The More Sibyl Podcast

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: 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: e.ajayibridges@gmail.com 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

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: Welcome to July! We’re kicking off the month with a deeply resonant episode featuring my dear friend, Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu. She’s no stranger to this space; it’s not her first rodeo! But this time, we welcome her back in a role that’s even more intimate and relatable: as a mother and, as you’ll hear, a fierce advocate. As immigrant parents prepare for another school year, it’s about more than just backpacks and supply lists. It’s about the emotional load we carry, navigating unfamiliar systems, decoding school emails that make our hearts race, and resisting the urge to turn our frustration inward on our children. In this timely and personal conversation, Otito shares how her son’s early struggles in school became a mirror, reflecting a lifelong journey of being misunderstood. We unpack the silent burdens immigrant parents bear while navigating Western education, especially in the U.S., with stories that will resonate deeply. One of the most significant aspects of our conversation centers on neurodiversity. As a mom to two neurodivergent sons, Otito reframes ADHD not as a deficit, but as a different kind of brilliance, changing not just how she supports her children, but how she affirms herself. We also explore the cultural dissonance between Nigerian and American schooling. For many of us who grew up trusting that teachers had our best interests at heart, it’s jarring to now feel the need to constantly explain, advocate for, and defend our position. As another school year begins, many immigrant families will return to systems not built with their context in mind. This episode offers solidarity. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or ally, now is the time to rethink what advocacy, success, and belonging really mean. Listen. Save. Share. Come back to it when August rolls around and you need a reminder: you are not alone in this journey. And if you know a parent trying to raise a child who feels seen, safe, and strong, send this their way. Also, go read The Belonging Paradox, Dr. Otito’s incredible book (available on Amazon). The episode only scratches the surface—its pages offer deeper truths about identity, parenting, and reclaiming belonging across cultures and systems. No spoilers here. Just go read it. 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, digging 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/on-belonging-and-advocacy-for-ourselves-and-our-children-74c3b0f724af  

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: What does it mean to lead with heart—in the boardroom, in the clinic, and at home? On this special Father's Day edition of The More Sibyl Podcast, I sit down with the person who helped rescue me from a toxic work culture and coached me into becoming a more intentional leader. Dr. Brandon Jennings is a clinician, educator, father, and founder of Abilyn Consulting, with over a decade of experience transforming systems and lives alike. In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, we talk about healthy masculinity, emotional intelligence, fatherhood, and why knowing yourself is the first—and most important—step to leading others well. From corporate strategy sessions to parenting teenage daughters, Brandon leads with presence, not performance. His story is a masterclass in what it means to show up with self-awareness and humility across every area of life. Too often, men are stuck on autopilot, shaped by unexamined habits, cultural expectations, and outdated models of masculinity. Brandon challenges that narrative—not just in theory, but in practice. He shares personal stories of navigating a marriage where his wife's voice is the opposite of his own, working with emotionally intelligent men misaligned in rigid workplaces, and learning to parent with intention—not just instinct. We also unpack the 5 Voices framework, a tool that has radically transformed how I teach, lead, and relate to others. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and start the work of leading from wholeness. Whether you’re a dad, a leader, or simply someone trying to show up better in the world—this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen in, share with a father or friend, and remember: leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence If you’ve been looking for a sign to start the work—this is it. Connect with Brandon and the Abilyn Consulting team to begin your journey toward greater self-awareness and intentional leadership. Whether it's personal coaching or team development, they'll help you lead yourself so you can lead others better. Curious about my experience? I’m happy to share—just reach out. This work is too powerful to keep to ourselves.   Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/leadership-fatherhood-through-a-giant-lens-a2b288348c68 

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:    What’s better than a blast from the past? Having a guest return—this time, even more vulnerable and wiser. Just 13 episodes ago, Chris Chime gave us a masterclass on entrepreneurship. Now he’s back with something even more profound: a masterclass on fatherhood, intentional partnership, and generational healing. As a child of divorce, Chris grew up watching a love that didn’t last. That experience left scars—but also planted the seeds of a promise: “When it’s my turn, I’ll do it differently.” And that’s precisely what he’s doing. In this emotionally honest episode, Chris opens up about what it takes to lead your family with love, clarity, and conviction. From making the bold decision to shield his wife from extended family interference, to redefining masculinity by being present with his kids, he reminds us that being a man isn’t about dominance. It’s about devotion. We discuss how unexamined loyalty to siblings or uncles can quietly erode a marriage, and why boundaries aren't a betrayal but a form of protection. Chris shares the quiet rituals that matter most: letting kids choose the restaurant on their birthday, hosting quarterly family meetings, and building trust through simple moments of connection. He also speaks openly about how he and his wife handle disagreements by protecting their values, maintaining open communication, and refusing to use divorce threats as a weapon. And to men in the diaspora, he offers a simple, powerful charge: “Help your wife.” Because true partnership is hands-on. Whether you’re a dad, a husband, a child of divorce—or still figuring it all out—this episode will challenge, encourage, and maybe even heal you. Missed Episode 9? Go back and catch Chris’s first take on purpose and business. Listen. Share. This one’s for the generational curse breakers. Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/becoming-dad-356f075051cc 

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:  Being chosen is a gift Sam White received early, and it’s a legacy he’s now passing on with intention. In this deeply personal and powerful episode, I sit down with Sam: entrepreneur, brand strategist, real estate investor, mentor, and proud new father. Adopted at six months and raised by Black parents in Arizona, Sam opens up about the layers of identity, healing, and quiet grief that adoptees often carry beyond childhood. He reflects on the moment he reunited with his biological siblings at age 34 and how his parents nurtured a deep sense of belonging that became the foundation for his emotional and spiritual resilience. We explore how fatherhood is reshaping his understanding of love and legacy, the joy and complexity of building a multicultural family, and the intentional ways he’s raising his son with both privilege and perspective. Sam also shares the remarkable story of meeting his wife, Sarah, on a random flight, and how they’ve built a mission-driven life together. We also talk hustle. From emceeing trade shows in college to founding a successful DJ and events company and launching The Pivotal Investment, Sam is on a mission to democratize access to commercial real estate for Black and Brown communities. He shares the sacredness of wealth with purpose, the importance of mentorship, and why meaningful relationships remain the core of everything he builds. This episode is a gift: grounded in lived experience, and brimming with quiet truths that challenge, affirm, and uplift. If you’re navigating transitions, legacy, or identity, you’ll find something here that speaks directly to your soul. And when you’re done, connect with Sam on Instagram @samdiego20. Tell him which part of his journey resonated most, and don’t forget to share this episode with someone else who needs the reminder: your story matters, even the messy parts. Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/reflections-of-a-grateful-adoptee-41a4bd6213e1

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:  What happens when your “common-sense advocate” friend—often (lovingly) accused of being a chauvinist—joins the podcast to talk gender roles? You get a rich, rowdy, and unexpectedly tender Father’s Day conversation. In this special episode, I sit down with Dr. Ikechukwu Okoro (also known as Aikay, as I affectionately call him): a physician, artist, and one of the oldest friendships I’ve maintained since our NYSC days in Ibadan. Together, we explore the complex layers of ambition, masculinity, submission, grief, and family legacy. We dive into what happens when men marry ambitious women and later feel threatened by that ambition. Is ambition unbiblical? Can submission and purpose exist in the same household? We unpack these tensions with scripture, personal stories, and the Proverbs 31 woman as a backdrop. (Yes, there’s a twist at the end.) Aikay challenges my views while sharing his own, particularly on why ambition should never come at the cost of family. He also opens up about the loss of his father and what it means to grieve without tears. His story is both a celebration of a legacy and a powerful reminder that there’s no one way to mourn. This episode is a tribute to the fathers we’ve had, the ones we’ve lost, and the ones we hope to become. It’s about choosing honest dialogue over easy answers. Whether you're navigating marriage, grief, identity, or calling, this one’s for you. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/fatherhood-feminism-and-faith-d45bfd661566 

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: Five beautiful episodes. Seven amazing guests and several deeply personal stories. Sùúrùgate has reached its final chapter, and I can’t help but feel proud of the ground we’ve covered. We’ve peeled back the layers of infertility, parenthood, and the deeply intimate journey of surrogacy, giving voice to those often left out of the conversation. As we wrap this powerful series, we take a bold turn into a topic that’s rarely discussed: the legal realities of surrogacy in Nigeria. In this must-listen episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Lawyer Gbenga Adebisi, who brings unmatched clarity to Nigeria’s current surrogacy landscape, one that remains largely undefined by law. Gbenga walks us through the murky legal framework (or better put, the lack of one) and offers critical insight into why treating surrogacy as just a contract is not only misguided but potentially dangerous. His words surprised me, and they just might shift your perspective, too. We unpack the fundamental question: Is surrogacy even legal in Nigeria? The answer is not what most people think. Gbenga explains how the absence of federal legislation leaves all parties—intended parents, surrogates, and especially the children—exposed and unprotected. He also highlights the often-exploitative systems in place that leave surrogate mothers underserved, unsupported, and without recourse. If you’ve ever considered surrogacy, know someone who has, or simply care about protecting the most vulnerable in society, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical insight into how to navigate this complex terrain more responsibly, even in the absence of clear legal guidelines. But more than that, I hope this episode ignites something deeper—a call to advocate for comprehensive legal reform in Nigeria. Surrogacy should not operate in the shadows. Every child deserves legal clarity. Every surrogate deserves dignity. Every family deserves protection. So please, don’t just listen—understand. Share this episode widely. Let’s raise our voices and push for a future where surrogacy in Nigeria is guided not just by hope, but by justice.   Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-legality-of-surrogacy-in-nigeria-39d355c8b2af 

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:  As we wrap up this month’s Sùúrùgate series, I thought it expedient to share a story that embodies resilience, vulnerability, and the power of community. It takes immense courage to share a journey that many are ashamed to even identify with. And when someone steps forward with that kind of bravery, it deserves to be honored. Our guest today, though she remains anonymous, chose to walk the courageous path of telling her truth to help others find theirs. In truth, she was one of the few people who held my hand through the immigration and surrogacy process. Her guidance, honesty, and unwavering generosity carried me in moments of fear and uncertainty, and I am forever indebted to her. In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with her to explore the often-unspoken realities of infertility and surrogacy, particularly within African communities. She shares her 16-year journey, one marked by the emotional weight of endometriosis, multiple failed IVF cycles, and heartbreaking miscarriages. Together, we discuss the physical and emotional costs of these experiences and the difficult decisions that come with choosing alternative paths to parenthood. She also opens up about navigating surrogacy as an immigrant, highlighting the legal and emotional complexities of commissioning a surrogate in Nigeria and the challenges of bringing her U.S. citizen child home via the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) process. Her story sheds light on what it means to hope against hope and to take a leap of faith despite societal stigma and cultural silence. Perhaps most moving is her call to action—not just for women walking this path, but also for their partners. She urges husbands, especially in African communities, to offer patience, empathy, and unwavering support, reminding us that infertility is never just a woman’s burden to carry. Her message is a testament to love in action and to the transformative power of solidarity in the face of uncertainty. If you or someone you love is facing infertility or wants to understand the surrogacy experience more deeply, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: no one walks this path alone. Listen in for a compassionate dialogue that challenges stigma, honors each family’s unique story, and invites us all to widen our definition of what it means to become a parent. Tune in now and join us as we break the silence, share the truth, and offer hope.   Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/another-s%C3%B9%C3%BAr%C3%B9gate-surrogate-journey-9127b945be1d 

When most people think of pregnancy, they think baby names, nursery colors, and tiny clothes. For Ms. Idowu Grace Abosede, pregnancy was about giving someone else the chance to experience all of that. In this gripping episode, we unpack her deeply personal journey through surrogacy—one she had to navigate the hard way, using her own body as the lesson. That journey became the catalyst for founding Boblu’nd Gray Surrogacy Agency, where she now advocates for safe, ethical, and compassionate surrogacy in Nigeria. Ms. Idowu shares the emotional and physical toll of being a surrogate and exposes the wide gap in protections for surrogates in Nigeria. From financial mistreatment—being offered as little as ₦30,000/month for food (in this T-Pain economy?!)—to unnecessary, non-consensual C-sections, she names the exploitative practices of individuals and institutions alike. Her message is clear: Surrogacy is not a transaction. It’s a relationship. One that requires empathy, informed consent, and long-term support. Whether you're a prospective surrogate, an intended parent, or a healthcare provider, this episode will challenge you to rethink everything you thought you knew about surrogacy.  Listen now and be part of the conversation that centers care, dignity, and justice. Read blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/the-mvps-of-s%C3%B9%C3%BAr%C3%B9gate-surrogate-journeys-44efc093578a  Exploring Surrogacy or Global Family-Building? HOPES offers culturally grounded support for families navigating surrogacy and CRBA. Join our safe space for personalized, experience-based guidance. Complete the HOPES Intake Form to get started. Note: Not a legal or medical service—just a compassionate first step.

The More Sibyl Podcast: I have one goal this month: demystifying surrogacy. In this episode, I’m joined by three amazing people—Olubusolami Jeremiah-Yusuf, Chidinma Ewo-Mebradu, and my husband, Taiwo—to help me do just that. Together, we bring the dual perspectives of medical professionals and commissioning parents. We explore what it means to pursue surrogacy ethically, the emotional realities intended parents must be ready for, and the importance of building a strong, informed support system. Busolami and Chidinma offer invaluable professional insights and practical guidance on navigating surrogacy responsibly and compassionately. One of the key themes we highlight is the need to treat surrogates with dignity and fairness. From education and legal protections to emotional support and ethical practices, we discuss what it takes to ensure a positive and humane surrogacy experience. Taiwo shares his reflections on the role of honest communication between partners, while I open up about my own journey as a commissioning mom—what it meant to prepare for a child I wasn’t carrying, how I coped with anxiety and grief from previous losses, and the deep faith and trust required every step of the way. This episode is both a personal reflection and a practical guide for anyone considering or navigating surrogacy. We talk about everything from preparing for parenthood and supporting surrogates to managing logistics and navigating family dynamics. If you’d like to connect with Busolami or Chidinma for support or guidance, here’s how to reach them: Busolami – [olubusolayusuf@gmail.com] Chidinma – [victoriaewomebradu@gmail.com] If you’re exploring surrogacy or building your family through other means, know this: you are not alone. There’s a growing community and support network here for you. That’s exactly what HOPES – Helping Our People Expand Safely – is all about. Begin here: https://forms.gle/o5pbimJr1NQ9oHAY6 You can also find Busolami and Chidinma on social media—their details are linked in the show notes. Till the next conversation, Mosiblings—see you then!

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: Last year, I had my second child through surrogacy. It was a long, tedious, and rewarding journey that inspired this series: Sùúrùgate.  This premiere episode of the Sùúrùgate series is a deeply personal monologue about my journey to motherhood. A journey that spanned nearly a decade and took me through infertility, loss, hope, adoption, and finally, surrogacy. I open up about the early days of trying to conceive, the countless medical procedures, failed IVF cycles, and the heartbreak that followed each disappointment. I speak honestly about the emotional toll, the spiritual wrestling, and the cultural expectations that made the experience even more isolating. After adopting our first child, Ariifeoluwa, surrogacy became another viable option to parenthood. My husband and I chose to explore that route in Nigeria. I walk you through how we selected a clinic, navigated contracts, and managed the long-distance process. I also reflect on the silence and stigma that often surround infertility in African and faith-based communities. Through this monologue, I hope to break that silence, sharing not just the hard parts, but also the faith, patience (sùúrù), and unexpected beauty that carried me through. This episode sets the tone for the rest of the Sùúrùgate series, where I’ll dive deeper into the practical and emotional aspects of building a family in unconventional ways, especially from an African and diasporan lens. So stay tuned for the whole month as we dive into Sùúrùgate. Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/our-s%C3%B9%C3%BAr%C3%B9gate-journey-welcoming-our-joy-70bfc589f209

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:  Our final episode in our Reunion series is with our Third-Culture Aussie, Tanya Crossman. This episode is not what you would expect, but it was heartfelt and thought-provoking. Tanya Crossman is a well-known author, speaker, and educator. She focuses on Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and cross-cultural identity. She has lived in China for over ten years. She co-authored a book for Australian TCKs. She also helps globally mobile families with identity, belonging, and generational dynamics. Seven years after her first podcast, Tanya is back. She shares her thoughts on personal and global change. We explore how a major life event changed her life completely, how the pandemic changed her relationship with China, and lessons from her latest writing project, including a powerful exercise she developed to visually map the changing facets of home across different times and places. This tool revealed to her just how much her sense of identity, safety, and community had shifted over the years. In this episode, we talk about why character development matters more than achievements. We explore how hardship can lead to quiet growth and discuss how storytelling can heal, especially when our stories reveal truths we didn’t know we needed. Listen to the full episode to hear Tanya’s story, lessons, and insights. Connect with Tanya and explore her resources on Instagram:@tck_tanya 🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:  Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/on-life-curveballs-crossing-cultures-47b76f42fd89   

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:  We're still celebrating our milestone anniversary by reconnecting with some of the incredible voices from our past — and in this episode, I'm sitting down again with my dear friend, Ms. Ada Unigwe, first featured in our 2018 episode, “The Life of a Woman.” In this honest and heart-centered conversation, Ada reflects on the changes the past seven years have brought — from navigating premenopause and parenting with intention, to building a foundation of faith for her children. She shares how her views on love, legacy, and purpose have evolved, and why she now chooses alignment with God's will over chasing societal expectations. We also get honest about the silent struggles of African single moms in the diaspora, the stigma of divorce in African communities, and how faith has helped Ada reframe loss, rejection, and healing. Plus, she opens up about her dating journey, her decision to step back, and what it looks like to trust God one day at a time. If you're navigating heartbreak, solo parenting, or simply seeking encouragement in your faith journey, this episode is a poignant reminder: your story matters, with its scars, softness, strength, and all.   Read the blog here: https://mosibyl.medium.com/healing-growth-aging-and-living-life-gods-way-after-divorce-e68c83fa746b