Mo' Sibyl

학교 부모 현실| Raising Kids, Navigating Schools: What Parents Really Face | Episode 28 (2025)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 학교 부모 현실| Raising Kids, Navigating Schools: What Parents Really Face | Episode 28 (2025)

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.

학교와 집 사이| On Belonging and Advocacy: For Ourselves and Our Children — The One with Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu | Episode 24 (2025)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 학교와 집 사이| On Belonging and Advocacy: For Ourselves and Our Children — The One with Dr. Otito Iwuchukwu | Episode 24 (2025)

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!

멋진 가나인들| The One with The Oseis - On Building Love, Family & Careers: Episode 24 (2022)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 멋진 가나인들| The One with The Oseis - On Building Love, Family & Careers: Episode 24 (2022)

This episode is a LIVE one! And we are doing something else differently; our guests are a couple! I met Nana Osei first as a student at my university who was leaving as I started as an assistant professor. A mutual friend connected us, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Oseis are from Ghana. Nana is a pharmacist (PharmD), while Richard has a Ph.D. in computer science and is very passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation. He started at church and is currently a full-time assistant professor teaching computer science courses at Langston University. He also volunteers to teach young black kids to code. As a teacher, he’s very passionate about sharing his knowledge with the next generation.

They shared how they met, moved to a new country as a newlywed couple, and then went on to have kids. They also shared their experience raising Cassie, who is on the autism spectrum. We discussed how our home countries, Nigeria and Ghana, are hurting, our leadership issues, and other issues that need to be worked on for our countries to experience progress. They also shared how they are building their careers, volunteering for causes they are passionate about, and still giving their family and children the required attention.

Finally, we discussed the implication of the recent passing of the Queen of England on colonized countries, whether the monarchy is still relevant, and whether we should even be having conversations about the monarchy in light of all the African artifacts and money still in their possession.

정신과 의사| The One with Dr. Manuel Mota-Castillo- On Attention-Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder: Episode 38 (2019)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Dr. Manuel Mota-Castillo- On Attention-Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder

Dear, Mosiblings!

I was honored to have had Dr. Manuel Mota-Castillo – a child and adolescent psychiatrist – on the show. Dr. Mota is Dominican Republic descent and for the past 28 years has served people of all ages in Florida, NM and Arizona and currently practices in Florida.

In this episode, we talk all things ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder); its definition, reasons for hyperactivity in children, and how it should be rightfully diagnosed and conservatively managed. Drawing from his clinical experience and using his latest book as a guide, Dr. Mota helps clarifies the differences between ADHD, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional-defiant disorder. Dr. Mota also provided answers to the audience questions on the roles of diet, vaccines, CBD oil on ADHD; resources for parents; reasons for over-diagnosis and overuse of stimulants; causes of ADHD; and implication for children in third-world countries with ADHD.

Finally, I hope this episode serves as a reminder for parents and caregivers to seek second and third opinions regarding these diagnoses before pumping your kids/wards with the wrong medications. In the meantime, go grab a copy of his latest book on ADHD; it’s a worthy read!