PODCAST · kids
Shaping Our World
by Chris Tompkins
You're a parent or maybe you work with young people in your job - but either way, you have a desire to inspire the young people in your life. Hi, my name is Chris Tompkins, a 20 plus years veteran of youth development. Both on the front lines and leading the youth development organization, Muskoka Woods. I'm also a dad. Shaping Our World is a podcast that invites you into a conversation that will leave you more confident in inspiring and understanding the young people in your life.
Episodes
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Making Canada a Better Place for Kids with Sara Austin
Children's rights advocate Sara Austin has spent more than 20 years championing the well-being of young people in Canada and around the world. In this episode, Sara joins Chris Tompkins to explore the state of childhood in Canada and why the country has fallen behind on key measures of children's...
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Shaping Our World Replay - Balancing Act: Parenting Our Kids in a Digital World with Richard Culatta
As Canada debates new legislation that could set a minimum age for social media accounts, conversations about how to keep young people safe online are once again front and centre. That makes our Season 2 conversation with technology and learning expert Richard Culatta especially timely. Rather…
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Supporting Creativity, Underdogs and Big Dreams with Gordon Korman
What can nearly five decades of writing for young people teach us about creativity, belonging and growing up? In this episode, host Chris Tompkins talks with beloved Canadian author Gordon Korman, whose 100+ books have reached millions of readers around the world. Gordon shares how a Grade 7...
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Helping Kids Navigate Conflict with Kathleen Hilchey
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with conflict specialist, mediator and educator Kathleen Hilchey to explore how adults can help young people navigate conflict and bullying. Kathleen shares practical strategies for managing big emotions, knowing when to step in and...
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Shaping Our World Replay: Leading by Example with Charles Roberts
Finding a summer job isn't easy this year. But that doesn't mean young people have to put their growth on hold. With one of the toughest summer job markets in years, many teens are missing out on opportunities to build confidence, responsibility and real-world skills. That's why we're revisiting...
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The Resilience Advantage with David Thomas
How do we raise kids who can navigate anxiety, pressure, and an increasingly complex world with confidence? In this episode, Chris Tompkins sits down with licensed therapist, bestselling author, and parenting expert David Thomas to explore what today's kids need most. David shares practical...
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Peter Katz on Storytelling, Belonging and What Matters Most
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with Juno-nominated musician, keynote speaker and facilitator, Peter Katz. Peter shares how music, storytelling, summer camp and meaningful relationships shaped his life and work with young people. Together, they explore why being…
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Hannah Dannecker on Gen Z, Work and Growing Up
In this episode, Chris Tompkins talks with Hannah Dannecker about helping young people understand who they are before deciding what they want to do. Hannah shares how early career exploration can shape confidence, purpose and future choices, and why adults play an important role in exposing youth...
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Mohawk Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller on Leadership, Courage and Shaping the Next Generation
Before she became an Olympian and one of Canada's leading voices in sport and reconciliation, Waneek Horn-Miller survived a near-fatal incident during the Oka Crisis as a teenager. In this episode, Waneek shares how sport helped shape her resilience, identity and leadership. She reflects on the...
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Character, Courage and the Stories That Shape Us with Karise Hutchinson
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with leadership professor and Illuminaire Institute founder Karise Hutchinson to explore what it means to raise wise, resilient, young leaders in a world full of noise and uncertainty. Karise shares how character, courage and…
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Helping Families Rest Well with Alanna McGinn
Did you get your eight hours last night? In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins talks with sleep expert Alanna McGinn about why sleep matters for the whole family. Alanna shares practical insight for parents, caregivers and youth leaders on teen sleep rhythms, stress, anxiety,...
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Andini Makosinski on Invention, Failure and Following Creative Ideas
In this episode of the Shaping Our World podcast, Chris Tompkins speaks with inventor, writer and speaker Andini Makosinski about how creativity grows through curiosity, empathy and persistence. She shares the story behind the Hollow Flashlight and reflects on how failure can become helpful...
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Redefining Success in a Full Life with Lisa Canning
Lisa Canning is an interior designer, entrepreneur, speaker and founder of The Possibility Mom. After building a successful design career and hosting HGTV's Marriage Under Construction, she reached a breaking point while raising her growing family. Today, as a mom of 11 kids, Lisa helps women...
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Dr. Jean Clinton on How Connection Shapes Your Child's Brain
Dr. Jean Clinton, clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University and staff psychiatrist at McMaster Children's Hospital, joins Chris Tompkins for a practical conversation for parents. She explains how connection, emotional safety, repair…
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Sam Demma on Setbacks, Service, and Supporting Your Kids
In this episode, speaker, author, and youth advocate Sam Demma shares how a career ending soccer injury reshaped his purpose and led him to serve young people through small consistent actions. He unpacks the idea of "being someone's taco", simple acts that meet real needs, and why they matter....
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Joel Hilchey on Why Fun Belongs in Leadership
Season 6 of the Shaping Our World podcast is here! In this premiere, Chris Tompkins sits down with speaker, author — and professional juggler — Joel Hilchey to talk about leadership, joy and why fun belongs in meaningful work. Joel shares his journey from engineering to culture building and…
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Jennifer Deal on What Gen Z Wants from Leadership
In part two of our Generation Z series, Chris Tompkins sits down with researcher Jennifer Deal to unpack new Muskoka Woods findings on how young adults see leadership, work, purpose and well being. Jennifer shares what Gen Z is actually saying and how adults can support their growth with clarity,...
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Tim Elmore on Leading Gen Z
Dr. Tim Elmore is back! He joins Chris Tompkins to talk about what is shaping Gen Z and how adults can guide them with confidence. Tim shares what he is seeing in young people today and why understanding their world helps us lead them well. From rising anxiety to new expectations around work, Tim...
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Finding Your Path with Hillary Spiritos: Redefining Success and Self-Trust
This week, Chris Tompkins talks with Hillary Spiritos, founder of Bat Outta Hell and certified pathfinding coach, about helping young adults find clarity in a world full of noise. Drawing from her work with students at NYU and Northeastern University, Hillary shares how to build self-trust,...
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How Susan Bisaillon and Safehaven Are Redefining Inclusion for Every Child
In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins sits down with Susan Bisaillon, CEO of Safehaven, a Toronto-based organization redefining inclusion for children, youth, and adults with complex medical needs. With more than 30 years of leadership across Canada's health care system, Susan...
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Shaping Young Leaders: Lessons from the CEO Leadership Program
Former CEO Leadership Program participants Joel Krishnan and Joy Montemurro join Chris Tompkins to reflect on how Muskoka Woods shaped their growth as young leaders. From confidence-building lessons in the CEO Leadership Program to serving communities in the Dominican Republic, Joel and Joy share...
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Curtis Carmichael: Inspiring Youth Through Innovation and Equity
This episode of Shaping Our World features Curtis Carmichael, author, app developer, and future-of-education strategist. From growing up in Toronto Community Housing to creating the world's first augmented reality memoir, Butterflies in the Trenches: A Memoir of Struggle, Loss, and Triumph…
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Parenting Across Cultures with Dr. Susan Chuang
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with Dr. Susan Chuang, professor, researcher, and family mediator whose work focuses on parenting, child development, and family dynamics across cultures. Drawing from her global research and years of hands-on community work, Susan...
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Jael Richardson on Storytelling, Identity, and Representation
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with author and Festival of Literary Diversity founder Jael Richardson. From her father's story as the CFL's first Black quarterback to her own journey as a writer and mother, Jael shares how faith, family, and storytelling shape...
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From UNICEF to the UN: Steve Joneslee's Journey to Inspire Young Leaders
What happens when a 16-year-old goes from having no friends in a new country to shaking hands with world leaders? In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with Steve Joneslee—youth advocate, nonprofit founder, and UN leader—to explore how agency, resilience, and fresh...
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From Power Struggles to Partnership: Rethinking How We Parent with Dr. Eran Magen
In this insightful episode, Dr. Eran Magen—Stanford-trained psychologist and founder of Parenting for Humans—joins Chris Tompkins to explore how parents can build strong, joyful, and collaborative relationships with their kids. From trauma-informed parenting to supporting children through divorce...
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Inside the Mindful World of Jamie Lynn Tatera: Helping Families Thrive Together
On this episode of the Shaping Our World podcast, Chris Tompkins sits down with award-winning author and mindfulness educator Jamie Lynn Tatera. With warmth and wisdom, Jamie Lynn shares playful, research-based tools to help families navigate tough emotions like anxiety and self-criticism.…
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Jessica Janzen: Shifting Kids from Problems to Possibilities
Jessica Janzen is back on Shaping Our World for a powerful conversation on mindset and possibility. Known as a keynote speaker, mindset coach, author, and joy expert, Jessica shares her journey from deep personal loss to becoming a leader who inspires hope and resilience. This episode dives into...
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Understanding Youth Anxiety with Dr. Regine Galanti
Anxiety is a natural part of growing up—but knowing when it becomes a problem can be tough. In this episode, clinical psychologist Dr. Regine Galanti shares practical tools and compassionate insights for helping kids and teens navigate anxiety. From bedtime worries to school stress, Dr. Galanti...
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Leading Through Play: Jules Porter on Empowering Youth with Sport
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins talks with Jules Porter, Director of Programs at Jays Care Foundation, about how sport can be a powerful tool for growth and resilience in young people. Jules shares how Jays Care supports youth facing barriers—through innovative, inclusive...
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Raising Humble Thinkers in a Loud World with Dr. Tenelle Porter
In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins sits down with Dr. Tenelle Porter, a developmental psychologist and leading expert on intellectual humility. With humour and heart, Tenelle unpacks how embracing what we don't know can help teens thrive in today's complex, digital world....
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More Than a Feeling: Why Self-Compassion Matters for Today's Youth
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Dr. Karen Bluth joins host Chris Tompkins to explore how self-compassion can transform the lives of teens. A leading researcher and author, Dr. Bluth unpacks practical tools for managing anxiety, overcoming self-criticism, and navigating the challenges of...
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From Struggle to Small Bits of Happiness: A Teen-Led Movement for Everyday Joy
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...
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Protecting Our Kids Online and Beyond with Sofia Friesen
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…
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Understanding and Supporting Kids' Mental Health with Dr. Robin Baweja
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…
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Breaking Barriers: Lessons in Inclusion, Independence and Purpose
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...
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Inspiring Young Minds Through Storytelling with Sara Furlong
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…
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Money Smarts for the Next Generation: A Conversation with Angelique de Montbrun
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...
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Letting Kids Take Risks: Insights from Dr. Mariana Brussoni
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...
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Understanding the Teenage Brain with Ellen Galinsky
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…
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Shaping Minds Through Nature: A Conversation with Dave Krocker
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…
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Raising Tomorrow's Leaders: A Conversation with Dr. Karyn Gordon
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...
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Redefining Care with Elissa Strauss: The Unexpected Magic of Supporting Others
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…
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Finding Joy After Loss: Jessica Janzen on Resiliency and Parenting
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...
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Unlocking Teen Potential with Emer O'Donnell
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 &…
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Living Authentically: Insights from Dr. Merry Lin on Helping Our Kids Thrive
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…
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Raising Digital Citizens: A Conversation with Matthew Johnson
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…
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Building Strong Family Connections with Aly Pain
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…
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Truth, Reconciliation and Community: Insights from Natasha Maxwell
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...
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Nurturing Faith and Confidence in Today's Youth with Brad Griffin
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
You're a parent or maybe you work with young people in your job - but either way, you have a desire to inspire the young people in your life. Hi, my name is Chris Tompkins, a 20 plus years veteran of youth development. Both on the front lines and leading the youth development organization, Muskoka Woods. I'm also a dad. Shaping Our World is a podcast that invites you into a conversation that will leave you more confident in inspiring and understanding the young people in your life.
HOSTED BY
Chris Tompkins
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Shaping Our World have?
Shaping Our World currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Shaping Our World about?
You're a parent or maybe you work with young people in your job - but either way, you have a desire to inspire the young people in your life. Hi, my name is Chris Tompkins, a 20 plus years veteran of youth development. Both on the front lines and leading the youth development organization, Muskoka...
How often does Shaping Our World release new episodes?
Shaping Our World has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Shaping Our World?
You can listen to Shaping Our World on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Shaping Our World?
Shaping Our World is created and hosted by Chris Tompkins.
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