The Pal‘s Podcast

Nicolina: From American Idol to Global Star – The Journey So Far

We sat down with Nicolina, one of Canada’s fastest-rising stars and Top 5 finalist on American Idol, for an episode that was an absolute blast!

We dove into her music career, the wild ride on Idol, her new projects, and what’s coming next. Nicolina opened up about her journey, her creative process, and how she’s navigating life as an artist.

She was so lovely and down-to-earth — this is one you don’t want to miss. Tap in for laughs, stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at a future star in the making! 🎤✨

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram:
@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Julia Brevetti: Painting Her Path – Art, Hustle & Finding Her Voice

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

This week, we sat down with Toronto-based artist Julia Brevetti for a colorful and candid conversation about her creative journey. Known for her bold, vibrant style and modern approach to pop and abstract art, Julia has carved out a space for herself in the art world—and it hasn’t always been easy.

We dive into:
🎨 How she got started and turned passion into a career
🎢 The highs, the lows, and everything in between
📈 Navigating social media and building a personal brand as an artist
🧠 The mindset behind creating—and keeping the creativity flowing

It’s honest, inspiring, and full of insight for anyone chasing a dream.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧

Ollie Shanks: The Return of a Legend – Greenwood Stakes, Zerb & 5-Time Club

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

We’re back with our first-ever 5-time guest—Ollie Shanks! A key player in Toronto’s hospitality scene, Ollie returns to the pod for another unreal conversation filled with insight, laughs, and some behind-the-scenes stories.

We dive into:
✅ The upcoming Greenwood Stakes and how he brought in Zerb for this year’s event
✅ What’s changing in Toronto’s nightlife and hospitality industry
✅ His journey, mindset, and what keeps him fired up after all these years
✅ The balance between building epic experiences and keeping it grounded

As always, Ollie brings the energy, perspective, and a few laughs along the way. You’ll want to tune in for this one.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram:
@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧

Songs from the Soul: Kassidy on Music, Pain & Purpose

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

This week, we sat down with Kassidy—singer, songwriter, and rising Canadian talent—for an open and heartfelt conversation about music, resilience, and finding beauty in the everyday.

We dive into:
✅ Growing up in Gatineau and how life in the countryside shaped his sound and spirit
✅ Turning personal pain into powerful pop that heals as much as it hits
✅ The bold moves that got him noticed by Banx & Ranx—and signed to Universal Music Canada
✅ How everyday life, love, and loss inspire the stories behind his songs

From powerhouse vocals to honest reflections, Kassidy brings it all. This episode is for anyone who believes in dreaming big—even if you’re starting out small.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Cross Novia: From Nurse to Creator – Turning Pain into Purpose

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

This week, we sat down with Cross Novia—former nurse turned full-time content creator, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate—for one of the most powerful and inspiring conversations we’ve had.

We dive into:

✅ His journey from the world of healthcare to building a massive online presence

✅ The creation of his brand, CANBE, and what it means to inspire resilience

✅ His raw and honest story about battling chronic pain, depression, and choosing purpose

✅ What it takes to turn your pain into power—and your story into impact This episode is real, vulnerable, and filled with insight for anyone on a journey of personal growth. You don’t want to miss it.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧

Maral Campana: Motherhood, Postpartum Depression & The Mental Health Conversation We Need

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

This week, we sat down with Maral Campana, an old friend of Ricky’s, for one of our most insightful and important conversations yet.

Maral opened up about her pregnancy journey and her battle with postpartum depression—sharing the emotional and mental challenges that so many parents face but few openly talk about. We discussed the weight of societal expectations, the silent struggles that can follow childbirth, and how postpartum depression can deeply affect not just new mothers, but families as a whole.

This episode is full of raw honesty, real experiences, and valuable insights for anyone navigating pregnancy, parenthood, or mental health challenges. Whether you're a parent, thinking of becoming one, or simply want to understand the unseen battles others face, this is a must-listen.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram:
@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧

Ricky’s Wild Week in LA: From Stagecoach to NSYNC

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

This week on The Pals Podcast, we’re talking all things LA and Stagecoach, plus a wild celebrity encounter! Ricky shares the hilarious (and totally unexpected) story of how he met NSYNC’s Lance Bass—not even having a ticket to Stagecoach—and ended up making some awesome new friends in the process!

We also dive into:
✅ Ricky’s wild meeting with Lance Bass
✅ How he made some great friends along the way
✅ Insider tips for navigating LA like a local
✅ What makes Stagecoach one of the best festivals
✅ The unforgettable experiences from the Stagecoach weekend

It’s a fun mix of surprises, festival stories, and some serious laughs. Don’t miss it!

🎶 Music by @distant.matter
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

🎧 Listen now!

 

Unfiltered with Sarah Lauren: Life, Love & Owning Your Story

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

We sat down with Sarah Lauren, a social media personality and content creator known for her candid takes on life, love, and everything in between. Through her relatable storytelling, fashion and beauty content, and honest vlogs, Sarah has built a strong connection with her audience—one real moment at a time.

In this episode, we dive into:

✅ Her journey as a creator and how it all began

✅ The highs and lows of sharing personal stories online

✅ Thoughts on dating, relationships, and finding self-worth

✅ How she balances being herself while building a brand It’s raw, fun, and full of insights you don’t want to miss.

 

Tune in now! 🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧

 

From DMs to Comedy Bar: Hilary Henderson Tells All

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

We hung out with Hilary Henderson—Toronto-based comedian, content creator, and absolute force of funny—for a convo that’s equal parts laugh-out-loud and lowkey inspiring.

Hilary’s viral sketches have racked up millions of views and landed her in Narcity Canada, Yahoo Lifestyle, and girl group chats around the world. She’s toured stages across Canada, opened for big names from Comedy Central, Jimmy Fallon, Just for Laughs, and CBC Comedy—and just wrapped a killer show at Comedy Bar Toronto this past weekend.

We talk about: ✅ Her wild rise as a creator and what fuels her comedy
✅ Behind the scenes of her recent Toronto show
✅ The reality of being a woman in stand-up and staying true to your voice
✅ Her own podcast journey—and what it’s like being on the other side of the mic

It’s sharp, hilarious, and full of those “wait, same” moments. Hit play—you’re gonna love this one. 🎧🔥

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram:
@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧

#ThePalsPodcast #HilaryHenderson #TorontoComedy #ComedyBar #ContentCreator #WomenInComedy #PodcastLife #NewEpisode

From the Dancefloor to the DJ Booth – A Journey Through Music, Passion & Purpose w/ MARTA

🎙️ Episode 311 is Live!

We sat down with MARTA, one of Toronto’s rising stars in the electronic music scene, for an incredible conversation about her journey as a DJ and producer. Known for her high-energy sets and signature blend of techno, minimal tech, and tech house, MARTA shares how she got her start, the moments that shaped her career, and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.

We talk music, hustle, creativity, and everything in between. If you’re into the scene—or just love hearing how passion turns into purpose—this one’s for you.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram: @thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧