Forks

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 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 fork in the road that inspired her to create The Help Hub, and her mission to provide compassionate, coordinated care for families. Whether you’re a parent, an advocate, or simply someone who wants to understand the challenges facing children’s mental health today, this episode is a must-listen.Learn more about The Help Hub at thehelphub.caFollow 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.#Podcast #Parenting #MentalHealth #CareerChange #Inspiration #OntarioMentalHealth #ParentingTips #ParentingSupport #ChildWelfare #SocialWork #Neurodiverse #ParentalBurnout #Resilience #SelfCare #Compassion #ParentingJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #PositiveParenting #ConsciousParenting #FamilySupport

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 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 stories of challenges and triumphs, she reveals the power of empathy and resilience in tackling complex social issues while building an executive career rooted in purpose.For more information on the Ontario HIV Treatment Network visit: https://www.ohtn.on.ca/.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.#Leadership #HIVAwareness #SocialJustice #HealthEquity #WomenInLeadership #ForksPodcast

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 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.In this episode, we discuss:Identity and Career: The emotional aftermath of job loss and redefining self-worth beyond professional roles.Parenting and Co-Parenting: Insights into navigating co-parenting with flexibility, respect, and prioritizing children’s emotional well-being.Advocacy and Change: How Charlotte uses her personal and professional experiences to create systemic awareness and guide others through complex family dynamics.🎧 Listen now to hear Charlotte’s inspiring story and hopefully get some insight into navigating your own forks in the road.“Resilience isn’t a personality trait—it’s the byproduct of being carried through a stressful or traumatic time and feeling safe during it.” - Charlotte SchwartzCharlotte’s book, Your Place or Mine?, published by Dundurn Press, is available on Amazon and at local bookstores.#ParentingWithPurpose #CoParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #RedefiningSuccess #PodcastEpisode #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 guests express 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, 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 in the road” led him to reimagine his approach to money and inspire others to “win the game of money.” In this episode, we dive into: • Uncovering Financial Blind Spots: How Nelson’s realization that expertise doesn’t guarantee financial security sparked his mission to help others. • Mindset for Financial Freedom: The power of aligning finances with personal values to achieve a life of purpose. • Balancing Saving and Living: Strategies for achieving financial goals today without sacrificing tomorrow. • Navigating Social Media’s Spending Influence: How to make authentic financial choices in a world driven by social media. • Empowering Future Generations: Nelson’s vision for teaching financial literacy in schools to help young people take charge of their financial futures.🎧 Tune in for inspiring insights on building financial confidence, living authentically, and mastering your finances!#FinancialLiteracyExpert #MasteringTheGameOfMoney #MoneyMindset #FinancialFreedom #PersonalFinance #LiveYourValues #MoneyManagement #ForksPodcast #NelsonSoh #InspirationFollow 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.

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 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 rebuild her life with purpose. Join us as Kathleen delves into the mindset shifts, emotional resilience, and daily practices that helped her navigate life’s hardest challenges—and now guide her in helping others do the same.🎧 Listen now, this might just be the start of something big in your own life.#ForksPodcast #CourageToChange #CareerTransformation #Resilience #MentalHealth #PurposeDrivenFollow 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.

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-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 raw yet hopeful message to anyone facing similar battles. This episode touches on sensitive topics, including mental health crises, so please listen with care.Please note: This episode includes discussions around sensitive topics such as suicide and trauma.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation about overcoming adversity and building a life of purpose.#AddictionRecovery #Forgiveness #Resilience #MentalHealth #WorkplaceWellness #Empathy #SecondChancesFollow 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 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 any age.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 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 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.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.