Shaping Our World

In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins is joined by teenage sisters Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut, co-founders of Small Bits of Happiness. Tune in to hear how their journey—from struggling with happiness to building a thriving business and podcast—empowers teens to build joyful habits, foster deeper connections with parents, and find meaning in everyday moments. Discover practical “happiness hacks” and inspiring insights that will resonate with youth, parents, and educators alike.  

Sofia Friesen returns to Shaping Our World for a powerful second conversation about protecting youth from human trafficking in Canada. As Canadian Programs Director at Ally Global Foundation, Sofia shares the latest on their groundbreaking Prevention Project and offers real-world tools to keep kids safe online. With practical red flags to watch for and hopeful stories of change, this episode is an urgent yet empowering resource for parents and caregivers.  

Chris Tompkins welcomes Dr. Robin Baweja — pediatrician, author, and founder of Dear Mommy — for a meaningful conversation on children's mental health. Drawing from her medical background and personal experience as a parent, Dr. Baweja shares how to recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, and emotional struggles in kids, along with tips for building resilience. They explore the impact of the pandemic, the importance of emotional literacy, and how parents and caregivers can support children at every stage of development.  

In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins sits down with Fiona Goy and Poppy Go, two remarkable mothers who have dedicated their lives to advocating for children with exceptionalities. Fiona and Poppy share their personal journeys of raising sons on the autism spectrum, the life-changing decisions they made to support their development, and how sports, summer camps, and employment opportunities have empowered their children to thrive. Their inspiring stories offer encouragement, practical wisdom, and a powerful message about inclusion, resilience, and the limitless potential within every young person.

In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins welcomes acclaimed author and creative director, Sara Furlong. With nearly 20 years of experience creating engaging content for kids and tweens, Sara shares insights on fostering empathy and understanding through literature. We dive into her award-winning book, Every Brain is Beautiful, which introduces neurodiversity to children, and explore her latest project, Storyay, a revolutionary approach to literacy. Join us for an inspiring conversation on storytelling, inclusivity, and how we can better support the young minds shaping our world.

Season 5 of Shaping Our World kicks off with an insightful conversation featuring Angelique de Montbrun, CEO of Mydoh, a money management app designed to empower kids and teens with real-world financial skills. Angelique shares her expertise on fostering financial literacy from an early age, the impact of digital tools on money management, and how parents can help their children build healthy financial habits. Whether you're a parent navigating conversations about money or a young person eager to take control of your finances, this episode is packed with valuable insights.  

In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins talks with Dr. Mariana Brussoni, a developmental psychologist and professor at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Brussoni's research highlights the surprising benefits of risky outdoor play for children, from building resilience to fostering creativity and independence. They dive into why unstructured play is vital for development and how parents can overcome the fear of letting kids take healthy risks. Packed with practical advice and fresh perspectives, this conversation will leave you rethinking how play shapes young lives. Don't miss this fascinating and empowering discussion!  

Join host Chris Tompkins as he sits down with renowned child development expert Ellen Galinsky. Ellen, president of Families and Work Institute and acclaimed author, brings a wealth of insights on youth development. Known for her groundbreaking book, Mind in the Making, Ellen's latest release, The Breakthrough Years, dives into the complexities of adolescence with a fresh perspective. Her expertise in executive functioning, skill-building, and adolescent growth makes this episode a must-listen for anyone invested in understanding today's youth. This engaging conversation offers both practical advice and inspiration for parents, educators, and leaders. 

In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins speaks with Dave Krocker, head of Rosseau Lake College. They explore the importance of outdoor experiential learning and its impact on youth development. Dave shares his passion for immersive nature experiences and how his school integrates these principles into education. The conversation covers key educational trends, like the rise of AI, and the importance of teaching ethical responsibility. Together, they offer practical advice for educators and parents, highlighting the vital role of balance, soft skills, and character development in shaping today's youth.  

In this episode of the Shaping Our World podcast, host Chris Tompkins welcomes back Dr. Karyn Gordon, CEO of DK Leadership, to explore how goal-setting and time management can shape youth leadership and impact mental health. With over 25 years of experience as a therapist, executive coach, and bestselling author, Dr. Karyn shares insights on her upcoming event, "Leadership 101: Youth Edition." Learn practical strategies to help young people set meaningful goals, manage their time effectively, and how these skills contribute to their overall well-being and success. Perfect for parents and caregivers looking to empower the next generation. As a bonus, Dr. Karyn is offering a FREE Parent Report Card to assist you on your parenting journey.

In this episode of Shaping Our World, we welcome Elissa Strauss, a writer and cultural critic featured in publications like The Atlantic, Slate, and The New York Times. Elissa's new book, When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others, explores the deep value of care and dependency in our lives. Elissa discusses how embracing care can transform relationships and the world around us. Join the conversation as we dive into this meaningful and thought-provoking topic.  

In this episode of Shaping Our World, we welcome Jessica Janzen, a dynamic speaker, coach, and author, to share her inspiring journey. After the heart-breaking loss of her son to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Jessica founded the Love for Lewiston Foundation and penned Bring the Joy, a book about finding happiness amidst life's challenges. Join us as Jessica discusses the importance of resiliency in raising children and how parents can foster joy and strength in their families. With her infectious energy and deep wisdom, Jessica's story will resonate with every listener.

In this inspiring episode of Shaping Our World, we sit down with Emer O'Donnell, the visionary behind Teen Reconnect. Emer reveals how her 7Q Teen Reconnect formula and the Q Pathfinder can empower teens to discover their true selves and thrive. As the author of Understanding Teen Stress & Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Building Love and Connection, she offers practical advice for fostering stronger relationships with your teens. Tune in to learn how you can support your teen in navigating today's challenges and help them unlock their full potential.

In this episode of Shaping Our World, we welcome Dr. Merry Lin, a seasoned psychologist, podcaster, and author. With over 30 years of clinical expertise, Dr. Merry leads a team of professionals at Dr. Lin & Associates in Toronto. Known for her podcast, The Fully Lived Life, and her impactful books, she brings a unique perspective on living authentically. Join us as we explore how to help our children and teens reach their fullest potential, embracing their true selves. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends faith, science, and practical insights for today's parents.

In this episode of Shaping Our World, we dive into the crucial topic of digital literacy with Matthew Johnson, Director of Education for MediaSmarts, Canada's Centre for Digital Media Literacy. Matthew, an influential voice in digital education and member of various advisory committees, shares his insights on how digital technology impacts our children. We discuss practical tips for parents and caregivers to navigate this digital age effectively. With recent news highlighting these issues in Ontario, this episode is timely and essential. Tune in to learn how to support your kids in becoming responsible digital citizens.

In this episode of Shaping Our World, we welcome parenting expert Aly Pain back to the podcast! Aly, once a bright and bubbly girl hiding inner turmoil, has transformed her life through personal development and healing from dysfunctional family dynamics. Now a certified life coach and relationship systems coach, Aly empowers parents to build healthy, respectful relationships with their teens. Drawing from her experiences with top entrepreneurs and executives, Aly provides valuable insights on managing family dynamics and removing toxicity. Tune in to hear our insightful conversation and discover practical advice for fostering strong, positive connections with your children.

In the latest episode of Shaping Our World, we welcome Natasha Maxwell, Supervisor of the Neyaashiinigmiing First Nations Police Service. With over 20 years of experience in policing, Natasha delves into the unique challenges faced by youth on the reserve. She discusses the positive impact of an Indigenous police presence, the importance of building resilience among the youth, thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation and the positive ways that we can move forward together. Tune in to hear Natasha's insights on empowering Indigenous youth and fostering equality in First Nations policing, paving the way for a brighter future for her community.

Join host Chris Tompkins as he delves into the world of youth development with Brad Griffin, Senior Director of Content and Research at the Fuller Youth Institute. With a rich background in spirituality, Christian faith, and youth ministry, Brad shares invaluable insights for parents and caregivers. Whether you're from a faith-based background or not, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on raising confident, well-rounded kids in today's culture. Discover practical tips and inspiring advice to better understand and support the young people in your life. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening conversation!

Welcome to the latest episode of the Shaping Our World podcast! Today, we're diving into a topic that's close to many of our hearts: therapy and counselling for young people. Host Chris Tompkins is joined by Marianne Deeks, a seasoned registered psychotherapist with a wealth of experience. Marianne sheds light on the counselling process, helping us understand how to choose the right therapist and what to expect along the way. With 26 years of experience, including working extensively with adolescents and families, Marianne offers invaluable insights into creating safe spaces for young people to share and grow. Tune in as we explore the importance of therapy in navigating life's challenges and empowering our youth to thrive.  

In this episode of Shaping Our World, join certified parenting coach, author, podcaster and speaker Robbin McManne as she shares invaluable insights for parents and caregivers. With a focus on fostering connection and joy in parenting, Robbin delves into the core of conscious parenting, guiding listeners through understanding their emotions and frustrations while nurturing their children's self-worth. Drawing from her expertise in supporting parents globally, Robbin addresses common challenges in modern parenting and offers empowering strategies for navigating them. Discover how to gracefully navigate conflicts with your kids and cultivate cooperation without compromising your own identity. Tune in for a transformative discussion that promises to enrich your parenting journey.

Should your child take a “gap year” between high school and university? The latest episode of the Shaping Our World podcast may help to answer that question as we sit down with Michelle Dittmer, educator, youth advocate and founder of the Canadian Gap Year Association (CanGap). With her extensive background in teaching and youth development, Michelle champions the power of the gap year experience. She passionately believes in the innate potential of young people and advocates for creating spaces where their voices are heard and valued. Tune in as Michelle shares insights on the benefits of taking a gap year between high school and post-secondary education. From fostering innovative thinking to addressing mental health and career education, discover how gap years can positively shape the journey of our youth.

In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins has a heartfelt conversation with Brady Leavold, retired professional hockey player turned beacon of hope. Brady's journey is a testament to resilience and the power of redemption. From the highs of signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning to the depths of addiction and despair, Brady's story is one of transformation.  Discover how Brady's rediscovery of his love for the game sparked a journey of healing and purpose. Through his Puck Support Network and podcast, Hockey 2 Hell and Back, Brady is on a mission to support fellow athletes and anyone grappling with mental health and addiction challenges. Tune in for practical insights on supporting young people navigating mental health, understanding the unique pressures athletes face, and how childhood trauma shapes our futures. Brady's story will inspire you to believe in the possibility of second chances and the capacity for change.

In this heartening episode of Shaping Our World, we welcome the remarkable Dan Scott, a beacon of insight and guidance for parents navigating the challenges of raising children and teens. As Executive Director of Life Stage Content Strategies at Orange — a team of leaders, educators, researchers, counsellors, writers, editors, artists, and musicians, all committed to supporting churches and families as they nurture the faith and future of the next generation — Dan brings a wealth of wisdom to the table. Tune in as Dan shares empowering strategies for parents aiming to foster their kids' faith journey in a tailored and authentic manner. From addressing common struggles kids face to embracing the transformative power of art and creativity, Dan's insights are as inspiring as they are practical. For parents seeking to cultivate a resilient and spiritually vibrant next generation, this episode is an absolute must-listen!  

Get ready to empower your kids for success in the digital age! In this episode of Shaping Our World, we're joined by the dynamic Stacey Ross Cohen, an expert in personal branding and marketing. Drawing from her wealth of experience and her latest book, Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success, Stacey shares invaluable insights on cultivating a strong personal brand for our children and teens. From navigating social media to standing out in a competitive world, Stacey offers practical tips, engaging exercises, and powerful tools to help our kids shine online. As a seasoned professional and sought-after speaker, Stacey knows what it takes to make a lasting impression. Tune in and let's guide our kids to put their best foot forward and thrive in today's interconnected world!

Join us for today's episode of Shaping Our World as we delve into the realms of mental wellness with the esteemed Dr. Norman Rosenthal. Renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author, Dr. Rosenthal enlightens us on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a term he coined more than 40 years ago — and the transformative power of light therapy. With over 20 years of groundbreaking research at the National Institute of Mental Health, his insights are invaluable. From overcoming adversity to fostering creativity in our children, Dr. Rosenthal offers profound guidance for parents navigating the complexities of raising resilient kids. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on health, happiness, and nurturing the unique spirit of our youth.  

Welcome to Shaping Our World's Season 4 premiere! Join us for a captivating conversation with Denley and Tajé McIntosh, the visionary co-founders of RenewIQ Consulting. As parents and advocates, they share a front-row perspective on the pressing issues facing Gen Z and Generation Alpha. We explore the potential shifts in workplace culture as younger generations step into leadership roles, armed with their unique strengths. Denley and Tajé also reveal how RenewIQ's consulting techniques seamlessly integrate into family life, offering practical insights for parents. Don't miss this enlightening narrative on leadership, inclusivity, and the compelling future our children are shaping.  

In this episode, we're wrapping up Season Three by reflecting on the insights we've gained from leading experts over the years. Our goal with this podcast is to empower you to understand and inspire the young people in your life. We've had some incredible conversations that have shaped our world and, most importantly, the lives of our listeners. Join us for a recap of what we've learned about youth and youth culture in this enlightening review. Tune in now and let's get started!  

Meet Zoe O'Neill, a remarkable young professional with a deep passion for helping others and a strong background in working with adults and young people with exceptionalities. With extensive experience in understanding children with autism, her role as CEO/Exceptionality Coordinator at Muskoka Woods is nothing short of remarkable. In this engaging conversation, we explore what it's like to work with kids with disabilities and gain insights into how, as parents and adults, we can better understand what that world looks like.  

Have you ever wondered about the perception of math, especially the idea that there are "math people" and "non-math people"? As parents, how can we guide our kids through their math journey? In this episode, we debunk myths surrounding STEM subjects and delve into the world of Women in STEM. We've brought in a special guest, Vanessa Vakharia, also known as the "Lady Gaga of Math Education." Vanessa is the founder of The Math Guru, a unique math and science tutoring studio in Toronto. She's an author, a rockstar, and a math education expert who aims to make math as cool as Taylor Swift songs. Join us for an enlightening and fun conversation as we chat with Vanessa, who once failed math in Grade 11 — twice — and found it to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Get ready for some math positivity and insights on transforming math culture!  

Join us in this episode as we delve into the heavy but crucial issue of human trafficking in Canada. Our guest, Sofia Friesen, Canadian Programs Manager at Ally Global Foundation, sheds light on this topic, offering insights, resources, and a balanced perspective on keeping our youth safe in today's world.  

In this episode, we welcome Jas Hundal, a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Director of Counselling at Future Ready Minds. With a passion for fostering mental well-being, Jas focuses on holistic and strength-based approaches to empower her community. Join us as we delve into pressing concerns like anxiety, loneliness, and perfectionism among youth, and discover how Jas advocates equipping kids with essential life skills like innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Our conversation also underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and honing creative problem-solving abilities in children, ensuring they're equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Not to be missed!  

We present an exciting twist in this episode as we shift the spotlight from experts in the field to the true voices of tomorrow. Join us as we invite two remarkable teenagers, 17-year-old Sloan Tompkins and 18-year-old Rohan Kissoon, to discuss the very issues that shape their generation's experiences. From the nuances of anxiety and the whirlwind of social media, to having fun and navigating relationships with parents, these young minds offer insights that are as eye-opening as they are relatable. Tune in to gain a firsthand perspective on the challenges and triumphs of today's youth. This episode is a reminder that the future is bright and that their voices are key to shaping the world ahead.

Join us as we dive into an inspirational conversation with Jeff A.D. Martin, a soul-stirring and thought-provoking transformational speaker. With over 15 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as a police officer and investigator, Jeff's love for people stems from his community advocacy and mentorship. As a youth communication specialist, he has conducted over 1,000 forensic interviews with children, further deepening his understanding of human potential. Tune in to hear Jeff share his incredible journey and how he leverages his benevolence and passion to help others find their true purpose. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance on unlocking their own potential and supporting their children's dreams.

In this episode, we delve into the pressing issue of anxiety among today's youth and its impact on their well-being. Our guest, Dr. David H. Rosmarin, a Harvard Medical School associate professor and the visionary behind the Center for Anxiety, shares his expertise in helping over 1,000 patients annually. Join us as we explore practical strategies for recognizing anxiety as a source of strength and providing valuable tools to empower young individuals in their journey.

Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the world of parenting with acclaimed family counsellor, speaker, and bestselling author, Alyson Schafer. With years of research and clinical experience, Alyson shares her expertise on stages around the world, providing actionable tactics and empowering parents to face the challenges of modern life. Alyson's ultimate goal is to raise resilient, caring, and capable kids, all while embracing the joy and adventure that comes with it. So, whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you along the way.

For the better part of the last 40-plus years, award-winning Owl, Chickadee and Chirp magazines have adorned the book shelves of Canadian families and we're thrilled to have their editor, Jackie Farquhar, on the show this week. Jackie stopped by to discuss the legacy of the magazines, how the publications have been adopting new ways to connect with kids, and the importance of physical media in the lives of our children.

Meg Stafford is a Massachusetts-based writer and social worker who has been helping others negotiate the terrain of relationships and connections for over three decades. She's published a pair of memoirs and has been a columnist for newspapers for more than 30 years. She stopped by the podcast with advice on putting things aside and living in the moment with our families, and fostering a closer, healthier relationship with our kids.

Regular physical activity benefits children and youth in countless ways — but actually getting them to exchange their screens for exercise can sometimes feel like a tall order. Dr. Leigh Vanderloo, a research scientist specializing in pediatric exercise science, stopped by the podcast to chat about ways that we can help kids, from birth all the way up to 18, live their most active lives.   

Hellooo! Jack “The Coach” Armstrong — former NCAA basketball coach and beloved Toronto Raptors analyst on TSN — visits the Shaping Our World podcast to chat about the intersection of parenting and coaching and the value of sport in the lives of young people.    

Raising children in the age of digital media can be a daunting task for any parent. With the ever-increasing use of technology and screen time, it is essential for parents to be vigilant about online safety and the potential risks associated with the internet. Mental healthcare professionals, authors and digital technology trend experts Jenny Black and Bob Hutchins stop by the podcast to chat about how technology and digital media affects us, impacts young people, and the ways parents can help children navigate the new digital reality.  

Skye Bowen is an educator with over 20 years of teaching experience. She's a passionate leader and an advocate for equity and social justice. Skye and her husband Orlando — who's also been a guest of Shaping Our World — dealt with the trauma of Orlando being assaulted by two police officers in a racial profiling incident. Despite this challenge, she continued to mentor students and empowered them to persevere despite the racism and discrimination many of her own students faced. She joins us on the podcast to talk about how she's shaping the world of young people through both an educational and social justice lens. 

Elizabeth Bennett is an award-winning principal with over 35 years of experience as an educator and administrator. She's also an author, and coaches parents on how to have meaningful discussions with their kids to build healthy and helpful relationships. She stopped by the podcast to talk about ways parents can lead their lives with joy and love, and really helps us unpack how to have “courageous conversations” with our teenagers.

Nora Vincent-Braun is the Be There Network representative for Jack.org, a Canadian charity revolutionizing youth mental health. Nora is passionate about creating a more accessible and equitable mental health landscape in Canada. She recently stopped by the podcast to discuss her role at Jack.org along with ways we can help to promote mental health advocacy and improve mental health outcomes among youth in our communities.

Our first-ever roundtable discussion features veteran educators from the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board (Brian Marenchin, Greg Peck and Paul Picard) and Muskoka Woods' Director of Schools & Groups, Lucas Durocher, chatting about youth development, the importance of camp and extracurriculars, parenting tips and more!  

Ray Johnston is the founder of Bayside Church, Thrive Communications and Thriving Churches International (TCI), which hosts the largest pastors and church staff conferences in the western United States. A master communicator, Ray is well known for his books, The Hope Quotient, and Jesus Called. He has spoken face to face to more than two million people over the past 45 years. Ray stopped by the podcast to talk about challenges and successes in modern parenting while sharing many insights, helpful tips and personal stories. Not to be missed!  

We're starting off Season 3 of the Shaping Our World podcast by bringing back one of our earliest and most insightful guests — Tim Elmore. Tim is founder and CEO of Growing Leaders, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. He has written over 35 books and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, USA Today, Psychology Today along with appearing on CNN and Fox & Friends. Tim is back with us again to unpack some new insights on generational differences, leadership development and how to best nurture the young leaders in your life.  

Carrie Patterson, Managing Director of MindUP™ | The Goldie Hawn Foundation, has a long, extensive and proven career specializing in non-profit and youth development organizations. She recently stopped by the podcast to discuss how we can help our children develop the knowledge and tools they need to manage stress, regulate emotions, and face the challenges of the 21st century.

Chloe Maxwell first travelled to Africa with her family when she was eight years old and spent the following six summers helping lead Heart for Africa service trips with her family to Eswatini, Malawi and Kenya. Today, Chloe is the Marketing & Communication Specialist at Heart for Africa (Canada), where she shares her love for Heart for Africa with fellow Canadians. Chloe stopped by the podcast to talk about her personal service journey along with tips for parents on how they can help their children find purpose and passion while engaging more with the world around them.

One of the country's leading parenting experts, Jennifer Kolari is a highly sought after international speaker and childhood family therapist. Kolari is also the founder of Connected Parenting, an author, and host of her own weekly podcast. She recently brought her wisdom, quick wit and down-to-earth style to the Shaping Our World podcast, offering real life examples as well as practical and effective tools and strategies to enhance the parent-child bond.

As an ordained pastor with eight years of post-secondary education, Mike Gordon has found a unique way to combine theology and comedy, which has made him one of the most in-demand communicators around! To date, he has spoken to thousands of young people at nearly 3,000 events across the globe, including churches, conferences, camps, music festivals, bible colleges and corporate training sessions. Mike recently stopped by the Shaping Our World podcast to talk about all-things faith and how it can benefit youth, children and families.

Dr. Erin Watson is an educator, speaker, author and co-founder of The Expert Talk, a Guelph, Ont.-based provider of mental health first-aid training. Dr. Erin specializes in young women's and girls empowerment with an emphasis on sexuality, identity development, body image, relationships and digital culture. She stopped by the podcast to discuss digital culture and its impacts — both good and bad —  on youth development and the greater family unit.