Raising the Next Gen Podcast
by Sonia Dong
Raising the Next Gen is your go-to parenting podcast for practical, uplifting advice on raising happy, resilient, and productive teens and tweens. Each episode features practical advice from experts, real-life stories from parents, and personal insights from our own family’s journey. We’ll dive into the challenges and triumphs of modern parenting, from cultivating healthy habits and digital wellbeing to building mental resilience and fostering leadership skills. Our approach is simple: small actions compound to create big impacts. Discover easy, actionable tips that you can start using today to encourage your kids to explore their unique talents, achieve their goals, and define their own success—all while creating stronger family bonds.
Episodes
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E43 - Strategies Every ADHD Family Can Use
In this episode, Host Sonia Dong speaks with Dr. Bethany Bilodeau, or Dr. B, behaviourist, author, and business owner about ADHD and the different types of ADD. They discuss why blood flow to the prefrontal cortex matters, why high-intensity movement can shift a kid's ability to focus in minutes,...
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E42 - When Your Teen Feels Everything Intensely
This episode discusses self-harm and suicidal ideation in teens — listener discretion is advised, and if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis line. Some kids don't feel sad; they feel like they're on fire. Host Sonia Dong speaks with...
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E41 - Nori: A No Algorithm, No Ads Social Network Community for Moms
Many support networks for moms can be overwhelming, especially when there’s a five-hundred-person group chat where you can ask a question but never really be known. This episode with Jiemi Gao, Founder of Nori, looks at what gets built when you design for the opposite: one-on-one and small group...
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E40 - The Growth and Healing We Pass Forward
What happens when life doesn't follow the plan you carefully mapped out? Sonia sits down with Kena Paranjape, founder of Supernova, to explore how life's biggest challenges can become catalysts for growth, healing, and deeper self-discovery. Kena shares her journey through caregiving, grief,...
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E39 - Exploring Career Paths At Every Age
What if career success isn’t about choosing the “right” path early, but learning to stay curious, adaptable, and aligned with who you are becoming? In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia speaks with career psychotherapist and speaker Jodi Tingling about helping teens, young adults, and...
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E38 - Teaching Our Little and Big Kids That Kindness Matters
What if one of the most powerful things you could do for your kids costs absolutely nothing? In this episode, host Sonia Dong sits down with Marcia Agius, founder of the Kindness Circle, to explore how families can weave intentional kindness into everyday life. Marcia shares how her own parents...
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E37 - Easy Ways to Get Kids Involved & Save Time Scheduling
If you've ever felt like you're holding up the entire household on your own, this episode is for you. Business consultant and simplicity expert Erin Binns joins host Sonia Dong to talk about how to streamline life at home. From rethinking the after-school activities to getting kids involved in...
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E36 - Learning Strategies Every Student (and Parent) Needs
What if learning and doing well in academics (and life) meant doing less, not more? In this conversation between host Sonia Dong and Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer, founder and CEO of Awakened Learning, we learn how to unpack what it really means to support your kids as learners without the burnout. Dr....
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E35 - What Are the 7 Types of Rest You and Your Family Need?
What does it actually mean to rest? In this episode, host Sonia Dong chats with Karen Choi, founder of Balm, to explore why so many of us feel exhausted even when we think we've rested. Drawing on Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's framework of the seven types of rest, Karen unpacks what kind of labor...
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E34 - Understanding Your Teen's Mind and Mood
What’s “normal” and what warrants concern? Host Sonia Dong sits down with psychologist Nadia D'Iuso to explore the real challenges parents face as their children move through adolescence. Whether your teen is struggling with stress, anxiety, academic pressure, or peer relationships, this...
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E33 - The Financial Head Start Your Teen Needs
Inspired by rising inflation and her desire to give her sons a head start, Jane Kwan chats with host Sonia Dong to share practical strategies parents can use to open money conversations with their kids. From budgeting at the grocery store to explaining needs vs. wants, she breaks down key tools...
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E32 - Helping Teens Thrive Beyond Mom and Dad
In this episode, host Sonia Dong explores the world of teen and young adult coaching with Sandi Huminek, a certified life coach who is passionate about helping the next generation thrive. We discuss the difference between coaching and therapy, what it looks like when parents, teens, and coaches...
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E31 - Father Figures Who Steer Rather Than Stifle Teenage Sons
What does it really take to raise confident, emotionally grounded teenage boys? In this episode, host Sonia Dong sits down with Edmund Chien, a retired finance professional, public speaker on behavioural finance, and military veteran. Edmund shares how studying attachment theory transformed his…
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E30 - Its All About the Baby Steps
Before a child can walk on their own, they fall about 2,500 times (2012 study from New York University’s Infant Action Lab). And every single time, we cheered them on. So why do we expect our teens and tweens to get it right on the first try? In this talk, speaker and host of Raising the Next Gen...
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E29 - Teens, Sportsmanship, and Navigating Disappointment
In this episode, Sonia welcomes Kimberly Snider, a strategic leadership coach and team builder, for an engaging conversation about raising resilient children. They discuss mindset management during unexpected challenges like airline strikes, the power of maintaining optimism, and how family…
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E28 - Teen Money Skills and Post-Secondary Budgeting Tips
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, host Sonia Dong welcomes Tara Downey, owner of Tru Insurance & Investments, to discuss financial literacy for teens and young adults. Tara shares her journey as a single mom navigating financial challenges while raising three children, now aged 20-27. She...
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E27 - Parents Are the Algorithm Behind Digitally Savvy Kids
Sonia is joined by Yetty Williams on Raising the Next Gen for a conversation about raising digitally savvy kids. As a digital parenting coach and social entrepreneur who helps families navigate raising children in a highly connected world, Yetty is passionate about supporting parents to parent...
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E26 - From Parenting Teens to Guiding Adult Children
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia is joined by Julie Cober, a certified executive leadership coach who supports female founders and senior leaders navigating career transitions. Julie reflects candidly on balancing executive leadership with motherhood. They talk about how it's never...
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E25 - Helping Kids Find Confidence Through Stories
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia is joined by educator and children’s author Krishana Johnson-James for a heartfelt conversation about confidence, creativity, and helping kids embrace challenges. Krishana shares how her lifelong love of writing and teaching led to her books Planting…
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E24 - The Freedom of Leaving My Phone at Home
What happens when you accidentally leave your phone at home? In this solo episode, I share how a simple morning school drop-off became an unexpected lesson in presence and freedom. After forgetting my phone on the kitchen counter, I had to decide whether I'd turn back for it in a panic, or…
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E23 - Strengthening Your Relationship While Parenting
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia chats with psychologist Clarissa Ee to explore how becoming parents impacts connection, communication, and conflict between partners. They discuss why relationship satisfaction often declines after kids and how misalignment between parents affects…
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E22 - Sparking Wonder Through Stories and Science
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia is joined Vicky McGrath, author of The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact and the Tales from the Clinic graphic novel series. Vicky shares how a season of isolation during COVID motivated a creative breakthrough, blending her daughter’s love of...
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E21 - Choosing Peace to Reconnect With Kids
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia sits down with holistic wellness specialist, trauma coach, and Reiki Master Preeti Kapoor for an honest conversation about Preeti’s deeply personal journey which was sparked by a heartbreaking question from her young son: “Mom, will you ever be happy...
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E20 - The Healing Power of Vulnerability in Parenthood
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I sit down with motherhood coach and maternal mental health advocate Annalisa Vicente to talk about what it really means to raise emotionally aware, resilient kids while caring for our own wellbeing. Together, we explore how to model vulnerability, build...
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E19 - Nutrition, Mindset, and Healthy Habits for Families
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I welcome Irina Cazazaeva, a Hollywood nutrition and mindset coach, to explore how personalized nutrition and daily habits can help families thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Irina shares her science-based approach to eating for your unique…
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E18 - How Slowing Down Helped Me Find Gratitude Again
It was Thanksgiving this past weekend in Canada, and each time this holiday rolls around, I am reminded of how a painful accident turned into a lesson in gratitude, perspective and the need to slow down. In this short episode, I share what happened to me and how it changed it me for the better.…
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E17 - What Family Dinners Teach in the AI Era
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I sit down with leadership coach and author Leisse Wilcox to talk about how everyday family rituals—especially shared meals—can shape emotionally aware, resilient, and confident kids. We explore why family dinners matter more than ever in the age of AI…
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E16 - Helping Teens Choose the Right Post-Secondary Fit
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I sit down with Alanna Negri, a dream maker, education advisor, and regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, to explore how parents and teens can navigate the often overwhelming journey of post-secondary education. Alanna shares wisdom from 25 years of...
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E15 - Season 2, Life Lately and Shifting from Busy Days to Full Days
In Season Two, I share life lately, from supporting my daughter’s transition to high school to caring for my aging parents, and doing it while finding new ways to balance “full days” versus “busy days.” Through my reflections, I explore how shifting mindset and priorities can transform overwhelm...
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E14 - Understanding Mixed Race Identity and Teens
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia Dong speaks with Dr. Jennifer Noble (aka Dr. Jen), a clinical psychologist specializing in teens and mixed race identity. Dr. Jen shares valuable insights from her work with adolescents and parents and the complexities of identity, belonging, and...
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E13 - No One Parents Alone, Not Even Experts
Licensed marriage and family therapist Souraya Matar joins host Sonia Dong in this episode of Raising the Next Gen. Souraya opens up about the challenges of early motherhood, seeking out postpartum support, and how becoming a certified parenting coach helped her shift from reactive to conscious...
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E12 - Co-Parenting with Clarity and Care
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, host Sonia Dong is joined by Natasha Agha—speech pathologist, private practice mentor, and mom of two—for a candid conversation about navigating separation, co-parenting, and burnout. Natasha shares how she transitioned from juggling multiple businesses…
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E11 - School Transitions and Modelling Healthy Living
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia Dong chats with Amy Aravantinos. Amy is a single mom, fitness coach, and founder of Body by Blondi and she opens up about the real-life challenges and growth that come with big transitions. Amy tells us about moving homes and schools with her...
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E10 - Chores, Connection, and Curbing the Clicks
What if chores weren’t just a necessary evil—but a hidden opportunity to connect with your kids, take time back, and curb the clicks? As summer routines kick in, I explore how simple shifts—like blasting a family playlist while cleaning or trying new recipes together—can turn chores into…
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E9 - Navigating Parenthood with Growth and Grace
In this heartfelt and honest conversation, I’m joined by teacher and author Natalie Boccia—mom of three kids spanning a decade, cancer survivor, and champion for healing through storytelling. We talk about what it’s like to parent across two generations under one roof while navigating...
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E8 - Talk Money to My Kids - A Mindset of Possibility
How do we raise kids who are curious, confident, and capable when it comes to money? In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I sit down with Justin Chung, host of the MoneyDad Podcast, to explore how parents can do away with a scarcity mindset and embrace an abundance mindset with their kids. We...
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E7 - Parenting with Intention and Healing Generational Patterns
Yollanda Zhang joins Sonia in this episode of Raising the Next Gen, where we discuss generational patterns and how we're healing from them, the importance of self-care and mindfulness for parents, and more. As mother, Ontario-certified teacher, and entrepreneur, Yollanda brings both professional...
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E6 - Breaking Free of the Tiger Mom Mold
In this solo episode of Raising the Next Gen, we go back to 2011—before I became a mom and was inspired by the Tiger Mom philosophy made famous by Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. As an expectant parent and fellow Asian woman, I resonated deeply with the ideas of Tiger Parenting and...
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E5 - More Than Just Fun - Understanding Play Therapy for Children and Teens
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, we step inside the playroom with Maimoona Batool to explore how play therapy can be a powerful tool for helping children and teens navigate big feelings, trauma, and life transitions. Maimoona shares what led her to focus on play therapy and how it…
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E4 - Raising Resilient Teens - The Role of Attachment in Mental Wellbeing
What is attachment parenting, and why does it matter—especially now, as our kids grow into teens and tweens? In this powerful and insightful episode of Raising the Next Gen, we explore the deep connection between parenting styles, attachment theory, and youth mental health. Joining me is Janany...
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E3 - Breaking Stereotypes - Raising Teens Doesn't Have to Be Hard
In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, I speak with Dr. Julia Sen, the "Possibility Psychologist™," about breaking the stereotype that the teen and tween years must be a difficult stage in parenting. A major theme in this episode is the idea of being a “pattern breaker” or a “generational cycle...
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E2 - Encouraging Safe and Healthy Tech Habits for Kids
Screen time battles? Online safety worries? You're not alone! In this episode, learn practical tips for managing kids' tech use with safety, creativity, and balance. Resources: Paul Davis Nature Canada: Screen Time vs Green Time --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit…
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E1 - The Why Behind Raising the Next Gen - a Podcast for Parents of Teens and Tweens
This was going to be a book podcast...and this is why it evolved into something else. In this short introductory episode, I talk about why I decided to create a podcast by sharing a story about piano practice, a hard look at my own behaviour and making sure my daughter and I didn't go to bed mad…
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Welcome to the Raising the Next Gen Podcast with Sonia Dong
Welcome to Raising the Next Gen, a podcast for parents of teens and tweens. I'm Sonia Dong, your host and a mom navigating the twists and turns of modern parenting. Each episode offers practical tips to help kids build resilience, explore their talents, and define success. With insights from...
About this show
Raising the Next Gen is your go-to parenting podcast for practical, uplifting advice on raising happy, resilient, and productive teens and tweens. Each episode features practical advice from experts, real-life stories from parents, and personal insights from our own family’s journey. We’ll dive into the challenges and triumphs of modern parenting, from cultivating healthy habits and digital wellbeing to building mental resilience and fostering leadership skills. Our approach is simple: small actions compound to create big impacts. Discover easy, actionable tips that you can start using today to encourage your kids to explore their unique talents, achieve their goals, and define their own success—all while creating stronger family bonds.
Hosted by
Sonia Dong