Best Poets Ers Podcasts (2025)

1
Beyond the Court: Rae Swire on Identity, Change, and Life After High-Performance Sport 38:03

7d ago38:03

38:03

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…

1
From the ER to a New Era: Sheila Early and the Birth of Forensic Nursing in Canada 49:27

21d ago49:27

49:27

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…

1
Dr. Becky Whetstone: Marriage Crisis, Childhood Trauma, and How Humility Heals Relationships 49:45

28d ago49:45

49:45

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 — Bec…

1
Dana Felske: Single Mom by Choice, Entrepreneur by Vision 42:48

1M ago42:48

42:48

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…

1
Yash Preswalla on Skateboarding, Sobriety, and Building Impact from the Inside Out 49:45

1M ago49:45

49:45

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 accounta…

1
Christie Tait, NP: Migraine and the Journey from Sufferer to Specialist 56:55

2M ago56:55

56:55

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 …

1
Shannon Gallagher of Smithery Style: From Burnout to Business Owner 48:59

2M ago48:59

48:59

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 ownershi…

1
Emma Plourde-Doran: Championing Inclusive Education for Students with Autism 45:04

2M ago45:04

45:04

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 int…

1
Terry Pirovolakis: A Father’s Incredible Mission to Treat His Son’s Rare Disease, SPG50 37:50

3M ago37:50

37:50

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 o…

1
Poetry, Perseverance, and Second Chances with Anne Hood, The Wild Geese Poet 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

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…

1
Forensic Nursing, Justice and Sexual Education with Hannah Varto 59:19

3M ago59:19

59:19

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 adv…

1
How To Have A Good Day (and How To Have a Bad One) - Frank's Back! 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

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 ho…

1
Hots & Nots: Our Current Icks & Obsessions 38:41

3M ago38:41

38:41

🎧 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.…

1
Alexis’ Update: Losing your job can be a gift + advice for navigating unemployment 34:12

4M ago34:12

34:12

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 …

1
Adenike Charles: Fitness, Faith, and Finding Your Path 50:56

4M ago50:56

50:56

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 …

1
Looking Back: Our Favourite Lessons from Our Guests So Far 28:52

4M ago28:52

28:52

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 s…

1
Jessica Diamond, Child Therapist, on Navigating Ontario's Mental Health System and Parenting Neurodivergent Children 54:14

6M ago54:14

54:14

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 ch…

1
Nadine Sookermany: CEO of the Ontario HIV Treatment Network on Humility, Equity, and Navigating Life’s Crossroads 1:00:48

6M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

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…

1
Co-Parenting Expert Charlotte Schwartz on Raising a Child with Disabilities, and Redefining Success after Career Setbacks 56:31

6M ago56:31

56:31

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…

1
Nelson Soh: Mastering Money, Mindset, and Living True to Your Values 45:55

6M ago45:55

45:55

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 Paci…

1
The Courage to Save Yourself: Kathleen Killen's Journey from Corporate Leader to Relationship Therapist 46:03

7M ago46:03

46:03

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…

1
The Balancing Act: Bipolar 1, Parenting and Work 59:49

7M ago59:49

59:49

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 to…

1
Part 1: The Beauty of Aging Boldly: Confidence, Advocacy, and Transformation with Tania Lindo 43:44

7M ago43:44

43:44

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 stereotype…

1
Part 2: “The Talk”, Racism, Safety and Raising Black Sons with Tania Lindo 21:43

7M ago21:43

21:43

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 …

1
From Prison to Popcorn with Emily O’Brien, CEO of Comeback Snacks 39:02

7M ago39:02

39:02

From Prison to Popcorn: The Inspiring Story of Emily O’Brien, CEO of Comeback Snacks In 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 use…

1
Forgiveness and Freedom: From Addiction to Recovery with "Frank" 57:18

7M ago57:18

57:18

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 ro…

1
Job Loss and Reinvention with Lynn Unger 56:29

8M ago56:29

56:29

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. Draw…

1
Introducing Forks 6:00

8M ago6:00

6:00

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…

1
Mike List 1:06:23

3y ago1:06:23

1:06:23

This week my guest is a Detroit area percussionist, recording artist, educator Mike List. He tells us all about his new CD Live at the Blue Llama and explains his connection to the ever-changing hand drum kit and more. http://www.mikelistpercussionist.com This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtShare ColdPlunge Records To become a sponsor for this…

1
Florella Strings 31:32

3y ago31:32

31:32

This week my guests are the new Detroit String Duo Florella Strings. The members are Carla Rivers-Johnson, violinist, and Jasmine James Cellist. They tell us about their burgeoning business and the chances they took to create reality from a dream. Listen in for a great conversation. https://florellastrings.com/ This podcast is sponsored by Michigan…

1
Jovino Santos Neto Part 2 44:28

3y ago44:28

44:28

This week is part 2 of my lovely conversation with Brazillian Pianist, flutist, composer, arranger, historian, and professor Jovino Santos Neto. This conversation was so great it was a two-parter. So stay tuned for an exciting and fun episode. Photo by Adriane Elias https://www.jovisan.net/ The compositions for this episode are as follows: "Juvenal…

1
Jovino Santos Neto Part 1 1:01:22

3y ago1:01:22

1:01:22

This week I had a lovely conversation with Brazillian Pianist, flutist, composer, arranger, historian, and professor Jovino Santos Neto. This conversation was so great it is a two-parter. So stay tuned for an exciting and fun episode. Photo by Luzia Grob dos Santos https://www.jovisan.net/ The compositions for this episode are as follows: "Homeopat…

1
Naima Shamborguer Listening Party 1:01:31

3y ago1:01:31

1:01:31

Naima is back to join us and talk about her exciting new CD Naima. We are going to get a track-by-track discussion and a little bit of insight into her creative process. http://www.naimashamborguer.com/ https://music.apple.com/us/artist/naima-shamborguer/439739419 https://www.facebook.com/naima.shamborguer This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtS…

1
Jamie Anderson 47:09

3y ago47:09

47:09

This week singer-songwriter, author, and International recording artist Jamie Anderson. living life on the edge as a touring musician for over 30 years. Listen in to how she does it. https://jamieanderson.com/ https://jamieanderson.com/writer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/JamieAndersonMusic This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtShare ColdPlunge Rec…

1
Linda Abar 1:07:59

3y ago1:07:59

1:07:59

This week my guest is a singer-songwriter, and educator, Linda Abar. She walks us through her vision of music and mysticism. https://www.facebook.com/linda.m.abar http://www.lindabar.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rARMqcXm-I This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtShare ColdPlunge Records To become a sponsor for this podcast, go to the Patr…

1
Yoko Yates Listening Party 1:32:02

3y ago1:32:02

1:32:02

This week my guest is the pianist, and composer, Yoko Yates. We celebrate her 1st album of music Mystic Life. Her journey takes her from being a visual artist, singer and classical pianist to jazz pianist-composer and educator in Japan, Boston, and New York City join us for her story and her music. http://yokoyates.com This podcast is sponsored by …

1
Alex (CABA)Cabanilla 53:47

3y ago53:47

53:47

This week my guest is singer, and songwriter, Alexandra Cabanilla now known as CABA. She tells us of her journey and how music has taken her all over the world. https://cabamusica.com/ Singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and vocal coach. She has become one of the most talented exponents of Ecuadorian vocal music, being part of important jazz and…

1
Leslie DeShazor Listening Party 1:19:58

3y ago1:19:58

1:19:58

This week I welcome back violist/violinist composer, producer, educator, and recording artist Leslie DeShazor who talks to us about her storied past love affair with dance and her new album Journey with Me and a chance to hear a track by track commentary. https://lesliedeshazor.com/ This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtShare ColdPlunge Records …

1
Sheryl Amburgey 45:18

3y ago45:18

45:18

This week artist and entrepreneur Sheryl Amburgey. She takes us through her creative process and history, from eavesdropping herself into a future artist teaching job to a divorce causing the beginning of her artistic career. https://essaarts.com/sheryl-amburgey/ This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtShare ColdPlunge Records To become a sponsor …

1
Ceci Dávila 1:07:57

3y ago1:07:57

1:07:57

This week we are still using South American connection to meet artists from the Southern Hemisphere. This week Singer-songwriter entertainer Ceci Dávila. We have had a delightful and interesting conversation about our musical journeys thus far and metaphorical cliff diving. Musical selections are as follows Samba para Quito Verde vals https://youtu…

1
Tony Hendrick 46:49

3y ago46:49

46:49

Tony Hendrick muralist, painter discusses his journey from billboard painter to muralist and the heart of an artist. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNR9XRGVVSXPnwlAcmCVDFQ https://www.facebook.com/tonyhendrickstudio/ https://www.instagram.com/tonyhendrickstudio/ This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtShare ColdPlunge Records To become a sponsor…

1
Francisco Ruiz 1:01:32

3y ago1:01:32

1:01:32

This week's guest hails from Ecuador, Francisco Ruiz is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and music director for a variety of choirs and music groups in LA. He has worked with various artists including U2, Ivan Lins, Luis Enrique, and KC Porter. He has worked as vocalist and choir director at various important venues including the Walt D…

1
Patricia Granda 47:58

3y ago47:58

47:58

This week my guest is Patricia Granda, a singer and music educator based in Quito, Ecuador. She performs a lot of Brazilian music and is currently studying for a masters in music education and choral conducting. She talks to us about her journey through music and life in the modern world. https://www.facebook.com/SambaVivaEcuador/ https://www.faceb…

1
Shahida Nurullah 1:06:08

3y ago1:06:08

1:06:08

This week my guest is vocalist and fellow Cass Technical High School alumna, Shahida Nurullah. Born into a family of artists, the Detroit native was raised and influenced by the rhythms and cultures of both New York and Detroit. Her formal musical training began at Cass Technical High School; a school distinguished as a cynosure for developing the …

1
Gordon Skinner 45:29

3y ago45:29

45:29

This week my guest is Gordon Skinner, Co-Founder and Executive Producer of [Re]-Frame Media, LLC. His films include: Save Out Seaport; Cornelia Street Café; The Kunas of San Blas; Sitting in the Fire; Strategic Omissions; Lost Innocents. Skinner is a UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program 2017 Associate, and has held fellowships among which in…

1
Barbara Chennault 53:27

3y ago53:27

53:27

This week is fellow Detroit Cass Technical High School Alumna, Fashionista, Costume Designer, and world traveler Barbara Chennault. She walks us through her some of her astounding accomplishments including world traveling on tour with Micheal Jackson and working on such shows as In Living Color, Blackish, and the new movie Cheaper by The Dozen on t…

1
Chris Hardy 1:25:10

3y ago1:25:10

1:25:10

This week hand percussion specialist, composer, and fellow Cass Technical High School Alum Chris Hardy. He talks about his journey from Motown to Tokyo and playing with Sting and Cirque Du Soleil. Music for this episode: 'Lagash' and ‘Alligator Overdrive’ are originals. ‘Abdin’ is Hamza El Din’s tune - arranged for TGA. Tokyo Groove Alliance TGA is…

1
Jim Gallert 38:47

3y ago38:47

38:47

This week veteran Detroit radio broadcaster, author and jazz historian, Jim Gallert. www.detroitjazzhistory.com www.detroitjazzfest.org This podcast is sponsored by Michigan ArtShare ColdPlunge Records To become a sponsor for this podcast, go to the Patreon link below. https://www.patreon.com/TiaTime1 Produced by Green Bow Music https://www.canr.ms…

1
Steve Davis 1:04:18

3y ago1:04:18

1:04:18

Steve Davis a legend of trombone playing in his own time. Listen to his stories about the great Mr. Hank Jones and the blues changes his grandmother played around the house. A most delightful conversation. photo by John Abbott Music for this episode "Newbie" "A Little Understanding" by Steve Davis https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1278637312 …

1
Cathy Elliott Garcia 1:04:06

3y ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Jazz vocalist, Composer, Educator, Cathy Elliott Garcia is one of our United States transplants. She has spent the last 16 years teaching jazz in Quito, Ecuador. Hear her fascinating stories on this episode. https://www.cathyelliottgarcia.com/home Email address [email protected] Instagram. Cathy Elliot music. Facebook https://www.facebook.…

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Poets Ers Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen