Shaping Our World

Have you ever wondered about the perception of math, especially the idea that there are "math people" and "non-math people"? As parents, how can we guide our kids through their math journey? In this episode, we debunk myths surrounding STEM subjects and delve into the world of Women in STEM. We've brought in a special guest, Vanessa Vakharia, also known as the "Lady Gaga of Math Education." Vanessa is the founder of The Math Guru, a unique math and science tutoring studio in Toronto. She's an author, a rockstar, and a math education expert who aims to make math as cool as Taylor Swift songs. Join us for an enlightening and fun conversation as we chat with Vanessa, who once failed math in Grade 11 — twice — and found it to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Get ready for some math positivity and insights on transforming math culture!

Join us in this episode as we delve into the heavy but crucial issue of human trafficking in Canada. Our guest, Sofia Friesen, Canadian Programs Manager at Ally Global Foundation, sheds light on this topic, offering insights, resources, and a balanced perspective on keeping our youth safe in today's world.

In this episode, we welcome Jas Hundal, a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Director of Counselling at Future Ready Minds. With a passion for fostering mental well-being, Jas focuses on holistic and strength-based approaches to empower her community. Join us as we delve into pressing concerns like anxiety, loneliness, and perfectionism among youth, and discover how Jas advocates equipping kids with essential life skills like innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Our conversation also underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and honing creative problem-solving abilities in children, ensuring they're equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Not to be missed!

We present an exciting twist in this episode as we shift the spotlight from experts in the field to the true voices of tomorrow. Join us as we invite two remarkable teenagers, 17-year-old Sloan Tompkins and 18-year-old Rohan Kissoon, to discuss the very issues that shape their generation's experiences. From the nuances of anxiety and the whirlwind of social media, to having fun and navigating relationships with parents, these young minds offer insights that are as eye-opening as they are relatable. Tune in to gain a firsthand perspective on the challenges and triumphs of today's youth. This episode is a reminder that the future is bright and that their voices are key to shaping the world ahead.

Join us as we dive into an inspirational conversation with Jeff A.D. Martin, a soul-stirring and thought-provoking transformational speaker. With over 15 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as a police officer and investigator, Jeff's love for people stems from his community advocacy and mentorship. As a youth communication specialist, he has conducted over 1,000 forensic interviews with children, further deepening his understanding of human potential. Tune in to hear Jeff share his incredible journey and how he leverages his benevolence and passion to help others find their true purpose. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance on unlocking their own potential and supporting their children's dreams.

In this episode, we delve into the pressing issue of anxiety among today's youth and its impact on their well-being. Our guest, Dr. David H. Rosmarin, a Harvard Medical School associate professor and the visionary behind the Center for Anxiety, shares his expertise in helping over 1,000 patients annually. Join us as we explore practical strategies for recognizing anxiety as a source of strength and providing valuable tools to empower young individuals in their journey.

Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the world of parenting with acclaimed family counsellor, speaker, and bestselling author, Alyson Schafer. With years of research and clinical experience, Alyson shares her expertise on stages around the world, providing actionable tactics and empowering parents to face the challenges of modern life. Alyson's ultimate goal is to raise resilient, caring, and capable kids, all while embracing the joy and adventure that comes with it. So, whether you're a seasoned parent or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you along the way.

For the better part of the last 40-plus years, award-winning Owl, Chickadee and Chirp magazines have adorned the book shelves of Canadian families and we're thrilled to have their editor, Jackie Farquhar, on the show this week. Jackie stopped by to discuss the legacy of the magazines, how the publications have been adopting new ways to connect with kids, and the importance of physical media in the lives of our children.

Meg Stafford is a Massachusetts-based writer and social worker who has been helping others negotiate the terrain of relationships and connections for over three decades. She's published a pair of memoirs and has been a columnist for newspapers for more than 30 years. She stopped by the podcast with advice on putting things aside and living in the moment with our families, and fostering a closer, healthier relationship with our kids.

Regular physical activity benefits children and youth in countless ways — but actually getting them to exchange their screens for exercise can sometimes feel like a tall order. Dr. Leigh Vanderloo, a research scientist specializing in pediatric exercise science, stopped by the podcast to chat about ways that we can help kids, from birth all the way up to 18, live their most active lives.