Passion Projects with Payal

Sometimes the path you're meant to take is the one you never planned for. Jadin O'Brien spent years pursuing her Olympic dream before her journey took a completely different direction. In this episode of Passion Projects , we talk about trusting the unknown, embracing change, and why the biggest opportunities often come when you're willing to take a chance. If you're navigating a c...

What does it take to stay relevant in sports broadcasting for more than 40 years? Rod Black opens up about his early obsession with sports, the iconic moments he's witnessed firsthand, life after TSN and CTV, and the mindset that has kept him behind the mic. Plus, his advice for aspiring broadcasters and his thoughts on the growing role of AI in sports media.

Women’s basketball is having a moment, but the history behind it tells the full story. Jordan Robinson, a women’s basketball journalist and podcast host, joins Passion Projects to talk about her journey from athlete to storyteller and how researching the game changed her perspective. What started as a goal to write a book without knowing what it would be became Court Queens , offering deeper conte...

How do you find clarity in a world full of noise? On this episode of Passion Projects, Mahek Lakhani shares her journey with lunar cycles, which led to the creation of The Moon Journal and a deeper understanding of what it means to be guided from within. I hope this conversation inspires YOU to slow down, reflect, and find clarity by searching within.

Former NBA veteran CJ Miles joins Passion Projects to talk about what it really takes to last 17 years in the league. From his early days in the NBA to his time with the Raptors’ Bench Mob, CJ shares lessons on longevity, understanding your role, and staying ready. He also opens up about life after basketball, finding purpose through photography, and redefining identity beyond the game.

Meet Lauren Toyota ⁩ , a former MuchMusic VJ turned content creator, cookbook author, and the force behind Hot for Food. From her early days in television to building a successful career in content creation, Lauren shares how she made the leap, why she embraced a vegan lifestyle, and how motherhood has reshaped the way she approaches work, creativity, and life. Get inspired to turn your passion in...

For nearly 28 years, Jack Armstrong has been the unmistakable color voice of the Toronto Raptors. From the early days of the franchise to the historic championship run, he’s had a front-row seat to it all. In this conversation, Jack reflects on the evolution of Raptors basketball, the moments that defined the team, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way, including advice for the next gene...

AI is moving faster than the rules designed to protect our kids, and most parents are still trying to catch up. In this powerful conversation, former Global News anchor, now keynote speaker & advisor, Farah Nasser shares the moment that changed everything and why she’s now speaking out about trust, technology, and the urgent need to protect children in the age of artificial intelligence. From...

Meet 22-year-old Luka Stoikos, set to represent Team Canada in the 4-man bobsleigh event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. After four years of football with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues and a CFL draft pick that didn’t go as planned, Luka made a bold pivot. In just over a year in bobsleigh, he earned his place on Canada’s national team. In this episode, Luka opens up about...

Money stress is everywhere right now, and so many people are quietly carrying it alone. I sit down with Alok Deshpande, CEO of SmartPath and the creator of  @ask-frank , the first AI-native financial advisor built for Main Street. For over a decade, he’s helped tens of thousands of families move from financial chaos to real confidence. We’re talking about what financial wellness truly looks like,...

She didn’t wait for a seat at the table — she built one in sports media. In this episode, we sit down with ⁠ ⁨@KellySaco⁩ ⁠ , a reporter, host, and producer covering the Marlins and the Heat for ⁠ ⁨@fanduelsportsnetwork⁩ ⁠ , for an honest conversation about building a career in sports media. From starting out in utility roles to earning Emmy moments, Kelly reflects on becoming the first female ana...

Not over the Blue Jays’ 2025 season? Me neither. I sit down with Andrew Stoeten, creator of The Bat Flip Substack and co-host of the Blue Jays Happy Hour podcast, to unpack a season that reignited fandom across Toronto even without the trophy. We talk heartbreak, perspective, and how Andrew built a career as a sports writer. Hear his full perspective on the season and the stories behind it in the...

Kelly’s career is what happens when talent meets guts. She went from managing a Division I basketball team to studying journalism, reshaping Columbia Law School’s entire brand, leading ESPN-supported sports communications, and driving content strategy for a major NYC nonprofit. Now she teaches at Columbia, works in sports philanthropy, and continues to build a path that no one else can copy. In th...

Think you know what recruiters are looking for? Think again. Liza, CEO and Co-Founder of MXA Talent Solutions and a global recruiting leader, breaks down what’s actually changed in hiring, the quiet mistakes candidates make without realizing it, and how AI is reshaping the job search process. She also shares the real strategies that will help you stand out in today’s tough market. Learn how recrui...

What does it really mean to be a Raptor? Eric Smith, the radio voice behind some of Toronto’s biggest basketball moments and co-author of We The Raptors, shares the stories that define thirty years of grit, growth, and heart. From Amir Johnson’s connection to the city to Jerome Williams’ snowstorm drive to Toronto, these are the players who shaped the city's basketball story. This one’s for th...

Ainka Jess, founder of ⁠ She’s4Sports ⁠, is changing how women’s stories are told in sports. She is redefining Canada’s sports media landscape, creating space for women athletes, amplifying their voices, and sparking a movement built on representation and resilience. In this episode, we explore her journey, the power of visibility, and what it takes to create a lasting impact. Make sure to subscri...

How does a MasterChef alum turn her love for Indian-inspired desserts into a thriving business and bestselling cookbook? Hetal Vasavada, CEO and Founder of  ⁨ @milkandcardamom ⁩, one of the internet’s most beloved dessert blogs, shares how she built a brand rooted in flavor, family, and fearlessness. From life after MasterChef to balancing motherhood and creativity, Hetal opens up about baking her...

What started as one mom’s search for toys and books that reflected her South Asian roots turned into something much bigger. Meet Akruti Babaria , the “story auntie” who transformed her passion for cultural storytelling into Kulture Khazana — a brand now proudly featured on Target shelves. This is the story of how representation, purpose, and play came together to build a movement. Follow Passion P...

From writing about basketball to funding over 30 sports startups, Peter Robert Casey is an investor who has seen it all. In this episode, he breaks down the journey, the lessons, and the mindset that turned a passion for the game into a career. Whether you’re a founder, a sports fan, or just curious how deals get made, you won’t want to miss this. Loved this episode? Show some love—hit follow, dro...

In this episode, I sit down with Ian Peterman — visionary designer, entrepreneur, and host of the Conscious Design Podcast . Ian shares how creativity, sustainability, and responsibility can work hand-in-hand to build products and ideas that truly make a difference. We talk about his journey in design, what inspired him to merge innovation with purpose, and how conscious design can shape a better...

Ever wonder what it takes to bring your favorite games to life beyond the court or field? On the debut episode of Passion Projects season 3️⃣, I sit down with Parker, the creative force behind  ⁨@BehindTheBroadcast⁩  . His platform shines a spotlight on the broadcasters, producers, engineers, and camera operators who bring sports to life, giving fans a deeper appreciation for the craft behind the...

This week on Passion Projects, I sit down with Jessica, the award-winning creator behind Jessica in the Kitchen , a beloved plant-based food blog with over 600 recipes that have inspired home cooks around the world. Jessica shares how going vegetarian—and later vegan—transformed her health, lifestyle, and career. A wife, new mom, and entrepreneur, Jessica opens up about balancing motherhood with c...

This week on Passion Projects, I sit down with ⁠Karla Cobreiro⁠ , founder of ⁠Cobreiro Comms⁠ —a boutique PR and communications consultancy rooted in culture, business, and storytelling. Karla shares how her Cuban roots and Miami upbringing shaped her into the powerhouse connector she is today, and why empathy, instinct, and intention guide everything she does. From coaching execs on what makes a...

This week on Passion Projects, I sit down with Kristen Ledlow—former host of NBA Inside Stuff, sideline reporter, and now Founder & CEO of Positionless, a consciously crafted clothing brand for littles. Inspired by the birth of her son, Kristen shares how she transitioned from the high-energy world of sports broadcasting to a new season of motherhood, entrepreneurship, and deepened spiritualit...

This week on Passion Projects, host Payal Doshi sits down with powerhouse chiropractor and entrepreneur Dr. Latoya Evans. From overcoming misconceptions about chiropractic care to building her own clinic in South Florida, Dr. Evans shares how passion and purpose drive her work. Tune in as we explore the myths around chiropractic treatment, the realities of starting a wellness business, and what it...