Shaping Our World

Chris Tompkins
  • 4.7 (14)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

You're a parent or maybe you work with young people in your job - but either way, you have a desire to inspire the young people in your life. Hi, my name is Chris Tompkins, a 20 plus years veteran of youth development. Both on the front lines and leading the youth development organization, Muskoka Woods. I'm also a dad. Shaping Our World is a podcast that invites you into a conversation that will leave you more confident in inspiring and understanding the young people in your life.

  1. 2025-12-18

    Jennifer Deal on What Gen Z Wants from Leadership

    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.

    45 min

  2. 2025-12-04

    Tim Elmore on Leading Gen Z

    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.

    53 min

  3. 2025-11-20

    Finding Your Path with Hillary Spiritos: Redefining Success and Self-Trust

    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.

    51 min

  4. 2025-11-06

    How Susan Bisaillon and Safehaven Are Redefining Inclusion for Every Child

    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.

    39 min

  5. 2025-10-23

    Shaping Young Leaders: Lessons from the CEO Leadership Program

    Former CEO Leadership Program  participants Joel Krishnan and Joy Montemurro join Chris Tompkins to reflect on how Muskoka Woods shaped their growth as young leaders. From confidence-building lessons in the CEO Leadership Program to serving communities in the Dominican Republic, Joel and Joy share how faith, friendship, and hands-on experiences continue to guide them. Hear their honest take on what leadership, purpose, and community look like for today's teens—and why it matters.

    48 min

  6. 2025-10-09

    Curtis Carmichael: Inspiring Youth Through Innovation and Equity

    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.

    49 min

  7. 2025-09-25

    Parenting Across Cultures with Dr. Susan Chuang

    In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with Dr. Susan Chuang, professor, researcher, and family mediator whose work focuses on parenting, child development, and family dynamics across cultures. Drawing from her global research and years of hands-on community work, Susan shares stories and insights about the challenges families face today—from academic pressure and cultural expectations to navigating mental health and technology. She talks about the importance of open communication, building self-esteem in young people, and what it really means to support kids in ways that help them thrive. Susan also highlights her research on fatherhood and why boys' mental health needs special attention. Whether you're raising young kids or walking alongside teens, this episode offers perspective and encouragement for anyone who cares about the next generation.

    1 hr

  8. 2025-09-11

    Jael Richardson on Storytelling, Identity, and Representation

    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.

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

You're a parent or maybe you work with young people in your job - but either way, you have a desire to inspire the young people in your life. Hi, my name is Chris Tompkins, a 20 plus years veteran of youth development. Both on the front lines and leading the youth development organization, Muskoka Woods. I'm also a dad. Shaping Our World is a podcast that invites you into a conversation that will leave you more confident in inspiring and understanding the young people in your life.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Tompkins
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Muskoka Woods
  • Show Website
    Shaping Our World