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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.
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.
91 Episodes
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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 how faith, friendship, and hands-on experiences continue to guide them. Hear their honest take on what leadership, purpose, and community look like for today's teens—and why it matters.
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, Curtis shares how storytelling, technology, and community can transform the way we teach and inspire young people. He and host Chris Tompkins explore the future of education, the role of AI, and how parents and educators can guide youth in a rapidly changing world.
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 shares stories and insights about the challenges families face today—from academic pressure and cultural expectations to navigating mental health and technology. She talks about the importance of open communication, building self-esteem in young people, and what it really means to support kids in ways that help them thrive. Susan also highlights her research on fatherhood and why boys' mental health needs special attention. Whether you're raising young kids or walking alongside teens, this episode offers perspective and encouragement for anyone who cares about the next generation.
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 identity. Together, they explore why representation matters, how stories build empathy, and what today's youth need most from the books and leaders in their lives.
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 perspectives empower young people to shape a sustainable future. Discover practical ways families and communities can unleash the leadership potential in today's youth and inspire change right now.
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 and emotional distress, Dr. Magen shares practical, science-backed strategies that every caregiver can use. Whether you're raising toddlers or teens, this conversation offers tools to foster trust, resilience, and connection in today's parenting journey.
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. Discover how building mindful self-compassion can strengthen confidence, deepen connections, and support your child's emotional well-being—starting with you. Whether you're raising a preschooler or mentoring teens, this episode offers hope and practical insight for every caregiver.
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 helping kids shift from a problem mindset to one of unlimited possibility, offering practical tools for parents, educators, and youth leaders. Tune in to hear Jess's honest stories, contagious energy, and faith-rooted encouragement to help the young people in your life grow with confidence and joy.
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 unpacks evidence-based strategies for parents and caregivers. Tune in for a hopeful conversation that empowers families to foster resilience, confidence, and emotional growth in the young people they love.
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 programs across Canada—and highlights their partnership with Muskoka Woods. Together, they host a life-changing retreat for girls from First Nations communities west of James Bay, where participants build leadership skills, form friendships, and discover their potential. It's a conversation full of insight, inspiration, and a deep belief in the power of play to shape lives.
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. From growing curiosity to navigating disagreement, the conversation offers insight for parents, educators, and mentors who want to raise resilient, reflective young people. Tune in to explore how humility isn't weakness—it's a strength that shapes better relationships, stronger communities, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
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 adolescence. With heartfelt stories and research-backed insights, this episode offers encouragement and strategies for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about supporting young people on their journey to emotional well-being.
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.
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