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.

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 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.