Check the Pulse Podcast

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Chris VandenBos, former police officer and founder of BlueLine Home Protection, for one of the most important conversations every Canadian needs to hear right now. Chris shares why he left the police force after years of service, pointing to the increasing politicization of policing and the growing disconnect between leadership and the realities officers fa...

In this week’s episode, Kristina sits down with Zarak Fatah , a transformational life coach whose work has quietly reshaped the lives of countless men and women across Toronto and beyond. Once deeply embedded in the entertainment district, Zarak saw firsthand how money, status, success, and lifestyle mean nothing if your inner world is empty. Today, he dedicates his life to helping high-achieving...

In this week’s episode, Kristina sits down with Michael Ariganello , the owner of AMJ Custom Renovations , for one of the most eye-opening conversations about entrepreneurship and the construction industry. Michael shares what it was really like to walk away from the security of a full-time teaching career and step into the unpredictable world of contracting — a world where nothing is promised, ev...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Austin Wade Wilson , founder of The Mentor Magazine , for a powerful conversation on the mental side of athletic performance — especially the often-misunderstood difference between self-esteem and confidence . Many athletes appear confident on the field, yet quietly struggle with self-esteem off it. Dr. Wilson breaks down how understanding this difference can...

In this episode, I sat down with former NFL player Tevaun Smith to talk about what happens when the game ends — and real life begins. We dove deep into the mindset of an athlete , from the highs of competing at the top level to the reality of transitioning out of sports. Tevaun opened up about the ego challenges that come with stepping away from football, going from the NFL to the CFL, and eventua...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Sarah Lauren — one of Toronto’s biggest influencers — to pull back the curtain on the real life of a content creator. From the outside, it may look glamorous, but Sarah dives deep into the truth behind the work, consistency, and pressure that come with building a personal brand online. We talk about the generational gap between creators — how younger genera...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Nick Regina for one of his most vulnerable and inspiring conversations yet. Once at the top of Toronto’s nightlife scene—running the biggest promotion company in the city and even owning clubs in Miami—Nick was living what many would call a dream life. But behind the success came addictions, destructive habits, and eventually rock bottom. It was at his lowe...

In this explosive episode, Kristina sits down with Dr. Richard Bucciarelli—sports scientist, performance coach, and founder of Soccer Fitness and Speed Training—for a no-holds-barred conversation that pulls back the curtain on the state of soccer in Canada . With decades of experience on the inside, coaching at provincial and national levels around the world, Dr. Bucciarelli makes one thing clear:...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Nick Jongazma—known by many as the Billboard Master and the powerhouse behind Adzworld, a global marketing agency known for dominating the billboard space across Toronto, Times Square, Dubai, and beyond. This episode is extra special, as Nick shares stories and insights he’s never revealed on any podcast before, calling this one of the best interviews he’s...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with world-renowned artist Anthony Ricciardi for an incredibly humbling and inspiring conversation that goes far beyond paint and canvas. From playing Division I baseball to now running galleries across the world—including one in Australia—Ricciardi’s journey is anything but ordinary. What makes his story even more remarkable? He’s color blind, and yet his artwo...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Mike Fresh—the founder of the wildly successful juice bar chain Fresh House—for his first-ever on-camera interview sharing the story behind the name and the brand. Known for his presence in the health and wellness space, this is the side of Mike that most people haven’t seen. What you do know is the success of his four thriving locations—what you don’t know...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with serial entrepreneur Mark Prata for one of the most raw, vulnerable, and powerful conversations yet. From once being a professional BMX and mountain biker to building a globally recognized tattoo studio in Toronto, Mark’s story is filled with success—but also with struggle. After selling his business, living a luxury lifestyle, and seemingly having it all, M...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Tyler McLay, Team Lead of the Tyler McLay Realty Group and founder of Rex Coaching, for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond real estate. While Tyler shares practical tips for realtors—like how to communicate effectively with clients, ask better questions, and lead with service over commission—this episode delivers insights that translate into any i...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with breathwork facilitator Vincenzo Caputo, someone she considers not only a friend but one of the most genuinely good souls she’s ever met. This conversation dives deep into Vincenzo’s personal journey—from heartbreak and hitting rock bottom to discovering the life-changing power of breathwork and radical self-love We explore how self-love isn’t just a buzzwor...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Ernesto Gaita—co-host of the Money Buys Happiness podcast and one of the most influential names in Toronto’s nightlife and media scenes—for what is easily one of the most insightful and raw conversations to date. Known for interviewing global powerhouses like Patrick Bet-David, David Grutman, and Donovan Bailey, Ernesto steps out from behind the mic to shar...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Karan to explore the journey that led him to where he is today in the real estate world. From navigating the uncertainty of an economic downturn to walking away from the traditional path, Karan shares the sacrifices he made and the risks he took to build a life that aligns with his values. The conversation touches on the importance of staying authentic in a...

In one of the most powerful episodes of Check the Pulse to date, Kristina sits down with author and speaker Sam Demma for a raw, emotional, and thought-provoking conversation that will shift the way you see yourself and others. Together, they dive deep into judgment, bullying, empathy, and the weight we carry as humans —and how we can begin to release it. From the impact of our words, to the impor...

In this soul-filled episode, Kristina sits down with the radiant Rita Stranges, founder of the community brand Sondr, to explore what it truly means to create from the heart. Together, they dive into the power of authenticity, the magic of good energy, and the responsibility that comes with building a brand rooted in purpose. This conversation flows through everything from friendships and nostalgi...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Matthew Campoli to dive deep into the world of spirituality, energy, and manifestation. Matt shares his insights on how success leaves clues and how alignment will always find its way into your life if you're open to it. We explore the power of manifestation and the importance of staying connected to your higher self in pursuit of your goals. A major hi...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Ricky to explore the world of content creation, influencer marketing, and the power of being authentic and true to yourself. We dive into how Ricky grew his social media following to over 800,000 combined followers, shooting your shot in life, and living on your terms. Ricky shares how being in tune with your emotions can be even more challenging than achie...

In this deeply impactful episode, Kristina dives into the often-overlooked aspects of mental wellness—especially when it comes to anxiety, depression, and parenting. Our guest, a life coach and corporate wellness expert, shares powerful insights on how parents can manage their own mental health while ensuring they’re not projecting their struggles onto their children. We dive into the lasting effe...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Paul DeMaria, who has sold between $20 to $40 million in real estate, to discuss the importance of social media in building a successful personal brand. Paul shares why authenticity and rawness on camera are essential for connecting with clients and growing your brand. The conversation is packed with insights for anyone looking to elevate their personal bra...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Dorian Rodrigues to explore his journey from competitive hockey to becoming a powerhouse in luxury real estate. From leading on the ice to closing $500M+ in career sales, Dorian shares how discipline, leadership, and resilience shaped his approach to high-stakes deals and client relationships. We dive into how he built a thriving career in the real estate i...

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Mitchell Coburn to explore his entrepreneurial journey—from building brands and working with startups to mastering the art of community marketing. Mitchell shares how he navigated different industries, leveraged creative marketing strategies, and ultimately broke into the golf industry by hosting his own successful tournaments. We dive into the behind-the-s...

In this episode, Kristina dives deep into the transformative power of love and resilience. She explores the concept that "hurt humans hurt humans," emphasizing the importance of operating out of love. She shares insights on why we should avoid spending our energy on negativity, and reflects on her favorite Bible quote, Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through God who strengthens me." Kristin...