Shaping Our World – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.