The Pal‘s Podcast

Marlon & Duke: Inside Toronto’s Podcast Culture with Extra Gravy

In this episode of The Pal’s Podcast, Ricky Liorti sits down with Marlon and Duke from the Extra Gravy podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about podcasting, creativity, comedy, and building something that lasts.

Dani is off handling exams, so Ricky takes the lead as they dive deep into what it really means to be consistent in podcasting. Marlon shares how discovering podcasts nearly a decade ago inspired him to start Extra Gravy back in 2017, long before Toronto had a real podcast scene. Duke opens up about his own podcast journey, how he balances multiple shows, and what changes once you step behind the mic yourself.

The conversation covers everything from favorite podcast routines and unforgettable episodes to wild stories involving mentalists, hypnotists, and moments that made everyone cry laughing. They also talk candidly about why conversational podcasts work better than rigid interviews, how over-preparing can actually kill great conversations, and why chemistry and excitement matter more than clout.

They don’t shy away from the business side either. From the challenges of monetizing podcasts to why brands are often hesitant to sponsor long-form conversations, this episode pulls back the curtain on the realities creators face today.

This is an honest, funny, behind-the-scenes look at podcasting culture, Toronto creativity, and why the best shows feel like you’re hanging out with friends.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

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

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Michael Chao: Building Pickleball in Canada & Owning a Pro Pickleball Team

Follow Michael Chao:
https://www.instagram.com/mchao95/

https://www.instagram.com/apacircuit/

https://www.instagram.com/northernlightspickleball/

https://www.instagram.com/grandviewpickleballclub/

 

This week on the Pal’s Podcast, Ricky sits down with Michael Chao, CEO and Founder of the newly rebranded APA Canadian Circuit, General Manager of the Northern Lights in the Canadian National Pickleball League, and part owner of Grandview Pickleball Club in Newmarket.

The two dive deep into all things pickleball. Michael shares his path into the sport, how the APA originally started, and what the rebrand means for the future of competitive pickleball in Canada. Ricky and Michael also get into some friendly league banter, especially with both of them owning teams in the CNPL, breaking down the past season and what’s coming next.

They also talk about the upcoming CNPL draft combine, what teams are looking for, and how the Toronto United tournament hosted by APA fits into the bigger picture of growing the game.

If you’re into pickleball, whether as a player, fan, or someone curious about the business side of the sport, this episode is for you.

Ariana Joy & Renee Reina: Reality TV, Real Moms, Real Chaos

What happens when two reality-TV obsessed best friends (and full-on parents) try to keep up with drama, diapers, and deadlines at the same time? Join us with Ariana & Renee from Friend Of as we chat Vanderpump Rules, Summerhouse, dream crossovers, parenting vs podcasts (seriously, WHERE’S THE TIME?) and the reality-star moments that still make us gasp.

Follow Ariana & Renee

https://www.instagram.com/friendofpodcast/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/thereneereina/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/arianajoychristie/?hl=en

 

Emily the Recruiter on Being Memorable, AI Trends & Building a Creative Career

Emily Durham — aka Emily the Recruiter — is BACK on Pal’s Podcast! One of our early guests (way before Episode 100), she returns for Episode 336 with even more insights, stories, and real talk about careers, creativity, and the future of work.

Follow Emily:
https://www.instagram.com/emily.the.recruiter/
https://www.instagram.com/clockinwithemily/

In this episode, we get into:

- The behind-the-scenes of her podcast Clock In With Emily and navigating office politics

- What brings her the most joy right now — from podcasting to live events

- Job trends, AI, and what she's seeing change across the industry

- The #1 question she gets asked: “How do I stand out in my career?”

- Networking tips that actually make you memorable

- Her thoughts on the future of work

It’s a fun, honest, and super practical conversation whether you're job hunting, building a creative career, or just here for the vibes.

Brennan Clost: From the Juilliard Dance Studio to Big TV Sets

This week, we sit down with the incredibly talented actor and dancer, Brennan Clost (known for The Next Step and Tiny Pretty Things).

Brennan opens up about his journey from childhood training to the rigorous demands of Juilliard. He shares valuable insights into the dance community, the importance of strong technique, and the mindset required to succeed in a competitive art form.

We also dive into:

-Navigating the Juilliard program and its impact on his career.

-The realities of professional dance life vs. acting.

-A sneak peek at his exciting upcoming projects and what's next!

 

Follow Brennan @brennanclost

Andy Colonico: Going Country, Going Viral, and Finding His Sound

This week we sat down with Andy Colonico, a powerhouse vocalist, dynamic performer, and one of Ontario’s fastest-rising country-rock artists. From fronting Revive the Rose to breaking through in the country scene, Andy walks us through the evolution of his sound, the leap into a new genre, and the momentum that’s fueling his rapid rise.

It’s an energetic, honest, and wide-ranging conversation with an artist who’s carving out his own lane—blending rock grit with country storytelling and building a loyal fan base along the way.

Follow Andy @andycolonico

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

The Return of George: Pickleball, Plot Twists & Pals

This week’s episode is a special one — packed with sports hype, big life updates, and a reunion we’ve all been waiting for lol

We’re joined by our pal George, OG co-host, President of Impact, and co-owner of Toronto United Pickleball. It’s a full-circle moment as we dive into everything happening in the pickleball world — from the intensity of the Toronto United season, to the highs, the lows, and the behind-the-scenes stories only George can tell.

We also get into what’s next for him personally and professionally. Big moves, new chapters, lots of laughs and maybe a few deep moments!

Sports, friendships and real talk… just another week with the Pals.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

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

Blue Jays Fever, Best Friend Tattoos & Forever Single?

This week’s episode is one for the books filled with sports hype, friendship surprises and a lot of dating tea lol

First we kick things off with the electric energy taking over Toronto as the Blue Jays make a historic World Series run. The city is buzzing and we break down what this moment means for Toronto, sports fans and the 6ix as a whole

Then Ricky tells the story of tattooing one of his best friends... Yes he actually held the tattoo gun and yes it gets messy lol

And of course it wouldn’t be a Pal’s episode without diving into the dating life. This time the spotlight is on Dani as she opens up in a real way about her love life, or maybe lack there of, and how dating is going for her.

Sports, friendships and feelings...Just another week with the Pals

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

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

Kelsi Mayne: Chasing the Country Music Dream

🎙 New Episode Alert!

This week we sat down with Kelsi Mayne, one of Canada’s rising country music talents. We dive into her journey, how she got started in music, the twists and turns of building a career in the industry, and the moments that shaped her along the way.

We talk about the creative process, life on and off stage, the realities of chasing a dream in country music, and so much more. It’s an honest, inspiring, and wide-ranging conversation with someone who’s carving her own lane in the genre.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

📲 Follow us on Instagram:

@thepalspodcast | @yourpalrick | @danigalarneau

Listen now! 🎧

Viral Content & Healthy Pizza: The Eden Hazan Story

🎙️ New Episode Alert!

This week, we sat down with Eden Hazan — Founder, Creator, and Content Strategy Coach behind @thereelcoach, @socialdrop, and @dreamcrustpizza.

Eden has built a community of over 750K+ followers in just 15 months, gone viral more than 100 times, and helped some of the world’s biggest brands master the art of scroll-stopping content. From leading his own social media agency to launching a “healthy” pizza company that’s redefining the slice game, Eden’s story is all about creativity, consistency, and growth.

We dive into how he approaches social strategy for himself and his clients, what it really takes to stand out online, and the lessons learned from balancing multiple thriving ventures — all while staying true to his brand (and his love of pizza 🍕).

It’s an episode packed with insight, strategy, and a whole lot of fun.

🎶 Music by @distant.matter

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

Listen now! 🎧