Mo' Sibyl

치유의 기억| When Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Medicine: The Integrative Pediatrician — The One With Dr. Tokunbo Akande | Episode 38 (2025)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 치유의 기억| When Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Medicine: The Integrative Pediatrician — The One With Dr. Tokunbo Akande | Episode 38 (2025)

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.

themoresibylpodcastMo SibylJanuary 31, 2026Naijapodcaster, Themoresibylpodcast, Nigerianpodcaster, Lagospodcaster, Integrative medicine, Traditional Nigerian medicine, Ayurveda, Mindfulness, Holistic health, Pediatrician, Medical diaspora, Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), Healthcare accessibility, Doctor-patient relationship, Medical research bias, Pharmaceutical industry, Disease-care vs healthcare, Health insurance systems, Preventive medicine, Medical tourism, Global health equity, Indigenous healing practices, Herbal medicine, Plant-based remedies, Ancestral wisdom preservation, Cultural heritage in medicine, Intergenerational knowledge transfer, Biodiversity conservation, Lost medical knowledge, Ethnobotany, Medical school journey, Physician burnout, Career transition in medicine, Finding purpose in healthcare, Creative expression in medicine, Medical writing, Newsletter for professionals, Work-life balance for doctors, Healthcare system reform, Medical education curriculum, Institutionalizing traditional medicine, Digital health archivesComment

40살이 되면|On Milestones and Memories - The One Where TDawg Turns 40: Episode 6 (2024)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: 40살이 되면|On Milestones and Memories - The One Where TDawg Turns 40: Episode 6 (2024)

Today’s special episode features my wonderful, devoted, and sweet husband, Taiwo, also known as TDawg. For TDawg, May was a month of celebrations and introspection as he turned forty, a momentous milestone. Even with his rigorous work schedule—36 days straight with little time off—TDawg could still enjoy the satisfaction of reaching this goal. As we celebrated his 40th birthday, he talked about how this decade feels distinct but still important. His expectations were far exceeded by the lavish nature of the 40th birthday celebration. Everything was well thought out, from the branded drinks to the careful planning.

Questioning TDawg during the episode about his biggest triumphs and difficulties, he shared, despite his modesty, that he recognized many noteworthy achievements. It was a dream come true for him to finish residency training and work alongside his colleague, Dr. Diana Escobedo, as chief resident. His professional recognition demonstrated his excellence in the field, including an invitation to set the standard for the American Board of Family Medicine. He adores our daughter Arife, and he considers becoming a father to be a wonderful and meaningful experience. Securing a master's degree in Public Health and Epidemiology represented yet another noteworthy accomplishment on his path. He also acknowledged that there have been difficulties along the way.

TDawg shared heart-warming memories of his late father, highlighting the values instilled in him—hard work, dedication, and striving to be the best version of himself. He reminisced about their time together, from learning multiplication tables to working on the family farm in Ota, Ogun State, filled with laughter, hard work, and invaluable life lessons. Despite the pain of losing his father, he finds comfort in the fond memories and the enduring influence of his father's teachings, which continue to guide him in his approach to life and his aspirations for the future.

TDawg's journey to 40 is marked by significant achievements, profound reflections, and a deep appreciation for the love and support of his family and friends. His story is one of growth and gratitude. As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, he does so with a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that the best is yet to come. His experiences serve as an inspiration to prioritize well-being, find joy in the little things, and always strive for balance. TDawg’s story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the impact of meaningful connections in shaping a fulfilling life journey.

Special thanks to TDawg’s niece, Ibukun, for her immense help with this episode.