Stories For The Grandkids

I’m opening up about why I’m ending Stories for the Grandkids — at least for now. From struggles I’ve never shared, to how life with Lauren and full-time content creation has changed me, this is the rawest I’ve been on the mic. Some stories never made it to air… until today...

Welcome back to Stories For The Grandkids and Buckle up (or... don’t) for a no-filter ride through glitter, groove, and glorious chaos as host Chris Poletek sits down with the six-member sonic circus known as The Free Label.

Fresh off the road—where they crammed themselves and their gear into a van held together by duct tape and disco dreams—this band spills everything. From roadside breakdowns to the sweaty, euphoric highs of their live shows, it’s all on the table.

They call their sound “XXX, XXXX, and disco”  and they’re dead serious about one thing: edging their fans to the absolute brink with every beat, every breakdown, every damn night.

Expect laughs, overshares, inside jokes, and some surprisingly real moments about friendship, burnout, and staying hype when you're living on gas station snacks and adrenaline.

This isn’t just a band interview. It’s a chaotic, beautiful snapshot of what happens when six best friends decide to make funk dangerous again

Toronto’s own Lindsay Ivan joins the pod to talk about her rise from stage kid to viral creator. With a background in acting, a natural gift for comedy, and a YouTube following in the hundreds of thousands, Lindsay brings the kind of internet savvy and self-awareness that makes for an unforgettable episode. She opens up about building a personal brand in public, navigating the comedy world as a woman, and finding the sweet spot between content and connection.

In this episode, Chris and Moe sit down with Hazel Nichol, a vibrant fitness and lifestyle creator who blends her expertise as a personal trainer with her passion for authentic living. Recently relocated from Vancouver to Toronto, Hazel shares her journey of adapting to a new city, balancing the demands of being an influencer, and maintaining meaningful connections across long distances. She also opens up about her approach to fitness and how she keeps her wellness journey real and relatable for her audience.

This week on Stories For The Grandkids, we're joined by downtown Toronto's own fashion, beauty, and lifestyle influencer Lauren Blackborow. From navigating the chaos (and comedy) of dating in the digital age to spilling her favourite late-night spots, Lauren brings the real, unfiltered truth about what it’s like to live, love, and create in one of Canada’s most iconic cities.

This week on Stories for the Grandparents, Toronto content creator Veronica Skaia joins us for a candid conversation about the modern dating world — and nothing is off-limits. From hook-ups and heartbreaks to love bombing and ghosting, we explore the messy, magical, and sometimes maddening realities of dating today. Veronica shares her take on the unwritten dating playbook, the pressure of social media, and why women are the true gatekeepers of relationships — setting the pace, the tone, and the standard. Whether you're in the game or just watching from the sidelines, this episode is full of laughs, lessons, and a whole lot of real talk.

In this episode, Celeste Bouchard gets real about dating in the city, navigating downtown life, and her journey as a female entrepreneur. From hilarious mishaps to hard-earned lessons, Celeste shares it all — unfiltered and unapologetic.

Chris Poletek and Moe Pooli take over the mic for a wild ride of stories, struggles, and straight-up nonsense. In this episode, the best friend duo dive into their Toronto adventures, the ups and downs of content creation, and—of course—some absolutely unhinged dating stories. From navigating the city’s dating scene to figuring out what it actually means to be an “influencer,” Chris and Moe hold nothing back. Expect laughs, chaos, and maybe a life lesson or two (but don’t count on it).

Chris Poletek and Moe Pooli chat with James Milonas, a Toronto-based creator, realtor, author, and model behind the lifestyle brand @Jamesinthecity. Known for his candid opinions and unique perspective, James shares his insights on real estate, dating, and life in the city. From navigating red flags to dishing on his most outrageous experiences, James brings humour, honesty, and a touch of controversy to the conversation.