Passion Projects with Payal

Jack Armstrong on the Raptors, Life Lessons & Breaking into Broadcasting

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.

The AI Wake Up Call Every Parent Needs to Hear

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.

Luka Stoikos First Olympic Games with Team Canada

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.

How to Build Financial Confidence in Uncertain Times

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.

From Production Assistant to Making History in Sports Media

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.