Clouded Thoughts

In this episode, Ry & Deem kick things off with a recap of Ry’s birthday, reflecting on what it feels like to step into another year of life and the mindset shifts that come with getting older. From there, the conversation naturally moves into the stress of the Christmas season, from gift shopping to financial pressure, and the unspoken anxiety that can come with trying to show up for everyone...

In this episode, Ry & Deem sit down with Ahmed, who opens up about his personal journey, the fear of the unknown, and what it really feels like to grow up still battling the same doubts we had as kids — just with bigger consequences. Ahmed breaks down the 1% Club: a simple but powerful philosophy centered around becoming one percent better every single day. From waking up and choosing healthie...

In this episode of Clouded Thoughts, Ry and Deem dive into the many faces of addiction — from the headlines surrounding the Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups gambling scandal to the personal struggles people face with drugs, alcohol, sex, and validation. They explore why we chase the highs that hurt us, how habits turn into dependencies, and what it truly means to regain control. It’s not just abo...

n this episode, Ryan and Deem sit down with Deem’s former teammate and close friend, professional basketball player Prince Oduro. Prince opens up about his journey growing up in the hood and the challenges his mother faced as an immigrant trying to navigate life in Toronto with limited knowledge of the system. From leaving home at just 16 to chase his basketball dream in the U.S., to constantly tr...

Welcome back to the Clouded Thoughts Podcast! In this episode, Ryan and Deem take a step back from the jokes and talk about what really happens when the mask slips—when men stop pretending to have it all together and start keeping it real. We get into the quiet pressures, the expectations, and the unspoken weight that men carry just trying to hold it all down. From feeling invisible to chasing val...

Welcome back to the Clouded Thoughts Podcast! We’re kicking off Season 2 with a laid-back, laugh-filled catch-up episode that’s all about what we got into this summer. Join Ryan and Deem as we swap stories on everything from Deem’s birthday misadventures—let’s just say champagne on an empty stomach wasn’t his best move—to Ryan’s wasp sting escapades, jet ski rides, and cottage getaways. It’s a chi...

In this special episode of the Clouded Thoughts Podcast, Deem & Ry we’re joined by a guest whose journey speaks volumes—Tristan Darko. From being coached by our very own co-host (Deem) to becoming a coach himself, Tristan’s evolution is one rooted in leadership, growth, and resilience. Not only did he dominate on the court as a player, but he also took it a step further by creating and coachin...

In this powerful episode of The Clouded Thoughts Podcast, Deem and Ry sit down with Newby, the owner and face of ClubChat — where culture meets conversation. Born and raised in Toronto, Newby’s journey is anything but ordinary — moving between the trenches and the suburbs, he’s seen both sides of the city. Encouraged by his father from a young age, he discovered his voice early and learned how to...

In this powerful episode of the Clouded Thoughts Podcast , we welcome Wave Montega , a Toronto-born artist whose journey is a reflection of transformation, resilience, and raw introspection. Once deep in the world of competitive basketball, Wave shares the pivotal moment he stepped away from the game and broke into music—not just as a career shift, but as a means of survival and self-expression. H...

In this exciting episode of Clouded Thoughts, we welcome Jabari, a passionate young entrepreneur and owner of a thriving barbershop Kut Kapabilities. Jabari shares his journey of turning his passion for barbering into a successful business alongside his dedicated business partner. Join us as we dive into the joys of being a barber and the profound impact that a simple haircut can have on a person&...

In this insightful episode of Clouded Thoughts, we sit down with Alysha, a dedicated Challenge Youth Councillor, who opens up about the mental challenges she faces both in her professional role and personal life. Alysha shares her experiences advocating for youth and the emotional toll that comes with supporting others through their struggles.  We delve into the critical topic of mental health, pa...

In this episode of the clouded thoughts podcast, Deem & Ry delve into the complexities of poverty within the African American community and the unique coping mechanisms that emerge from it. Join us as we explore how humor has become a means of navigating struggles, allowing individuals to find light in the darkest situations. We also tackle the emotional impact of social exclusion, discussing...

In this captivating episode of Clouded Thoughts, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Jamie Cootes—a true testament to resilience and determination. Born with disadvantages that could have defined him, Jamie has rewritten his story into one of empowerment and success. Join us as Jamie takes us through his remarkable career evolution, starting from the humble beginnings of a call center repre...

In this exciting episode of Clouded Thoughts, Deem and Ry take a deep dive into their unforgettable 2024, sharing the highs, lows, and everything in between. They reflect on the lessons learned and the moments that shaped their year. But that's not all! Tune in as they unveil their ambitious goals and dreams for 2025, setting the stage for an incredible journey ahead. Don't miss out on thi...

Join Us and Olympian Duan Asemota on this episode of the clouded thoughts podcast "Running Towards Resilience”. In this episode, Duan shares his inspiring journey from junior college to the prestigious Ohio State University, revealing the challenges he faced along the way. With candid conversations and expert insights, he explores the mental hurdles athletes encounter, the importance of support sy...

Join us for a moving episode where we talk to former college athlete Tre about coping with loss during his soccer season. We explore Tre's path through grief and his inspiring transition to a photography career during tough times.

Step into an insightful and engaging episode of our men's mental health podcast as we sit down with the talented alternative R&B recording artist, Eadie. Join us as Eadie shares her deep passion for music, her journey as an artist, and the driving forces that ignited her creative spark. Get ready for an inspiring discussion as Eadie candidly opens up about her own mental health journey, re...

n this episode of the Clouded Thoughts Podcast Ry delves into his personal journey, exploring his family lineage and the values passed down through generations. Join him as he uncovers the roots of his identity and shares the transformative steps he's undertaking to break free from historical patterns. Tune in for a heartfelt and introspective episode.

On this episode of the clouded thoughts podcast Deem and Ry take a trip down memory lane and discuss some memorable moments during their childhood the good and the bad. Join us as we talk about how our early experiences can affect our feelings, and how the cartoons we loved as kids still mean a lot to us. We'll have open conversations and personal stories about healing and remembering the good...

Join us on todays episode as we unravel the intertwining journey of the NBA playoffs and personal healing. Delve into the thrilling dynamics of the playoffs while uncovering the parallels between sports and the healing process. From trash talking victories to heart-wrenching defeats, explore how the resilience and determination displayed on the court mirror the emotional fortitude required to over...

Deem and Ry are back with another episode. They dive into how its okay to take a little break in life and having some time to yourself can help to readjust. They discuss social media breaks, finding joy in cooking, battling anxiety, the effect of the most recent music beff and more....

In this week's episode of the Clouded Thoughts podcast we had the pleasure of sitting down with Caswell, a motorcycle enthusiast that discussed how riding motorcycles can be a therapeutic experience & a sense of freedom and empowerment. And we explored how music can help us process grief and find solace during difficult times. So grab your helmet and tune in for an inspiring conversation t...

So in this episode. Deem and Ry engage in their weekly rendezvous, delving into a myriad of thought-provoking topics. They explore the notion of expressing gratitude to loved ones while they are still present, the arduous journey of job hunting, and even reflect upon the profound influence of NBA legends on their formative years. It's an intellectually stimulating conversation that will captiv...

In this episode, Deem and Ry had the pleasure of sitting down with an incredible tattoo artist by the name of Cameron an artist based out of Toronto at illustrative. To. Cam opened up about how being a tattoo artist is like being a therapist and how tattoos can be incredibly therapeutic, especially for men's mental health. During the interview, we delved into the unique role that tattoo artist...

On this week's episode of Clouded Thoughts Podcast, Deem and Ry introduce a new segments to the podcast, discuss the importance and benefits of going to therapy as men and also how it is okay to be alone to start your healing journey