Kitchen Table Conversations with Angela Geddes

Angela Geddes

Short and shareable conversation starters to support you or your loved ones with a complicated and beautiful brain.

  1. EPISODE #120: It’s Not Just Teeth - Why Oral Health Is Whole Body Health

    4D AGO

    EPISODE #120: It’s Not Just Teeth - Why Oral Health Is Whole Body Health

    When we think about oral health, most of us think about brushing, flossing, and fresh breath. But what if we’ve been missing the bigger picture? In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, Angela Geddes reflects on her early work with the West Elgin Community Health Centre, where she participated in research and community consultations exploring access to dental care and the real-life impact of oral health challenges. Through powerful stories of young mothers, grandparents, and families navigating poverty, stigma, and complex needs, Angela highlights how oral health is deeply connected to dignity, relationships, and mental wellness. She also brings forward emerging research showing that oral health is linked to: Heart diseaseDiabetesDementiaStroke riskHospital-acquired infectionsWe now understand that the mouth is not separate from the body—it is a gateway to it. This episode also explores the added challenges for individuals with sensory sensitivities, trauma histories, and neurodevelopmental differences such as FASD, ADHD, and ASD—where daily oral care is not simply a routine, but a complex, supported task. This conversation invites us to shift from blame to understanding, and from routine care to whole-person support. 👉 Because oral health is not about vanity. 👉 It is about safety, dignity, and lifelong health. Recommended Resources: NHS Borders | Meeting Your Child’s Sensory Needs – ToothbrushingToronto Kids Dental | Is Your Child Avoiding Brushing? It Might Be Sensory OverloadPlease 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.

    10 min
  2. EPISODE #118: Not Your Typical Growing Up and Adulting Journey

    FEB 4

    EPISODE #118: Not Your Typical Growing Up and Adulting Journey

    In this episode, Angela Geddes invites listeners into a gentle, grounding conversation about her latest resource, which highlights what happens when we stop fighting our neurodivergent wiring — and begin to understand it. This episode is especially for people who have grown up feeling “out of step,” misunderstood, or blamed for struggles that are actually rooted in how their brain works - and for the people who love and support them. This episode speaks directly to those living with ADHD, FASD, trauma, substance use impacts, learning differences, and complicated mental health profiles — particularly when life feels overwhelming, uncertain, or high-stakes. Through a compassionate, brain-based lens, this "Deep Dive" explores:  Why fear and misinformation often surround assessment, diagnosis, and systemsHow increased stress, substance use, prenatal alcohol/substance exposure and trauma can change how our brain functionsWhy understanding your brain is not about labels or punishment — but about safety, advocacy, and better outcomesHow slowing down and getting curious can open the door to relief and self-compassionThis episode is not about fixing people or telling them what to do. It’s about offering clarity, reassurance, and a reminder that you are not broken — you are wired differently. This conversation provides an overview of Angela’s book, Not Your Typical Growing Up & Adulting Guide, and companion workbook which offers further language, tools, and validation for navigating growing up and adulting with a complicated and beautiful brain. Listeners are encouraged to listen at their own pace, return to it when needed, and share it with someone who might finally feel seen. 🌸 Rising up through muddy waters.

    23 min
  3. EPISODE #117: Understanding Behaviour Through Brain and Context — Not Blame

    JAN 28

    EPISODE #117: Understanding Behaviour Through Brain and Context — Not Blame

    This episode features a rich, brain-based conversation with Lisa Riegel, a school transformation specialist who uses brain science as a foundation for building culture and practices that align to the way our brain works. This conversation explores how schools and families can better support students by understanding behaviour as the intersection of biology and context. A central theme is the widespread misunderstanding of “manipulation.” For individuals with FASD and other neurodevelopmental profiles related to prenatal alcohol or substance exposure, behaviour can appear manipulative because they often know expectations but lack the executive functioning, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills needed to consistently meet them or repair mistakes. When situations unravel, they may keep talking, reacting, or shifting direction — not to deceive, but because they are overwhelmed and don’t yet have the tools to navigate the moment effectively. The conversation also explores why stress is normal, but how modern pressures — including social media, changing family routines, fewer shared meals, reduced idle time, and less opportunity to observe and practice nonverbal communication in safe settings — can amplify regulation challenges for vulnerable learners. Rather than pathologizing behaviour or blaming parents, this discussion emphasizes the importance of: Focusing on brain and contextTeaching skills instead of assuming intentUsing “when–then” strategies and clear structureHelping students link skill development with positive outcomesSupporting self-understanding and self-advocacy, especially for those with hidden disabilitiesThe episode ultimately invites educators, caregivers, and systems to shift from reactive responses to proactive skill-building environments that help students learn how to manage their symptoms and thrive. Educators looking to apply these concepts in real classrooms can explore Not Your Typical Teaching Guide, which offers practical, brain-based strategies.  Not Your Typical Growing Up and Adulting Guide (coming soon) continues this work by supporting teens and young adults to understand their brains, advocate for support, and build meaningful, capable lives. Books can be found here.  To learn more about Lisa Riegel’s work, speaking, and books on improving school climates through neuroscience, visit lisariegel.com. 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.

    35 min
  4. ÉPISODE #115:  Plongée en profondeur — Ceci n’est pas votre guide de la pédagogique typique

    2025-12-05

    ÉPISODE #115:  Plongée en profondeur — Ceci n’est pas votre guide de la pédagogique typique

    Soutenir les élèves ayant un TSAF ou des différences neurocognitives : Pourquoi une mise à jour des connaissances est essentielle Cet épisode explore le travail crucial — et souvent invisible — que les éducateur·trices accomplissent pour soutenir des élèves ayant des « cerveaux compliqués et merveilleux ». En Ontario, de nombreux·euses enseignant·es doivent composer avec des profils d’apprentissage complexes tout en s’appuyant sur une information dépassée ou inexacte, particulièrement en ce qui concerne le Trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale (TSAF). Nous expliquons : Pourquoi des termes comme « SAF » ne sont plus utilisésPourquoi le TSAF est beaucoup plus fréquent qu’on le croitComment l’invisibilité et le sous-diagnostic mènent à des malentendusPourquoi les approches comportementales traditionnelles échouent souventEt comment les mises à jour du curriculum permettront aux enseignant·es d’intervenir avec clarté et compassionCette conversation met en lumière la résilience des éducateur·trices, l’importance d’outils fiables basés sur les neurosciences, ainsi que la bonne nouvelle que des changements sont déjà en cours. En comprenant les racines neurologiques du comportement, nous pouvons remplacer le jugement par l’observation éclairée et créer des environnements scolaires fondés sur la sécurité, la dignité et l’apprentissage. 📚 Découvrez le livre >> 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.

    16 min
  5. ÉPISODE #095: Le temps des Fêtes

    2025-11-26

    ÉPISODE #095: Le temps des Fêtes

    Pour certains, c’est la période la plus merveilleuse de l’année… mais pas pour tout le monde. Dans cet épisode, Angela parle de façons de réduire à la fois l’impact et l’incidence des grossesses exposées à l’alcool ou à d’autres substances. Elle encourage à envisager des efforts de prévention plus larges et informels pour soutenir des grossesses en santé, surtout depuis que nous avons appris que les taux de prévalence du TSAF en Amérique du Nord ont augmenté pour atteindre une estimation encore conservatrice de 8 %! Angela partage également des idées qui portent à réflexion sur la manière de faire en sorte que le temps des Fêtes soit le meilleur possible pour vous et votre entourage. Cela peut vouloir dire réévaluer certaines traditions et en créer de nouvelles, ainsi qu’établir des limites empreintes de compassion. RESSOURCES POUR EN SAVOIR PLUS : CANFASD | La prévalence du trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale (PDF)Angela Geddes Website | Annonce d’intérêt public sur le TSAF 60 secondes (à partager) (link to https://www.angelageddes.ca/resources/mip-2025-60sec)Angela Geddes Website | Annonce d’intérêt public sur le TSAF 30 secondes (à partager) (link to https://www.angelageddes.ca/resources/mip-2025-30sec)N’hésitez pas à partager ce balado avec votre communauté et les personnes dans votre entourage qui pourraient bénéficier de ces importantes conversations de table de cuisine. Votre soutien compte énormément pour nous.

    18 min

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Short and shareable conversation starters to support you or your loved ones with a complicated and beautiful brain.