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 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 conversation will move and inspire you.

👉 Topics: athlete retirement, identity crisis, reinvention, parenting athletes, career transitions, women in sport, mental health, volleyball Canada, Olympic dreams, high school counsellng, team sports, parenting advice, personal growth.

Follow Forks

Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact

Instagram - @forkspod

Facebook - The Forks Podcast

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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 explore how she fought to create the province’s first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) clinic, trained generations of forensic nurses, co-founded the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association, and helped build a system that now addresses domestic violence, child maltreatment, human trafficking, elder abuse, and more.

Her work has helped thousands find justice and healing — and forged a new path in healthcare where compassion and evidence walk hand-in-hand.

A story of resilience, innovation, and the courage to lead when no roadmap exists.

Follow Forks

Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact

Instagram - @forkspod

Facebook - The Forks Podcast

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 dysregulation, and silence about unmet needs can slowly erode even the strongest relationships.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why ambivalence might be the biggest threat to a relationship
• How to break out of fight/flight/freeze and respond as your adult self
• How humility and accountability can open the door to real healing

Follow Forks & Dr. Becky!

Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact

Instagram - @forkspod & @doctorbecky

Facebook - The Forks Podcast

Forks on LinkedIn -

Dr. Becky on LinkedIn

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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 testament to vision, courage, and the power of choosing your own path—even when it’s unconventional.

Listen to hear:

• Why Dana left her corporate banking job to launch a startup with her father
• How she made the decision to become a single mother by choice
• What the donor selection process really looks like—and what happened when she met him
• The unexpected sibling connections her daughter now has
• How Dana balances running a company with raising a daughter on her own

Follow Forks

Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact

Instagram - @forkspod

Facebook - The Forks Podcast

LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

#SingleMomByChoice #ChoiceMom #SoloMomLife #DonorConception #ModernMotherhood #SMCCommunity #SingleMomStrong #YearbookLife #SchoolYearbook #WomenInBusiness #Mompreneur #EntrepreneurLife #StartupStory #FamilyBusiness #PodcastForMoms #RedefiningSuccess #InspiringStories #ForksPod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, 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 show up for yourself along the way.

#YashPreswalla #ImpactSkateClub #YouthMentorship #SkateboardingForChange #MentalHealthMatters #Neurodiversity #SocialJustice #TorontoYouthPrograms #ParentingPodcast #BoysMentalHealth #InclusiveEducation #SkateAndCreate #SobrietyJourney #EmpathyInAction

Follow Forks

Website (apply to be on the show!) – forkspod.com/contact

Instagram – @forkspod

Facebook – The Forks Podcast

LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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:

• 🤕 Why migraines are still misunderstood and dismissed

• 🔄 How hormone shifts, perimenopause, and stress play a role

• 💉 The truth about Botox, CGRP inhibitors, and other modern treatments

• 🧬 Why we need to reframe migraine as a neurological disease — not just “a bad headache”

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating chronic migraine, or supporting someone who is, this episode will shift your understanding — and offer real hope 💡

🔗 Connect with Christie Tait and The Structure Clinic:

Check out The Structure Clinic to learn more about Christie’s work or to book an appointment.

Follow @structureclinic on Instagram for migraine education, updates, and resources.

Follow Forks

• Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact
• Instagram - @forkspod
• Facebook - The Forks Podcast
• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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.

We dive into:

✅ The pivotal moment that led her to bet on herself

✅ Overcoming burnout and redefining work-life balance

✅ The challenges and triumphs of acquiring and rebranding a business

✅ The mission behind Smithery Style and why body positivity in fashion matters

✅ Why shopping small and supporting Canadian brands is more important than ever

If you’re feeling stuck in your career or dreaming of taking the entrepreneurial plunge, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a reminder that sometimes, you have to own the system to make it work for you.

🎧 Listen now! And don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

#WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #WorkLifeBalance #BodyPositivity #SmitheryStyle #WomenSupportingWomen #BetOnYourself

Follow Forks

• Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact
• Instagram - @forkspod
• Facebook - The Forks Podcast
• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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 Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence.

💡 In this episode, we explore:

•How Emma built a high-support classroom from the ground up

•The challenges and triumphs of implementing inclusive education

•Strategies for fostering student independence and confidence

•The impact of national recognition in the education field

Emma’s story is a powerful reminder that bold choices lead to meaningful change. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

#ForkInTheRoad #AutismSupport #InclusiveEducation #SpecialEducation #Neurodiversity #TeachingWithPurpose #EducationMatters

Follow Forks

• Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact
• Instagram - @forkspod
• Facebook - The Forks Podcast
• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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. 

In this episode of Forks, Terry shares his inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and the challenges of navigating medical research as a non-scientist. He discusses the development of MELPIDA, the first gene therapy for SPG50, which Michael received in March 2022, and how Elpida Therapeutics plans to expand its reach to help other children with rare diseases. 

💡 Did you know?

•Over 10,000 rare diseases affect more than 400 million people worldwide.

•1 in 10 people globally has a rare disease.

•Half of all rare disease patients are children, and 30% won’t reach their 5th birthday.

•More than 90% of rare diseases lack an FDA-approved treatment.

•It takes an average of 6-8 years for a patient to receive an accurate rare disease diagnosis.

•80% of rare diseases are genetic, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial.

•Rare disease research is severely underfunded, with limited incentives for pharmaceutical companies.

Terry’s mission extends beyond his son—he’s working to ensure children worldwide receive life-saving treatments. You can support this critical work by donating at curespg50.org/donate.

Follow Forks

• Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact
• Instagram - @forkspod
• Facebook - The Forks Podcast
• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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 explore her remarkable life, the impact of mental health on families, the power of second chances, and the courage to step into your creative calling.

🎧 Tune in for a story of strength, community, and the unexpected paths that lead us back to ourselves.

#MentalHealth #Poetry #Resilience #LifeAfter50 #CreativeJourney #ForksPodcast

Follow Forks

• Website (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contact
• Instagram - @forkspod
• Facebook - The Forks Podcast
• LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspod

Copyright

All content, including audio, transcripts, and other materials, is owned by the podcast creators (Alexis Hood and Amie Plourde) and cannot be reproduced or redistributed without permission.

Disclaimer

The Forks podcast, available at forkspod.com, is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts. The content provided is not a substitute for professional advice, and the hosts are not liable for any actions taken based on podcast discussions.

By participating as a guest, individuals consent to the recording and sharing of their stories. Listener privacy is respected in line with our privacy policy, and any data collected will be handled in accordance with applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA.

For full terms and policies, please visit forkspod.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.