Forks

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 fieldEmma’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 #EducationMattersFollow ForksWebsite (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contactInstagram - @forkspodFacebook - The Forks PodcastLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspodCopyrightAll 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.DisclaimerThe 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.

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 ForksWebsite (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contactInstagram - @forkspodFacebook - The Forks PodcastLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspodCopyrightAll 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.DisclaimerThe 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.

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 #ForksPodcastFollow ForksWebsite (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contactInstagram - @forkspodFacebook - The Forks PodcastLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspodCopyrightAll 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.DisclaimerThe 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.

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 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 role of forensic nursing in trauma recovery and her groundbreaking research on brain injuries caused by violence. And don’t miss an introduction to Levi, the therapy dog offering comfort to survivors.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The importance of trauma-informed healthcare✔️ The need for better sexual health education in schools✔️ The legacy of Sue Johanson in promoting open conversations about sex✔️ Challenges in the legal system for survivors of violence✔️ How forensic nursing bridges the gap between healthcare and justice✔️ A revolutionary study on biomarkers for brain injuries in survivors💡 A must-listen for anyone interested in healthcare, advocacy, or the fight for justice. Follow ForksWebsite (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contactInstagram - @forkspodFacebook - The Forks PodcastLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspodCopyrightAll 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.DisclaimerThe 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.

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. • 🙌 The Role of Gratitude & Faith – Why small daily habits, like appreciating a hot shower, can shift your outlook. • ⏳ Mindfulness & Living in the Present – The secret to reducing stress and improving emotional resilience.🎧 Must-Listen Clip:“If you want to have a good day, you will. If you want to have a bad day, you will. It’s all about what you feed your mind—your thoughts create your reality.” Hit play and take control of your day! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review!📌 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for more insights and updates.📌 Follow ForksWebsite (apply to be on the show!) - forkspod.com/contactInstagram - @forkspodFacebook - The Forks PodcastLinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/forkspodCopyrightAll 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.DisclaimerThe 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.

🎧 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 gratitude in a world of excess.🚫 What’s Not? • “Speed humps” vs. “speed bumps” – major ick. • Corporate men & their inspirational entrance music. • Acoustic guitars at parties – Barbie called it first. • Ticketmaster’s monopoly – The concert ticket struggle is real. • Porch pirates – The worst kind of thieves.Expect unfiltered thoughts, unexpected tangents, and a few questionable revenge fantasies.💬 What are your hots & nots? Join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a 5-star review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help spread the Forks energy.#Podcast #ForksPodcast #PopCulture #Trends2024 #SelfCare #Skincare #Spinning #ColdPlunge #Volunteering #Nostalgia #QueerEye #WellnessTrends