Mo' Sibyl

사랑하는 이의 자살 후의 삶|The One with Debra Blaylock - Beyond the Shadow: Life After the Suicide of a Loved One: Episode 22 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 사랑하는 이의 자살 후의 삶|The One with Debra Blaylock - Beyond the Shadow: Life After the Suicide of a Loved One: Episode 22 (2024)

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.

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

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 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.

잠비아 청소년 지원| The One with Helen Leale-Green - Empowering Zambia's Youth and Transforming Education: Episode 12 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 잠비아 청소년 지원| The One with Helen Leale-Green - Empowering Zambia's Youth and Transforming Education: Episode 12 (2023)

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.

파라의 삶의 더 많은 층| - Exploring Farah’s Journey from Childhood to Blended Family (Part 2): Episode 11 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 파라의 삶의 더 많은 층| - More Layers of Life - Exploring Farah’s Journey from Childhood to Blended Family (Part 2): Episode 11 (2023)

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.

파라의 삶의 층| Layers of Life - Exploring Farah’s Journey from Childhood to Blended Family (Part 1): Episode 10 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 파라의 삶의 층| Layers of Life - Exploring Farah’s Journey from Childhood to Blended Family (Part 1): Episode 10 (2023)

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.

마음이 아플 때| The One with Som Ghosh - On Grief and Loss: Episode 10 (2018)

Last week, I took you on a trip to India with an interview with Dr. Shah. I decided to stay longer in India to bring you this week’s episode from another Indian. Losing one parent is hard enough but imagine losing both of your parents, and in addition to this monumental grief, having to cope with the guilt of being thousands of miles away from home when this happens.

In this episode, I speak to Som Ghosh – a Tabla-playing Indian living in America on grief observed. We talked about how grief is handled by Hindus and how certain burial rites performed by Hindus might make coping with grief better, and how he has been coping with losing both parents. I also talked about a personal grief and how I was able to (and still) cope with this. We begin his story from why he decided to leave his job at Pfizer and head on to pursue a PhD in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) and tips for those considering going back to school after working for a while.

How to cope with grief, as surmised by Som and me (in no particular order):

Let grief run its course.
Take time to mourn the loss.
Cry if you must.
Label the emotions as they come, anger, sadness, pain, anguish.
Remember that emotions are like messengers, we do not shoot them. Listen to the gifts they bear and afterwards, send them on their journey in a nice way, knowing fully well that they might come back again.
Find someone you can trust to talk to about your grief. And if you cannot find someone, just like Tennessee Williams suggested, depend on the kindness of strangers who are usually obliagted to listen to you.
Seek grief counseling or therapy.