나이지리아의 6월 12일: The One with Adaeze Nnanna On – The Brewing Tensions in Nigeria: Episode 13 (2021)

나이지리아의 6월 12일: The One with Adaeze Nnanna On – The Brewing Tensions in Nigeria: Episode 13 (2021)

Nigeria is the most populous black nation on earth and also my homeland. The country has been plagued with security challenges for over a decade, but the condition seems to have worsened over the past few weeks. To discuss this hot topic, I have Ada – an Igbo Nigerian whose tribe was threatened in President Muhammadu Buhari’s (Nigeria’s president) now-deleted vituperative tweet.

Adaeze Nnanna is a lawyer, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Tourmate by Ada the Explorer, a tourism business where she organizes private and group tours in Nigeria and around Africa. She is passionate about cycling and volunteering, especially during her free time.

In this episode, we talked about the heightened state of insecurity across various regions in the country and the nonchalant attitude of the government to address these issues. Ada shared her views on the secession movement, Twitter ban, effects of the current situation on her tourism business, and her sense of belonging as an Igbo woman, and security tips for intending travelers, especially those from the diaspora. Also, in this episode, we delved a bit into the history of the Biafra war and its implications in fueling the IPOB movement in Nigeria.

In times like this, we need all hands on deck and, most importantly, a sense of shared unity regardless of our tribe and geo-positioning; listen to the podcast to find out how you can help.

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미혼 여성의 삶: The One with Jirade Bepo - On Being Single: The Female Perspective: Episode 12 (2021)

미혼 여성의 삶: The One with Jirade Bepo - On Being Single: The Female Perspective: Episode 12 (2021)

In continuation of our ongoing relationship series, we will be talking about the female perspective of being single.

Our guest is Mojirade Bepo, a God-lover with a unique and special personality. She studied Hotel and Catering Management at Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, and is the CEO of Jirade Diadem; a Catering Outfit specialized in producing indigenous dry snacks. She also doubles as my c̶r̶a̶c̶k̶ plantain chips supplier (erhmerhgerd, they are so delish!).

She enjoys telling edifying stories and is passionate about seeing families well established with priorities set right. For fun, she loves to travel, sing, and dance.

In this episode, Jirade was candid about her journey as a single lady in her early forties, letting us in on the emotional challenges and the social discrimination she has endured on account of being single, as well as how she overcame them. We also talked extensively about how she handled the negative emotions that arose with the wedding of her younger siblings, managing loneliness, and her hopes for the future.

Jirade left nothing on the table in this conversation; listen to get all the details.

PS: If you are in Nigeria and need some decadent dry snacks like p'chips and chinchin, hit my girl Jirade up via here: 08034116905 or on IG @jiradeventures. Trust me, one taste, and you are hooked. Why? Ten years later, I am still hooked, haha.

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미혼 남자의 삶| The One with Akinola Akinlawon – On Being Single: The Male Perspective: Episode 11 (2021)

미혼 남자의 삶| The One with Akinola Akinlawon – On Being Single: The Male Perspective: Episode 11 (2021)

We are dedicating this month to all our single listeners and kicking off this relationship series with the male’s perspective on singlehood. To do justice to this topic is Akinola Akinlawon.

Akin, popularly referred to as “A.K.,” is a technocrat, critical thinker, gaming enthusiast, strategist, and friend with a reputation for being an architect of individual and organizational positive change. He earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in computer science from Cameron University in Oklahoma and has served as a leader in various capacities while being awarded numerously for his visionary involvement, commitment, and academic excellence. He holds a Master’s degree in Management of Information Systems at the University of Houston and owns an independent I.T. consulting business called Digital Designs and Engineering. He spends his spare time as a teacher, pianist, and poet.

In this episode, Akin shared his reasons for being single and was vulnerable enough to give us exclusive information about his previous unsuccessful relationships and the lessons he learned. We also discussed his opinion on males feeling intimidated by independent women, reasons why men “ghost” women, and of course, we attempted to answer the age-old question, “where are all the good guys?”

Akin dropped some hot tips for single ladies who are searching and hoping to be found. Listen and thank him later.

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10 살 소녀의 세계: The One with Elizabeth Bamidele - On Sparking Your Inner Creative Self: Episode 10 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

10 살 소녀의 세계: The One with Elizabeth Bamidele - On Sparking Your Inner Creative Self: Episode 10 (2021)

In the words of singer Whitney Houston, "the children are our future," and it's only fitting that we pay them their dues on today's episode, which happens to coincide with Children's Day.

On the show today, we have Elizabeth Bamidele, a 10-year-old who likes reading and being creative. She's a Nigerian but lives in the UK with her parents; she is the founder and creator of her YouTube channel called Sparklight Kids Club. It is a channel with inspirational videos, educational activities, and creative/fun challenges for kids and pre-teens to help build their confidence, develop their creativity and empower them to become better people.

In this episode, we talked about her journey to online content creation, her inspiration and vision for her channel, as well as her creative process. We also learned more about her family and social relationships and how she's helping her community live better lives through her content.

The brilliant Elizabeth had a word for parents and adults seeking a better relationship with their children - out of the mouth of babes, indeed! Find out when you listen and subscribe to her channel (link is in the show notes).

Thank you, Elizabeth, for gracing us with your presence on the show.

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내 머리 속의 목소리| The One with Sis – Rising Above the Voices – The Journey So Far: Episode 9 (2021)

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내 머리 속의 목소리| The One with Sis – Rising Above the Voices – The Journey So Far: Episode 9 (2021)

Two years ago, we featured the story of a Nigerian lady living with schizophrenia. She chose to be anonymously called Sis (not real name). Many of our old-timers may remember her because we helped raise funds for her medications – and we thank you for responding adequately to this request.

In honor of mental health awareness month, we have Sis back on the show to talk about the journey so far living with schizophrenia for almost a decade.

In this episode, we talked about her present health condition, the effect of the illness on her everyday life and social interaction, her hopes for the future, and how best to support others living with psychosis.

If you are wondering what has become of her mental companions, Yetunde, Emem, and the charming Christopher, you should give the episode a listen.

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의학의 이면| The One with Dr. Ibukun Sonaike - The Other Side of Medical Practice: Episode 8 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

의학의 이면| The One with Dr. Ibukun Sonaike - The Other Side of Medical Practice: Episode 8 (2021)

The medical profession is undoubtedly one of the most influential and admired professions globally, but what's on the other side of it? My guest, Dr. Ibukun, did justice to this question.

Dr. Ibukun is from Lagos, Nigeria, where he received his medical degree. He worked as a primary care physician before studying public health and epidemiology at the graduate level. He currently resides in Washington, where he is training in pediatric critical care and hopes to improve healthcare in resource-limited settings, especially for very sick children.

In this episode, we talked about the expectations versus the reality of the medical practice, comparing the US health system with that of Nigeria and highlighting areas of improvement and matching into residency programs. We also discussed at length the fine line between humanity and professionalism, striking the work-life balance in a rigorous profession, and what it means to be married to a doctor.

Dr. Ibukun shared some vital career advancement tips relevant to all professions, and Dr. TDawg also made a cameo. Don't miss this episode!

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최고의 삶| The One with Dr. Peace Uche - Empowered to Live Your Best Life: Episode 7 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

최고의 삶| The One with Dr. Peace Uche - Empowered to Live Your Best Life: Episode 7 (2021)

It is not uncommon to find professionals stuck to jobs that no longer satisfy them, especially when the pay is too juicy to let go. However, people like today's guest - Dr. Peace - have taken the giant leap of faith, stepping out from the comfort of their job security to live authentic to their purpose.

Dr. Peace Uche, trained as a doctor of pharmacy, describes herself as a transformational rhythmic speaker, empowerment guru, and radio show personality. She has guided hundreds of women in creating a life they deserve and desire by honing their innate gifts & talents and pursuing their passions.

In this episode, Dr. Peace shares with us the moment of epiphany that lead her to quit her job as a pharmacist, the hurdles she scaled during her transition process, and what it means to be an "empowerment guru." This episode strives to inspire you to share your talents with the world and encourage you to live your best life unapologetically.

Dr. Peace gave us seven power tips to help us shine, don't miss out on the fantastic resource.

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아시아 남부 벨| The One with Cindy Wilson - An Asian-Southern Belle With Too Much Soul: Episode 6 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

아시아 남부 벨| The One with Cindy Wilson - An Asian-Southern Belle With Too Much Soul: Episode 6 (2021)

In a society that continually tries to box people only to be one thing based on race, religion, culture, and other social constructs, only those with “Too Much Soul,” like our guest, are audacious enough to stand out. Shout out to Skycedi’s YouTube channel where I found her!

Cindy Wilson is from Jackson, MS, where she graduated with her Bachelor’s in Psychology & Master’s in Counseling from Jackson State University and received her MBA from Belhaven College. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA as an Author, International Speaker, and Social Impact Strategist. Cindy wrote “Too Much Soul” to share her unique story about being adopted by an African American family from Seoul, Korea, and growing up in Jackson, MS. She hopes that her story will start conversations around race and culture and empower others to find the freedom to be their authentic selves.

In this episode, we explore Cindy’s childhood and early years as a trans-racial adoptee (raised in a Black household), her unique cultural identity, and major highlights from her book. We also went political by taking a critical look into the marginalization of Asian-Americans and the recent hate-inspired attacks on them in the US. We examined ways of achieving inclusivity and the role of other ethnic minority groups like Blacks in building support for Asian-Americans.

This is a truly power-packed episode that you certainly don’t want to miss. And yes, I gushed about Korea (what did you expect, teehee!)

PS: S/O to families like Cindy’s who opened their hearts and home to a child. Here’s hoping more Black families get more involved in adoption.

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아프로 캐리비안 교육자 | The One With Shanimarie Ogilvie: The Afro-Caribbean Educator: Episode 5 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

아프로 캐리비안 교육자 | The One With Shanimarie Ogilvie: The Afro-Caribbean Educator: Episode 5 (2021)

When you hear of Jamaica, what comes to mind first? Tourism, weed, or Usain Bolt? Well, our guest today sets the record straight (no pun intended).

Shanimarie Ogilvie helps elementary teachers with 0 to 10 years of experience to manage their classrooms and effectively instruct young learners so that both student and teacher will feel fulfilled. She is also known for her listening skills, non-judgmental, results-oriented, laser-focused approach to instruction, and classroom management. She earned her Master of Education and a Supervisor Certification from Montclair State University and has spoken at the Rutgers School Culture and Improvement Project on implementing school culture goals; she currently works as an ELA Content Reviewer.

In this episode, we discuss racial identity, Jamaican culture, and how perceptions and stereotypes may differ from actual events. We also delved deep into Shanimarie’s passion for education, views on corporal punishment, tips for helping students whose learning pace seems slower than expected, and phrases to avoid telling kids when learning.

If, like me, you thought Jamaica was just a land flowing with weed and honey, then you are in for a surprise. Give it a listen!

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엄마의 사랑 유산| The One With Ana Tajder: A Mother’s Love Legacy: Episode 4 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

엄마의 사랑 유산| The One With Ana Tajder: A Mother’s Love Legacy: Episode 4 (2021)

Life throws surprises every now and then, but it's not every time that a few days’ visits end up as a 21-year stay. And how do you cope when your country suddenly disintegrates and ceases to be in existence, Well, this was how life turned out for Ana.

Ana Tajder, who was born in Yugoslavia is an award-winning international journalist, author, and host of the “Thank You, Mama,” Podcast. After more than a decade working in international marketing and advertising at large corporations, she published two memoirs and well over a hundred essays, articles, and interviews in renowned European newspapers, magazines, and journals.

In this episode, Ana talks about being at the center of her family’s multiple battles with cancer, dealing with the nagging fear of resurgence, and staying sane as a caregiver and new mum. After losing her mum to the disease, she started a podcast to curate the lessons her mother had taught her, and also to tell the stories of other women on what they learned from their mothers.

Ana’s story is evidence that “you can build a beautiful new life out of one suitcase.” Surprised? Listen to find out how!

PS: What’s one valuable lesson you learned from your mom?

PPS: S/O to @podfestexpo for making this connection happen

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새해 새 시즌| The One with Mo! - New Year, New Episode: Episode 3 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

새해 새 시즌| The One with Mo! - New Year, New Episode: Episode 3 (2021)

Hey everyone, we are back with a new season of the show! Thanks to everyone who reached out during the break period; we needed that time to re-strategize, plan, and get our creative juices flowing so that we can serve you better.

This episode is to welcome you all to Season Four of The More Sibyl Podcast and to unpack all that we have in store for you. In this episode, I give an update of the things I have been up to since you last heard from me, my New Year goals, a recap of last season’s award winners, and what you should expect this season. I went off the tangent a little, but that’s fine too.

We are now on Podbean, no longer Anchor, so catch our new episodes there, and of course, anywhere else you listen to your podcasts. It’s going to be a great year, so let’s dive into it!

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성경과 섹스| The One with The Sex Series – Biblical Perspectives On Sex: Episode 2 (2021)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents:

성경과 섹스| The One with The Sex Series – Biblical Perspectives On Sex: Episode 2 (2021)

God is the originator of sex, and everything God made, he called good, including sex. Did you know God is interested in your sex life and that it is a form of worship to God?

Our sex coach, Ms. Yinka brought down the roof as she expounded on the right attitude couples need to adopt, to worship God through sexual intimacy with their partners.

In this episode, we discussed the biblical perspectives of sex. What does the Bible say about sex? Are there certain restrictions to a Christian couple’s sexual exploration in marriage? Are churches or religious organizations supposed to have a say about bedroom affairs?

All these questions and more are what we answer in this week’s episode.

I bet you have enjoyed the free episodes so far; the subsequent eight episodes are premium content. To make a payment, please send a DM or email us at talktomo@mosibyl.com.

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섹스에 대한 오해| The One with The Sex Series – Misconceptions about Sex: Episode 1 (2021)

섹스에 대한 오해| The One with The Sex Series – Misconceptions about Sex: Episode 1 (2021)

Sex! That's what we are discussing today and for the next ten weeks. The world we live in today is highly sexually conscious. Courtesy of the digital and print media, everything around us screams sex.


To guide us in this journey, I chatted with Olayinka Favour-Alaka, a woman who is so passionate about seeing couples win in the area of sex. She is a certified sex coach, lovemaking expert, and the founder of Erotas Lounge. She has worked with many couples, including TDawg and I, and has an equal number of positive reviews to her credit.


In this first episode of the series, we start by debunking common misconceptions about sex, exploring issues such as pornography, sexual frustration, and the cultural tight-lips we have adopted regarding the topic of sex in Africa.

So what's the big deal about sex? Find out about that and more when you listen.


As usual, please send us feedback. We want to know which aspects of the conversation you resonate with the most. This will help us serve you better.

Best,

Mo!

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끝이지만| The One with Linda Jena – On The New Year And Other Stories: Episode 40 (2020)

끝이지만| The One with Linda Jena – On The New Year And Other Stories: Episode 40 (2020)

I am really excited about this episode, not only because it's the last for the year and this third season, but due to the unprecedented last-minute switch that happened. My mom was originally slated for the show, but the epileptic Nigerian network made this impossible. Luckily,

Linda Jena, our Mosibling of the year, who came visiting during Christmas, stepped in, and we recorded an unplanned episode.

Zimbabwean-born, Jesus-loving, Texas-dwelling Linda is rounding off her Ph.D. in education. An introvert committed to the couch-life, we met at a conference for international students, and thanks to my influence, she is gradually becoming more outgoing. #teehee

In this episode, we reviewed the year 2020, her hopes and adventurous plans for the New Year (good-bye to the couch), her unwavering loyalty to the podcast, and her perception of Nigerians.

Linda revealed that she is single and ready to mingle; find out about her 'spec' when you listen.

We will be going on a break but will be back in April 2021 with the show's fourth season. Thank you so much for riding with us this year. We will still be here on Instagram @themoresibylpodcast serving you engaging content, so stay with us.

Happy New Year!!!

Mo!

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나이지리아 유산| The One With Ezanya Obeten-Nance – On Biracial Family, Immigration, and Nigerian Heritage: Episode 39 (2020)

나이지리아 유산| The One With Ezanya Obeten-Nance – On Biracial Family, Immigration, and Nigerian Heritage: Episode 39 (2020)

Were it not for Mary Slessor, who went about doing the Lord's work in Calabar, the capital of Cross Rivers State, Nigeria, our guest for today would most certainly not be our guest for today. Asides from being a twin, which many find fascinating, she has quite an interesting story.

Ezanya Obeten-Nance was born in Illinois, grew up in Nigeria, and currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky. She is a pathology lab supervisor who has worked as a histotechnologist for over ten years. She is the host of "The Izora Podcast," where she talks about faith, family, work, and trying to figure it all out.

In this episode, Ezanya took us through her journey to America, we explored her Nigerian heritage and how it has influenced her role as a mother, why Christmas in Nigeria beats Christmas in the US, interracial marriage, raising two boys, the profound "why" behind her podcast, family values, self-care, and so much more.

After spending almost two decades in the US, Ezanya shared some valuable tips for those migrating to a new country, especially new international students. Listen to get the scoop.

Merry Christmas,

Mo!

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우리가 친구였을 때| The One with Olamide Somoye – On Recovering A Broken Friendship: Episode 38 (2020)

우리가 친구였을 때| The One with Olamide Somoye – On Recovering A Broken Friendship: Episode 38 (2020)

Ghosting doesn’t only happen in romantic relationships, but also among friends. This was my experience with Olamide Somoye, a friend I made while in college, but we drifted apart for obscure reasons.

After 12 years of sparse communication and many life events missed, Lamide and I had the long-overdue conversation in an attempt to find closure. This episode was a walk down memory lane to a time when we thought our bond was unbreakable, when the separation began, and the pains that followed in the years after. We decided on how we intend to navigate the path ahead of us as we walk towards forgiveness and restoration.

If you have ever ghosted or been ghosted in a friendship relationship, this episode is just what you need to find closure, and probably reconciliation.

After listening, if you decide to repair a similar relationship, please send me feedback; I would love to know how it went—wishing you the best of luck!

Ex-Ghost,

Mo!

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우리 공유하는 상처들| The One With Kayleen Johnson – On The Scars We Share: Episode 37 (2020)

우리 공유하는 상처들| The One With Kayleen Johnson – On The Scars We Share: Episode 37 (2020)

The words “you are not alone,” though simple, carry a powerful sense of reassurance that humans often crave, a gentle reminder that your situation isn’t unique to you. When we open up about our scars, we not only help ourselves process things, but we let others see that they are not alone. Our guest today, Kayleen, is at the heart of driving such conversations through her podcast.

Kayleen Johnson has a passion for people. She loves quickly and whole-heartedly. She has a BA in Theatre Arts Studies from Brigham Young University. People and their stories have always been important to her, which is part of the reason she started the podcast, Scars We Share.

Kayleen takes the hot seat in this episode as she talks about her physical scars, the current emotional wound she is working through, tips for supporting a spouse with mental illness, and her gratitude for life despite her experiences. She created an actionable journal for women called the Empress Journal.

There is a journal giveaway for this episode; check our official IG page to get more details!


Here’s to feeling our feelings,

Mo!

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항구의 도시이다| The One With Krystal Tolani – On Culture, Entrepreneurship and Life In Hong Kong: Episode 36 (2020)

항구의 도시이다| The One With Krystal Tolani – On Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Life In Hong Kong: Episode 36 (2020)

If you can’t make it better, at least don’t make it worse. It is on this principle that today’s guest runs her eco-friendly business. With a product range that includes tee-shirts and tote bags made from 100% cotton and recycled paper, respectively, she hopes that her company can one day inspire other manufactures to be cautious of the environment.

Meet Krystal Tolani (yea, you read right). Her last name is my first name! She is a digital marketer and the founder of 852prints, a lifestyle label that celebrates the quirky cultural nuances that makeup life in Hong Kong. As an eco-conscious brand, 852prints aims at creating as minimal an environmental impact as a small business can make.

In this episode, we talked about managing a business during the pandemic, her rich cultural heritage, her reason for going eco-friendly, and lots more. She was kind to share the meaning of her name and the cultural significance it holds for her people - the Sindhis.

And find out how Hong Kong helps transplants like Krystal stay rooted in their culture. Listen to the episode to learn some fascinating facts.

Best,

Mo!

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점점 좋아지고| The One With Mo! Sibyl – On The Long-Term Effects Of Shame: Episode 35 (2020)

점점 좋아지고| The One With Mo! Sibyl – On The Long-Term Effects Of Shame: Episode 35 (2020)

Warning: This episode contains messages that might be disturbing to some listeners – especially those who have experienced one form of child sexual abuse or the other.

We are down to the last episode of the SICK-SEEK-RETS series. What a month it has been!

This week’s episode was unplanned; it was born from my "off-the-record" conversation with AnuOluwapo Adelakun, my guest from last week. There was just something about talking to her that helped to finally loosen my tongue to share my story with her, a conversation that I had been unable to have with my mum.

Just like Anu, I was molested at the age of three by a neighbor. Though I didn’t have a thorough understanding of what transpired, an evil seed was planted that day, and I have lived with its fruits since then.

In this episode, I spoke about my abuse for the first time, mapping out my life from childhood to adulthood and the long-term adverse effects the experience left me with. Most importantly, I talked about the steps I have taken and still taking towards healing.

Find out how I broke the news to my mom after 30 years and her reaction to it. There is a word of advice for parents in this episode, give it a listen. As usual, please send feedback.

Love,

Mo!

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수치심의 목적| The One With AnuOluwapo Adelakun – On Finding Purpose Through Shame: Episode 34 (2020)

수치심의 목적| The One With AnuOluwapo Adelakun – On Finding Purpose Through Shame: Episode 34 (2020)

Warning: This episode contains messages that might be disturbing to some listeners – especially those who have experienced one form of child sexual abuse or the other.

To be vulnerable is to put one's self at risk, but it can also be a form of strength when applied in certain life situations. It is in this form that our guest today addressed the issues of shame in her life, which, for a long time, were SICK-RETS. Through her shameful experiences, she has found purpose and is on a mission to liberate others to live guilt and shame-free lives.

AnuOluwapo Adelakun is first a servant of God called to obedience and a channel of healing to God's hurting children. She is the convener of the No Shame tribe, a women & girls' rights advocate, journalist, and award-winning documentary filmmaker working on issues affecting marginalized girls and women across Africa.

In this episode, she talks about being sexually abused as a seven-year-old girl, finding the purpose in her pain, her healing process, and embracing God's love during her time of grief.

This story will get you evaluating your life's purpose, see yourself through the eyes of God's love, and inspire you to not wallow in your shame but to set yourself and your story free. Please give it a listen!

Love,

Mo!

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