Posts tagged Inspiration
여성의 학문 길|The One with Professor Margaret Watson - On Empowering Women in Academia: Episode 19 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:여성의 학문 길|The One with Professor Margaret Watson - On Empowering Women in Academia: Episode 19 (2024) 

Meet Professor Margaret Camilla Watson—better known to her friends as Mag! Trust me, this woman is an absolute legend. With over 35 years in healthcare research and academia, Mag’s contributions are nothing short of inspiring. 

Mag shared her journey from her Scottish roots to becoming a pioneering pharmacist and academic. Growing up in a family of educators, her love for learning was inevitable, but what shaped her career was a blend of mentorship, community, and Scotland’s free education system. She spoke passionately about the challenges women face in academia—especially self-promotion and building networks—and her latest book, Women in Academia: Achieving Our Potential, tackles these head-on.

Her wisdom about resilience, social capital, and the need to fix broken systems resonated with me, and I bet it will with you, too. Ready to get inspired? Grab your headphones, and join us on this insightful journey with Mag!

Listen now, and let’s keep the conversation going!


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정체성의 다리|The One with Dr. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts - Cultural Alchemy: On Being Black Transnational: Episode 18 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:정체성의 다리|The One with Dr. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts - Cultural Alchemy: On Being Black Transnational: Episode 18 (2024) 

Dr. Kelechi Ibe-Lamberts has such an extraordinary personality and rich experience. I had the most incredible chat with him. He’s not just a clinical associate professor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health—he’s the powerhouse behind the My Black is Transnational podcast. Talk about impressive credentials!

Born in Lagos and sent on a plane to the U.S. at just 8 years old, Dr. Ibe-Lamberts was raised in Chicago, embodying the essence of juggling multiple identities. Imagine a home filled with Christian, Muslim, and Ghanaian influences! As a 1.5-generation Nigerian-American, he gracefully balances these vibrant cultures with humor and poise. His journey is nothing short of inspirational, and we shared laughs and deep insights, leaving me with a fresh perspective on navigating cultural identities. What’s even more fascinating is his personal life—he’s married to an African American woman, and together they have three children. Their family is a beautiful testament to cultural blending, and Dr. Ibe-Lamberts’ reflections on raising a bicultural family are both heartwarming and insightful.

From mastering grocery shopping as a young immigrant to his current work fighting health disparities for refugees and immigrant communities, his story radiates resilience and passion. One of the most touching moments was hearing him describe being "Kelly" in Chicago while reclaiming his true name, Kelechi. It’s raw, personal, and deeply moving.

Let’s not forget his incredible family journey—how his second mother and distant father shaped his life. His shift from aspiring MD to embracing public health with a focus on transnational issues? Absolutely fascinating! This episode isn’t just about cultural integration; it’s about how love, respect, and persistence create something extraordinary. Don’t miss out—hit play and join us on this remarkable journey!

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이민과 남성성 예술|The One with Mayowa Nwadike - The Artistic Journey: Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Expression: Episode 15 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 이민과 남성성 예술|The One with Mayowa Nwadike - The Artistic Journey: Embracing Vulnerability and Self-Expression: Episode 15 (2024)

Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Mayowa Nwadike, a super-talented mixed-media artist from Nigeria who is now making waves in the United States. Mayowa’s art is special—it touches on topics like toxic masculinity and the immigrant experience, all through the magic of acrylic and charcoal.

Mayowa’s work is like a mirror held up to society, reflecting how our norms and expectations can sometimes fuel toxic masculinity. But here’s the cool part—he’s not just pointing out the problem; he’s flipping the script and pushing for a more inclusive take on gender roles. We had a great chat about this, and he opened up about his childhood in a religious household, growing up with three siblings, and how family favoritism shaped his emotional world and, ultimately, his art. It’s all about those subtle, often unspoken feelings that he captures so brilliantly.

But wait, there’s more! Mayowa also took us through his artistic evolution—from his early pencil sketches to the abstract pieces he started experimenting with during the 2020 lockdown. His art is a visual diary, filled with the raw emotions of migration, identity struggles, and the complexities of manhood. We touched on some pretty important stuff, like mental health, breaking those old-school gender stereotypes, and why it’s so crucial for men to embrace their vulnerability and express their emotions.

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this conversation!

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미국 시민권을 향한 13년의 여정| Stars, Stripes, and Stories - Mo!'s Path to American Citizenship: Episode 12 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 미국 시민권을 향한 13년의 여정| Stars, Stripes, and Stories - Mo!'s Path to American Citizenship: Episode 12 (2024)

Today’s episode is extra special for me because we’re celebrating a big personal milestone—my U.S. citizenship! I’m super excited to welcome back my dear friend Olabimpe Shode to the podcast. Bimpe and I took a walk down memory lane, chatting about my immigration journey, from those early days on a student visa to finally becoming a citizen. We talked about the stress, the challenges, and the joy of every step forward. Bimpe also shared her own inspiring story.

One highlight was talking about my time at the University of Oklahoma, where they really supported me through visa transitions and the green card process. It’s a refreshing take against the usual stereotypes, showing a journey full of support and success. I also opened up about the complexities of changing my name after marriage and balancing my personal identity with my professional life.

We also discussed the struggles faced by undocumented immigrants and the importance of preparation. This episode is a powerful testament to strength, community support, and the unyielding quest for better opportunities.

Here's some exciting news—The More Sibyl Podcast has been nominated for two APVA Awards! The Diasporan Podcast of the Year and Personal/Self-Development Podcast of the Year. We’d love your support, so please vote for us daily in both categories until August 16. Just follow this link: [ https://awards.apva.africa/voting/ ]. Every single vote makes a difference, so feel free to spread the word and get your friends and family involved too.

Thanks for being a part of our journey!


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10년간의 얼어붙은 우정| Enduring Bonds: A Journey of Friendship, Faith, and Family- The One with Dr. Olamide Somoye: Episode 10 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 10년간의 얼어붙은 우정| Enduring Bonds: A Journey of Friendship, Faith, and Family- The One with Dr. Olamide Somoye: Episode 10 (2024)

This week, I bring you an episode that truly resonates with me. Just before Christmas, I reunited with my dear friend Lamide in London, Ontario, after over a decade! Our unexpected meeting led to a heartfelt conversation about our spiritual journeys, shared immigrant experiences, and the enduring bond of our decade-long friendship. 

We discussed the importance of community and the joy of celebrating familiar traditions far from home. Lamide’s stories of motherhood and spiritual resilience, along with her view on maintaining deep connections, provided a profound perspective on relationships.

Join me for a heartwarming late-night chat with Lamide, filled with laughter, tears, and deep reflections. This special episode celebrates enduring connections and the strength of community. Tune in — you won't want to miss it!

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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.

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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.

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