Shaping Our World

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.

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 offers practical insight for parents, educators and leaders who want to help young people grow with confidence and purpose.

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, care and responsibility. This conversation offers a grounded look at what helps young people thrive today.

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 offers grounded insight that helps parents and leaders support growth and purpose. This conversation gives space for honest reflection and practical ideas that fit the pace of real life.

Listen to Tim's first visit to the Shaping Our World podcast here.

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, redefine success, and move through fear and imposter syndrome with courage. Together, they explore why your 20s and 30s are the perfect time to embrace uncertainty, take risks, and shape a life aligned with your values. This conversation will leave you feeling hopeful about the next generation's confidence and creativity.

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 shares how Safehaven creates community-based care that keeps kids out of hospitals and helps families thrive. Together, they explore how initiatives like Where Hope Lives—a board game helping families talk about disability and belonging—are changing how young people understand difference. Susan also opens up about her personal calling to this work, the power of visibility in inclusion, and what it means to lead with both innovation and compassion.