Raising the Next Gen Podcast

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 like TFSAs, RESPs, and index funds in approachable terms, and offers tips on how to introduce her book and workbook without making it feel like homework. This episode gives parents practical tools to raise financially confident kids whether they’re off to post-secondary studies, getting their first job or entering the world of entrepreneurship. --- About Jane Kwan Jane is a mom of two teen boys. She is a CPA with over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, and tax. Jane authored the book Personal Finance for Teens book and the companion workbook to help her sons gain a head start in personal finance. Follow Jane for more finance tips on TikTok. You can find her book on her website and on Amazon: Personal Finance for Teens Personal Finance for Teens Workbook (Canadian edition) Personal Finance for Teens Workbook (American edition) Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

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 work together, and why leading with curiosity can transform your relationship with your child. About Sandi Huminek Sandi is a certified life coach passionate about equipping the next generation to build intentional, well-designed lives. With 20 years in the design industry and over a decade coaching young adults, she brings creativity, clarity, and compassion to her work. Known for her energy, humor, and down-to-earth approach, she creates a judgment-free space where young adults feel heard, seen, and empowered. Follow Sandi on Instagram @sandihuminek and learn more about her work on her website. Resources: Download Sandi’s free Self-Confidence Blueprint Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

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 own parenting and why he parents by "steering vs. stifling". He also shares examples and tips from his lived experiences treating his teenage sons less like toddlers and more like capable young men. Edmund opens up about the value of male mentorship, the underestimated power of being physically and emotionally present, and free programs like Army Cadets and the Royal Military College that support families who may lack strong father figures. About Edmund Chien Edmund is the father of two teenage boys and actively mentors numerous teens in his community. He’s a retired finance professional where he spent two decades managing wealth for ultra-high-net-worth families. Today, he is a public speaker on behavioural finance and serves as an executive coach for client-facing financial advisors. Connect with Edmund on LinkedIn and learn more about his work on his website. Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection. Learn more about attachment theory in E4 - Raising Resilient Teens: The Role of Attachment in Mental Wellbeing

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 podcast Sonia Dong shares a powerful reframe for parents of older kids that's rooted in the same patience, grace, and guidance we gave our toddlers. Through personal stories (including a very relatable bathroom meltdown), she reminds us that it's not about perfection. It's about baby steps. Want to see the video recording of this speech? ⁠Watch it on YouTube here.⁠   ---   Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, ⁠⁠Next Gen Connection⁠⁠.   ---   About Sonia Dong, Host of Raising the Next Gen Sonia Dong is a speaker, podcaster, and author exploring modern parenting, teens, and family connection. As a certified Kind Voice of Impact Speaker™, she shares stories from her own journey of parenthood to inspire parents to slow down, show up, and lead with intention. She is the host of the Raising the Next Gen podcast, where she speaks with parents and experts about raising happy, resilient, and productive teens and tweens. She is also a co-author of Mama's Gotta Grow and brings over two decades of experience across youth education, nonprofit leadership, and values-driven entrepreneurship, including leading the socially conscious fashion brand Henkaa. Learn more about Sonia: https://soniadong.com/ Book Sonia to speak: https://speaker.soniadong.com/

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 travel teaches valuable life lessons. Kimberly shares insights from raising two sporty teenagers, exploring how competitive sports build character, teach sportsmanship, and help kids navigate disappointment. The conversation touches on emotional milestones like sending a child to university, the importance of acknowledging "this is the first time I've done this," and how parents and children learn together through life's adventures. Kimberly also reflects on a recent family trip to the Netherlands, where her teenagers discovered their Dutch heritage and contributed as capable young adults navigating European cities.  --- About Kimberly Snider Kimberly Snyder is a dynamic team builder, strategic leadership coach, and consultant who creates space for strategic thinking so leaders can accomplish audacious goals without burnout, overwhelm, or mediocrity. She is also the host of the Overflow podcast, which has over 100 episodes. Tune in to the Overflow podcast, and following Kimberly on Instagram @IAmKimberlySnider. Learn more about her work on her website. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

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 reveals practical strategies for teaching money habits from childhood through university, including the saving-spending rule she instilled in her family. She believes in empowering teens to take ownership of their finances and shares how she worked with her then-teenagers to budget for post-secondary education. She also discusses the distinction between good debt and bad debt, so young adults can make informed decisions about student loans. The conversation highlights fostering financial confidence, creating safe space to discuss money and building skills that extend from the teen years into independent adulthood. -- Tara Downey is the owner of Tru Insurance & Investments. She possesses over twenty years experience in financial services, both in financial advisory roles and roles. On the corporate side of the finance business, Tara knows firsthand all the great opportunities in the financial advisory business. She focuses her work on helping women and families gain a positive money mindset in order to live a more confident and joyful life. She is also a mom of three and they are twenty, twenty five and twenty seven. Follow Tara on Instagram @inspiredbytru and learn more about her services on her website. -- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 a Song and There’s No One Just Like Me. They explore how stories can help children navigate performance anxiety, build positive self-talk, and develop a growth mindset. Krishana reflects on her own experiences with music, fear, and resilience, and offers practical insights for parents on supporting confidence through conversation, practice, and celebrating effort over perfection. -- Krishana Johnson-James is a teacher and author dedicated to nurturing young minds. With over twenty years of experience in the classroom, she has seen firsthand the incredible power of teaching growth mindset and how it can transform children's confidence and resilience. Krishana wrote Planting a Song to encourage young readers to embrace challenges and celebrate their unique journeys. She is also the author of the book, There’s No One Just Like Me! Krishana loves helping people work on creative goals and finding ways to document and share their stories in a creative way. She especially enjoys putting a spotlight on inspiring people and groups who are making a positive change in the world around them. Follow and connect with Krishana on Instagram @plantingourstories @theresnoonejustlikeme and her website, where you will also find her book and learning resources mentioned in the podcast. -- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 continue on without it. I chose the latter, and this episode is about the internal dialogue that went on in my head, the noticing of my tech habits and how it influences my children.  -- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 the whole family. The episode also highlights how the way parents handle conflict becomes a powerful model for their children. Teamwork between couples is emphasized, and you’ll hear practical tools for managing defensiveness, pausing heated arguments, repairing after missteps, and communicating needs without blame. -- Clarissa Ee is a mom of two, a psychologist, and a speaker from Ontario, Canada. Her heart for serving couples comes from the transformation she experienced in her marriage through tools learned from professional training, having personally struggled with fertility challenges and postpartum anxiety, she is passionate about supporting couples who are building their family and navigating parenthood. Clarissa feels grateful to have supported couples over the past decade through therapy and workshops, and looks forward to helping more couples break generational cycles and build healthier relationships. Follow and connect with Clarissa on Instagram @renew.your.relationship, LinkedIn and her website. -- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 animals, a passion for science, and a lifelong appreciation for adventure, magic, and storytelling. Sonia and Vicky explore graphic novels, citizen science, environmental stewardship, and fostering a sense of wonder, agency, and bravery in kids. This conversation is a reminder that stories can inspire learning, connection, and imagination. --- Vicky McGrath is the International Bestselling author of The Dragon and the Mysterious Artifact, Book One of the Tails from the Clinic novel series. Vicky was inspired to write the novel series by her daughter's desire to become a veterinarian and their shared love of Harry Potter. When she's not writing, Vicky loves spending time with her family, traveling and running with her dog, Archie. Follow and connect with Vicky on Instagram @vicky.mcgrath and her website, where you will also find her book and learning resources mentioned in the podcast. -- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 again?” Together, Sonia and Preeti explore what it really takes to connect with teens in a digitally distracted world, why safety matters more than perfection, and how parents’ emotional regulation shapes the entire household. This episode offers practical insights on moving from reacting to responding, releasing guilt and shame, and modelling calm for our kids. -- Preeti turned her own healing journey into a mission to help others thrive. With 20 years as a Reiki Master and 15 years in global HR, she understands both the corporate climb and the soul's calling. She's that friend who's been through it all - burnout, transformation, and rebirth.  These experiences taught her life's most powerful lesson: within each of us lies the innate power to heal. As a Past Life Regression therapist, trauma coach, and intuitive guide, she helps leaders move from surviving to thriving. Her healing programs create safe spaces where women, (both professional and stay-at-home) drop the mask and reclaim their power. She bridges spirituality with modern psychiatry, guiding clients to break through negative patterns and release deep-rooted pain. As a holistic wellness specialist, she shares transformative knowledge that unveils the mind-body connection, helping people move beyond limiting beliefs into joy and self-acceptance. Follow and connect with Preeti on Instagram @healinwithin and her website. -- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 real human connection in a digital world, and nurture family bonds through simple shared experiences. Annalisa also opens up about her personal journey parenting with bipolar disorder and the powerful lessons she’s learned about self-compassion, rest, and letting go of the “perfect mom” myth. From toddler tantrums to teen independence, this conversation is a reminder that we don’t have to do it all — and that healing, connection, and growth often begin when we allow ourselves to be seen. --- Annalisa Vicente is a wife and proud mother of two amazing boys. She is an early childhood educator and motherhood coach. Annalisa is a passionate maternal mental health advocate. She is determined to break the stigma around mental illness by normalizing vulnerability. Her journey has been deeply enriched by her work with children with diverse needs and their families, teaching her the profound impact of resilience and compassionate care. Annalisa’s mission is to inspire women in community, through meaningful connections, and creative expression to strengthen their self-compassion so that they feel seen, heard, and heal. Connect with Annalisa on Instagram @thriving.mama.coach, LinkedIn and her website. -- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 body chemistry, from balancing hormones to preventing inflammation, and how even “healthy” foods can sometimes do more harm than good. We discuss both wins and struggles, from helping tweens eat better without nagging to tackling posture, screen fatigue, and energy crashes. Irina also opens up about her daughter’s food sensitivities, the surprising discoveries from DNA testing, and how they’re learning to navigate gluten-free living together.  --- Working with Hollywood actors as a nutrition and mindset coach, Irina Cazazaeva creates science-based, personalized strategies that fit seamlessly into busy lives - helping clients boost energy, shed excess weight, slow down ageing with minimal efforts by aligning nutrition and lifestyle with individual body chemistry. She believes that even "healthy" foods can cause inflammation if they are not right for your body, leading to deficiencies that impact cellular renewal and long-term health. By optimizing nutrient intake, hormonal balance, detox pathways, and more, her clients eliminate cravings, feel energized, and achieve their ideal weight-without restrictive diets. Irina gives them the tools to live longer, look younger, and feel happier through sustainable lifestyle changes. With a university degree and training in nutrition, naturopathy, neuroscience, cooking with superfoods, TCM, Irina is a lifelong learner committed to help others thrive. Follow and connect with Irina on Instagram @hollywoodbodymethod, YouTube and her website. --- Resources: Irina's bestselling book Hollywood Body Method: Practical Steps for a Sustainable, Healthy Lifestyle to Look Younger and Feel Your Best Irina's Lemon Protein Gummy recipe Easy Protein Snacks For Active Kids And Parents --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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.  As I recall this time in my life, I'm reminded of the book The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy, and how being grateful for how far we've come vs. dwelling on how we're falling short was transformational for me. Tune in and find a simple exercise you and your family can use to help each other slow down, reflect and take stock of your progress - big and small. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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, how to make space for connection amid busy schedules, and how to approach uncomfortable but essential conversations with teens. Leisse shares her perspective as both a mom of three and a leadership expert on why slowing down, creating white space, and prioritizing human connection at the table can help kids develop the communication and confidence skills they’ll need for life. --- Leisse Wilcox transforms leadership by helping you become the leader everyone wants to work with. An expert in behavioral change, resilience, and high-performance leadership, she’s known as “the Secret Weapon of the C-Suite” and “the Marie Kondo of Your Unconscious.” She helps leaders clear mental clutter, navigate change, and future-proof their leadership for long-term success. A Forbes contributor and trusted by brands like TD, AGF, Aviva, and Entrepreneur, Leisse empowers leaders to create human-centered workplaces where people thrive. As an award-winning speaker, certified Leadership, Executive, and Organizational Development Coach, cancer survivor, and twice-bestselling mental health author, she champions mental well-being, confident communication, and courageous leadership. When she’s not lighting up the stage, the page, or the internet, you’ll find Leisse road-tripping for tacos with her husband, listening to Taylor Swift with her three daughters, or binge-watching HBO with her dog. Follow and connect with Leisse on Instagram ⁠@leissewilcox⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Find out about her work on her ⁠website⁠, and see here speaking ⁠here⁠ and ⁠here⁠. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 experience helping students discover their passions, bridge the gap between parental expectations and personal dreams, and create meaningful education pathways. We discuss how exploration, curiosity, and hands-on experiences like co-ops and study abroad programs can shape more confident, self-aware learners. Alanna highlights the growing flexibility in education, from online high school credits to immersive international programs where students can study subjects like English or history abroad. --- Follow and connect with Alanna on Instagram @alannanegri ⁠⁠and find out about her programs and services to assist teens and parents on her website at Tru Education.  --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 into gratitude and connection. You’ll also get a preview of new guest episodes and I'd love for you to provide feedback on the topics that matter most to you with this survey. If you missed episodes frome Season 1, you can find easy links to them with the new highlight in my Instagram profile @raisingthenextgen_ --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 independence during the tween and teen years. Dr. Jen explains how mixed race teens often face additional layers of identity exploration and misunderstanding, emphasizing the importance of cultural exposure, validation, and access to diverse communities.  Together, Sonia and Dr. Jen dismantle stereotypes of adolescence as a “difficult stage” and offer practical, compassionate guidance for parents seeking to better understand, support, and connect with their teens.  --- Dr. Jennifer Noble is a child/adolescent psychologist with a private practice specializing in teens as well as women of colour. She is also a coach for parents raising mixed race kids. Follow and connect with Dr. Jen on ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Dr. Jen's ⁠Free to Be Collective community⁠ and her services on her ⁠⁠website⁠⁠. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 parenting. Together, they explore the power of self-awareness, breaking generational cycles, and creating calmer, more connected relationships with our kids. From toddlers to teens, Souraya and Sonia discuss how to meet your child’s emotional needs while also honouring your own, and how to let go of control in favour of trust and authenticity. This episode is a reminder that it's never too late to rewrite your parenting story—and that growth starts with you. --- Follow and connect with Souraya on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Learn more about Souraya's programs and services, including her summer parenting series, on her website. --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!

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 and parenting on autopilot to creating space for self-reflection, presence, and clarity. Together, they explore how carving out daily “me time,” building a consistent routine, and reassessing personal goals can shift not only your parenting, but your entire life. Natasha also opens up about her evolving co-parenting relationship, showing how time, communication, and care can foster a more peaceful home life even after separation. If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed or seeking a more intentional path forward, this episode offers practical tips and a reassuring reminder: it’s never too late to take time back and choose a better way that works for you and your family. --- Follow and connect with Natasha on ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ and ⁠Facebook⁠ Learn more about The Private Practice Burnout Solution and how you can work with her on her ⁠website⁠.  --- Did you like this episode? Remember to leave a review and hit that follow button so you never miss an episode!