Passion Projects with Payal

What does it take to go from dreaming about the NBA to training some of basketball’s biggest stars? For Mathushan, it all started at age 10. A wide-eyed Tamil kid from Toronto, inspired by the legendary Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant, fell in love with the game and never looked back.Fueled by grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering passion for basketball, Mathushan turned his childhood obsession into a career working with NBA stars and helping develop the next generation of talent with Canada Basketball.On our debut episode of season four, we dive into his journey, the behind-the-scenes grind, what it takes to earn the trust of elite athletes, and the lessons he's learned along the way.From basketball dreams to the highest levels of the game, Mathushan's story is proof that the grind never stops. And he's just getting started.

Sometimes the path you're meant to take is the one you never planned for.Jadin O'Brien spent years pursuing her Olympic dream before her journey took a completely different direction.In this episode of Passion Projects, we talk about trusting the unknown, embracing change, and why the biggest opportunities often come when you're willing to take a chance.If you're navigating a career change, chasing a dream, or wondering what's next, this conversation is for you.Watch the full episode and let me know: When has saying "yes" changed your life?

What does it take to stay relevant in sports broadcasting for more than 40 years?Rod Black opens up about his early obsession with sports, the iconic moments he's witnessed firsthand, life after TSN and CTV, and the mindset that has kept him behind the mic. Plus, his advice for aspiring broadcasters and his thoughts on the growing role of AI in sports media.

Women’s basketball is having a moment, but the history behind it tells the full story.Jordan Robinson, a women’s basketball journalist and podcast host, joins Passion Projects to talk about her journey from athlete to storyteller and how researching the game changed her perspective. What started as a goal to write a book without knowing what it would be became Court Queens, offering deeper context and untold stories behind the rise of the WNBA.Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would love it.

How do you find clarity in a world full of noise? On this episode of Passion Projects, Mahek Lakhani shares her journey with lunar cycles, which led to the creation of The Moon Journal and a deeper understanding of what it means to be guided from within. I hope this conversation inspires YOU to slow down, reflect, and find clarity by searching within.