Melissa Stratton & Chris Ruffolo present Packin’ Heat — a podcast blending sports, life, and unfiltered conversation. From sports talk and betting insights to real-life chaos, Packin’ Heat is what happens when you hit record and just let it fly.
We’re six episodes in, so it probably makes sense to tell you who we actually are.
In Packin’ Heat 101, Chris and Melissa hit pause on the usual sports talk and take a step back to share their stories. From childhood memories and first jobs to career paths, content creation, and the road that eventually led to this podcast, this episode is all about getting to know the people behind the microphones.
We talk about where we came from, how we got here, what drives us, and what we hope to build with Packin’ Heat moving forward.
If you’ve ever wondered who Chris and Melissa are when they’re not arguing about sports, this is the episode for you.
15 May 2026
Episode 5: Finding The Sweet Spot
Episode 5 of Packin’ Heat is a bit all over the place in the best way possible.
Melissa and Chris break down the latest NHL playoff action, react to the NFL schedule release, and get into the bigger question of whether any league can realistically compete with the NFL at this point.
Somewhere in the middle of all that, Melissa also tries a lineup of Canadian chocolates, mostly for the first time.
Hockey, football, random tangents, and a completely unnecessary amount of chocolate analysis.
8 May 2026
Episode 4: May The Odds Be In Your Favor
The NHL playoffs keep delivering chaos and the draft lottery only added to it.
In Episode 4 of Packin’ Heat, Chris and Melissa break down the latest playoff action, react to the draft lottery results, and check in on their ongoing playoff bet after Melissa watched half her teams get eliminated.
From playoff overreactions and bad beats to random tangents and friendly trash talk, it’s another hour of hockey talk with the usual Packin’ Heat energy.
1 May 2026
Episode 3: Draft Day
We’re back and diving head first into the NHL playoffs as we break down what we’ve seen so far, where we’ve been, and everything in between.
The main event? We draft our own playoff teams and make our picks for who we think takes home the Cup 🏆
Plenty of playoff talk, a few tangents (as always), and some friendly competition along the way.
3 Apr 2026
Episode 2: Award Season
Episode 2 of Packin’ Heat is here — and it’s Award Season.
Melissa Stratton and Chris Ruffolo hand out the first-ever Pouchie Awards for the 2026 NHL season, dive into March Madness, and once again let the conversation go wherever it wants.
NHL talk, betting angles, random tangents — it’s all in here.
Follow along:
Follow Packin' Heat on Instagram: @packinheatpod
Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissastratton
Follow Chris on X: @ruffthepickdawg
28 Mar 2026
Episode 1: Where It All Began
We said we wouldn’t overthink it… so we didn’t.
In our first episode of Packin’ Heat, we dive into March Madness chaos, early NHL playoff talk, and just hit record to see where things go.
No script, no structure — just real conversation, hot takes, and the start of something new.
Follow along:
Follow Packin' Heat on Instagram: @packinheatpod
Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissastratton
Follow Chris on X: @ruffthepickdawg
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