Shows
ForksBeyond the Court: Rae Swire on Identity, Change, and Life After High-Performance SportWhat happens when a professional athlete retires — and their identity goes with it? In this episode of Forks, we sit down with Rae Swire, a former Team Canada volleyball player, as she opens up about her emotional transition out of elite sport.From Olympic qualification campaigns and global competitions to parenting, counselling, and rediscovering her purpose, Rae’s story explores what it means to start over — and who you become when the game ends.Whether you’re navigating a career change, a major life pivot, or helping your child succeed in competitive sports, this con...2025-05-1338 minForksFrom the ER to a New Era: Sheila Early and the Birth of Forensic Nursing in CanadaIt was supposed to be an ordinary shift in the emergency room. Instead, it sparked a revolution in healthcare.When rookie nurse Sheila Early treated her first sexual assault victim in 1970, she was armed with nothing but a 34-page instruction booklet — and a profound sense of helplessness. Two decades later, that helplessness fueled action: Sheila founded British Columbia’s first forensic nursing program, reshaping how survivors of violence are treated across Canada and beyond.In this powerful episode of Forks, Sheila shares her journey from frontline ER nurse to forensic nursing pioneer. We expl...2025-04-2949 minForksDr. Becky Whetstone: Marriage Crisis, Childhood Trauma, and How Humility Heals RelationshipsWhat if the fight in your marriage isn’t just about dishes, distance, or desire — but something deeper you haven’t yet faced?In this revealing episode, therapist and author Dr. Becky Whetstone joins us to talk about what really causes a marriage crisis. Drawing from her decades of work — and her own lived experience through multiple divorces — Becky shares how unhealed childhood trauma, emotional dysregulation, and silence about unmet needs can slowly erode even the strongest relationships.Dr. Becky's new book I (Think) I Want Out: What to Do When One of You...2025-04-2249 minForksDana Felske: Single Mom by Choice, Entrepreneur by VisionWhat does it take to walk away from a stable career, start a business with your dad, and then choose motherhood on your own terms?In this moving and empowering episode, Dana Felske shares her extraordinary journey—from leaving the banking world to co-founding FutureBook Printing, and later, becoming a single mom by choice. With honesty and clarity, Dana reveals the emotional highs and hard decisions behind both life-changing forks.From the challenges of building a business with a parent to navigating fertility clinics, donor selection, and parenting solo, Dana’s story is a te...2025-04-1542 minForksYash Preswalla on Skateboarding, Sobriety, and Building Impact from the Inside OutIn this episode of Forks, we talk with Yash Preswalla, founder of Toronto's Impact Skate Club, about how skateboarding became his path to purpose, sobriety, and social change.Yash shares his journey from bar gigs and burnout to building one of Toronto’s most inclusive youth programs. We explore how he supports neurodivergent kids, teaches accountability with compassion, and weaves mentorship, mental health, and social justice into everything he does.Whether you’re a parent, educator, or youth advocate, this conversation is full of insights on how to raise resilient, confident young people—and sh...2025-04-0849 minForksChristie Tait, NP: Migraine and the Journey from Sufferer to SpecialistA Nurse Practitioner specializing in headache and concussion care, Christie Tait has worked in Emergency Medicine at Toronto’s SickKids and Mount Sinai, led the Headache Program at the Neurology Centre of Toronto, and now runs Structure Clinic, a pioneering practice offering comprehensive migraine treatment — from cutting-edge pharmaceuticals 💊 to mindfulness and behavioral therapies 🧘♀️.In this episode, Christie shares her own fork in the road: how she went from migraine sufferer to migraine specialist, and why the system is still failing so many people — especially women, dealing with this complex neurological disease.We dive into:• 🤕 Wh...2025-04-0156 minForksShannon Gallagher of Smithery Style: From Burnout to Business OwnerIn this episode of Forks, we sit down with Shannon Gallagher, the powerhouse entrepreneur who took a leap of faith to acquire Smithery Style, a Canadian online boutique championing body positivity. Shannon shares her journey from burnout in the corporate world to becoming the new Chief Style Smith, navigating the highs and lows of business ownership while balancing family life.In this episode of Forks, we sit down with Shannon Gallagher, the powerhouse entrepreneur who took a leap of faith to acquire Smithery Style, a Canadian online boutique championing body positivity. Shannon shares her journey from...2025-03-2548 minForksEmma Plourde-Doran: Championing Inclusive Education for Students with AutismIn this episode of Forks, Alexis and Amie sit down with Emma Plourde-Doran, an educator who faced a defining fork in the road: follow a traditional teaching path or build a high-support classroom for students with autism, from scratch.Emma took the leap—and it changed everything.Teaching in Northern Ontario, she transformed an empty classroom into a structured, inclusive space where students with autism could thrive. She pioneered the STEP program, creating tailored education models that empower students with diverse needs. Her groundbreaking work earned her a nomination for the prestigious Prime Mi...2025-03-1145 minForksTerry Pirovolakis: A Father’s Incredible Mission to Treat His Son’s Rare Disease, SPG50When Terry and Georgia Pirovolakis received the devastating news that their 15-month-old son, Michael, had been diagnosed with Spastic Paraplegia Type 50 (SPG50), a rare neurodegenerative disorder affecting approximately 80 children worldwide, they were determined to find a cure. Refusing to accept the lack of available treatments, Terry embarked on an extraordinary journey to develop a gene therapy for SPG50. This led to the creation of CureSPG50, an organization dedicated to funding the development of this therapy. Building on this momentum, Terry founded Elpida Therapeutics, a socially responsible corporation aiming to rapidly develop gene therapies for SPG50 and other rare diseases. 2025-03-0437 minForksPoetry, Perseverance, and Second Chances with Anne Hood, The Wild Geese PoetRaised in Yorkshire in the 1950s and 60s, today’s guest—known as The Wild Geese Poet—grew up in a loving but challenging home, shaped by her mother’s undiagnosed schizophrenia. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and creative rediscovery.After navigating childhood struggles, building a family in Scotland, and forging a career in social work, she found her true passion in poetry later in life. Now a celebrated performing poet in the Lake District, she proves it’s never too late to pursue the dreams buried within you.Join us as we expl...2025-02-2549 minForksForensic Nursing, Justice and Sexual Education with Hannah VartoIn this eye-opening episode of Forks, we sit down with Hannah Varto, a nurse practitioner and forensic expert dedicated to supporting survivors of violence. From her journey into forensic nursing to launching Canada’s first clinic dedicated to post-violence medical care, Hannah shares her insights on the intersection of healthcare, justice, and advocacy.We also discuss the state of sexual health education, including the impact of Sue Johanson, the legendary host of Sunday Night Sex Show, on Hannah’s career and passion for open, judgment-free conversations about sexual health. Plus, we dive into the...2025-02-1859 minForksHow To Have A Good Day (and How To Have a Bad One) - Frank's Back!What if the key to having a good day—or a bad one—was entirely within your control? In this episode, we welcome back Frank, an addictions counsellor and expert in human behaviour, to explore the power of automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and how they shape our reality.🔹 Key Takeaways:•💭 60,000 Thoughts a Day – Why 95% of them are negative and how to rewire your brain for positivity.•⚡ The Power of Thought Observation – How simply watching your thoughts can transform your mindset.•🧠 Neuroplasticity in Action – How changing your thinking creates new brain chemistry.•🙌 T...2025-02-1153 minForksHots & Nots: Our Current Icks & Obsessions🎧 In this episode of Forks, Alexis and Amie dive into what they see as hot and not in their world. From celebrity comebacks and self-care trends to bizarre corporate habits and low-stakes cults (yes, really), this conversation is packed with humour, opinions, and a touch of chaos.🔥 What’s Hot?•Jeremiah Brent on Queer Eye – Why Alexis is obsessed.•Paris Hilton & Nicole Richie’s return – Nostalgia overload!•LED face masks – Skincare revolution or social media scam?•Spinning & ice baths – Cult vibes, but make it wellness.•Volunteering with kids – Teaching gratitu...2025-02-0438 minForksAlexis’ Update: Losing your job can be a gift + advice for navigating unemploymentIn this episode of Forks, we explore Alexis’ journey from job loss to career clarity and why losing your job might actually be the best thing to happen. Discover why job loss can be a blessing in disguise and learn practical tips for navigating unemployment—like mastering networking without feeling awkward and nailing interviews by staying true to yourself. Plus, we share valuable advice for employers on creating more respectful and thoughtful offboarding experiences. Whether you’re job hunting, hiring, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers actionable insights and a fresh perspective to guide your next steps....2025-01-2134 minForksAdenike Charles: Fitness, Faith, and Finding Your PathIn this episode, Alexis and Amie are joined by Adenike Charles, founder of Just2Sweat, a fitness and wellness brand that combines exercise, mindset, and faith to inspire transformative change. With her expertise in kinesiology, personal training, and life coaching, Nike shares her inspiring journey from corporate leadership to becoming a full-time entrepreneur.Discover Nike’s insights on building healthy habits, overcoming obstacles, and achieving balance through a holistic approach to fitness and faith. Whether you’re seeking practical fitness tips, mindset strategies, or a boost of motivation, this conversation will leave you empowered and ready to t...2025-01-1450 minForksLooking Back: Our Favourite Lessons from Our Guests So FarIn this episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible wisdom and insights shared by our guests since we launched the podcast in October 2024. From navigating life’s transitions to redefining resilience, embracing gratitude, and challenging societal norms, we’ve learned so much from these conversations. We talk about the lessons that have stuck with us—like forgiving ourselves to heal, living below our means for financial freedom, and understanding the power of community in building resilience. This is our chance to celebrate the journeys of our amazing guests and share how their stories have impacted us person...2025-01-0728 minForksJessica Diamond, Child Therapist, on Navigating Ontario's Mental Health System and Parenting Neurodivergent ChildrenWhat happens when a seasoned child and family expert finds herself unable to help her own child in crisis? That’s the reality Jessica Diamond, mother of three and founder of The Help Hub, faced when her family was met with a fragmented and under-resourced mental health system. Despite her decades of experience as a social worker and advocate for children, Jessica discovered just how isolating and overwhelming it can be to navigate a system that doesn’t meet families’ needs.In this episode, Jessica shares her deeply personal journey from professional to parent in crisis, the fo...2024-12-1054 minForksNadine Sookermany: CEO of the Ontario HIV Treatment Network on Humility, Equity, and Navigating Life’s CrossroadsWhat does it take to lead with humility, foster equity, and inspire transformative change? Nadine Sookermany, CEO of the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, joins us to share her extraordinary journey of advocacy, leadership, and perseverance. From her early work championing women’s health to addressing systemic inequities in housing, HIV care, and harm reduction, Nadine’s path has been anything but linear.In this episode, Nadine reflects on the lessons learned at critical crossroads in her career, the values that guide her leadership, and the importance of listening and collaboration in creating meaningful impact. Through candid stor...2024-12-031h 00ForksCo-Parenting Expert Charlotte Schwartz on Raising a Child with Disabilities, and Redefining Success after Career SetbacksCo-parenting expert and author Charlotte Schwartz, whose book Your Place or Mine? offers an empowering guide for navigating co-parenting after separation, opens up about her transformative journey in this episode of Forks.Charlotte shares how she lost her long-standing role as a senior legal clerk at a prestigious downtown law firm—a job she loved—while raising a child with disabilities and navigating co-parenting after divorce.Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about redefining success, overcoming challenges, and finding strength at one of her life’s most pivotal forks in the road....2024-11-2656 minForksNelson Soh: Mastering Money, Mindset, and Living True to Your ValuesIn this episode of Forks, we talk with Nelson Soh—a renowned financial literacy expert, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker—who shares his journey from a CPA focused on career success to championing financial literacy, economic empowerment and living a life true to one's values. With years of experience working for companies like KPMG, Cathay Pacific, and CPA Canada, Nelson seemed to have deep financial expertise. However, in a vulnerable TEDx talk, he admitted that he also struggled with personal money management and realized that he lacked the necessary mindset to live a fulfilling life.This “fork i...2024-11-1945 minForksThe Courage to Save Yourself: Kathleen Killen's Journey from Corporate Leader to Relationship TherapistHow many of us dream of making a change—in our careers, relationships, and as parents—but feel unsure of where to start? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kathleen Killen, a psychotherapist who truly embodies the courage to change. Facing a traumatic divorce that led to single parenthood, a journey through sobriety, and the upheaval of the pandemic, Kathleen tapped into her core value of courage, leaving behind a successful corporate career to pursue a new path as a therapist. She shares how she turned a personal crisis into a calling, using grit and strategy to rebu...2024-11-1246 minForksThe Balancing Act: Bipolar 1, Parenting and WorkAlexis and Amie sit down with Mookie, who bravely shares her journey of balancing the demands of work, family, and raising a neurodivergent child and navigating life with bipolar disorder. Mookie opens up about a pivotal week during the pandemic when everything changed for her family and her marriage. She speaks candidly about her struggles, the toll on her family dynamics, and the power of self-forgiveness.Together, they explore the challenges and stigma that still surround mental health, especially for parents and those managing complex personal struggles. Mookie’s resilience and journey toward self-compassion offer a ra...2024-11-0559 minForksPart 1: The Beauty of Aging Boldly: Confidence, Advocacy, and Transformation with Tania LindoIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tania Lindo, who shares her journey of embracing aging and reclaiming her power. From becoming a model at 46 to advocating for diversity in corporate spaces, Tania has challenged societal expectations and broken barriers every step of the way. We explore the courage it takes to face age-related stereotypes, navigate career shifts, and find strength in self-acceptance. Tania’s story is a testament to the transformative power of owning your narrative and aging on your own terms. Join us for a conversation about empowerment, resilience, and the beauty of living authentically at an...2024-10-2943 minForksPart 2: “The Talk”, Racism, Safety and Raising Black Sons with Tania LindoIn the second part of our conversation with Tania Lindo, we explore a deeply personal story of parenting, resilience, and confronting racial realities. Tania shares the challenges she faces as a Black mother raising her son to navigate safety dynamics that differ from those experienced by White men. Against the backdrop of the social and political shifts of 2020, Tania candidly discusses the fears, hopes, and lessons that come with raising a Black boy. This episode offers insights that challenge and inspire us to reflect on our own understanding of race, safety, and community.Follow Forks...2024-10-2921 minForksFrom Prison to Popcorn with Emily O’Brien, CEO of Comeback SnacksFrom Prison to Popcorn: The Inspiring Story of Emily O’Brien, CEO of Comeback SnacksIn this episode of Forks, we sit down with Emily O’Brien, the remarkable founder and CEO of Comeback Snacks, a gourmet popcorn company with a mission that goes far beyond snacks. Emily opens up about how she ended up with a four-year prison sentence and how she used that challenging experience as a turning point to create a business that helps formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives.Emily’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and hope. In thi...2024-10-2239 minForksForgiveness and Freedom: From Addiction to Recovery with "Frank"Can you imagine being able to say that you’ve helped over 10,000 people change their lives? In this powerful episode of Forks, we sit down with “Frank,” an addictions counsellor with 25 years of experience in a men’s residential treatment program, who recently celebrated 30 years of sobriety. Frank shares his deeply personal journey from hitting rock bottom to transforming his life and helping over 10,000 men do the same.But this episode isn’t just for those facing addiction—it’s for anyone who has ever struggled with fear, shame, or the need to forgive and find freedom. Frank...2024-10-1557 min
ForksJob Loss and Reinvention with Lynn UngerIn this debut episode of the Forks podcast, co-host Alexis Hood reflects on the inspiration behind the show—her own experience with job loss—and welcomes Lynn Unger as the first guest. Lynn, a career coach who guided Alexis through her career transition, shares her personal journey of navigating job loss and discovering an unexpected new path. Drawing on her experience helping countless clients through similar challenges, Lynn offers valuable insights into overcoming career setbacks, the emotional hurdles she faced, and the strategies she’s developed for building a meaningful and fulfilling life after facing a major ‘fork in the road...2024-10-0856 min
ForksIntroducing ForksWe’ve got a question for you: Have you ever found yourself asking, ‘How did I end up here? Yeah, we’ve been there too. This podcast dives into real-life stories of people who found themselves at unexpected crossroads and had to either step out of their comfort zones or completely rethink their paths. Whether they’re facing a challenge or seizing an opportunity, we’ll explore the remarkable ways life can shift direction. Forks is co-hosted by longtime friends Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde.Follow ForksWebsite (apply to be on the show...2024-09-2706 min