Shaping Our World

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.