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.

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.

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 own version of success — one recipe at a time.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review — it helps more people discover their Passion Projects.

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 Projects wherever you listen — and if this story moved you, leave us a quick review to help more people discover their own passion.

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, drop a comment, and share your thoughts.

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 future for both businesses and communities.

Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or simply curious about how design impacts the world around us, this conversation will leave you inspired to think differently about the way you create and the legacy you want to leave behind.

If you enjoy the episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

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 game.

We talk about his journey, what inspired him to launch the platform, and the insights he’s gained from connecting with some of the most talented professionals in sports media. Parker also shares valuable advice for anyone curious about breaking into the broadcasting world — from building connections to carving your own path behind the scenes.

Follow Passion Projects on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you never miss an episode and get inspired by more stories of people turning their passions into purpose.

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 content creation, the evolution of her personal brand, and her mission to make vegan cooking accessible, joyful, and flavorful. From simple recipes to thoughtful wellness, this episode dives deep into the power of food, storytelling, and building a purpose-driven digital community.

Whether you’re a food lover, aspiring creator, or someone exploring a more plant-based lifestyle—this episode is full of heart, inspiration, and nourishing takeaways.

Subscribe to Passion Projects with Payal on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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 story newsworthy to helping creatives own their narrative, Karla is flipping the script on traditional PR.

Tune in as we talk about building a business with soul, redefining connection in the media landscape, and how Karla’s creating a legacy—cafecito in hand.

Subscribe to Passion Projects on ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, and ⁠YouTube⁠.

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 spirituality. We talk about identity shifts, building a purpose-led brand, and how she’s finding joy and meaning beyond the game. It’s an honest, heartfelt conversation about growth, grace, and redefining success on your own terms.

Subscribe to Passion Projects on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and follow along on YouTube.

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 means to make healing more accessible.

Follow @PayalDoshiTV and Dr. Latoya Evans @IslandBreezeChiropractic on Instagram.

Subscribe to Passion Projects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

This week on Passion Projects, we are on location with Bertha Hurtado, a former forensic anthropologist who traded in lab work for lattes. Now the founder of Florida’s first electric mobile coffee bar, On the Run Coffee Bar, Bertha shares how her Peruvian roots, scientific background, and love of community inspired her to build a sustainable coffee experience on wheels. We dive into her bold career pivot, the lessons she's carried over from science to small business, and what it means to truly serve coffee with purpose.

Whether you're dreaming of your own career shift or just love a good cup of joe, this episode is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start something meaningful.

Follow Payal @PayalDoshiTV and Bertha @on_theruncoffee_bar on Instagram.

Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Ever dreamed of leaving your 9-to-5 and seeing the world — but wondered how to actually make it sustainable?

In this week's episode, Tara McAndrew shares how she went from teaching in Ontario to creating a life filled with meaningful travel, education, and impact. As the founder of Travel with TMC, Tara coaches others on how to design travel experiences using points and loyalty programs, helping them align their adventures with personal goals, values, and meaningful connections.

We talk about what travel teaches us, the behind-the-scenes of life as a travel coach and educator, and how language and solo adventures have all shaped her path.

Whether you're a travel lover, educator, or curious creator — this episode will leave you dreaming big and thinking deeper.

Follow along with me @PayalDoshiTV and Tara McAndrew @travelwithtmc on Instagram. Stay up to date with Passion Projects on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, I sit down with Abby Chin, longtime Boston Celtics Sideline Reporter for NBC Sports Boston, who shared her journey into the world of sports media. From breaking into a male-dominated industry to covering the Celtics’ historic 2024 NBA Championship run, Abby shares how passion, perseverance, and purpose have shaped her career on and off the court.

Whether you’re a die-hard Celtics fan, a sports media enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good behind-the-scenes story, you’ll love this episode.

Follow Payal @PayalDoshiTV and Abby @TVAbby on Instagram. Stay up to date with Passion Projects on YouTube as well as Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

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.

In this episode of Passion Projects, Desirée shares how she’s built three purpose-driven ventures — from vegan fashion to seaweed-powered food to global education. We dive into how she aligns her values with her work, leads with purpose, and creates real impact. If you’re ready to turn your passion into lasting change, this one’s for you.

The COVID-19 virus has literally turned our world upside down. There have been over 5.4 million cases worldwide to date. Scientists are working around the clock in search of a vaccine.  

My best friend Shivani is one of the many fearless essential workers on the medical frontlines. She's a Respiratory Therapist caring for COVID-19 patients in a Greater Toronto Area hospital.

Shiv not only takes us through a day in her world during this pandemic but also provides us with some valuable advice we should all take into account when it comes to combating the Coronavirus. 

During this unprecedented time we are all living a new normal. My guest and dear friend, Jade Salazaar, shares how she and her team in Toronto are coping with COVID-19 while being deemed an essential worker.

Jade has been through various stages at her company and because of her ever growing skill set she's risen to the role of Director of Service Design.

Once Jade sets a goal, she's determined to go out there and accomplish it! Her passion for travel has led her to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, trek through the Grand Canyon and so much more. We get insight into her love for a great adventure. 

Let's get ready to dive into the mindset of Jade Salazaar.

All he wanted to do was make girls laugh well that turned into something bigger then he imagined. Cabral Richards has become a household name in the Canadian sports scene as the host of his own segment "Cabbie Presents..." featured on TSN. His unorthodox interview style has not only allowed his viewers to laugh hysterically but also gain insight into the lives of your favourite athletes. We tackle everything from how he began his journey as a reporter to what advice he has for young upcoming broadcasters of tomorrow. Oh, did I mention we also take a little stroll down memory lane as well :)

Sports have impacted both society and its development in Africa. Filmmaker, Taylor Sharp gave us an eye-opening account of his experiences through his travels which have led him to fulfill his passions.

Dr. Fitz takes us on a wild journey... as he openly shares his love for exotic animals, MMA fighting & acupuncture therapy and how these passions have transformed into his occupations. Sit back and enjoy episode 3 of Passion Projects.