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 strategies for building emotional resilience, helping children express their feelings, managing technology and comparison, and knowing when to seek extra support. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, coach, or youth worker, this conversation is packed with encouraging, actionable insights to help the young people in your life grow into capable, confident adults.

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 seen, heard and valued matters so much, especially for youth navigating challenge, change and identity. Peter offers practical insight for parents and leaders on building trust, inviting better conversations and celebrating the moments that matter most. His stories remind us that small acts of encouragement can help young people grow in confidence, belonging and purpose.

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 to different paths. She also unpacks common misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace, including their need for trust, mentorship, flexibility and growth. With insight from her work as an author, speaker and former Muskoka Woods staff member, Hannah offers practical ways to support young people through change, identity and vocation.

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 influence of her family, the importance of cultural connection, and why access to sport can be life changing for young people. From overcoming barriers to advocating for future generations, Waneek offers powerful insights on courage, community and using your gifts to create change. This conversation will inspire anyone investing in the lives of young people.

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 curiosity shape healthy leadership, both at home and in the workplace. Together, they discuss the impact of stories, social media, AI, family influence and intergenerational relationships on young people today. This thoughtful conversation offers practical insight for parents, educators and mentors who want to help youth grow in confidence, discernment and integrity.

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, technology and the daily habits that help young people rest well. From family sleep meetings to tech boundaries and morning routines, this conversation offers clear, supportive ways to help youth build healthier sleep patterns and grow with confidence.

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 information for learning. Andini also encourages parents and leaders to create space for imagination so young people can grow confidence and begin shaping their world with purpose.

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 simplify daily life, pursue meaningful work, and release pressure to do everything perfectly. In this conversation she shares practical insight on priorities, family rhythms, and redefining success for everyday life.

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, and everyday presence shape a child's brain. From the early years to adolescence, this episode offers clear, hopeful insight for families navigating stress, independence, phones, and healthy development.

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. Parents will gain practical ways to support their kids, build confidence, and help them grow through challenges and everyday choices.