A timely conversation led Angela Geddes to discover that a widely used Ontario special-education textbook contained outdated information about FASD.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela shares how a fast, collaborative effort with the textbook’s authors, expert reviewers and people with living experience resulted in a new multi-page FASD contribution in the ninth edition. She explores why accurate, brain-based information matters for educators, students and families; what practical classroom supports can change outcomes; and why this meaningful step is only the beginning.

Angela also introduces Not Your Typical Teaching Guide and her professional-development supports for educators.

Recommended Resources:

• Special Education in Ontario Schools, 9th Edition — including Key Facts About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
• Not Your Typical Teaching Guide
• FASD Ontario Network of Expertise

Please share this episode with a teacher, educational assistant, principal, school board leader, or anyone in your community who would benefit from a more current and compassionate understanding of FASD.

What does a fastball team have to do with brain health?

More than you might think.

In this special episode, Angela introduces Play Well. Live Well. Grow Well.—a new community awareness campaign created to promote healthy brains, healthy pregnancies, and healthier futures. Inspired by the leadership of the UTM Bandits U19 Fastball Team, this initiative demonstrates how everyday conversations can create lasting change.

Drawing parallels between athletic training and lifelong brain health, Angela explores how the small choices we make every day—from sleep and nutrition to movement, relationships, and learning—help build resilient brains across the lifespan. She also shares why evidence-informed education about prenatal alcohol exposure matters, not to create guilt or shame, but to empower people with knowledge before important decisions are made.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why brain health is built through everyday habits—not just genetics or luck.
• How mental health, healthy pregnancies, and community well-being are deeply connected.
• What current research tells us about prenatal alcohol exposure and why early education matters.
• Why understanding how the brain works can replace blame with compassion and better support.
• How one team of young athletes is using its platform to spark meaningful conversations that can strengthen entire communities.

Whether you're a parent, educator, coach, healthcare professional, or someone who simply wants to support healthier communities, this episode is an invitation to join the conversation.

Because healthy brains don't happen by chance—they're built together.

Learn more about the Play Well. Live Well. Grow Well. campaign, explore resources, and discover how you can help spread the message.

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela Geddes shares reflections and key takeaways from the 10th International Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASD in Seattle.

Angela discusses:

• the nervous system and brain-body connection
• why behaviour is often misunderstood
• the impact of shame and misdiagnosis
• supporting neurodivergent youth and adults through compassionate, brain-based approaches
• the importance of regulation, safety, and connection
• why meaningful support should not wait for diagnosis

Angela also shares highlights from the two workshops she co-facilitated:
✨ Seeing More Clearly Together
✨ Not Your Typical Growing Up Guide

This episode offers practical insight, hope, and encouragement for caregivers, educators, professionals, and individuals navigating complicated and beautiful brains.

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.