Mo' Sibyl

흑인 사진작가의 렌즈를 통해| The One with Jonathan Middleton - On Navigating Childhood, Mental Health, and Identity in America Through the Lens of a Black Photographer: Episode 6 (2023)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 흑인 사진작가의 렌즈를 통해| The One with Jonathan Middleton - On Navigating Childhood, Mental Health, and Identity in America Through the Lens of a Black Photographer: Episode 6 (2023)

This week's episode features an interview with Jonathan Middleton, an art enthusiast, naturalist, and wildlife photographer with over five years of experience in the field. Photography is Jonathan's passion, and he derives great pleasure from capturing the beauty of nature through his lens.

During our conversation, Jonathan opened up about some of his significant challenges and struggles, including growing up and searching for answers to questions about his faith, mental health, and navigating issues related to racism, insecurities from his own community, and sexuality. In addition, he shared the many hurdles he has had to overcome in his journey.

Despite facing significant obstacles, Jonathan has found solace and purpose in photography. Through his lens, he has captured the beauty of the natural world and expressed his creativity. In addition, he views photography as a form of therapy, helping him to find peace and clarity amid life's difficulties.

As our conversation drew close, Jonathan and I reflected on the importance of a supportive community. Despite negative experiences with people from our backgrounds, it's important to remember that good people are still out there. In addition, our own community members often play a crucial role in our lives, serving as a source of support and encouragement.

Connect with Jonathan on IG @jon_naturalist or @shin_alpha13

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

나이지리아의 선지자| The One with Akinola Akinlawon – On Community Service, Male Vulnerability, and Self-Care: Episode 19 (2020)

My guest today moved to the US from Nigeria in 2012 to bag a college degree. While at college at the Cameron University in Oklahoma, Akinola Akinlawon, popularly referred to as “AK,” served as a leader in various capacities, was recognized for his visionary involvement, community building, and academic excellence. As a student, his deep-rooted passion for helping others achieve their dreams inspired him to launch a first-ever student-driven tuition scholarship in 2015 aimed to assist Nigerian non-immigrant students in the US. He also founded his IT consulting business called Digital Designs and Engineering, which he runs to this day.

Currently, Akin is completing a Master’s degree in Management of Information Systems at the University of Houston and is the president of one of Houston’s largest graduate student networks, The Bauer MBA Society.

In this episode, Akin shares his motivation for starting the scholarship scheme for Nigerian international students in the US and gives an update of its current status. He also talks about self-care from a man’s perspective using his life as a reference to offer lessons. He advocates for male vulnerability and prioritizing one’s self.

The good news is that Akin, a TFH (Tall, Fair, and Handsome) single guy who writes love poems, is ready to mingle. He gave details of his ideal “spec” and where interested single ladies can shot their shoots. But you wouldn’t know this if you don’t listen to the podcast.

So download and enjoy it!

PS: This show was taped in 2019 BC (Before Covid-19).

Best,

Mo!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

인도계 중국인의| The One with Han Seth Lu – On Leadership, Biracial Identity, and Mental Health: Episode 18 (2020)

There is no doubt that a person’s mental development is linked to the environment in which he was raised; however, it is essential to highlight that irrespective of the surrounding environmental condition, it is possible to rise above the hindrances and pursue a better life. My guest today is one who was determined to rise above the limitations of his environment but instead allowed it to propel him into the life he now lives. Everyone meet Han Seth Lu, the young man who is positively influencing his community.

Growing up in Myanmar, Han faced the challenge of poor quality education resulting from the military rule and was discriminated against for being biracial. Despite these, his desire for personal growth and dedication to his community drove him to pursue better education in the US and co-founding the Noor Education and Community Center in Bago, Myanmar, where other young people can be empowered to achieve their goals through leadership training.

Talk about resilience! Today, Han is a senior at the University of Central Oklahoma, studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in Leadership. He once served as the president of the University of Central Oklahoma International Student Council, UCO Global Leadership Ambassador, and was Mister UCO International 2019. He is a youth activist and has hosted four editions of the Myanmar YouthSpeak Forum between 2015 and 2019.

In this episode, we talk about the impact of his biracial identity on his childhood, cultural identity, his passion for leadership education, mental health advocacy, and sexuality.

Han shared a gem on how he manages his mental health struggles, listen to this episode to find out how! And yes, to MENtal health!