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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 career change, chasing a dream, or wondering what's next, this conversation is for you. Watch the full episode and let me know: When has saying "yes" changed your life?

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 context and untold stories behind the rise of the WNBA. Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would love it.

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 into something real. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share for more conversations on building careers rooted in passion.

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 generation of broadcasters looking to find their voice behind the mic.

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 journalism and authenticity to AI risks and parenting in a digital world, this is a conversation every parent needs to hear.

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 changing lanes at the highest level, the mindset behind elite performance, and what it means to step onto the Olympic stage representing Canada. A story of resilience, reinvention, and earning your moment.

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, why this conversation matters right now, and how anyone can take the first step toward feeling more grounded and in control of their money.

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 analyst on the ⁠ ⁨@marlins⁩ ⁠ Radio Network in 31 years and what that milestone meant personally and professionally. We also delve into how her background as an athlete at ⁠ ⁨@SyracuseU⁩ ⁠ shaped her approach to storytelling, the unseen work behind the highlight reels, the rise of women’s sports, and a rapid-fire round that reveals who she is beyond her job.

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 episode.

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 this episode, she breaks down the pivots, risks, and bold moves that shaped her journey and why betting on yourself can change everything. If this sparks something in you, hit like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the push.

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 recruiters make decisions, what separates strong candidates from the rest, and how to use AI and practical, proven steps to get noticed faster. If this episode brings you value, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating the job search right now.

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 the fans who’ve cheered through it all — the ones who know that We The North isn’t just a rally cry, it’s a way of life. 📘 Grab your copy of We The Raptors and don’t forget to subscribe, like, and drop your favorite Raptors memory in the comments.