Culture Conversation

Host Twingq sat down with Former Professional Athlete Shamar Coombs (@coombs33) to discuss his hoop dreams, growing up in Scarborough’s golden era of Basketball, navigating his space as a student-athlete + more. After an illustrious 6 year pro career that started in Kosovo, Coombs led his Columbia Basketball club to its first post-season championship series. Coombs also became a member of the 1000...

Our host Twingq sat down with Professional Athlete + JBH Fresh’s Own Jaylen Babb-Harrison to discuss the evolution of the NCAA, 2023 March Madness, creating the JBH. Fresh brand, navigating a professional career as a business owner, and more. In this episode, they discuss the generational shift in the basketball culture while analyzing the evolution of the NCAA system. The NIL and Transfer portal...

In this episode, Our host Twingq was joined by the Founder of The Northway, Kayon Mayers. The Northway was created as a lifestyle brand that has evolved into a prominent media brand that highlights the Canadian basketball culture. Kayon once a standout basketball player reflects on his career competing against NBA talents such as Corey Joseph, Tristan Thompson and Dillion Brooks.   Now w...

In this episode, Our host Twingq was joined by the CEO & Commissioner of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), Mike Morreale. Commissioner Morreale is a no stranger to the sports world, the former CFL Grey Cup champion grew up hoping that one day his number would be called. The Hamilton native, had an illustrious 12-year career in the CFL playing for the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton T...

In this episode, Our host Twingq was joined by the Founder and Creative Designer of Overseas Fits, Kelvin Amayo. In the wake of the global pandemic that shut the entire world down, Kelvin Amayo cultivated an idea to create a platform where overseas basketball players to come together and share their unique experiences with the world. What started as an online media brand has elevated into a multiv...

In this episode, we sat down with Canadian creative Entrepreneur Alex  Eskandarkhah. The Toronto native has built a robust podcast show titled the Gifted Gab alongside his co-host Andre Kelly. Since its inception,  the Gifted Gab has created a space that amplifies BLACK VOICES,  highlighting the urban culture and personal development. The Gifted Gab has garnered the attention of som...

In this episode, we sat down with the Founder of Full Court Solution + Pro Skill Coach James Clark. The Bay Area native cultivated a roadmap through his shared passions for basketball. Since starting his company, James has worked with prominent NBA/WNBA Talents. This all-star list includes Ben Simmons, Dejounte Murray, Nickiel Alexander-Walker, Natasha Cloud, Kahleah Copper and Stefanie Dolson. Ja...

In this episode, we sat down with the Founder + Executive Director of Athlete Tech Group, Randy Osei. The Athlete Tech Group has been responsible for creating a safe space for Entrepreneurs within the tech space through education and the convergence of media. Randy joined our host Twingq and spoke of his latest venture  “ Athlete Women Empowered” , which is a mentorship program for BIPOC Wome...

On our season finale, we’re joined by a titan of the industry. A true pioneer and the creator of Hoopqueensto, Keesa K. Kessa joined us to share her experiences growing up in a male-dominated sport (basketball) and how she wanted to fill the gender disparity gap for women. HoopQueensto is a women-led organization providing women with resources and access to compete, learn, and develop their skills...

On this episode of Culture Conversation, we’re joined by Social Entrepreneur Randell Adjei. Randell has dedicated the better part of his life to empowering the community through art, poetry, and social mobility. Randell has been publicly acknowledged nationally for his arts organization RISE, (reaching Intelligent souls Everywhere), which offers a safe space for the youth and artists across the &n...

In this episode, we’re joined by Canadian Black Entrepreneur  Nevell Provo. Hailing from North Preston, Nova Scotia, Nevell has created a nutrition eco-system with the creation of Smooth Meal Prep. Since its existence, Smooth Meal prep has provided over 10,000 meals, provided jobs, and contributed toward the over the wellness of the NS community. The Former National team competitor utilizes h...

Duane Watson is one of Toronto’s best sports journalists, producing multiple media projects for NBATV Canada and TSN, alongside his good friend and Raptors 905 host Akil Augustine. A Native of Toronto, Duane's passion for basketball allowed him to find his calling as a journalist. Before pivoting into the sports world, Duane was a Marketing guru in the Music business working for Sony in the golden...

On this special episode, host Hussein (@twingq) spoke to Coach Dwayne "Tiny" Morton. Tiny was a former coach for the famed Abraham Lincoln High School in Coney Island, Brooklyn. During his tenure, he coached NBA talents including Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair, Lance Stephenson, and Isaiah Whitehead. Alongside coaching top-tier talent, Coach Tiny is one of the most decorated basketball coaches...

A trip down memory lane is an opportunity to reflect and see how far you’ve come. The journey may not be perfect but along the way, we reach back down to the fountain of youth and pay our dues. Akil Redhead has been a revered community leader on the east end of Toronto. Serving as a Black Mentor to underprivileged youth, he pays it forward from his predecessor Patrick Williams. This candid convers...

As we enter another chapter of this year, our podcast continues to shares stories that are imperative to our culture. From influential community leaders to upcoming entrepreneurs, everyone has a defining moment. Founder of I Can Basketball Training, Jelani Matthews will be dropping some gems for our listeners. Jelani (@jlanmatt) has cultivated a power brand (@icanball.ca) through his training busi...

In Episode 3,  we're joined by Scarborough’s very own  @philfromraeden. Entrepreneur, Fitness Professional, Brand Creator Phil  From Raeden turned a passion for fitness into a brilliant business plan.  Hailing from Scarborough's east end, Phil grew up in a tough Malvern community that shapes his outlook on the world.  Phil has taken a  non-linear path to entrepreneurs...

In Episode 2:  “Tri-State” of Mind, we were joined by New Jersey’s own Johnnie Izquierdo. Johnnie is a Creative Entrepreneur who cultivated a reputable brand working alongside some of the NBA’s top talents. The list includes Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson and many others. This candid conversation included how covid has impacted creatives, Jo...

To kick-off season 3, we were joined by Scarborough’s own Jephina Barkie. Jephina is a creative media personality who's cultivated a unique brand through the power of social media. Amid the global pandemic, Jephina created her podcast "A Parked Car Conversation”. She taps into the arena of vulnerability, as she shares stories with her audiences from a genuine space. Jephina shared her journey of c...

On our season finale,  we were joined by Toronto Fitness Professional and Founder of TCFW Sports Academy Chester Taylor. Since existing in  2018, TCFW Sports Academy has evolved into a prominent high-performance centre for top-tier athletes. Chester Taylor shared some of his insights on starting from the ground up and creating a unique business model in the middle of a pandemic. Chester...

On Episode 9 we are joined by Toronto Sports-Media Broadcaster and NBATV  Host Akil Augustine. Akil is responsible for curating content across the Toronto Raptors digital platforms, becoming a prolific courtside reporter for the Raptors 905, and worked alongside some reputable figures on NBATV Canada. Giving the unique time in professional sports,  Akil shared his insights on the future...

On Episode 8 we were joined by Toronto OG and Director of the @pivot.to Anish Bhalla. Anish reflects on his playing career that took him as far as Malaysia, before teaming up with his mentor and Toronto basketball legend Phil Dixon to coach Metro Prep. During his coaching stint at Metro Prep, Anish started to venture off as a creative EntrupenEntrepreneuruer producing content for Canada Basketball...

In Episode  7 we were joined by Toronto Entrepreneur  Randy Osei. Randy is the CEO/ Founder of Rozaay Management, and Founder of the Athlete Tech Group.  Under the Brand division of Rozaay Management, Randy has intersected the sports world with emerging brands and corporate businesses. Now entering the tech space, he looks forward to growing his venture with the Athlete Tech Group....

In Episode 6 we were joined by the CEO of Noir et Noire Antwi Atuahene. Antwi has cultivated a creative space through the culmination of his brand. He shared some insights on his career trajectories, brand integration, and the importance of circulating economic power among the black communities.  Antwi currently serves as the Assistant GM for the CEBL Niagara River Lions and GM for the Missis...

For episode 5, our host @twingq spoke to the myth, the man, and legend Myck Kabongo. The Professional Athlete is a jack of all trades, also known as Lukusa-WOE. Whether he's in the studio or on the court, Myck looks to set examples for the next generation to follow. Kabongo spoke on his previous summer of activities, highlighting the launch of his 1st annual WOE/G2S camp, Covid workouts, and upcom...

In this episode, we were joined by the CEO of 416 Wheels and Tires and Revibe To. Justice Okeke. The Toronto entrepreneur spoke on personal business experiences,  African heritage, and wellness hacks. This candid conversation also includes ways to influence young industry professionals, the importance of black leadership + more.