Talking Faith with Mike Gordon

Get ready to empower your kids for success in the digital age! In this episode of Shaping Our World, we're joined by the dynamic Stacey Ross Cohen, an expert in personal branding and marketing. Drawing from her wealth of experience and her latest book, Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success, Stacey shares invaluable insights on cultivating a strong personal brand for our children and teens. From navigating social media to standing out in a competitive world, Stacey offers practical tips, engaging exercises, and powerful tools to help our kids shine online. As a seasoned professional and sought-after speaker, Stacey knows what it takes to make a lasting impression. Tune in and let's guide our kids to put their best foot forward and thrive in today's interconnected world!

Join us for today's episode of Shaping Our World as we delve into the realms of mental wellness with the esteemed Dr. Norman Rosenthal. Renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author, Dr. Rosenthal enlightens us on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — a term he coined more than 40 years ago — and the transformative power of light therapy. With over 20 years of groundbreaking research at the National Institute of Mental Health, his insights are invaluable. From overcoming adversity to fostering creativity in our children, Dr. Rosenthal offers profound guidance for parents navigating the complexities of raising resilient kids. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on health, happiness, and nurturing the unique spirit of our youth.

Welcome to Shaping Our World's Season 4 premiere! Join us for a captivating conversation with Denley and Tajé McIntosh, the visionary co-founders of RenewIQ Consulting. As parents and advocates, they share a front-row perspective on the pressing issues facing Gen Z and Generation Alpha. We explore the potential shifts in workplace culture as younger generations step into leadership roles, armed with their unique strengths. Denley and Tajé also reveal how RenewIQ's consulting techniques seamlessly integrate into family life, offering practical insights for parents. Don't miss this enlightening narrative on leadership, inclusivity, and the compelling future our children are shaping.

In this episode, we're wrapping up Season Three by reflecting on the insights we've gained from leading experts over the years. Our goal with this podcast is to empower you to understand and inspire the young people in your life. We've had some incredible conversations that have shaped our world and, most importantly, the lives of our listeners. Join us for a recap of what we've learned about youth and youth culture in this enlightening review. Tune in now and let's get started!

Meet Zoe O'Neill, a remarkable young professional with a deep passion for helping others and a strong background in working with adults and young people with exceptionalities. With extensive experience in understanding children with autism, her role as CEO/Exceptionality Coordinator at Muskoka Woods is nothing short of remarkable. In this engaging conversation, we explore what it's like to work with kids with disabilities and gain insights into how, as parents and adults, we can better understand what that world looks like.

Have you ever wondered about the perception of math, especially the idea that there are "math people" and "non-math people"? As parents, how can we guide our kids through their math journey? In this episode, we debunk myths surrounding STEM subjects and delve into the world of Women in STEM. We've brought in a special guest, Vanessa Vakharia, also known as the "Lady Gaga of Math Education." Vanessa is the founder of The Math Guru, a unique math and science tutoring studio in Toronto. She's an author, a rockstar, and a math education expert who aims to make math as cool as Taylor Swift songs. Join us for an enlightening and fun conversation as we chat with Vanessa, who once failed math in Grade 11 — twice — and found it to be the best thing that ever happened to her. Get ready for some math positivity and insights on transforming math culture!

Join us in this episode as we delve into the heavy but crucial issue of human trafficking in Canada. Our guest, Sofia Friesen, Canadian Programs Manager at Ally Global Foundation, sheds light on this topic, offering insights, resources, and a balanced perspective on keeping our youth safe in today's world.

In this episode, we welcome Jas Hundal, a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Director of Counselling at Future Ready Minds. With a passion for fostering mental well-being, Jas focuses on holistic and strength-based approaches to empower her community. Join us as we delve into pressing concerns like anxiety, loneliness, and perfectionism among youth, and discover how Jas advocates equipping kids with essential life skills like innovation, collaboration, and resilience. Our conversation also underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and honing creative problem-solving abilities in children, ensuring they're equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Not to be missed!

We present an exciting twist in this episode as we shift the spotlight from experts in the field to the true voices of tomorrow. Join us as we invite two remarkable teenagers, 17-year-old Sloan Tompkins and 18-year-old Rohan Kissoon, to discuss the very issues that shape their generation's experiences. From the nuances of anxiety and the whirlwind of social media, to having fun and navigating relationships with parents, these young minds offer insights that are as eye-opening as they are relatable. Tune in to gain a firsthand perspective on the challenges and triumphs of today's youth. This episode is a reminder that the future is bright and that their voices are key to shaping the world ahead.

Join us as we dive into an inspirational conversation with Jeff A.D. Martin, a soul-stirring and thought-provoking transformational speaker. With over 15 years of experience in law enforcement, including roles as a police officer and investigator, Jeff's love for people stems from his community advocacy and mentorship. As a youth communication specialist, he has conducted over 1,000 forensic interviews with children, further deepening his understanding of human potential. Tune in to hear Jeff share his incredible journey and how he leverages his benevolence and passion to help others find their true purpose. This episode is a must-listen for parents seeking guidance on unlocking their own potential and supporting their children's dreams.