Podcast · Arts & Books

Hello and Welcome

by The Nation Network · English · Arts & Books

Will Lou, Alex Wong, and producer Jerome Cheng have you covered on all things Raptors, in addition to the NBA and other culturally relevant topics. New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 1 hr 24 min
Latest: 14 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026 · 29 minNew

React Pod: Kawhi Leonard makes a spectacular debut as Raptors win by 50 (in preseason)

Will Lou reacts to the Toronto Raptors' 148-98 win over the New York Knicks in the third game of preseason. He gushes with excitement over Kawhi Leonard making his long-awaited preseason debut, the continued excellence of RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes, and the progress made by the young Raptors bench players.Three stars: Scottie Barnes, Kawhi Leonard, Collin Murray-BoylesGerald Henderson award: Mohamed Diawara #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app Visit Hard Rock Bet at…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

12 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 19 minNew
3 early takeaways from Raptors in preseason, and rapping about obscure Raptors
Will Lou and Alex Wong go live late on a Sunday night to share their first impressions of the Toronto Raptors so far, the team's increased valuation, write rap lyrics on very obscure Raptors and react to the new Crazy Rich Asians series. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on…
11 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
React Pod: Immanuel Quickley shines as Raptors easily handle Clippers
Will Lou goes live to break down the Toronto Raptors' 114-106 win over the Los Angeles Clippers in preseason action as part of the NBA Vancouver Game. He gives credit to Immanuel Quickley for his strong showing and Three stars: Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Jakob Poeltl Gerald Henderson award: Yuki Kawamura #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys…
9 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
Anne Hathaway loves OG, Shai says he's the best, will Sixers work, and Who He Play For?
Will Lou and Alex Wong take a spin around the NBA and hit on several viral topics including who's the best player in the league, will the Sixers actually work, Anne Hathaway's love for OG Anunoby, and play a fresh round of Who He Play For? #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click…
8 Oct 2026 · 2 hr
Where does Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard rank as a duo? Will Vision 6-9 work?
Will Lou and Alex Wong discuss how Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes compares as a duo to other top pairings in the league and discuss if the team's construct around positionless forwards will make sense. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by…
4 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
React: Raptors look sluggish in first preseason battle against Heat in Quebec
Will Lou and Alex Wong react to the Toronto Raptors' battle against the Miami Heat in the first game of preseason. They give their first impression of the game which did not feature Kawhi Leonard who continues to ramp up his conditioning.Three stars: RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-BoylesGerald Henderson award: Tim Hardaway Jr. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonardToday’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app.Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show…
2 Oct 2026 · 51 min
React: First impressions from Raptors Open Practice, Jamal Shead gets 3/$24M
Will and Alex go live to share observations from the Toronto Raptors Open Practice at Laval University in Quebec City. They also share some anecdotes from training camp so far. Yes, Kawhi Leonard is a fun guy. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original…
1 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
We pitch Matt Devlin new signature Raptors calls | The Annual H&W Matt Devlin interview
Will Lou and Alex Wong invite Toronto Raptors broadcasting legend Matt Devlin to the show for the third instalment of their annual training camp interview. The boys ask Devlin about the season ahead, pitch Matty D on new signature calls to use on-air, and discuss the changing media landscape. #raptors #torontraptors Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our…
28 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
Kawhi can't stop smiling in return to Toronto | Raptors Media Day 2026 reaction
Will Lou and Alex Wong reflect on Toronto Raptors Media Day 2026. They discuss Kawhi Leonard's hilarious press conference and share other takeaways from the event. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to…
27 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 48 min
Wrapping up the inaugural Toronto Tempo season | TEMPO TIME
Could this be the most friends we made along the way season? Join Jerome Cheng and Chelsea Leite one more time for the Tempo's first WNBA season. They recap the Tempo's exit interviews, look at where players will be in the offseason and discuss what's needed for next season. #torontotempo #wnba Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit…
24 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
Breaking down Bobby Webster press conference on Kawhi Leonard's trade and extension
Will and Alex go live after Bobby Webster's media availability discussing the Kawhi Leonard trade and extension as well as the outlook for the Toronto Raptors this season. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to…
22 Sep 2026 · 2 hr 29 min
Raptors show NBA how to honor legend + Is DeMar DeRozan next for jersey retirement?
Will and Alex are back from vacation and checking in for a Hello and Welcome after hours! The Kyle Lowry retirement tour kicked off with some golf, a block party and gala while Kawhi Leonard closes in on an extension with the Raptors. All that and more! #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit…
21 Sep 2026 · 55 min
Toronto Tempo return from international break and play final home game of the season | TEMPO TIME
Toronto Tempo are back and so is Tempo Time! Jerome and Chelsea recap the final home game of the season and what the team has been up to during the international break as they head into their final stretch of their inaugural WNBA season. #wnba #torontotempo Today’s show is brought to you by our presenting sponsor Hard Rock Bet, Ontario’s newest sportsbook app. Visit Hard Rock Bet at https://www.hardrockbet.ca/ Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link.…
19 Sep 2026 · 56 min
Kawhi says “it’s Scottie’s team” + can the Raptors win 50 games?
Alex is joined by theScore’s Joseph Casciaro to answer 10 true or false questions ahead of training camp, including if the Raptors can win 50 games in Kawhi’s return, whether this is the best Sixers team in the Process era, if the Knicks are one-and-done as champs, whether the Spurs own the Thunder after last year’s Conference Finals, if the Wolves and Lakers have improved, whether the Clippers truly have the worst outlook of any franchise in the league, and more. #raptors #torontoraptors #nba Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys…
16 Sep 2026 · 56 min
Can Kawhi and the Raptors replicate 2019 championship run?
Alex is joined by Vivek Jacob to look ahead to Kawhi’s return to Toronto and explore the similarities and differences between this upcoming season and the 2019 championship run. They look at the contenders in the East, discuss what the Raptors are missing in their current lineup to be favorites, potential breakout candidates, and more. #raptors #torontoraptors #nba Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to…
14 Sep 2026 · 36 min
BREAKING: THE KAWHI LEONARD TRADE SAGA IS FINALLY DONE
Will Lou goes live from a park bench in Tofino, BC to react to the Kawhi Leonard trade finally being completed. Huge assist to Kyle Ramnarine from Raptors Republic for helping produce last second. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
12 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 29 min
The definitive Top-10 Raptors of all-time
Will Lou and Alex Wong outline the six factors determining greatness and then debate over the Top-10 Toronto Raptors of all-time. The list is below based on a combination of winning impact, cultural impact, longevity, respect, entertainment factor and award recognition: 1. Kyle Lowry 2. Kawhi Leonard 3. DeMar DeRozan 4. Vince Carter 5. Pascal Siakam 6. Chris Bosh 7. Scottie Barnes 8. Fred VanVleet 9. Damon Stoudemire 10. Alvin Williams #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard #vincecarter #scottiebarnes Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys…
10 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
The 5 biggest “What If” moments in Raptors franchise history
Will Lou and Alex Wong discuss their list of the five biggest What If moments in Toronto Raptors franchise history. They walk through Kawhi Leonard's exit in 2019, Vince Carter's graduation, Tracy McGrady being allowed to leave, the failed pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo and so much more. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard #giannisantetokounmpo Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to…
9 Sep 2026 · 23 min
Jeremy Lin revisits 2019 title, fond Toronto moments, and Kawhi's sensational return
Will Lou interviews former Toronto Raptors guard Jeremy Lin about his celebrity hoops game in Toronto on Sept 12, revisits his favorite Toronto memories, tells stories about what 2019 was like, and gives his thoughts on how the Raptors will fare next season with Kawhi Leonard back in the mix. 2026 ARC HOOPS/WORLD tickets: https://asianrootscollective.org/arcworld Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
8 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 31 min
What is still holding up the Kawhi Leonard trade?
Will Lou goes solo to ask a few questions around the ongoing Kawhi Leonard trade with the Los Angeles Clippers. He looks at what could still be holding up the deal, if the Toronto Raptors will look to expand the trade beyond what was initially reported, Kawhi's last chance to rescue his legacy, the pressure this deal puts on Scottie Barnes, and if there are any circumstances that would lead to another team repeating the Clippers' mistake. #raptors #torontoraptors #nba Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our…
2 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 31 min
BREAKING: Kawhi Leonard cleared of suspension, while NBA fines Clippers 5 firsts and $30M
Will Lou and Jerome Cheng go live to react to the breaking news of the NBA releasing their report into the cap circumvention of the LA Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi is fined 700K but avoids suspension and contract voiding, while the Clippers are found to be the most guilty party in circumventing the cap and are therefore being fined 5 first-round picks, $30M in fines and additional suspensions to team executives. #raptors #torontoraptors #nba Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit…
31 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 28 min
Toronto Tempo and WNBA go on a FIBA World Cup break | TEMPO TIME
The Toronto Tempo and WNBA are about to start a two-week midseason break for the 2026 FIBA World Cup. Jerome and Chelsea recap the last few games with a depleted team, and look ahead to where players will be this break and beyond. #wnba #torontotempo Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast.…
27 Aug 2026 · 50 min
Canada Basketball’s plan for Olympic gold and the making of Jurassic Park
Canada Basketball CEO and President Michael Bartlett sits down to discuss the plan for gold at the 2027 FIBA World Cup and 2028 Olympics, the rebuilding women's team, and shares stories behind how the Toronto Raptors built Jurassic Park and the unforgettable 2019 championship parade. #fibabasketball #canadabasketball Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
26 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
A dub in Vancouver and then extreme hardship | TEMPO TIME
Jerome and Chelsea catch up on the Tempo's trip to Vancouver and a depleted team going into the remainder of the season. Kiki Rice hooping but everyone else out. Some great reads: Chelsea Leite "Tempo’s Rice embracing everything rookie season has to offer": https://www.tsn.ca/wnba/article/tempos-rice-embracing-everything-rookie-season-has-to-offer/ Katie Heindl "Drag to Light": https://www.basketballfeelings.com/p/drag-to-light Frankie de la Cretaz "Anti-trans hate came to the WNBA. Fans are fighting back": https://xtramagazine.com/power/politics/wnba-liberty-fever-trans-joy-284052 Shireen…
25 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 41 min
The 4 biggest Raptors questions (besides the NBA’s ruling on Kawhi)
Will is joined by friend of the show and fellow pod slanderer Asad to check in all things Raptors. What else has Kawhi done? What's next for Scottie Barnes? Does RJ get extended? Who is up next? #raptors #torontoraptors #nba #kawhileonard Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See…
19 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
Toronto Tempo in a close one against the visiting Indiana Fever, mascots and more | TEMPO TIME
Jerome, Chelsea Leite and Katie Heindl gather to recap their night at Scotiabank Arena and the visiting Indiana Fever. What were the vibes? How's the new mascot? What else? Come hang! #wnba #torontotempo Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18 Aug 2026 · 2 hr 45 min
ESPN says Clippers and Kawhi are innocent but NBA says not so fast
In yet another Kawhi Leonard update, ESPN reports that the NBA has found no evidence that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funnelled money through team sponsors to pay Kawhi Leonard and circumvent the salary cap. And immediately after, the NBA said hold on there. Will and Alex parse through the new findings and also banter across the league. At 1:34:00 Alex unveils an incredible list of "Toonie Thoughts" with Will occasionally chiming in with his own renditions. #nba #kawhileonard #raptors #lakers Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys…
13 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
Toronto Tempo struggle through a 10-game losing streak | TEMPO TIME
Tired: The Tempo are struggling to say healthy and get back to form Wired: Juju Watkins Jerome and Chelsea Leite of TSN talk through the latest run of losses for the Tempo. Kiki Rice cooking, Aneesah Morrow figuring it out, Marina Mabrey scoring, but the defence isn't there. Also, mascots! #wnba #torontotempo Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and…
11 Aug 2026 · 2 hr 48 min
Kawhi Leonard “strongly believes” trade to Raptors will go through; and other assorted banter
Alex is back from Chicago and Kawhi Leonard might also be back sooner than we think. Him and Will recap the latest news with Kawhi Leonard with reports from Jake Fischer and Pablo Torre. #raptors #torontoraptors #kawhileonard Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…
5 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 36 min
Aneesah Morrow debuts for the Toronto Tempo as they continue their extended road trip | TEMPO TIME
Jerome is joined by Chelsea Leite and Zulfi Sheikh of Raptors Republic to discuss the latest addition to the Toronto Tempo, Aneesah Morrow. They also recap an ongoing road trip. #torontotempo #wnba Reach out to the show by leaving a voicemail at hellowelcome.show or email the guys [email protected] Check out our merch! Visit hellowelcome.show and click on the merch link. Original Music by DIVISION 88. Reach out to [email protected] to connect with our Sales Team and discuss opportunities to partner with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About Hello and Welcome

Hello and Welcome is a English arts & books podcast from The Nation Network. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Nation Network
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 1 hr 24 min
Latest episode: 14 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1748711418
Rights: 2026 The Nation Network

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