The More Sibyl Podcast

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 중독과 정신의학|The One with Dr. Olawale Ojo - On Addiction & Psychiatry: Episode 20 (2024)

In this episode, Dr. Wale Ojo, Associate Program Director of Indiana University's Addiction Psychiatry Program, discusses the complexities of mental health and addiction. Starting with his education at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, Dr. Ojo discusses his transition to the U.S. and contrasts cultural perceptions of mental health in both countries.

The conversation explores the cultural perceptions of mental health in Nigeria, the influence of religion, and the stigma around seeking psychiatric help. Dr. Ojo reflects on the increase in drug addiction among Nigerian youth, attributing it to globalization and societal changes. He emphasizes the role of family dynamics, support systems, and cultural values in mental health and addiction recovery. Additionally, he discusses the complexities of perinatal addiction and the challenges faced by women balancing societal expectations. Dr. Ojo calls for decriminalizing cannabis to better study its effects and advocates for integrated mental health and addiction care. Through anecdotes of patient success stories, he underlines the importance of internal motivation and a supportive environment in recovery. Overall, the episode offers a thoughtful exploration of mental health, addiction, and the importance of patient-centered care across diverse cultural settings.

If you're ready for real talk on mental health, recovery, and resilience, you must check out this episode. Trust me, you won't regret it!

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!

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!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 역경 리더십|The One with Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu - Navigating Academia and Workplace Challenges as Women of Color: Episode 17 (2024)

Imagine a conversation where wisdom meets sheer dynamism—precisely what I experienced recently with the remarkable Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu. This isn’t just any chat; it’s an exploration into the brilliance of a woman who redefines what it means to be a powerhouse!

Dr. Otito and I go way back—six years of friendship and mentorship, and she’s been a rock in my academic journey. Our chat was nothing short of exhilarating. Her journey from Nigeria to the U.S. is like something out of a movie, filled with grit and determination. When she arrived at Temple University to discover that her degree program would no longer be offered, most would’ve panicked, but not Dr. Otito! She reinvented her academic path and made it work. Talk about resilience!

Another jaw-dropping moment was when she tackled a difficult committee member during her Ph.D. journey. Instead of giving in, she trusted her intuition and prayed—yes, that committee member left! Divine intervention, anyone?

Dr. Otito also shared her insights on navigating subtle exclusion in professional settings, the art of knowing when to leave an unsupportive workplace, and the power of documenting interactions to protect yourself. Her advice on dealing with unconscious bias and creating safe spaces for communication was pure gold. Let’s not forget her wisdom on work-life balance. She emphasized that joy in work is crucial and that finding fulfillment should be the goal, not endless grinding.

This conversation was packed with powerful insights and those “aha!” moments we crave. So, if you want to be inspired and empowered, don’t miss out! Tune in now and soak up Dr. Otito’s incredible wisdom. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 인도의 성별 기반 폭력|The One with Anjali Chakkissary - Stories from India: The Complexities of Gender-Based Violence: Episode 16 (2024)

Today’s episode explores the complexities of gender-based violence, featuring a heartfelt conversation with Anjali Chakkissary, an international student from India. Anjali's journey from Gujarat to the U.S. has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and her insights into gender inequality are both powerful and poignant.

Our discussion illuminated the stark realities women in India face, including the harrowing impact of patriarchal norms and recent tragedies like the assault and murder of a young resident doctor in Kolkata. Anjali’s reflections reveal the harsh truth about systemic failures, legal inefficiencies, and the victim-blaming that permeates society.

Yet, amid the sobering details, Anjali’s stories also bring a glimmer of hope. She passionately advocates for women’s safety and empowerment, emphasizing the need for early education on consent and respectful relationships. Her vivid descriptions of her home state, Kerala, and its cultural richness contrast sharply with the grim realities she describes, making her message even more impactful.

This episode isn’t just a conversation; it’s a call to action. Join us as we amplify voices like Anjali’s and work together to create a world where women everywhere can live free from fear and full of hope. Listen now, and let’s keep the conversation going!

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!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 쇼군|The One with Doc Ayomide - The Art of Storytelling in "Shogun": A Reflection on Culture and Tradition: Episode 14 (2024)

In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, I’m joined by my fellow cinephile, Doc Ayomide, for an engaging discussion on Shogun (2024), the captivating FX series based on James Clavell’s novel. Set in 17th-century Japan, Shogun delves into the intricate dynamics of power, love, and cultural conflict during political upheaval.

Doc Ayomide and I explore how the powerful stories within Shogun shape our understanding of historical events and resonate with our modern lives. We discuss the delicate balance between authenticity and drama in historical shows, emphasizing how Shogun navigates the complexities of honor, loyalty, and strategic decisions.

Our conversation highlights the personal sacrifices that characters—and, by extension, people—make to stay true to their values. We also reflect on broader themes, such as the role of honor in shaping identity, the importance of relationships, and the nuanced portrayal of cultural differences. Doc Ayomide offers a fresh perspective on how these themes mirror real-life scenarios, where loyalty and strategy often come at a significant personal cost.

In addition, we touch on the evolution of media consumption, comparing the communal experience of weekly episode releases to the binge-watching culture popularized by streaming platforms. We also discuss how Shogun uses language and translation as powerful tools for both connection and conflict.

As we wrap up, it becomes clear that understanding these dynamics enriches our appreciation of storytelling while offering valuable life lessons. Whether you’re a history buff, a media enthusiast, or someone looking to explore the intersection of culture and character, this episode has something for you. Tune in for an insightful exploration of how Shogun reflects the dualities of life and how our engagement with media continues to shape our perspectives on both the past and present.

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 릴롱궤에서 세계로|The One with Dr. Mathero Michelle Nkhalamba - From Malawi to the World: Bridging Western Training and African Realities in Mental Health: Episode 13 (2024)

Hey, beautiful souls! Today on the More Sibyl Podcast, I’m thrilled to feature Dr. Michelle Mathero Nhkalamba, a pioneering clinical psychologist from Malawi’s vibrant capital, Lilongwe. Growing up with seven siblings, Michelle's early education in local schools fueled her passion for psychology, leading her to attain a BA in Humanities from the University of Malawi. She then pursued a master’s in Clinical Psychology from Bangor University, UK, and a PhD from Rhodes University with the support of the Beit Trust Scholarship.

In our enlightening conversation, we explored Michelle's unique approach to mental health, which marries Western-trained methodologies with Malawi's cultural realities. From offering counseling under trees to integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with motivational interviewing and mindfulness, her work is a testament to culturally conscious healing. Michelle’s dedication to accessible mental health care, her research in safeguarding ethical practices, and her advocacy for those in high-risk settings illustrate her commitment to transforming societal views on mental wellness in Africa. We also touched on the realities of mental health in Africa, the struggles of being a "strong African woman," and the need for societal change. Michelle’s honesty and dedication left me in awe, and I know her story will touch your heart too.

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!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 인연| On 'Past Lives': An Exploration of Love, Loss, and Cinematic Brilliance - The One with Doc. Ayomide: Episode 11 (2024)

This week, I bring you an episode full of fun and laughter with Doc Ayomide, and it's a rollercoaster of stories and movies. We talked about Past Lives—the movie. Past Lives isn't just a film; it's an emotional journey through love, loss, and the sands of time. The movie follows the intertwined destinies of Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends who are separated when Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Years later, they reconnect, leading to a poignant exploration of what might have been and their lives' paths. Distributed by A24, this film has garnered critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced performances.

We broke down those important lines and heart-wrenching scenes that hit you immediately in this episode. Ever feel like a movie is reflecting your own life back at you? Yeah, we’re going there. Doc Ayomide and I are here to share our favorite moments, dissect the characters' journeys, and spill the tea on how this film reshapes our understanding of human connections. As the resident Koreanophile, I shared some nuanced cultural meanings with Ayomide that he missed, adding another layer to our discussion. Whether you're a film fanatic or just love a good story, this episode has something for you. 

Join your favorite host as we unpack intricate storytelling and jaw-dropping moments that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Tune in—you won't want to miss it!

PS: Apple still sucks. #TeamDroid all the way