,

Mo!

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Episodes

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Ms. Kemi Seriki – On Stories from Africans in the Diaspora

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One With Jirade Bepo - On Baba: Fatherhood and Sacrifice

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

사랑과 상실| The One With Von Apochi - On Love and Loss: Episode 9 (2022)

Mo! & Doc Ayomide

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

여성 할례| The One With Jessica Puri - On Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): Episode 8 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 평화롭게 살자| The One With The Two – Mental Health isn't Personal; It's Relational: Episode 7 (2022)

Let’s connect,

Mo! & Ayomide

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

파도처럼 흐른다| The One With Urmi – On Being Bengali by Blood, Italian by Birth, Canadian by Love: Episode 6 (2022)

Fear Forward,

Mo! & Doc Ayomide

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

초강대국과 공동체| The One With The Two – On Superpowers & Communities - Episode 5 (2022)

Shine on, you super, you!

Mo! & Ayomide

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

러시아계 미국인이 되는 것| The One With Natasha – On being Russian - American and Other Stories: Episode 4 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 마흔 살이 되다| The One With The Two – On Birthdays & Meanings: Episode 3 (2022)

Happy Birthday, Gramps!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 시간을 초월한 친구| The One With The Two – On Being Friends Across Space & Time: Episode 2 (2022)

Mo! & Ayomide

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents

천주교 신부 되기| The One with Father James Anyaegbu – On Being a Catholic Priest: Episode 41 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

새로운 사업주| The One with Olabimpe Shode - On Running a Business from the Diaspora & Other Stories: Episode 40 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

10 살 소녀의 세계: The One with Elizabeth Bamidele - On Sparking Your Inner Creative Self: Episode 10 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Enyeribe Ibegwam – On Identity, Becoming a Writer, & Other Stories

Best,

Mo!

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