The More Sibyl Podcast

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Damilola Falodun

On one lazy Sunday in May, I fell into one of those YouTube black holes and ended up watching a video about Damilola - today’s guest. I remembered being transfixed for the whole 30+ minutes I watched it. It made me cry, raise my hand furiously to heaven, sigh deeply, contemplate the hearts of men and the pains we inflict on each other, and most importantly, it made me want to do something. Thus, I was moved to action to help this young lady re-tell her story in a more humanistic way, with more emphasis on the person behind the story, as I thought this element was grossly lacking in the interview I had just watched her in.

Dear friends and listeners, today, I present to you a story of Ms. Damilola Falodun, a 23-year-old native of Ekiti state, an orphan, and a survivor of human trafficking. Lured under the pretext of finding work in Oman, her and several others endured harsh conditions while in Oman. It’s a story about finding your way back home after you have lost your way, in every sense of the word. It is also one that reminds us of, perhaps most importantly, that home is always where the heart is.

Ms. Damilola is back in Nigeria now, safe, and slowly trying to build her life back. She also recently enrolled in a University to study entrepreneurship and business management. Her goal is to set up a foundation to help rescue and train young girls on artisan skills that can make them financially independent.

You can make that Ms. Damilola’s dream come true by listening to this episode, sharing it with your friends and contacts to increase awareness on this issue, or making a small donation to help Damilola get her life back. You can also do all three.

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 다시 시작하자, 우리|The One with Mo!Nologue - On Diverse Stories, New Perspectives: Episode 1 (2024)

Dear Mosiblings,

In this episode of The More Sibyl Podcast, we welcome you all to Season 7 with immense gratitude. Reflecting on our journey since April 2018, your support has been invaluable. This season promises engaging and diverse discussions on workplace dynamics, personal resilience, and more. Entering our sixth year and seventh season feels surreal yet immensely rewarding. Reflecting on this journey, I'm reminded of the wisdom shared by Ira Glass about the creativity gap. He aptly described the initial phase of a creative journey as a period where there's often a disparity between our vision and the quality of our work. While it may be discouraging when our efforts fall short of expectations, it's essential to recognize the significance of these early steps in our growth process.

Embracing the imperfections of our early episodes was key to reaching Season 7. This season, we'll continue our authentic storytelling, exploring diverse experiences, asking tough questions, and building community. As we gear up for Season 7, we're expanding our team. If you're a young creative looking to join us in post-production, brand sponsorship, or social media management, send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

On a personal note, the past few months have been filled with both challenges and growth. While I eagerly anticipate sharing my stories with you, some are still in progress to ensure that everyone's privacy and dignity are respected. Season 7 will serve as a celebration of diversity, featuring engaging narratives, and unveiling fresh perspectives.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Here's to an enriching and inspiring Season 7!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 파라의 삶의 층| Layers of Life - Exploring Farah’s Journey from Childhood to Blended Family (Part 1): Episode 10 (2023)

In this week's continuation of Farah's life journey, we were joined by Tony, her husband, and our session together was truly enjoyable. Tony, former military personnel, described his marriage to Farah as one of the greatest adventures of his life. Despite societal perceptions of second marriages, their unique story, which began when they met in church during their respective divorces, has resulted in a successful union of over 25 years.

During our conversation, Tony shared deeply personal experiences that have shaped his perspective on family. He revealed that the time he discovered he had a 17-year-old son, a surprising revelation that turned his world upside down (for good). Additionally, he opened up about the pain of being estranged from his daughter for seven long years. These challenges have tested his resilience and reshaped his understanding of fatherhood.

Despite these hardships, Tony's love for his children knows no bounds. He expressed a profound desire to see them live fulfilling lives guided by their own choices and the will of God. He emphasized the importance of allowing them to explore, take risks, and grow, even if it meant they had to be physically distant from him. Tony's unwavering support and acceptance shine through as he embraces the complexities of parenthood.

Tony and Farah have built a blended family with six children, each with a unique story and background. Their journey as a family is filled with anticipation for the future, including the joy of being grandparents. Their commitment to love, understanding, and overcoming challenges has fortified their bond.

Connect with Farah @tonysfarah and Tony @stouttony8 on IG.

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 혼자 살지 마세요|The One with Doc Ayomide - On Not Doing Life Alone & Crafting Meaningful Connections: Episode 23 (2023)

In this week's episode, we're delighted to be joined by a familiar presence on the show. A warm welcome to our new listeners as well! We're pleased to reintroduce Doc. Ayomide, a SENIOR colleague and friend. For those who may not have had the pleasure of acquainting themselves with him, Dr. Ayomide is a psychiatrist and formerly served as a co-host on the podcast!

We deeply dive into a subject that has captured our attention on multiple occasions: the intricate art of community building. Our discussion centers on the intricate art of community building, prompted by an enlightening podcast episode titled "How To Not Go It Alone" by Julie Beck and Rebecca Rashid. Drawing parallels to Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," we explore community building.

Our dialogue expands to encompass the intricate tapestry of cultures that shape our society. We candidly recount our personal encounters with culture shock after transitioning from Nigeria to the UK (for him) and from Nigeria to the USA (for me). We also delve into the captivating nuances of acceptable behaviors across different racial groups. Moreover, I share some of the enlightening perspectives I've gained through my experiences with community building as a new mother.

As we end our show, we delve into the concepts of openness and directness on an individual level. Our discussion also revolves around the essence of community building, strategies to alleviate the prevalent issue of loneliness, and the notions of freedom, independence, and interdependence.

We offer an encouraging reminder to ourselves and our listeners to be there for others, just as we would hope others to be there for us. This mutual support and understanding create a nurturing environment that enriches our lives and the lives of those around us.

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 집으로 돌아가는 길 찾기| On Finding Home: An African American Woman's Journey To Reconnect With Her Roots In Africa: Episode 4 (2023)
In this week's episode, I interviewed Suzette Vearnon, an author and speaker helping women over 40 redefine what makes them enough in life and love on their terms.

This episode was about tracing her roots. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, Suzette Vearon experienced the deculturalization and assimilation of dark-skinned people, leading to feelings of unworthiness and self-perception. The sudden loss of her last parent, turning 63, and a looming pandemic caused turmoil inside her, leading her to seek her identity. These events, coupled with watching Marvel's Black Panther, Suzette was inspired to trace her African roots, where she discovered she was 99% African, with a significant part of that DNA being Esan and Mende. By connecting with the richness of these cultures, Suzette has transcended the limiting definitions she's been taught as a Black person in America. She now aims to offer pathways to mental and emotional freedom as a life coach and relationship solutionist, especially for Black women. Suzette believes connecting with her roots has been a crucial part of her journey to understanding her worth and enoughness. During our conversation, we delved into the various obstacles she has encountered since childhood and how she overcame them. Our discussion ended on an empowering note emphasizing the significance of discovering one's identity and realizing they are sufficient and will always be so.