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.

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.

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.