Kitchen Table Conversations with Angela Geddes

Celebrating 100 Episodes! From our very first episode on September 9th, International FASD Awareness Day, to now—this podcast has been about starting the hard conversations, uncovering hidden conditions, and pushing for change. In this milestone episode, I reflect on what we’ve achieved, the impact of our discussions, and how my practice-based research is now being validated by empirical studies....

In this episode, I want to share some reflections from the last few weeks—weeks that have reaffirmed why I do this work and why these conversations are so important. For the past 25 years, I’ve worked alongside individuals with what I call complicated and beautiful brains—people living with complex mental health conditions, trauma histories, and neurodevelopmental disabilities like FASD. Many of t...

A Practical Guide for Educators Supporting Neurodiverse Learners with Compassion and Practical Strategies   At Geddes Specialized Support & Integrative Wellness Inc., we are committed to helping educators, school social workers, and child and youth workers develop a deeper understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and how to effectively support students with complex neurodevelopm...

At Kitchen Table Conversations , my goal is to plant seeds—ideas that make us think about how we can prevent common health conditions and improve overall well-being. While some people argue that we’re living longer than past generations, I’d challenge that by asking: Are we living healthier? The diseases we face today may be different, but many of them can be preventable. I’m not a scientist, and...

Welcome to today’s episode of Kitchen Table Conversations , where we dive into pressing issues in mental health, neurodiversity, and the incredible work being done to support individuals and families with complex needs.  Today, we’re talking about an urgent issue: the need for more Social Workers—and other front-line professionals—to be trained, confident, and competent in identifying and supporti...

The most wonderful time of the year for some… yet not for others.  In this episode, Angela talks about ways to reduce both the impact of and the incidents of prenatal alcohol/substance exposed pregnancies. She encourages consideration for more broad and informal prevention efforts regarding healthy pregnancies now that we have just learned that prevalence rates of FASD in North America have increa...

Join Angela as she explores the balance between research, analytical thought, and lived perspectives. Together, we'll bring complex topics back to your kitchen table for meaningful discussion and debate. Are we mitigating risk at the cost of stifling free thought, creativity, and problem-solving? Through open dialogue and a critical cost-benefit lens, let’s make sense of what truly works for...

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations , Angela Geddes dives into the critical need for ongoing training to empower communities and clinicians in identifying, assessing, and supporting individuals who may have been prenatally exposed to alcohol or other substances. Angela emphasizes that building community capacity means developing clinicians who are not only competent, but also confident...

In this episode, Angela reflects on her journey as a social worker, highlighting key insights and lessons learned over the years. Join her as she celebrates the wisdom shared by like-minded professionals who continue to inspire and guide her practice.  Angela also shares exciting updates, including her collaboration with Dr. Clare Mitchell, and discusses how honoured she feels to participate in th...

In this podcast episode, Angela tackles a significant issue surrounding the term "FASD" (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and whether the name itself contributes to the stigma faced by many who experience misdiagnosis and misunderstanding. While FASD has traditionally been linked to maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, recent insights highlight the complexity of the diagnosis....

In this episode, Angela opens up about her recent work and candidly addresses the challenges she's faced in raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). She reflects on the resistance she has encountered in spreading the message and poses important questions about why this crucial issue isn't receiving the attention needed to drive meaningful change. Please visit the C...

We all have a role to play in supporting/preventing FASD. It's up to all of us to support healthy pregnancies. As we mark FASD Awareness Month, we are thrilled to share a project that holds a special place in our hearts. A small group of young adults, collectively, with lived experiences of family disruptions, grief, loss, trauma, FASD, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, domestic violence,...

In today's episode of The Power of Kitchen Table Conversations: Making a Difference in Prenatal Health , we'll explore the critical and often overlooked issue of alcohol use during pregnancy.  Despite clear evidence showing that no amount of alcohol is safe, conflicting messages from the media and medical field continue to confuse expectant mothers. We'll share personal stories, lik...

There is compelling evidence that effective learning is deeply tied to human connection, focused attention, and the internalization of knowledge—areas where technology, especially AI, falls short.  As parents and caregivers, it’s important to consider these findings when managing technology use at home. Technology for some can be a game changer and there are so many obvious benefits. However, deep...

Advocacy is a cornerstone of social work, essential in helping others learn to voice their needs. Yet, navigating the fine line between assertiveness and finesse is crucial. In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, we delve into strategies for advocating effectively while maintaining respect and avoiding further stigmatization.  Join us as we explore the nuances of this vital aspect of our...

This week, Angela is heading away for a family holiday and felt that it would be fitting to discuss some tips and strategies that can help to make summertime as enjoyable and relaxing as possible; even for people who are experiencing the impact of complex neurodevelopmental conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Tourtett's Syndrome, Autism, and Fetal Alcohol...

In this episode, Angela shares her thoughts on our broad understanding of neurodivergence and how the opportunity for inclusivity is there, but we seem to continue to miss the most common developmental disorder there is which is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Angela highlights the reason why she wrote her book, A Complicated and Beautiful Brain ,(including an audio endorsement from Dr. Peter Cho...

In this episode, Angela discusses the risks of alcohol in pregnancy and provides some evidence once again that our communication around this issue needs to change.  Check out the resources below for more statistics and position papers on this subject and her social media posts to help spread these important messages. We really can make such a difference.  “When we know better, we can do better.” L...

In this episode, Angela reviews the 5 common senses and then explores a little more deeply some less widely understood senses and how so many of our children/youth and adults struggle with sensory overload.  The 8th sense in particular is interoception. Angela discusses what this means and how difficulties in this area can manifest and impact day to day life. Please check out the resources below f...

In this episode, Angela chats about the consequences of social isolation and some of what we have learned from our COVID experience. She also discusses the importance of feeling understood and a sense of belonging and folks are reminded of some strategies to support wellness, and specific programs and services that can be helpful.  Check out Psychology Today to read an article on How Social Isolat...

In this episode, Angela shares her gratitude for the work she is honoured to do and the people she supports and walks alongside. She shares her passion for reducing both the impact and incidences of prenatal exposures and thanks you for your ongoing support of this message by listening to this podcast and taking these important topics back to your kitchen table. By taking care of our own little co...

In this episode, Angela shares some of her recent kitchen table conversations regarding Individual Education Plans and when and how we support students in the way that they need in order to reach their potential. Sometimes our efforts are shortsighted and not as helpful as they are intended to be, and sometimes it's simply not possible to make the accommodations that people are looking for. ...

Angela is proud to be trained in Mindfulness Yoga Acceptance Commitment Therapy/training and sees the improved outcomes in individuals and families every single day in her small but growing practice. She uses elements of the modality in her personal and professional life.  Angela is pleased to be able to speak to the research and the practice based evidence at the 9th International Research Confer...

To follow up on our last conversation, where we discussed the holes in our social safety net, Angela focuses on the need to increase awareness within our system and within our communities regarding the incidents and the consequences that result from prenatal substance exposures. She gives examples of how misinformation and resistance does harm to those who we are passionately supporting - just oft...

In this episode, Angela shares information about programs and services aimed to support people in need. She also discusses how sometimes these programs and services fall short and that we all can help to clarify the myths associated with income and disability support and realize that the system is not always easy to navigate, and oftentimes it is not utilized to its full potential; meaning that we...