Check the Pulse Podcast

Check the Pulse Podcast

Welcome to 'Check the Pulse,' your go-to destination for insightful discussions on business strategies, personal development, and everything in between. Here, we invite you to share your thoughts openly, fostering a community of inspiration and learning. Join us as we delve into the heartbeat of life and business, offering a platform to both educate and be inspired.

  1. FORMER OFFICER EXPOSES CANADA’S HOME SECURITY CRISIS & HOW FAMILIES CAN ACTUALLY STAY SAFE

    12/21/2025

    FORMER OFFICER EXPOSES CANADA’S HOME SECURITY CRISIS & HOW FAMILIES CAN ACTUALLY STAY SAFE

    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 face on the ground. He also opens up about becoming the first police officer in the world to publicly stand against COVID-era policing, citing violations of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms — a stance that put him in national headlines and changed the course of his life.Chris breaks down the hard truth about crime in Canada today, including why police response times are failing families and why relying solely on the system is no longer enough. Drawing from real-world experience, he explains the critical differences between home invasions versus break-ins, theft versus robbery, and why understanding those distinctions could save lives. He addresses the viral controversy surrounding the advice to “leave your keys at the door” and makes a clear case for why homeowners must take responsibility for protecting their families — especially during the holiday season when crime spikes.As the founder of BlueLine Home Protection, a company built by four former officers, Chris explains how criminals actually think, move, and enter homes — and how families can proactively fortify their homes using proven, practical measures. This episode is packed with facts, clarity, and actionable insight rooted in real policing experience. If you’re a homeowner, a parent, or someone who cares about safety in Ontario and across Canada, this is a must-watch conversation that could genuinely change how you protect your family. IG @bluelineprotects www.bluelineprotects.com Powered by : IG @AMJ Custom Home Renovations www.amjcustomrenovations.ca

    55 min
  2. THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN, WOMEN & MODERN RELATIONSHIPS w/ ZARAK FATAH

    11/30/2025

    THE TRUTH ABOUT MEN, WOMEN & MODERN RELATIONSHIPS w/ ZARAK FATAH

    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 individuals reconnect with themselves — their energy, their purpose, and their truth. This conversation is a wake-up call. Zarak dives into the reality of modern men and women who chase achievement but neglect the emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and internal healing needed to build real connection. He breaks down masculine and feminine energy with depth and clarity, explaining why men must stay rooted in their masculine while still understanding their feminine. He shares why so many people believe “there are no good men” or “no good women,” and how that belief is often a mirror reflecting the work they still haven’t done on themselves. Kristina and Zarak explore the roles we play within relationships — how they break down, how they thrive, and the patterns he sees in the couples he coaches. He explains why people struggle to attract healthy partners: because they’re not yet aligned with the energy required to receive one. His insights are raw and transformative, offering a roadmap for becoming the partner you want to attract and building a relationship grounded in truth, intention, and emotional wholeness. This episode is not just about relationships — it’s a mirror. It’s a call to slow down, look inward, and finally do the work. If you’re navigating love, self-growth, emotional balance, or masculine/feminine dynamics, this is one of the most important conversations you’ll hear this season.

    51 min
  3. FROM TEACHER TO TOP CONTRACTOR: THE BRUTAL TRUTH ABOUT CONSTRUCTION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    11/21/2025

    FROM TEACHER TO TOP CONTRACTOR: THE BRUTAL TRUTH ABOUT CONSTRUCTION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    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, everything is earned, and the level of responsibility is unlike any other industry. He opens up about the highs, the lows, the fear, and the freedom that comes with betting on yourself, and why leaving his 9–5 was the best — and hardest — decision he ever made. The two dive into the realities of construction that most people rarely hear. Michael breaks down why the industry deserves far more respect, what actually separates a great contractor from an average one, and how experience, integrity, and craftsmanship shape every project he takes on. He sheds light on the pressures contractors face, how the industry is often misunderstood, and why the blue-collar world is one of the toughest forms of entrepreneurship. As Kristina’s first guest from the construction space, he brings a refreshing, honest, and much-needed perspective. Near the end, they explore deeper questions — including whether Michael would ever return to a secure 9–5 if given an offer too good to refuse. His answer reveals everything about who he is, what he values, and what it truly takes to build something of your own. This episode is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, tradespeople, aspiring contractors, or anyone curious about the reality behind the construction industry. It’s raw, insightful, and one of those conversations that stays with you long after it ends. Instagram: @_amjcustomrenovations

    57 min
  4. THE REAL LIFE OF A CONTENT CREATOR: VIRAL FAME, TOXIC DATING & AUTHENTICITY AS A BIG-TIME CREATOR

    10/04/2025

    THE REAL LIFE OF A CONTENT CREATOR: VIRAL FAME, TOXIC DATING & AUTHENTICITY AS A BIG-TIME CREATOR

    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 generations have grown up online, while ours had to adapt — and how that shift has changed the landscape of social media. Sarah also gets candid about the darker side of the industry: the hate comments, the constant scrutiny, and how people love to nitpick everything — no matter how transparent you are. She shares how she’s learned to focus on the loyal few who truly support her, no matter how big her platform gets.And of course, we couldn’t skip the topic of dating in today’s world. Sarah opens up about modern men, how dating dynamics have shifted, and why she believes many men have “gotten weaker.” She even shares her unfiltered take on being “toxic — in a good way.”This episode is raw, honest, and packed with real talk about the influencer world, relationships, and what it truly takes to stay authentic when millions are watching. Whether you’re a creator yourself or just curious about what goes on behind the screen, this one’s a must-listen.

    59 min
  5. FROM NIGHTLIFE TO NEW LIFE: NICK REGINA ON FAITH, FAMILY & THE POWER BEHIND SPARK CHARITY

    08/26/2025

    FROM NIGHTLIFE TO NEW LIFE: NICK REGINA ON FAITH, FAMILY & THE POWER BEHIND SPARK CHARITY

    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 lowest point that Nick found God, shifting his entire purpose and redefining what success truly means. Now, as the founder of Spark Financial Group and Spark Charity Foundation, he’s building a legacy rooted in faith, family, and giving back. Nick shares the story of how his faith saved him, how he stepped away from nightlife for the sake of his wife and children, and why creating impact now drives every move he makes. We dive deep into the Support the Blazer campaign—an annual movement where Nick and now an army of supporters wear a blazer for 30 days to raise awareness and funds for grassroots charities. This year, the campaign launches on September 18th in support of Ronald McDonald House, and Nick explains the power behind giving back with pure intention: when you give from the heart, not from greed, the fulfillment you receive is unmatched. Nick opens up about things he’s never said publicly before, making this conversation a must-watch for anyone who knows his story—or anyone ready to be reminded of the power of faith, resilience, and living with purpose.

    1h 13m

About

Welcome to 'Check the Pulse,' your go-to destination for insightful discussions on business strategies, personal development, and everything in between. Here, we invite you to share your thoughts openly, fostering a community of inspiration and learning. Join us as we delve into the heartbeat of life and business, offering a platform to both educate and be inspired.