The More Sibyl Podcast

What happens when the people who believed in you before you believed in yourself finally sit across from you and you get to say thank you on a mic? That is exactly this episode. I am joined by two of my oldest friends and fellow members of what we proudly call the Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarves. Temi, an endoscopy nurse visiting the US for the very first time, and Bisi, an ER nurse who has been holding it down stateside in Texas. We met in college over two decades ago. We have survived a lot together. And this episode felt like exactly what it was: a reunion, a reckoning, and a love letter to the friendships that refuse to let you stay small. We get into Temi's first impressions of America: the roads, the houses, the sheer scale of everything. We do not shy away from the food conversation, because what better lens for a culture than what it puts on a plate? Temi had opinions. Bisi had receipts from her own early years in the US. And I had plenty to say about the gaps between what looks good and what actually nourishes. We also talked about what it means to travel on a Nigerian passport, and how a single document can determine how much dignity you are afforded at a border. How bureaucracy becomes a tax on ambition. How some of us carry an extra weight just to move through the world. But here is what sits at the heart of it all: Temi saw something in me before I saw it in myself. She is the one who pushed me to start this podcast. Seven years ago, when I was still hesitating, still making excuses, she would not let me hide. She kept saying, "You need to do this. You have something to say." So we sat down and talked about what those seven years have held. The episodes that became therapy. The stories entrusted to a microphone. The listeners who made it all worth it. And where this show still needs to go. We also talked about transformation. About the surgery that split my life into before and after. "Something snapped in me," I said. "I told myself I'm going to live my life." About growing up under surveillance, sheltered, silent. About finding my voice and never looking back. About the friends who see you clearly, even when you are still figuring out who you are. Because here is the truth: you cannot make old friends. The ones who knew you before you became who you are now? The ones who pushed you when you wanted to shrink? Those are irreplaceable. This one is personal. And I think you will feel that. If this episode moves you, share it with a friend who has been your Temi. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-sisterhood-of-the-traveling-scarves-6def9aff811e

The Relationship Room Presents: In this episode, Mo! and I talk about money, not just how it shows up in our relationships, but how it shapes our lives. We dive into the infamous Black Tax, something so many of us can relate to whether we live at home or abroad. There’s the pride that comes with being able to support family, and the quiet responsibility that follows. Mo! reflects on a moment when she looked back at a year’s worth of money sent home and felt overwhelmed, not with regret, but with awareness. It clarified just how much love, effort, and sacrifice can be tied up in a single decision. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not wanting to send as much as you “should,” or selfish for needing to choose yourself sometimes, you’re not alone. We see you. We also take on a very delicate topic, prompted by a question from one of our listeners: to prenup or not to prenup, especially as Nigerians in the diaspora and as Christians. Why does the word feel so scary? Why does it sound like you’re ending a relationship before it even begins? Mo! captures it perfectly when she says it feels “like putting a lawyer in the room.” We don’t have all the answers. We’re still figuring things out too. But this conversation is honest, personal, and rooted in lived experience. If any part of this sounds familiar, pull up a seat and listen. Read Blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/1175d517d43e

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: In a moment where diaspora conversations often swing between "I miss home" and "I'm never going back," what happens when you actually spend two months living—not visiting—in the place you left behind? This episode brings Doc Ayomide back to us on the podcast for an unfiltered conversation about my recent two-month stay in Nigeria. What started as a trip home became a masterclass in adaptation, comparison, and the uncomfortable work of holding two realities at once. We explore why we romanticize past lives from a distance, the classism we have been trained not to notice, and how obtaining a simple passport became a months-long ordeal that cost nearly a million naira and still has not been fully resolved. We also talk domestic staff, Lagos airport chaos, the five-year-old who is picking up "ọ" faster than expected, and why something about Nigeria's resilience makes American "breaking news" feel a little dramatic. Three weeks, we decided, is probably the sweet spot. Two months will teach you things you did not ask to learn. This episode will not give you closure. But if you have ever been caught between loving a place and being exhausted by it, between the version of home that lives in your chest and the one that charges you 250k for a letter, you will find company here. PS: Shout out to Nigerian teachers who reminded us what patient, collectivist education actually looks like. And to the government officers charging 250k for letters, we see you, and we are tired. Available now on all major podcast platforms. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/romanticising-home-bfe44dfde5c5

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how many of us are holding two things at once: prescription bottles on one hand, herbal teas and mindfulness practices on the other. Somewhere in the middle, a question keeps surfacing for me: what does healing look like when we stop asking it to choose between science and soul? In this episode, I sit with Dr. Tokunbo Akande, a board-certified pediatrician, clinical informaticist, and dual-trained fellow in integrative medicine and Ayurveda. Dr. Akande moves with ease between worlds. He can talk vaccine schedules and electronic health records, and in the same breath speak to doshas, herbs, and the wisdom he grew up with. We talk about how ancient healing traditions can live alongside modern medicine, why stories matter in clinical spaces, and what sustainable wellbeing really looks like when you’re navigating burnout, cultural displacement, and the quiet loss of inherited knowledge. Dr. Akande shares his journey, from growing up with childhood asthma in Nigeria to nearly leaving medical school, to rediscovering the herbs that reshaped his relationship with healing during the pandemic, and eventually founding Harmony 360 Health. Along the way, we reflect on what gets lost when medicine forgets the body, and what becomes possible when we learn to listen again. If you’re tired of the false choice between East and West, traditional and modern, this conversation offers something gentlerand truer. A reminder that healing isn’t something we outsource, and balance isn’t passive. It’s a practice. At the end of the episode, Tokunbo offers a short guided body scan. It’s a small gift; five quiet minutes that might help you come back home to yourself. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-integrative-pediatrician-334071454c21

The Relationship Room Presents: You know that moment when you start to text someone you used to speak to every single day… and then your spirit just says, leave it? Welcome to the very first episode of The Relationship Room, a new segment of the award-winning More Sibyl Podcast, created because some conversations just need their own space. A space where we can talk plainly about the relationships that shape us, challenge us, and sometimes drain us. In this debut episode, Mo! and I get into a season almost every adult recognizes: when your circle shrinks as you grow. Not because anything dramatic happened, but because you finally see things for what they are. We talk through the things most people feel but rarely say out loud, how “I don’t chase anymore” stopped being a caption and became a boundary, how friendships now live on voice notes, delayed replies, and calendar availability, and how choosing peace brings both relief and a quiet question of whether you’re evolving or just exhausted. We get real about the parts life never posts: how boundaries can feel like guilt before they feel like freedom, how family photos can look perfect while conversations stay awkward, and how money can subtly shift power in relationships. And we name that moment you realize you’d rather enjoy your own company than shrink yourself for people who never really heard you. There’s laughter too — the random Facebook voice notes, the dating audacity, the ways adulthood humbles us all. But the thread running through everything is simple: real connection still exists and still feels good, but only when it’s mutual and doesn’t drain you. Wherever you are in your journey with friendships, family, or love, this episode reminds you that you’re not the only one trying to figure it out. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk Read Blog here: https://medium.com/@mosibyl/the-room-conversations-small-circles-big-peace-517831088f89

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: In this age of going no-contact, and in a moment where the word “narcissism” is often slapped on everything, family conversations can feel more divided than ever. Stay or leave. Set boundaries or keep the peace. As we close out the year, we wanted to slow that binary down and make space for nuance. In the final episode of this year, we talk about the weight of family and how cultural expectations around loyalty, obedience, and sacrifice can quietly blur into hurt. I’m joined by Agatha Peters, a Nigerian-American psychotherapist, founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy, and author of Trapped in Their Script, who brings both professional insight and lived experience to this conversation. Together, we explore family dynamics without rushing to labels or extreme conclusions. We talk about control, unmet emotional needs, boundaries, distance, and the often overlooked middle ground between staying and leaving. As the year comes to a close, and holiday gatherings make family dynamics feel especially tender, we hope this episode offers reflection rather than pressure. A reminder that you do not need perfect language or drastic decisions to honor your experience. You are allowed to choose what care and connection look like for you. Thank you for listening with us this year. We’ll see you in the new year with more thoughtful, grounded conversations. PS: You can find Mrs. Agatha’s book, Trapped in Their Scripts, wherever books are sold, and her practice, Beautiful Sunshine Therapy, through the link below. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/lets-talk-about-narcissistic-parents-other-stories-2954d1c61de5

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: This episode asks something quietly radical in our moment: what if the real crisis isn’t ignorance, but the steady erosion of how we relate to knowledge, to one another, and to responsibility? In my conversation with Mr. Gbane Okolo, we talk about what it’s like to think deeply in a world that often feels impatient with nuance, how curiosity can start to feel risky, how expertise can be misunderstood. How simply asking careful questions can come with social and emotional costs. Gbane reflects on anti-intellectualism not as a buzzword, but as something people quietly bump into every day. We also make room for the pressures people don’t always say out loud, especially financial stress. Not the dramatic, headline kind, but the quieter strain of living “in between”: planning a future while your footing still feels temporary, carrying responsibility before stability fully arrives, trying to stay hopeful while the timeline keeps stretching. It’s a reality many students, immigrants, and early-career professionals recognize immediately, even if they rarely hear it named with tenderness. From there, our conversation moves through faith, science, and intellectual humility; through technology, AI, and the strange way modern tools can mirror our fears as much as our progress. Gbane shares why he believes a shift is coming—a growing hunger for authentic connection, critical thinking, and human presence in a world that’s becoming increasingly automated. At its heart, this episode is about staying curious when it would be easier not to. About thinking carefully, living honestly, and giving ourselves permission to ask better questions, even when the world seems uncomfortable with depth. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/thinking-in-an-age-of-distrust-afcb05b8d5f0

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: Some friendships don’t arrive with fireworks; they arrive quietly, like a warm breeze on an unfamiliar coastline. That’s what meeting Seohan was like for me. This episode is a gentle, honest look at how unexpected connections can shape how we survive, grow, and soften while living far from home. In today’s conversation, recorded in Busan, South Korea, Seohan and I revisit the story of our friendship—one that began in Oklahoma, deepened over food and laughter, and quietly carried us through awkward transitions, cultural differences, and the strange tenderness of young adulthood. We talk about what it meant to be two immigrants navigating loneliness and identity in a place that looked nothing like any version of home we knew. We reflect on the early days of shyness, the way vulnerability opened doors, and how the simplest gestures, a ride, a shared meal, a late-night conversation, can become anchors during life abroad. There’s an honesty to our friendship that makes this episode feel like sitting on a porch at sunset, listening to two old friends remember who they were before life scattered them to different continents. You’ll hear stories about fear, courage, language, faith, and what it means to love people with intentionality. But more than anything, this episode is a reminder that God sometimes sends us the right people at the right time, not to stay forever, but to shape us in ways we only understand years later. If you’ve ever lived abroad, healed abroad, or reinvented yourself far away from everything familiar…this one will sit close to your heart. Listen, breathe, and maybe text that friend who walked you through a season you didn’t have words for. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/busan-memories-and-%EB%A7%88%EC%9D%8C-heart-47ae5bac7510

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: What does it mean to belong everywhere and nowhere at once? In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, I sit with Dr. Xin She, a pediatrician, global health scholar, researcher, mindfulness educator, polyglot, and Fulbright Fellow, whose life spans continents, cultures, and ways of knowing. Together, we explore what it means to heal beyond medicine, to find wholeness not in prescriptions but in purpose, compassion, and connection. Born in 1980s Shanghai, in a one-room home without hot running water, Dr. She’s earliest lessons in resilience came from bucket showers and blackouts long before she ever entered a clinic. Those childhood experiences later shaped her calling to global health, from Haiti’s pediatric wards to the U.S.–Mexico border, where a simple Coke bottle filled with stones can spark joy for a child processing trauma. We talk about motherhood and migration, burnout and rebirth, and the tender work of raising a global citizen; a child who learns empathy not from textbooks, but from refugee camps, shared meals, and birthday cakes at the border. We also reflect on our Fulbright journeys, hers in Mexico and mine in Korea, and the quiet, unseen sacrifices our families make so we can stand in the places we feel called to. Our conversation moves through the meaning of work-life integration, the courage to say no without guilt, and the discipline of creating joy even in places marked by pain. And woven through it all is a simple truth: despite our differences, people everywhere long for the same things: wellness, dignity, connection, and meaning. This episode is a reminder that across borders and experiences, there is always common ground. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-geography-of-being-human-e6fd0d48d5fe

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: To close out our Prostate Cancer & Men’s Wellness Awareness Series, we sit with Dr. Timi Adepoju, a physician, leadership coach, entrepreneur, and living proof that adversity can be a launchpad. From growing up in Ibadan during Nigeria’s era of scarcity to building thriving clinics and leadership programs in the U.S., his story is a masterclass in grit, grace, and growth. He reflects on how childhood lessons, faith, and a “make the most of what you have” mindset shaped the man he is today and why he refused to abandon his dream of becoming a physician, even when others urged him to take an easier road. But this conversation isn’t just about achievement. It’s a full reset on men’s wellness and balance; a candid look at why men around the world are dying younger, how the “provider” mindset fuels silent exhaustion, and why rest, nutrition, yearly checkups, and breathing space are not indulgences, but survival tools. Dr. Adepoju shares his own transformation from 100-hour workweeks to building rhythms of rest, intentional vacations, and sustainable balance. For leaders and multitaskers, his thoughts on clarity, structure, and letting go will resonate deeply: how to create systems, trust your team, set weekly anchors, and accept that the world will keep spinning even when you take a day off. We also explore how he built Empower Children’s Clinic in Mississippi by turning barriers into blueprints — seeing poverty, health disparities, and limited pediatric access as opportunities to serve. “Light comes out of darkness,” he says, and his clinics, now in multiple locations, prove it. In the end, we return to what greatness truly means. Vulnerability. Accountability. The courage to grow and evolve year after year. If you’re a physician with a vision, a man redefining strength, or anyone learning to balance ambition with well-being, this episode will both ground and inspire you. Tune in to hear the full conversation; available now on all podcast streaming platforms. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/becoming-a-well-built-man-fd6c07daa8c6

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: In this episode, I sit down with Mr. Mark A. Harris, a men's health advocate whose story redefines what it means to face illness with faith, courage, and community. Recorded on Father’s Day, this conversation goes beyond prostate cancer; it’s about legacy, love, and learning to “do it afraid.” Mr. Harris opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, the heartbreaking loss of his son to a rare cancer, and how both experiences shaped his mission to help men speak up, get checked, and live fully. From the power of early detection to breaking the silence around men’s health, Mr. Harris reminds us that strength and softness can coexist, and that sharing your story doesn’t make you weak; it makes you a guide for others finding their strength. 🎧 Tune in to hear: Why fear and shame shouldn’t stop men from seeking help How illness reshapes relationships and faith The importance of early detection and open conversations What true advocacy looks like when love meets loss This episode will move you, challenge you, and remind you that healing isn’t just about the body, it’s about connection, courage, and community. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that it’s okay to be strong and soft at the same time. 🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂: Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/breaking-the-silence-against-prostate-cancer-41885e507480

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: What does it mean to live well, even in the face of illness? How do we care for those navigating both the physical and emotional realities of cancer? In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, we sit down with one of the pioneers of psycho-oncology, Dr. Andrew Roth, Professor Emeritus of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College and longtime attending psychiatrist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Together, we explore the emotional ripple effects of a cancer diagnosis, how anxiety and shame often hide beneath stoicism, and why naming our fears can sometimes be the most courageous act of all. Dr. Roth introduces tools like the Distress Thermometer and MAX-PC (Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer), simple yet profound ways clinicians can detect emotional suffering early, before it turns into isolation. These tools, he explains, aren’t just checklists; they’re bridges that reconnect patients to language, to care, and to hope. But perhaps the most powerful insight from Dr. Roth is this: healing doesn’t always mean cure. Sometimes it means learning how to live with uncertainty, reclaiming joy in moments that medicine can’t measure, and building relationships that remind us we are more than our diagnosis. He speaks of the courage it takes for men to open up, for partners to listen without judgment, and for doctors to lead with empathy rather than ego. In sharing his own journey, from community organizing in Brooklyn to a lifetime of helping patients find meaning in the midst of uncertainty, Dr. Roth shows how emotional honesty can transform medical care and what it truly means to “live better” with illness. Whether you’re a clinician, caregiver, patient, or loved one walking beside someone in pain, this conversation will leave you with a renewed understanding of how connection, courage, and curiosity can shape the way we heal and the way we live. Because healing, as Dr. Roth reminds us, isn’t just medical. It’s profoundly human. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-human-side-of-cancer-d06690f1375e

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: At five or six years old, Mr. Roland Odeleye walked miles through the chaos of Nigeria’s 1966 military coup, guided by an inner compass that brought him home safely. That moment became a defining spark in his journey, from Bodija’s fruit-filled streets to a life of purpose, advocacy, and resilience in the face of prostate cancer. In this deeply moving episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, I sit down with Mr. Roland Odeleye, a Nigerian-born patent attorney, nonprofit leader, and prostate cancer advocate, whose story redefines what it means to live with purpose after illness. From his joyful childhood in Bodija, Ibadan, surrounded by fruit trees and family warmth, to decades of service providing free prostate screenings in Nigeria, Mr. Odeleye’s life reflects resilience rooted in community, faith, and knowledge. But when the advocate became the patient, his mission took on a new meaning. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, he chose active surveillance (regular checkups) instead of immediate surgery, leaning on his family and faith through the journey. Years later, when surgery became necessary, he faced the realities of recovery: physical limitations, emotional healing, and redefined manhood. In this candid conversation, he opens up about: Growing up in Ibadan and the lessons of love, diversity, and resourcefulness. Building a foundation that offered free prostate and cataract screenings across Oyo State. His prostate cancer journey, from diagnosis to surgery, and what “healing” really means. Honest reflections on manhood, quality of life, and faith after prostate surgery. Why he rejects the label “survivor” and calls himself “a man who lived through cancer and carries its legacy.” His ongoing mission to track and support men from his foundation’s past medical outreaches. Mr. Odeleye’s story is not one of mere survival, but a call to redefine strength through vulnerability, to talk openly about men’s health, and to find purpose even in pain. Whether you’re on a health journey, supporting a loved one, or seeking inspiration, listen in to be inspired by a story that blends courage, humor, faith, and service, and reminds us all that healing is not a destination, but a daily act of purpose. Because, as the Yoruba saying goes, ”T’aba Mọ Ọna A kò baje”: if we know the way, we won’t get lost. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/on-prostate-cancer-purpose-and-the-power-of-openness-3ebc6d3c6f8c

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide and depression. Please take care of your heart before you listen. How do we talk honestly about youth suicide, parenting, and mental health in communities where silence has been the norm? In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, we present a raw, necessary, and profoundly human conversation on one of the most pressing issues of our time. Joined by Dr. Jessica Puri, Dr. Mathero Michelle Nkhalamba, and Doc Ayomide, this panel takes us inside the struggles too often hidden behind children’s smiles. From Jessica’s courageous story of attempting suicide at eight years old, to Michelle’s reflections on breaking cycles of toxic parenting, to Ayomide’s insights on why children need the language of emotions, each voice calls us to pay closer attention to the silent battles our young people fight. Together, we explore what it means to create psychologically safe environments in homes, schools, faith-based spaces, and communities. We discuss how technology can be guided by wisdom rather than fear, why parents must confront their own unresolved trauma, and how the phrase “it takes a village” is more than just a proverb. This episode offers more than reflection. It is a blueprint for prevention, equipping parents, teachers, and communities with tools to name emotions, build safe support networks, and confront the “not my kid” mindset Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caring friend, you’ll leave with the tools to spot silent suffering and the courage to discuss it openly.

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: It’s back-to-school season, and while many families are packing lunches and buying supplies, some of us — especially in immigrant or multicultural homes — carry invisible loads. We’re advocating for kids who don’t “fit the mold,” navigating behavioral concerns, or trying to decode school systems never designed with us in mind. That’s why we hosted “More Than a Backpack,” a live panel born out of my own rough start to kindergarten with my daughter. What followed was a raw, honest, and deeply needed conversation with parents and professionals who know this weight firsthand. Ms. Farah, worship pastor, creative leader, and mom of six, shared wisdom from home and ministry. Her reminder: the system is too overwhelmed to parent our kids and knowing their individual needs is our sacred work. Dr. Ihyembe, developmental-behavioral pediatrician, explained why some appointments can’t be squeezed into 15 minutes and how parents must see themselves as advocates, not outsiders. She drew a clear line between what pills can and can’t do and when to seek professional help. Mr. Afolabiyi, husband and dad of three, spoke with candor about the quiet weight fathers carry, urging couples to stay united and keep children’s needs first. Ms. Millicent, nurse practitioner, content creator, and mom of four, brought humor and honesty. She reminded us that “real” parenting isn’t about being perfect, and that grace and connection matter just as much as grades. Ms. Shola Adewumi, mom of two and nursing student, shared her journey raising a son labeled “too emotional.” Guided by faith, she learned to trust her instincts and advocate for him in ways that mattered. In my own reflections, I compared navigating U.S. schools with Nigeria’s system and saw how adaptation isn’t optional; it’s essential. Across all stories ran the same thread: parents filling gaps with lessons, encouragement, and relentless advocacy, because our children are more than grades or labels. We closed with book recommendations that echoed this truth: parenting is less about perfection and more about presence, perspective, and persistence. - The Belonging Paradox – Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu - The Cost of Control – Sharon Hodde Miller - The Circle Maker – Mark Batterson - The Last Lecture – Randy Pausch - Mindset – Carol Dweck - 21 Seconds to Change Your World – Mark Rutland So if you’ve ever left a parent-teacher meeting with more questions than answers, or wished someone would say, “You’re not crazy. You’re not alone,” this conversation is for you. And if you know another parent carrying more than a backpack, share this episode. We see them. We’re in this together. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/back-to-school-panel-534bb245fc71

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 볼 수 있어야 꿈꾼다| From Ikorodu to the World: Testimony of Purpose and Possibility — The One With Testimony Adebiyi | Episode 27 (2025) In this powerful episode, we sit down with Miss Testimony Adebiyi, a passionate changemaker whose story begins in the low-income neighborhood of Ikorodu, Lagos. The daughter of a teacher and a pastor, Testimony grew up facing the harsh reality of being unable to attend school due to financial constraints. But instead of being defined by scarcity, she used it as fuel. Now a first-class graduate in Library and Information Science and a Programs Coordinator at Millennium Campus Network, Testimony has impacted over 4,000 people globally through her work in education, leadership, and youth development. She opens up about the pain of near-missed opportunities, the power of books and community, and her decision to live an intentional life rooted in faith, impact, and advocacy. She also shares her vision for the future: leading programs that support youth development, gender equality, and meaningful change, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa. We also dive into a spirited conversation about Gen Z values, digital distractions, and bridging generational gaps with compassion and curiosity. There’s honesty, laughter (yes, even a “japa” moment), and how she went from surviving survivor’s guilt to giving back through mentorship and storytelling. This is the story of a woman who turned obstacles into stepping stones. If you’ve ever felt like your beginnings were too small for the dreams you carry, this episode is your reminder to keep going. 🎧 Listen now and be inspired to make meaning of your journey and pay it forward. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/from-ikorodu-to-the-world-3f6307a9dd29

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: Can you imagine sending your 8-year-old back to your home country for school after immigrating to another country? Before you say, “Heck no!” Especially my Naija people, you might want to listen to this episode. This week, we’re joined by the remarkable Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges: educator, community builder, founder, and mother extraordinaire. We both met in boarding school almost three decades ago. In this captivating conversation, she takes us on a journey through her life as a Nigerian-American woman shaped by both Brooklyn and boarding school. And yes, she made the bold decision to send her American-born daughter back to Nigeria for high school, not as a punishment, but as an intentional investment in identity, discipline, and legacy. From her own cross-continental upbringing to raising bicultural children, Dr. Elizabeth shares how early immersion in a Nigerian boarding school (beginning at age 8) sharpened her independence, forged resilience, and even earned her an unforgettable nickname. We unpack what it means to truly belong, as she redefines home not as a zip code but as “where you make an impact.” This episode is for every parent questioning how to raise grounded kids in a culture that often feels disconnected from their roots, and for anyone navigating the in-between of heritage and new beginnings. We also explore her passion for civic leadership, the role of faith, and how she’s preparing the next generation to lead with both heart and heritage. Tune in now to learn why, for some families, going “back” can be a powerful step forward. Contact Dr. Elizabeth directly: [email protected] Let her know you found her through The More Sibyl Podcast. 🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂: Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/back-to-the-roots-why-i-sent-my-american-kid-to-a-nigerian-boarding-school-332912b8ae22

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: Legacy. Leadership. Life Lessons. This episode on The More Sibyl Podcast is surely unforgettable. I had the privilege of sitting down with Professor Onatolu Odukoya, the former Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital. What began as a conversation about legacy evolved into an enriching dialogue about purpose, faith, leadership, and the wisdom that comes with age. We explored his remarkable academic career, starting with his early days as a standout scholar who would later make his mark at Harvard. We discussed the evolution of Nigeria’s medical education system, particularly in light of emerging technologies like AI and their impact on diagnostics. Professor Odukoya expressed cautious optimism about the future, hopeful that, with the right reforms and vision, both medical education and the broader healthcare sector in Nigeria can grow and thrive. Now in retirement, Professor Odukoya is far from idle. He continues to serve on several medical and community boards, including the Holy Trinity Hospital Board and the Academy of Medical Sciences. He shared candidly about the fears many high achievers have around retirement, especially the fear of becoming irrelevant, but offered a powerful model for staying engaged and purposeful through service, planning, and faith. We also discussed his newly released memoir, which chronicles his life of discipline, faith, loss, and service. It’s not just a story of accomplishments, but of values: how he and his wife have deliberately passed down faith and integrity to their children and grandchildren. This episode is a rich blend of wisdom, history, and practical advice. Whether you’re an academic, a parent, a leader, or someone reflecting on your own legacy, Professor Odukoya’s story will leave you both challenged and inspired. Oh—and something BIG is coming this month. Mark your calendars for July 19th: More Than a Backpack is a live panel session featuring moms, dads, and a behavioral specialist, who will dig even deeper into how we can collectively advocate for our kids in the North American education system. That’s right, both the U.S. and Canada. Save the date, and we’ll see you there! 🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂: Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-incredible-journey-of-an-academic-medicine-legend-fcf89fc24502 Order his book here: https://form.typeform.com/to/YNxANf4j