Check the Pulse Podcast

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.

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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.

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

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Austin Wade Wilson, founder of The Mentor Magazine, for a powerful conversation on the mental side of athletic performance — especially the often-misunderstood difference between self-esteem and confidence.

Many athletes appear confident on the field, yet quietly struggle with self-esteem off it. Dr. Wilson breaks down how understanding this difference can completely change an athlete’s mindset, consistency, and long-term growth.

We also dive into the importance of sleep, accountability, and mental wellness in high-performance environments, as well as how the brain functions under pressure and the hidden emotional toll of constant competition.

This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, parents, and organizations looking to better understand what’s happening behind the scenes of peak performance — and how to build stronger, more resilient minds in sport and in life.

🎧 Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that redefines what it really means to be mentally tough.

IG:  ⁨@TheMentorMagazineInc⁩ 

In this episode, I sat down with former NFL player Tevaun Smith to talk about what happens when the game ends — and real life begins.

We dove deep into the mindset of an athlete, from the highs of competing at the top level to the reality of transitioning out of sports. Tevaun opened up about the ego challenges that come with stepping away from football, going from the NFL to the CFL, and eventually choosing to walk away entirely — all in pursuit of growth and purpose.

We also talked about how the traits that make great athletes — discipline, drive, teamwork, and resilience — translate directly into success in the real world, especially when building a career from the ground up.

Tevaun now works in corporate finance, and his story is a powerful reminder that your value goes far beyond your title or the stage you’re on. It’s about staying grounded, being smart with your money, and having the courage to make decisions that align with your life — not your ego.

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.

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.

In this explosive episode, Kristina sits down with Dr. Richard Bucciarelli—sports scientist, performance coach, and founder of Soccer Fitness and Speed Training—for a no-holds-barred conversation that pulls back the curtain on the state of soccer in Canada. With decades of experience on the inside, coaching at provincial and national levels around the world, Dr. Bucciarelli makes one thing clear: Ontario soccer is in serious trouble.

He doesn’t hold back as he calls out the incompetence within the system—from unqualified coaches to poor leadership and a cult-like culture that’s holding the sport back. If you have a child in Ontario soccer, are an athlete, or are simply someone who cares about the future of the game, this episode is required listening.

Beyond the criticism, Dr. Bucciarelli shares powerful insights into how real development should look, the science behind elite training, and what needs to change if Canada ever wants to be a global soccer powerhouse. From South America to Europe, he's seen how it's done right—and he's on a mission to wake up the system here at home.

This episode is raw, real, and rooted in facts. If you're looking for truth, clarity, and a vision for something better in Canadian soccer, it’s all right here.

In this episode, Kristina sits down with Nick Jongazma—known by many as the Billboard Master and the powerhouse behind Adzworld, a global marketing agency known for dominating the billboard space across Toronto, Times Square, Dubai, and beyond. This episode is extra special, as Nick shares stories and insights he’s never revealed on any podcast before, calling this one of the best interviews he’s ever done.Nick takes us through his journey—from dreams of becoming a chef, to working at Toronto’s iconic Z103.5, and eventually building a media empire rooted in creativity, innovation, and purpose. Known for transforming skylines with his billboard campaigns, he now has his sights set even higher—literally—by introducing aerial advertising using planes to take his clients' visibility to the next level.We dive deep into the importance of giving back with intention, networking with heart, and showing up for others without expecting anything in return. Nick opens up about how genuine relationships have played a massive role in his success and why leading with kindness is still the most underrated marketing strategy of all.Whether you're a business owner, creative, or just someone who values meaningful connection and impact, this episode is filled with gems on legacy, growth, and building a name that lasts far beyond the skyline.Handles:@itsnickara @adworld

In this episode, Kristina sits down with world-renowned artist Anthony Ricciardi for an incredibly humbling and inspiring conversation that goes far beyond paint and canvas. From playing Division I baseball to now running galleries across the world—including one in Australia—Ricciardi’s journey is anything but ordinary. What makes his story even more remarkable? He’s color blind, and yet his artwork has reached the homes of celebrities like Lil Wayne, Drake, Grant Cardone, and countless others.

We dive into what it really means to believe in yourself, how he built an art empire rooted in love, and the story behind his now-signature heart motif—so powerful that Kristina ended up tattooing it on her wrist just days after recording. Anthony opens up about life as a father and entrepreneur, the pressure of staying creative, and how athletics shaped his mindset long before art took over.

This episode unpacks the essence of creativity—not just as a skill, but as a mindset. Ricciardi shares how to navigate creative blocks, why operating from the heart matters more than anything, and why being kind and staying humble will always set you apart in any industry.

Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, a parent, or someone just trying to find their way, this conversation is packed with life lessons, perspective shifts, and timeless wisdom from one of the most down-to-earth creatives in the game.