Understanding and Supporting Kids’ Mental Health with Dr. Robin Baweja
Release Date: 04/17/2025
Peter Katz on Storytelling, Belonging and What Matters Most
Shaping Our World
In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins sits down with Juno-nominated musician, keynote speaker and facilitator, Peter Katz. Peter shares how music, storytelling, summer camp and meaningful relationships shaped his life and work with young people. Together, they explore why being seen, heard and valued matters so much, especially for youth navigating challenge, change and identity. Peter offers practical insight for parents and leaders on building trust, inviting better conversations and celebrating the moments that matter most. His stories remind us that small acts of...
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Hannah Dannecker on Gen Z, Work and Growing Up
Shaping Our World
In this episode, Chris Tompkins talks with Hannah Dannecker about helping young people understand who they are before deciding what they want to do. Hannah shares how early career exploration can shape confidence, purpose and future choices, and why adults play an important role in exposing youth to different paths. She also unpacks common misconceptions about Gen Z in the workplace, including their need for trust, mentorship, flexibility and growth. With insight from her work as an author, speaker and former Muskoka Woods staff member, Hannah offers practical ways to support young people...
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Mohawk Olympian Waneek Horn-Miller on Leadership, Courage and Shaping the Next Generation
Shaping Our World
Before she became an Olympian and one of Canada’s leading voices in sport and reconciliation, Waneek Horn-Miller survived a near-fatal incident during the Oka Crisis as a teenager. In this episode, Waneek shares how sport helped shape her resilience, identity and leadership. She reflects on the influence of her family, the importance of cultural connection, and why access to sport can be life changing for young people. From overcoming barriers to advocating for future generations, Waneek offers powerful insights on courage, community and using your gifts to create change. This conversation...
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Character, Courage and the Stories That Shape Us with Karise Hutchinson
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...
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Helping Families Rest Well with Alanna McGinn
Shaping Our World
Did you get your eight hours last night? In this episode of Shaping Our World, Chris Tompkins talks with sleep expert Alanna McGinn about why sleep matters for the whole family. Alanna shares practical insight for parents, caregivers and youth leaders on teen sleep rhythms, stress, anxiety, technology and the daily habits that help young people rest well. From family sleep meetings to tech boundaries and morning routines, this conversation offers clear, supportive ways to help youth build healthier sleep patterns and grow with confidence.
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Andini Makosinski on Invention, Failure and Following Creative Ideas
Shaping Our World
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.
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Redefining Success in a Full Life with Lisa Canning
Shaping Our World
Lisa Canning is an interior designer, entrepreneur, speaker and founder of The Possibility Mom. After building a successful design career and hosting HGTV’s Marriage Under Construction, she reached a breaking point while raising her growing family. Today, as a mom of 11 kids, Lisa helps women simplify daily life, pursue meaningful work, and release pressure to do everything perfectly. In this conversation she shares practical insight on priorities, family rhythms, and redefining success for everyday life.
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Dr. Jean Clinton on How Connection Shapes Your Child’s Brain
Shaping Our World
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.
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Sam Demma on Setbacks, Service, and Supporting Your Kids
Shaping Our World
In this episode, speaker, author, and youth advocate Sam Demma shares how a career ending soccer injury reshaped his purpose and led him to serve young people through small consistent actions. He unpacks the idea of “being someone’s taco”, simple acts that meet real needs, and why they matter. Parents will gain practical ways to support their kids, build confidence, and help them grow through challenges and everyday choices.
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Joel Hilchey on Why Fun Belongs in Leadership
Shaping Our World
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.
info_outlineChris Tompkins welcomes Dr. Robin Baweja — pediatrician, author, and founder of Dear Mommy — for a meaningful conversation on children’s mental health. Drawing from her medical background and personal experience as a parent, Dr. Baweja shares how to recognize early signs of anxiety, depression, and emotional struggles in kids, along with tips for building resilience. They explore the impact of the pandemic, the importance of emotional literacy, and how parents and caregivers can support children at every stage of development.