Poonicast.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Poonicast, we sit down with two incredible guests: Marc Bains, co-founder and president of the HeartLife Foundation, and Hector Bremner, former Vancouver Councillor and a longtime friend of the show. Co-hosted by Gary Pooni and registered nurse Kayla Verlaan, this conversation brings together four people whose lives have all been touched by heart disease in different ways.

Marc shares his extraordinary journey through heart failure, multiple cardiac arrests and a heart transplant that gave him a second chance at life. He speaks openly about waking up after surgery, the emotional weight of receiving a donor heart, and how that experience inspired him to support others going through the same challenges.

Hector discusses his own health scare—years of unexplained symptoms, pain and confusion despite being in peak physical shape. His story is a reminder that heart issues aren’t always visible, and that listening to your body matters.

Gary and Kayla also share their own experiences with heart failure and how it impacted the course of their lives.

Together, everyone reflects on gratitude and the people who helped them through the hardest moments of their lives. This episode explores what it means to rebuild life after a major health event.

This episode was recorded on July 8, 2025.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Poonicast, we sit down with two incredible guests: Marc Bains, co-founder and president of the HeartLife Foundation, and Hector Bremner, former Vancouver Councillor and a longtime friend of the show. Co-hosted by Gary Pooni and registered nurse Kayla Verlaan, this conversation brings together four people whose lives have all been touched by heart disease in different ways.

Marc shares his extraordinary journey through heart failure, multiple cardiac arrests and a heart transplant that gave him a second chance at life. He speaks openly about waking up after surgery, the emotional weight of receiving a donor heart, and how that experience inspired him to support others going through the same challenges.

Hector discusses his own health scare—years of unexplained symptoms, pain and confusion despite being in peak physical shape. His story is a reminder that heart issues aren’t always visible, and that listening to your body matters.

Gary and Kayla also share their own experiences with heart failure and how it impacted the course of their lives.

Together, everyone reflects on gratitude and the people who helped them through the hardest moments of their lives. This episode explores what it means to rebuild life after a major health event.

This episode was recorded on July 8, 2025.

On this episode of the Poonicast, three generations of elite athletes come together to discuss the rewards—and sacrifices—of a life in sport.

Host Gary Pooni is joined by two Canadian sports icons: Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps legend, Hall of Famer, and one of the most influential figures in Canadian soccer history; and Chris Higgins, former Vancouver Canuck and longtime NHL forward, who is now focused on player development and mentorship. Completing the table is Chanreet Bassi, trailblazer and the first South Asian ever drafted into the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Chris shares his unconventional path to the NHL, growing up in a non-traditional hockey market, the mentor who believed in him first, and the mindset needed to navigate the highs and lows of professional sport. Bob reflects on turning pro at just 14, lessons learned over decades in the game, and how humility, resilience, and fear shaped his career both on and off the pitch.

Chanreet represents the next generation—listening, learning, and engaging—as the group discusses mentorship, pressure, confidence, injuries, life after sport, and athletes’ responsibility to give back.

This episode is a conversation about belief, perspective, and the moments—big and small—that define a career long after the final whistle.

This podcast was recorded on July 24th 2025.

We had the privilege of sitting down with a true community leader on this episode of the Poonicast with Jeff Norris, President & CEO of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. Joining us in the co-host seat is registered nurse, Kayla Verlaan.

In this conversation, Jeff opens up about his winding fascinating  journey: from growing up in a military family and travelling the world,, to discovering philanthropy by accident, to ultimately leading one of B.C.’s most critical hospital foundations. He shares stories that shaped him, the human moments behind healthcare, and the profound impact philanthropy can have on both patients and the people who care for them.

Jeff also discusses the realities of our healthcare system, the importance of supporting frontline workers, and the major expansion underway at Royal Columbian Hospital — including B.C.’s busiest cardiac centre.

This is a powerful, thoughtful, and surprisingly personal discussion with a leader dedicated to community, care, and doing the right thing.

This podcast was recorded on August 19, 2025.

We had the privilege of sitting down with a true community leader on this episode of the Poonicast with Jeff Norris, President & CEO of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. Joining us in the co-host seat is registered nurse, Kayla Verlaan.

In this conversation, Jeff opens up about his winding fascinating  journey: from growing up in a military family and travelling the world,, to discovering philanthropy by accident, to ultimately leading one of B.C.’s most critical hospital foundations. He shares stories that shaped him, the human moments behind healthcare, and the profound impact philanthropy can have on both patients and the people who care for them.

Jeff also discusses the realities of our healthcare system, the importance of supporting frontline workers, and the major expansion underway at Royal Columbian Hospital — including B.C.’s busiest cardiac centre.

This is a powerful, thoughtful, and surprisingly personal discussion with a leader dedicated to community, care, and doing the right thing.

This podcast was recorded on August 19, 2025.

We had the absolute honour and privilege of chatting with one of Vancouver’s most mysterious and hilarious figures on this episode of the Poonicast—the creator behind the cult-favorite Instagram account, Seabus Memes. In the co-host seat for this edition is the founder of Boom Pro Wrestling, Max Mitchell.

Tune in as we get to know the anonymous mastermind who’s been roasting our city, its transit, and its quirks for years. From his early days creating memes during his daily commute to his viral bathroom reviews, creative collabs, and sharp comedic writing, Seabus Memes reveals what it’s like to balance local fame with total anonymity.

He also talks about everything from his very first post to his all-time favourite posts, as well as when he made rapper DMX the new voice of SkyTrain. This is one ride across Burrard Inlet you won’t want to miss.

This podcast was recorded on August 20th, 2025.

On Episode 12 of the Poonicast, we chat with Celeste Ziegler, a Vancouver-based realtor, actress, and model, about her journey from Los Angeles back home. She shares how she balances real estate deals with on-screen roles and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her TV projects, including Upload to Shoresy. Celeste also talks about the challenges of pursuing multiple passions and what keeps her motivated.

In the co-host seat is Bill Laidler, Vancouver real estate entrepreneur and founder of Laidler Academy, who brings his expertise in property development and urban housing to the conversation.

This podcast was originally recorded on June 4, 2025.

In Episode 11 of the Poonicast, we sit down with Doug Woodward—an educator and coach who spent more than four decades shaping the lives of students in New Westminster. From football fields to gymnasiums to international classrooms in Japan, Doug’s career is a masterclass in mentorship, resilience and lifelong impact.

Hosted by Pooni Group President Gary Pooni and co-hosted by former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Kirk McLean, this episode dives into the stories behind the stats: the former CFL hopeful who taught co-ed PE before it was common, who started a sister school program in Japan, and who quietly carried a resignation letter in his home for eight years before finally retiring.

Doug opens up about life on the sidelines, in the classroom, and through health challenges—including multiple heart attacks and a cancer diagnosis—and how he continues to show up with grit, humility and purpose.

You’ll also hear about the time he saved a student’s life, coached his daughter to the world stage in javelin and shared a field with none other than Carl Weathers.

This is an episode about impact, community and staying true to what matters, even when the playbook changes.

This podcast was originally recorded on July 17, 2024.

What began as a one-off 40th birthday spectacle quickly became one of the most buzzed-about live shows in Vancouver. In this episode of the Poonicast, founder Max Mitchell shares the wild origin story behind Boom! Pro Wrestling—complete with baby name brackets, last-minute ring deliveries, and a surprise heel turn by Max's own mom.

Host Gary Pooni sits down with the local promoter to talk about his unconventional path from high school theatre geek to accidental wrestling mogul—and how he built a community around performance, athleticism and storytelling.

With characters like Abraham Lincoln, evil lifeguards and jesters, Boom is more than a wrestling show—it’s a multi-generational spectacle where imagination, heart and chaos collide.

If you've ever wondered what it looks like to create your own world (and then body-slam your way through it), this episode is for you.

Plus, pro wrestling legend Tito Santana leaves a special message during the podcast—tune in to hear it!

This podcast was originally recorded on May 27, 2025.

Episode 9 of the Poonicast features Vancouver’s beloved Fred Lee—charity auctioneer, media personality, and longtime UBC alumni director known for bringing heart, humour, and purpose to everything he does.

Hosted by Pooni Group President Gary Pooni and co-hosted by Chief Administrative Officer Dina Milani, this episode follows Fred’s inspiring journey from growing up in Vancouver’s Chinatown to the centre of the city’s social and philanthropic scene.

Fred shares stories of growing up in an immigrant household, discovering his voice in media, and building a career grounded in empathy, inclusion, and connection. A tireless fundraiser, Fred has helped raise more than $100 million for causes across British Columbia, serving as a presenter, emcee, and auctioneer at countless charity galas and events.

He also reflects on his early LGBTQ+ activism during the AIDS crisis in Toronto, his 20+ year career at UBC, and why showing up with authenticity—on stage or off—is at the heart of everything he does.

Tune in for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and what it means to build community one event, one story, and one relationship at a time.

This podcast was originally recorded on March 20, 2025.