Passion Projects with Payal

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.

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.