Forks
Forks is a podcast about navigating life when things don't go as planned. Hosts Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde, longtime friends, interview people who have faced challenges like mental health struggles, addiction, incarceration, divorce, job loss, and grief. These guests share how they rebuilt their lives and found meaning after difficult transitions. The show offers stories of resilience, reinvention, and raw humanity for anyone at a crossroads.
Episodes
Vanessa Vakharia — From Failing Math to becoming The Math Guru, a Rock Star, and a Mission to Heal Math Trauma
In this episode of Forks, we sit down with Vanessa Vakharia, founder of The Math Guru, bestselling author of Math Hacks and Math Therapy, and frontwoman of the indie rock band Goodnight Sunrise.After failing math twice in high school, Vanessa was convinced she “just wasn’t a math person.” Years later, she’s built a movement around proving that belief wrong — helping thousands of students (and adul
Beyond the Job Title: Career Coach Lynn Unger on Mindset, Change, and Redefining Success
When career coach Lynn Unger decided to retire, she thought she was closing one chapter — but instead, she found herself facing some of the same questions she’d helped her clients navigate for years: Who am I without my work? What does success look like now?In this conversation, Lynn joins Alexis and Amie to explore how mindset shapes every turning point — from those who are forced to step away fr
Beyond the Court: Rae Swire on Identity, Change, and Life After High-Performance Sport
What 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
From the ER to a New Era: Sheila Early and the Birth of Forensic Nursing in Canada
It 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
Dr. Becky Whetstone: Marriage Crisis, Childhood Trauma, and How Humility Heals Relationships
What 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
Dana Felske: Single Mom by Choice, Entrepreneur by Vision
What 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 decisio
Yash Preswalla on Skateboarding, Sobriety, and Building Impact from the Inside Out
In 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, ment
Christie Tait, NP: Migraine and the Journey from Sufferer to Specialist
A 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
Shannon Gallagher of Smithery Style: From Burnout to Business Owner
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 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 F
Emma Plourde-Doran: Championing Inclusive Education for Students with Autism
In 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
Terry Pirovolakis: A Father’s Incredible Mission to Treat His Son’s Rare Disease, SPG50
When 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 thera
Poetry, Perseverance, and Second Chances with Anne Hood, The Wild Geese Poet
Raised 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 i
Forensic Nursing, Justice and Sexual Education with Hannah Varto
In 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 e
How 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 o
Hots & 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 – Nostalg
Alexis’ Update: Losing your job can be a gift + advice for navigating unemployment
In 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 empl
Adenike Charles: Fitness, Faith, and Finding Your Path
In 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
Looking Back: Our Favourite Lessons from Our Guests So Far
In 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, liv
Jessica Diamond, Child Therapist, on Navigating Ontario's Mental Health System and Parenting Neurodivergent Children
What 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
Nadine Sookermany: CEO of the Ontario HIV Treatment Network on Humility, Equity, and Navigating Life’s Crossroads
What 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 li
Co-Parenting Expert Charlotte Schwartz on Raising a Child with Disabilities, and Redefining Success after Career Setbacks
Co-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 naviga
Nelson Soh: Mastering Money, Mindset, and Living True to Your Values
In 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 fi
The Courage to Save Yourself: Kathleen Killen's Journey from Corporate Leader to Relationship Therapist
How 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
The Balancing Act: Bipolar 1, Parenting and Work
Alexis 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-f
Part 1: The Beauty of Aging Boldly: Confidence, Advocacy, and Transformation with Tania Lindo
In 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 se
Part 2: “The Talk”, Racism, Safety and Raising Black Sons with Tania Lindo
In 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
From Prison to Popcorn with Emily O’Brien, CEO of Comeback Snacks
From 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
Forgiveness 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 ove
Job Loss and Reinvention with Lynn Unger
In 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 th
Introducing Forks
We’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 li
