Raising the Next Gen Podcast

Sonia Dong
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  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Raising the Next Gen is your go-to parenting podcast for practical, uplifting advice on raising happy, resilient, and productive teens and tweens. Each episode features practical advice from experts, real-life stories from parents, and personal insights from our own family’s journey. We’ll dive into the challenges and triumphs of modern parenting, from cultivating healthy habits and digital wellbeing to building mental resilience and fostering leadership skills. Our approach is simple: small actions compound to create big impacts. Discover easy, actionable tips that you can start using today to encourage your kids to explore their unique talents, achieve their goals, and define their own success—all while creating stronger family bonds.

  1. E40 - The Growth and Healing We Pass Forward

    Jun 10

    E40 - The Growth and Healing We Pass Forward

    What happens when life doesn't follow the plan you carefully mapped out? Sonia sits down with Kena Paranjape, founder of Supernova, to explore how life's biggest challenges can become catalysts for growth, healing, and deeper self-discovery. Kena shares her journey through caregiving, grief, motherhood, and rebuilding her life after loss, revealing how those experiences shaped the woman, leader, and parent she is today. Together, they discuss helping children navigate friendship struggles, pressures many parents carry around achievement, identity, and success, why our own healing may be one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids and more. About Kena Paranjape Kena Paranjape is the founder of Supernova, a community for ambitious, growth-oriented women 35+ who are ready to evolve beyond who they’ve been. Through live experiences, coaching, and powerful conversations, she guides women to remember who they are, trust their instincts, and build lives that feel aligned and expansive. Follow Kena on Instagram @kena_allyouare and @join_supernova. Learn more Supernova on Kena’’s website. Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    33 min
  2. E39 - Exploring Career Paths At Every Age

    May 20

    E39 - Exploring Career Paths At Every Age

    What if career success isn’t about choosing the “right” path early, but learning to stay curious, adaptable, and aligned with who you are becoming? In this episode of Raising the Next Gen, Sonia speaks with career psychotherapist and speaker Jodi Tingling about helping teens, young adults, and professionals navigate career decisions with more clarity and less pressure. They discuss why career paths are rarely linear, how parents can support exploration instead of perfection, the importance of testing ideas before committing, and why reassessing your career throughout life can lead to greater fulfillment, balance, and confidence in every stage of life. About Jodi Tingling Jodi Tingling is a highly sought-after Career Therapist and Speaker. She empowers mid-level professionals, students, and early-career professionals to navigate their career paths with confidence using the transformative CLEAR™ framework. She offers a comprehensive strategy for personal and professional growth. Follow Jodi on Instagram @creatingnewsteps and LinkedIn. Learn more about Jodi’s work on her website. Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    33 min
  3. E38 - Teaching Our Little and Big Kids That Kindness Matters

    May 15

    E38 - Teaching Our Little and Big Kids That Kindness Matters

    What if one of the most powerful things you could do for your kids costs absolutely nothing? In this episode, host Sonia Dong sits down with Marcia Agius, founder of the Kindness Circle, to explore how families can weave intentional kindness into everyday life. Marcia shares how her own parents modelled kindness and how that inspired her to launch a 52-week kindness challenge that grew into a thriving community movement. Sonia and Marcia unpack the difference between being nice and being truly kind, why kids need to see kindness in action rather than just hear about it, and simple, low-cost ways to get your whole family involved. Whether it's complimenting a stranger or paying for someone's meal, this episode will leave you inspired to take one small step that could change someone's entire day. About Marcia Agius Marcia Agius is a HumanKIND Influencer and founder of The Kindness Circle, a community-driven movement inspiring people to lead with compassion, connection, and purpose. Guided by four core pillars—kindness to self, kindness to others, giving back, and making kindness fun—her work focuses on creating meaningful moments that bring people together. With a belief that we are better together, Marcia is on a mission to make kindness visible, celebrated, and contagious—empowering others to create ripple effects of good in their everyday lives. Follow Marcia on Instagram @kindnesscircle.community. Learn more about and join the Kindness Circle Community. Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    20 min
  4. E37 - Easy Ways to Get Kids Involved & Save Time Scheduling

    May 12

    E37 - Easy Ways to Get Kids Involved & Save Time Scheduling

    If you've ever felt like you're holding up the entire household on your own, this episode is for you. Business consultant and simplicity expert Erin Binns joins host Sonia Dong to talk about how to streamline life at home. From rethinking the after-school activities to getting kids involved in chores and meal planning, Erin shares practical, low-pressure strategies for parents who are ready to stop doing it all. You'll also hear why asking for help from your kids, your partner, or your community isn't a sign of weakness, but the key to creating a calmer, more connected family life. Take action by choosing one small shift you can implement this week. About Erin Binns Erin Binns is a business consultant, speaker, and former luxury hotel sales executive with nearly two decades of experience driving multi-million-dollar revenue through strategic client relationships. She now leads corporate workshops and works with established women in business to make The Simplicity Shift, simplifying operations, leveraging time as a strategic asset, and helping women with work/life integration. Known for seeing the big picture and filling the gaps others miss, Erin challenges the idea that busy equals successful and helps organizations create clarity, momentum, and measurable results. Follow Erin on Instagram @erinbinns and LinkedIn. Learn more about Erin’s work on her website. Book Recommendation for Adults Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield A short book on the mindset difference between an amateur and a professional, and can be applied to any area of life. Books/Series Erin Recommends for Tweens Bunny vs Monkey series by Jamie Smart ****A UK series that can now be ordered internationally; great for kids who enjoy Dog Man Donut Squad series by Jamie Smart Calvin and Hobbes (original collections) by Bill Watterson Doctor Who magazines Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    39 min
  5. E36 - Learning Strategies Every Student (and Parent) Needs

    Apr 8

    E36 - Learning Strategies Every Student (and Parent) Needs

    What if learning and doing well in academics (and life) meant doing less, not more? In this conversation between host Sonia Dong and Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer, founder and CEO of Awakened Learning, we learn how to unpack what it really means to support your kids as learners without the burnout. Dr. Deena shares how she went from high school teacher to pioneering holistic learning strategies that serve learners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. She challenges the myth that hours of note-rewriting equals real studying, and introduces her practical 3-2-1 method for exam prep that reduces stress and improves grades. This conversation offers parents a refreshing new lens on how to show up for their kids (and themselves) as lifelong learners. About Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer Dr. Deena Kara Shaffer is Founder & CEO of Awakened Learning, Canada’s #1 team of Learning Strategists. She’s a lifelong educator with over 20 years of experience supporting thousands of learners, educators, and parents and chosen families across K–12 and post-secondary spaces. Deena is also a TEDx speaker and a 2× bestselling author of Feel Good Learning and Raising Well Learners, where she explores how learning can feel more humane, inclusive, and effective–without burnout, shame, or overwhelm. Follow Dr. Deena on Instagram @awakendlearning and LinkedIn. Find freebies, accessible workshops and more about Dr. Deena’s work on her website. Resources How to Get From To-Do to Done, Tedx Talk by Dr. Deena Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator, Ted Talk by Tim Urban Dr. Deena’s best-selling book to parents, Raising Well Learners Dr. Deena’s best-selling book to students, Feel Good Learning Thriving in Action Program, TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University) Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    47 min
  6. E35 - What Are the 7 Types of Rest You and Your Family Need?

    Apr 5

    E35 - What Are the 7 Types of Rest You and Your Family Need?

    What does it actually mean to rest? In this episode, host Sonia Dong chats with Karen Choi, founder of Balm, to explore why so many of us feel exhausted even when we think we've rested. Drawing on Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith's framework of the seven types of rest, Karen unpacks what kind of labor we're doing every day as parents, and what real recovery looks like for each. Sonia and Karen explore how to model rest for our teens and tweens, why screen time isn't the rest we think it is, and how experiences like Karen's restorative music gatherings can open us up to deeper renewal. About Karen Choi Karen Choi is the Founder of Balm. After years working behind the scenes in classical music, Karen craved something deeper. She wanted a relational experience you could feel in your body, not just watch from a seat. That became Balm. As a facilitator, Karen designs restorative music experiences that invite people to slow down, reset, and soften back into connection with themselves, others, and the moments we share. Through live music, movement, breath, vocal toning, poetry, and guided rest, she creates an honest space to be present with what’s real. In addition to hosting Soul Care Sundays every month, she bring this work to conferences, community events, and wellness spaces. Follow Karen on Instagram @karenchoi.co and @we_balm. You can also learn more about Balm and Soul Care Sundays on her website. Resources The 7 Types of Rest That Every Person Needs, Article and Ted Talk by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Power of Now, Eckart Tolle Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    59 min
  7. E34 - Understanding Your Teen's Mind and Mood

    Apr 1

    E34 - Understanding Your Teen's Mind and Mood

    What’s “normal” and what warrants concern? Host Sonia Dong sits down with psychologist Nadia D'Iuso to explore the real challenges parents face as their children move through adolescence. Whether your teen is struggling with stress, anxiety, academic pressure, or peer relationships, this conversation offers a compassionate glimpse into the adolescent mind, as well as and actionable tools to help you support them. Nadia draws on her extensive experience working with teens in both clinical and community settings to share practical, evidence-based strategies to help families thrive. About Nadia D'Iuso Nadia D'Iuso is a psychologist and co-founder of Crosstown Psychology and Wellness Clinic. She has worked with teens and their parents, helping with mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, difficulties regulating emotions, body image concerns, focus and concentration. Nadia offers actionable evidence-based strategies that can help both teens and parents navigate stressful situations and feel seen and empowered in the process. Follow Nadia on Instagram @crosstownpsych and learn more about her work on her website. Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    42 min
  8. E33 - The Financial Head Start Your Teen Needs

    Mar 15

    E33 - The Financial Head Start Your Teen Needs

    Inspired by rising inflation and her desire to give her sons a head start, Jane Kwan chats with host Sonia Dong to share practical strategies parents can use to open money conversations with their kids. From budgeting at the grocery store to explaining needs vs. wants, she breaks down key tools like TFSAs, RESPs, and index funds in approachable terms, and offers tips on how to introduce her book and workbook without making it feel like homework. This episode gives parents practical tools to raise financially confident kids whether they’re off to post-secondary studies, getting their first job or entering the world of entrepreneurship. --- About Jane Kwan Jane is a mom of two teen boys. She is a CPA with over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance, and tax. Jane authored the book Personal Finance for Teens book and the companion workbook to help her sons gain a head start in personal finance. Follow Jane for more finance tips on TikTok. You can find her book on her website and on Amazon: Personal Finance for Teens Personal Finance for Teens Workbook (Canadian edition) Personal Finance for Teens Workbook (American edition) Did you like this episode? Remember to review, follow and share! Receive weekly parenting tips and reflections, and don’t miss an episode by signing up to my newsletter, Next Gen Connection.

    26 min
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Trailer

About

Raising the Next Gen is your go-to parenting podcast for practical, uplifting advice on raising happy, resilient, and productive teens and tweens. Each episode features practical advice from experts, real-life stories from parents, and personal insights from our own family’s journey. We’ll dive into the challenges and triumphs of modern parenting, from cultivating healthy habits and digital wellbeing to building mental resilience and fostering leadership skills. Our approach is simple: small actions compound to create big impacts. Discover easy, actionable tips that you can start using today to encourage your kids to explore their unique talents, achieve their goals, and define their own success—all while creating stronger family bonds.

Information

  • Creator
    Sonia Dong
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Raising the Next Gen Podcast