Passion Projects with Payal

Payal Doshi
  • 4.5 (8)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to the official reboot of Passion Projects. I’m Payal, and I’m here to share the stories of people who’ve turned what they love into what they do. From bold ideas to career-defining moments, we’ll dive into what fuels their dreams, how they’ve built a life around their passions, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Get ready to be inspired — because your passion project might be closer than you think.

  1. 1D AGO

    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.

    37 min

  2. FEB 4

    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.

    33 min

  3. JAN 13

    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.

    40 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    The 2025 Toronto Blue Jays: A Season to Remember

    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.

    54 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    No Straight Line: Kelly’s Journey Through Impact and Storytelling

    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.

    47 min

  6. 11/14/2025

    How to Stand Out in Today’s AI-Driven Job Market

    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.

    52 min

  7. 11/07/2025

    Inside We The Raptors with Eric Smith

    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.

    1h 10m

  8. 10/24/2025

    How She’s4Sports Is Amplifying Women’s Voices in Sports

    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 subscribe and follow Passion Projects for more stories that inspire change.

    35 min
See All (28)

4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Welcome to the official reboot of Passion Projects. I’m Payal, and I’m here to share the stories of people who’ve turned what they love into what they do. From bold ideas to career-defining moments, we’ll dive into what fuels their dreams, how they’ve built a life around their passions, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Get ready to be inspired — because your passion project might be closer than you think.

Information