“Where Sport Meets Soul”
Meet Natasha Janel Deen, a sports and celebrity-entertainment journalist for True TV who brings powerful storytelling to global audiences. She’s covered major leagues from the NFL to NBA, NHL, MLS, MLB and UFC – always with an authentic, probing style that dives beneath the game. Off-screen, she’s the founder of Divine Essense, a Toronto-based wellness brand rooted in energy, healing, and intentional community. Her sound‑healing activations, breathwork, and candle‑making labs often hosted at Evergreen Brick Works blend spiritual presence with tangible transformation.
This interview unfolds at Toronto’s flagship NBA Courtside Restaurant, located at 15 Queens Quay East, just steps from Scotiabank Arena on the waterfront. The 10,000 sq ft venue is the first NBA-themed dining experience in the world, featuring immersive media walls, 25 screens, authentic court‑floor tables, curated art, and fruit‑inspired menu creations led by Top Chef Canada winner Erica Karbelnik.
Here, Natasha will unpack her journey, how she transitioned from brand PR to hosting elite athlete interviews, and how her media practice converges with her Divine Essense mission. Expect reflections on resilience, presence, and purpose from someone who navigates both spotlight and stillness. This conversation is a rare look at who Natasha is behind the camera and what drives her to connect sport, soul, and spirit in every story.
Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a sports and celebrity entertainment journalist for True Tv passionate about telling the stories behind the spotlight. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of today’s most influential athletes, actors/actresses, and artists, always with a focus on authenticity and connection. Outside of journalism, I’m the founder of Divine Essense, a growing wellness brand rooted in healing, energy, and community. Our events across Toronto and monthly held at Evergreen Brick Works have sold out consistently, creating safe and empowering spaces for people to reconnect with themselves. Whether I’m on the red carpet or leading a meditation circle, it’s all about impact and presence.
What first sparked your passion for global sports and entertainment hosting?
My passion for global sports and entertainment hosting really came as an organic evolution of my work in PR. I originally worked with major global beauty brands, curating experiences that blended lifestyle and storytelling. One of the standout moments was producing an activation at Toronto’s Sweat and Tonic called Beauty Meets Wellness. It was a powerful event that brought together influencers, movement, and mindfulness and it generated over 45 million impressions.
What stood out most wasn’t just the numbers, but the way I connected with people on a real, human level. That ability to create space for authentic conversation is what led me to being approached to host sports and entertainment interviews. Whether it’s an athlete, artist, or entrepreneur, I’ve found that everyone just wants to be seen and heard and I love being the bridge for those moments.
How did you break into hosting across NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, MLB and UFC?
Breaking into hosting across the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLS, MLB, and UFC didn’t happen overnight; it took a lot of hustle and heart. When you’re first starting out in journalism, you often have to secure your own interviews, build your own credibility, and create your own lane. I was lucky to know someone at LA Galaxy who gave me the opportunity to do my very first interview, and that opened the door. From there, I reached out to other athletes directly, and to my surprise, many of them resonated with my interview style.
It became this beautiful ripple effect the more people I spoke with, the more referrals came in. Athletes started recommending me to their peers, and soon it grew into something much bigger than I imagined. Now, I’m often approached by players and teams who want to be interviewed, and I’m just grateful to be trusted to tell their stories in a real and respectful way.
What was the moment you knew NBA Courtside Restaurant would become your go-to interview spot?
The moment I stepped into NBA Courtside Restaurant in Toronto (The only one in the world), I just knew it was the right fit. Visually, it captured the essence of everything I wanted my interviews to represent bold, elevated, and rooted in culture. The energy of the space mirrors the tone of the conversations I have: dynamic, unapologetic, and deeply connected to the world of sports and entertainment. It wasn’t something I planned, it just felt aligned. From the lighting to the backdrop, it brought the interviews to life in a way that felt both premium and personal. It’s become my go-to ever since.
As founder of Divine Essense, what’s the ethos behind the brand?
As the founder of Divine Essense, the heart of the brand is about helping people reconnect with their authentic self. It’s about learning how to face adversity with grace, grow through what you go through, and ultimately find peace not just in the quiet moments, but within yourself. Divine Essence is where spiritual alignment meets real-life resilience. It’s about transformation from the inside out.
You also write about the Toronto Maple Leafs, what’s unique about that role?
Writing about the Toronto Maple Leafs was actually my first real opportunity in the sports world, and I fell in love with it instantly. I took it seriously, watching every game closely, studying the plays, and figuring out how to tell the story in a way that felt real and relatable. To be honest, I wasn’t great at first, but over time I found my voice. What really clicked was when I started writing play-by-plays like a story, something that allowed readers to visualize the game even if they hadn’t seen it live. That’s when my articles really started to take off. It taught me how to blend journalism with emotion and detail, which became the foundation for everything I do now.
Which league’s broadcast gives you the most adrenaline rush?
Definitely the UFC/MMA. The adrenaline rush is on another level. Seeing a fight live and really understanding the depth of mindset it takes to step into that cage it’s insane. It’s not just physical, it’s deeply mental and emotional. There’s a raw intensity in the air, and every moment can shift everything. As a host, being that close to the action and capturing the fighters’ stories before and after they battle it out is powerful. It’s where discipline, heart, and grit all collide and it gives me chills every time.
What’s the most unexpected thing a celebrity guest has revealed on mic?
One of the most unexpected things a celebrity guest revealed on mic was that they faked an injury just to make the team spoke volumes about the pressure and strategy behind the scenes. Another opened up about believing in UFOs, while someone else shared that they were originally supposed to become a doctor, not a public figure. One of the most touching moments was hearing a guest describe what it felt like to have fame and then lose it all. These stories might seem unexpected, but they’re also deeply human and that’s what makes them so magical. It reminds you that behind the spotlight, we’re all just trying to find our way.
Have you ever thrown a question so off-track that it became the highlight?
Absolutely ,one of the most memorable moments was during a sit-down when I asked a guest, “What’s something we don’t know about you?” They lit up and started talking about their deep belief in UFOs, alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena. It completely shifted the vibe; the conversation became raw, hilarious, and totally unexpected. That moment became the highlight of the interview because it showed a side of them fans never get to see unfiltered and fully themselves
How does covering multiple leagues shape your approach to storytelling?
There is a common thread between them all. No matter the sport whether it’s the NBA, UFC, NHL, or MLS the one thing every athlete shares is self-belief, resilience, faith, and discipline. It’s been powerful to realize that those qualities aren’t limited to elite athletes; they exist in all of us. That understanding shifted how I tell stories. I focus less on just stats and more on the mindset, the journey, the heart behind the hustle. Because at the end of the day, those human elements are what truly connect us.
How do you juggle being an on-air host and personal brand strategist?
Juggling being an on-air host and a personal brand strategist doesn’t feel like work when you genuinely love what you do. The passion fuels me and it makes me want to keep going, even on the busiest days. Sure, it can get hectic, but it’s also incredibly fun and fulfilling. Each role feeds the other: being on-air sharpens my communication and storytelling, while brand strategy keeps me grounded in purpose and impact. It’s a balancing act, but when your heart’s in it, it feels more like flow than effort
What’s the best brand-PR lesson you apply in your TV work?
The best brand-PR lesson I apply to my TV work is authenticity and sincerity. Coming from a PR background, I’ve learned that people can feel when you genuinely care and I truly do. I love what I do, and I’m deeply invested in the stories I’m sharing. That sincerity naturally resonates on camera and creates a space where guests feel safe to open up. Being able to take those real, human moments and share them with a wider audience is humbling, and something I’m incredibly grateful for. I think that honesty is what’s allowed the interviews and the viewership to grow organically.
How do you prepare differently for covering a UFC fight versus an NBA preview?
For me, the heart of any interview whether it’s UFC or NBA is the personal story. I focus on who they are, what drives them, and how they got to where they are today. That approach stays consistent. The main difference lies in the prep: studying the sport itself. With UFC, I dive into fighting styles, match history, and mental toughness; with the NBA, it’s stats, team dynamics, and season context. So while the emotional lens stays the same, the technical prep shifts depending on the world they play in.
What’s your pre-show ritual or go-to “power” snack?
My pre-show ritual always starts with a HIIT workout at 6am. It’s my mental reset and gets me locked in for the day ahead. I’ll usually have a light protein shake afterward to keep things fueled but not heavy. That said, my true power snack comes after the work’s done: a well-earned cheeseburger. It’s my go-to reward after a full day of interviews satisfying, grounding, and kind of a tradition at this point.
Biggest game-day mishap that turned into a funny story?
One of my biggest game-day mishaps happened while covering the CFL. We were all set on the field, ready to capture footage and film, when suddenly it started pouring rain like, full-on downpour. My network videographer and I got completely soaked. We tried to tough it out with these plastic ponchos that barely did the job, looking more like walking rain clouds than professionals. But despite the weather, we still showed up and covered the game because the opportunity was just too awesome to miss. Looking back, it’s one of those moments that reminds me how unpredictable and fun this job can be!
What’s the most underrated story you’ve covered in any league?
One of the most underrated stories I’ve covered was about an NFL quarterback who got cut from the team a moment that could’ve ended everything. But instead of giving up, he found a way to integrate the sport back into his life through coaching. Now, he’s using his journey to mentor and uplift others. It was powerful because it wasn’t just about football; it was about resilience, reinvention, and purpose. I think we can all relate to moments where life doesn’t go as planned, but we choose to rise anyway.
If you could run a Talk Sports episode at Divine Essense’s flagship, what would you ask guests?
If I could run a Talk Sports episode at Divine Essense’s flagship, I’d blend soul and sport tapping into both their mindset and mission . I’d ask:
“What does winning mean to you beyond the scoreboard?”
“When was the moment you had to trust your intuition more than the playbook?”
“How has failure or loss shaped your spirit?”
“What rituals or spiritual practices ground you before a big game or performance?”
“If you could leave behind one legacy, beyond stats and trophies, what would it be?”
It would be a space where athletes could be real, raw, and reflective of the soul behind the hustle.
Best advice you’ve received as a female host in sports media?
The best advice I’ve received as a female host in sports media is that, yes, it can be intimidating stepping into a space that’s traditionally very masculine but that also means we bring something fresh and valuable to the table. Our perspective adds a different element that’s needed and appreciated. When an opportunity comes your way, be ready to go all in: prepare thoroughly, know your stuff, and bring your authentic self. That combination of confidence and preparation will help you stand out and thrive.
If you could team up with one athlete for a co-branded charity, who would it be?
If I could team up with one athlete for a co-branded charity, it would be either Steph Curry or Michael Jordan. Both of them embody incredible self-belief and unwavering faith in themselves, qualities I deeply admire and strive to bring into my own life and work. Partnering with either of them would be powerful because of the impact they’ve made not just on the game, but as role models beyond the court. In addition, I would love to interview Drake, I am a huge supporter for what he has done for the city of Toronto and it would be an honour to share his story in an authentic way.
The charity I’d want to support is the Cancer Society, especially in honor of my mother, who passed from pancreatic cancer. This cause is close to my heart, and working alongside someone who shares a commitment to resilience and positive change would be an incredible way to honor her spirit and help others facing similar battles.
What upcoming project or league are you most excited to tackle next?
I’m most excited to dive into Casa Loma Gems, a brand-new series where we sit down with celebrity artists, actors, and actresses right at the iconic Casa Loma. The setting itself is luxurious, powerful, and royal, the perfect backdrop to uncover inspiring stories and exclusive insights from some of the most talented people in the industry. It’s a fresh way to connect culture, creativity, and history all in one place.
Your message for us at TorontoPages magazine.
No matter how life twists and turns or when you feel stuck in a place you never expected, never give up. Chase every dream relentlessly and live with no regrets. Life has a way of honoring those who take bold risks and keep pushing forward. Your courage to pursue what sets your soul on fire is what truly shapes your story.
