Poonicast.

In this special episode of the Poonicast, Gary Pooni and co-host Amela sit down with Sam, Bob, and Dan Lenarduzzi three brothers whose legacy helped shape Canadian soccer. They share their family's journey from Italy to Vancouver, where their father built a life through homemade cheese and wine, and reflect on growing up beside Empire Stadium, playing soccer in the laneway, and the close-knit...

In Part 2 of the Poonicast, Gary Pooni and co-host Amela continue their conversation with Sam, Bob, and Dan Lenarduzzi, beginning with the unforgettable story of how a teammate's black eye led to Dan's first professional start. The brothers reflect on the historic moment all three shared the field and combined for a goal, discuss how today's young players earn opportunities compared...

In this episode of the Poonicast, Gary Pooni sits down with two of Vancouver Whitecaps' most beloved figures: David Ousted, former Whitecaps goalkeeper and new Sporting Director of Kamloops United FC, and Martin McDermott, the Whitecaps' legendary Kit Man now in his 14th season with the club. Together they relive a season nobody saw coming, the players who made it unforgettable, and what...

In Part 2 of their conversation, Gary Pooni and co-host Bob Lenarduzzi continue their discussion with Murray Mollard, author of Winning Pitch picking up where they left off on the state of Canadian soccer and what comes next. Murray and Bob dig deeper into what it will really take to build a soccer nation with staying power, from the role of MLS academies and the CPL to the investors quietly makin...

In this episode of the Poonicast, Gary Pooni sits down with Murray Mollard: player, writer, and author of Winning Pitch and special co-host Bob Lenarduzzi, North American Soccer Player of the Year in 1978, for a conversation that spans five decades of Canadian soccer. Murray opens up about his journey from Regina to Vancouver, how a VW van-driving coach with a 1974 World Cup Adidas ball first spar...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Poonicast, we sit down with two incredible guests: Marc Bains, co-founder and president of the HeartLife Foundation, and Hector Bremner, former Vancouver Councillor and a longtime friend of the show. Co-hosted by Gary Pooni and registered nurse Kayla Verlaan, this conversation brings together four people whose lives have all been touched by heart...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Poonicast, we sit down with two incredible guests: Marc Bains, co-founder and president of the HeartLife Foundation, and Hector Bremner, former Vancouver Councillor and a longtime friend of the show. Co-hosted by Gary Pooni and registered nurse Kayla Verlaan, this conversation brings together four people whose lives have all been touched by heart...

On this episode of the Poonicast, three generations of elite athletes come together to discuss the rewards—and sacrifices—of a life in sport. Host Gary Pooni is joined by two Canadian sports icons: Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps legend, Hall of Famer, and one of the most influential figures in Canadian soccer history; and Chris Higgins, former Vancouver Canuck and longtime NHL forward, who is now focus...

We had the privilege of sitting down with a true community leader on this episode of the Poonicast with Jeff Norris, President & CEO of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. Joining us in the co-host seat is registered nurse, Kayla Verlaan. In this conversation, Jeff opens up about his winding fascinating  journey: from growing up in a military family and travelling the world,, to discoveri...

We had the privilege of sitting down with a true community leader on this episode of the Poonicast with Jeff Norris, President & CEO of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. Joining us in the co-host seat is registered nurse, Kayla Verlaan. In this conversation, Jeff opens up about his winding fascinating  journey: from growing up in a military family and travelling the world,, to discoveri...

We had the absolute honour and privilege of chatting with one of Vancouver’s most mysterious and hilarious figures on this episode of the Poonicast—the creator behind the cult-favorite Instagram account, Seabus Memes. In the co-host seat for this edition is the founder of Boom Pro Wrestling, Max Mitchell. Tune in as we get to know the anonymous mastermind who’s been roasting our city, its transit,...

On Episode 12 of the Poonicast, we chat with Celeste Ziegler, a Vancouver-based realtor, actress, and model, about her journey from Los Angeles back home. She shares how she balances real estate deals with on-screen roles and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her TV projects, including Upload to Shoresy . Celeste also talks about the challenges of pursuing multiple passions and what keeps her moti...

In Episode 11 of the Poonicast, we sit down with Doug Woodward—an educator and coach who spent more than four decades shaping the lives of students in New Westminster. From football fields to gymnasiums to international classrooms in Japan, Doug’s career is a masterclass in mentorship, resilience and lifelong impact. Hosted by Pooni Group President Gary Pooni and co-hosted by former Vancouver Canu...

What began as a one-off 40th birthday spectacle quickly became one of the most buzzed-about live shows in Vancouver. In this episode of the Poonicast, founder Max Mitchell shares the wild origin story behind Boom! Pro Wrestling—complete with baby name brackets, last-minute ring deliveries, and a surprise heel turn by Max's own mom. Host Gary Pooni sits down with the local promoter to talk abo...

Episode 9 of the Poonicast features Vancouver’s beloved Fred Lee—charity auctioneer, media personality, and longtime UBC alumni director known for bringing heart, humour, and purpose to everything he does. Hosted by Pooni Group President Gary Pooni and co-hosted by Chief Administrative Officer Dina Milani, this episode follows Fred’s inspiring journey from growing up in Vancouver’s Chinatown to th...

Episode 8 of the Poonicast features one of the most influential voices in global football—Victor Montagliani, President of Concacaf and Vice President of FIFA. Co-hosted by Whitecaps captain Russell Teibert alongside Gary Pooni, this episode dives into the roots of leadership, the power of sport to build community, and Canada’s growing role on the world stage. Victor reflects on his upbringing in...

Episode 7 Part 1 of the Poonicast features two iconic figures from Vancouver’s soccer community—former Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini and longtime team captain Russell Teibert. Co-hosted by Russell himself alongside Gary Pooni, this episode explores what it means to lead through sport, the legacy they built together, and the values that define football culture in Vancouver. Vanni shares storie...

Episode 7 of the Poonicast continues our conversation with former Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini and longtime captain Russell Teibert. In Part 2, we go deeper into the personal philosophies and experiences that shaped their journeys—from growing up around the game to navigating public criticism and life after professional soccer. Vanni opens up about his coaching roots in Italy and the values...

Episode 6 of the Poonicast features two inspiring figures from UBC Athletics & Recreation—Managing Director Kavie Toor and UBC Thunderbirds hockey star Chanreet Bassi. Co-hosted by Pooni Group’s Director of Communications, Janine Verreault, this episode shines a spotlight on how sports enrich all aspects of our lives, from leadership and community-building to personal growth and resilience. Ka...

Episode 5 of the Poonicast features two of our favourite community-builders from Western Canada’s largest independent magazine publisher. Co-hosted by philanthropist and interior designer Natalie Miller, tune in as we catch up with Canada Wide Media’s CEO Ryan Benn and Editorial Director/VP of content Anicka Quin to chat about how local magazines are vital to creating community and connection in o...

We were lucky enough to have two incredible guests on the Poonicast back in June. ‬On this episode, we share laughs with Vancouver Whitecaps former goalkeeper David Ousted and the team’s kitman Marty McDermott. As we look forward to the Whitecaps 2025 season opener in February, we look back at the highs of 2024—the home-opener breaking attendance records and the club celebrating its 50th anniversa...

We have a VERY special holiday edition of the Poonicast for you. In the studio with us is probably the most famous man in the world—the one, the only—the real deal—Santa Claus. ’Tis the season!

We’re super excited to share our conversation with the talented (and stunning) actor Kandyse‬‭ McClure. Sitting in the co-host‬ seat with Gary on this edition is Pooni Group Marketings’s Director of Communications Janine Verreault.‬ Kandyse was born in South Africa and spent many years travelling back and forth before eventually putting down roots in Greater Vancouver where she now calls New West...

We recorded our very first episode of the Poonicast at the end of the Canucks’ 2024 playoff run and now—with the 2024-2025 season in full swing—we couldn’t be more thrilled to share our conversation with team legend and former goalie, Kirk McLean. In the co-host seat for this edition is Pooni Group Foundation’s Executive Director Dina Milani. Tune in as we chat about the 1994 and 2024 playoffs, as...