Inspiring Young Minds Through Storytelling with Sara Furlong
Release Date: 03/13/2025
Jennifer Deal on What Gen Z Wants from Leadership
Shaping Our World
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.
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Tim Elmore on Leading Gen Z
Shaping Our World
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 .
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Finding Your Path with Hillary Spiritos: Redefining Success and Self-Trust
Shaping Our World
This week, Chris Tompkins talks with Hillary Spiritos, founder of 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...
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How Susan Bisaillon and Safehaven Are Redefining Inclusion for Every Child
Shaping Our World
In this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins sits down with Susan Bisaillon, CEO of , 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...
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Shaping Young Leaders: Lessons from the CEO Leadership Program
Shaping Our World
Former 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.
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Curtis Carmichael: Inspiring Youth Through Innovation and Equity
Shaping Our World
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.
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Parenting Across Cultures with Dr. Susan Chuang
Shaping Our World
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...
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Jael Richardson on Storytelling, Identity, and Representation
Shaping Our 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.
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From UNICEF to the UN: Steve Joneslee’s Journey to Inspire Young Leaders
Shaping Our World
What happens when a 16-year-old goes from having no friends in a new country to shaking hands with world leaders? In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with Steve Joneslee—youth advocate, nonprofit founder, and UN leader—to explore how agency, resilience, and fresh perspectives empower young people to shape a sustainable future. Discover practical ways families and communities can unleash the leadership potential in today’s youth and inspire change right now.
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From Power Struggles to Partnership: Rethinking How We Parent with Dr. Eran Magen
Shaping Our World
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.
info_outlineIn this episode of Shaping Our World, host Chris Tompkins welcomes acclaimed author and creative director, Sara Furlong. With nearly 20 years of experience creating engaging content for kids and tweens, Sara shares insights on fostering empathy and understanding through literature. We dive into her award-winning book, Every Brain is Beautiful, which introduces neurodiversity to children, and explore her latest project, Storyay, a revolutionary approach to literacy. Join us for an inspiring conversation on storytelling, inclusivity, and how we can better support the young minds shaping our world.