TOTFC Podcast: Recent Episodes
TOTFC Podcast
Top of the Food Chain is all about having a growth mentality. Hosted by Will Silver and Tristen Ross, TOTFC Podcast aims to share the stories of individuals who have adopted this mentality and are climbing the food chain in the areas of sport, business, school, family, fitness, community, and life.
This episode the boys sit down with Tristen's former teammate, David Inkumsah. David hails from Oro Medonte, Ontario where he eventually went on to play football for Western University while completing his undergrad. Upon graduation, David chose StFX to undergo an education degree which is his current profession. At X, David continued playing football until he turned 25, (USports limits a player's eligibility at the age of 25) thus resorting to his love for basketball and admiration of the legendary Coach K. Listen to David's story of how he walked onto the StFX Men's basketball team and accepted his role.
We sat down with Nate Darling (Charlotte Hornets) the summer of 2020 before the NBA Draft. Nate is a Nova Scotia native and became the first player to from there to play in the NBA.
Joey “Kinghandles” Haywood is a professional basketball player/trainer from Vancouver, BC. His streetball career has taken him all across North America and overseas to China and Japan. He attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax Nova Scotia where he was a CIS leading scorer and currently holds the Atlantic University Sports record for Most Points Scored in a single season. Joey’s professional basketball experience includes playing for the Trinidad National Team, the Halifax Rainmen/Hurricanes as well as overseas contracts in Denmark and Iceland. Joey just recently won a gold medal playing for Canada in the 39th William Jones Cup, an international basketball tournament held in Taipei, Taiwan. Joey is currently an interim coach at the Magic Eagles Basketball Academy in Fuxin, China and is playing in tournaments and events around the world. (https://kinghandles.com)
In this episode, Will and Tristen sit down with former StFX X-Men basketball player, EL Adams. EL now runs his own psychology practice in Kitchener, Ontario where he focuses on clinical psychology, educational psychology, sports performance and mental health.
Loved having my former teammate Garry Gallimore on the podcast. We chopped it up about everything from our time at StFX University, his beginnings of basketball, what the pro life is really about and more.
Nevell Provo is an entrepreneur from North Preston, Nova Scotia. As a former division 1 NCAA basketball player, Nevell has established connections from playing at Huntington Prep with Andrew Wiggins and by being a leader in his community of North Preston. Upon graduation, Nevell is the owner of 2 successful Nova Scotian businesses. One, a meal prep company called Smooth Meal Prep, and a soul food takeout restaurant called RnB Kitchen. Nevell is ambitious and won't stop working until his community is in a better place.
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Michael is the owner of Highwayman in Halifax, NS.
Follow us on Instagram:
Highwayman: https://www.instagram.com/highwaymanhfx/
Michael Hopper: https://www.instagram.com/miguelhopper/
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthefoodchain/?hl=en
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on April 5th, 2020
Arguably the most decorated women's rugby athlete to come out of StFX, Joanna is on her way to graduating with a bachelor's of education degree from X. Her philosophy of a winning culture on the rugby field is going to translate into the classroom as she sets up today's generation of future leaders with the skills and tools to positively affect society. We loved this episode and think you will too.
Follow us on Instagram:
Joanna Alphonso: https://www.instagram.com/joannaalpho...
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthe...
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective. This episode was shot on March 30th, 2020,
Meet William Donkoh, As a former Pro basketball player, Will discusses some of the challenges players face as they climb the basketball food chain from high school to university & university to the Pros. We discuss misconceptions about work ethic, the difference between in season, offseason training & how it can take your game to the next level. Transferring programs is never an easy decision for a young athlete. Will sheds light on transferring from the Carleton Ravens to the St.fx X-Men, his perception on basketball players outside of the Carleton system, what led to his decision & how he went about it. He talks about the importance of understanding roles within a team structure, the struggles that come with expectations as a young, highly recruited player and how to manage these expectations while simultaneously trying to exceed them. Despite his success, Will’s journey has had its ups & downs. We talk in depth about his run-in with law enforcement & how it almost derailed his life, at one point he was ready to return to Ottawa and give up. Instead of running from the consequences of his decisions, he dealt with them & eventually overcame one of the most challenging times of his life. Fast forward to the present, Will is an assistant basketball coach for the X-Men and is about to graduate with a bachelor of education. Will is well on his way to helping educate our youth and future generations.
Follow us on Instagram:
Will Donkoh: https://www.instagram.com/donkoh6/?hl=en
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthe...
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him. Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective. This episode was shot on March 28th, 2020,
Cauchy Muamba is a Congolese-born professional Canadian football defensive back who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted 34th overall by the BC Lions in the 2010 CFL Draft and signed a contract with the team on May 25, 2010.
Follow us on Instagram: Cauchy Mumaba: https://www.instagram.com/cauchymuamba/
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthe...
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 26th, 2020,
Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, Folu is currently studying at the Schulich School of Law.
Accomplished is a understatement, at just 22 years old, Folu is one year shy from earning her Law 📜 degree, while many of her peers are just receiving their undergraduate degree.
Folu discusses the importance of her parents sacrifices & how they helped transcend into her early success. Parental success doesn’t always lead to normal childhood life. Due to her parents work, her & her sister found themselves moving city to city, before settling down in Peterborough. She explains how a strong foundation of support at home can help eliminate self doubt & help adolescents persevere despite uncomfortable situations. As a former athlete, Folu talks about the role sport played in her ability to succeed in school but even more so, her ability to flourish socially. Folu, a strong, smart, determined and kind woman is going to be exactly what society and the professional world needs.
Follow us on Instagram:
Folu Adesanya: https://www.instagram.com/foluad/
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthe...
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 25th, 2020.
Shelby is a former Halifax Grammar school student and decided to pursue her goals of being a student-athlete at StFX University. A former standout basketball player at the Grammar School, Shelby quickly learned life doesn’t always go as planned after her athletic career was cut short due to a Severe knee Injury. Shelby details the struggles of being removed from not only the sport but the culture as well, which to that point had been a major part of her identity. With a degree in business, Shelby took a leap of faith by moving to Toronto, Ontario shortly after graduating from StFX University. Fast forward 10yrs later, Shelby has been working for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and is an NBA champion as a Player Development Coach for the Toronto Raptors, & has recently began her own journey within entrepreneurship. Head to instagram & check out @mackhouseinc, a self serving sneaker customization studio, located in the city of Toronto. Shelby is a friend but even more, Shelby is a strong female leader in a professional sports market, a youth mentor & a newly emerging entrepreneur.
Follow us on Instagram:
Shelby Weaver: https://www.instagram.com/shelbylweav...
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthe...
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 24th, 2020
Shanieka Wood is currently a Law student at Dalhousie University. Originally from Ajax, Ontario, Shanieka was recruited to play basketball for Saint Mary’s University.
Unsure of what Nova Scotia had in store for her, she packed her bags, left behind her parents, younger siblings & moved out East to Halifax, N.S.
Unlike many of her peers, Shanieka did not return to play for her 5th year of basketball, instead after graduating with a degree in criminology she decided to take her education even further by applying and being accepted into the Schulich school of Law.
Currently she’s in her second year of law school & has recently accepted an articling position for a local Law Firm.
Being the first of her family to receive an undergraduate degree, her desire to be a role model extends not only for her siblings, but for many other young people.
In episode #004 we discuss topics such as, the importance of structure & balance, diversity, how impactful a mentor or strong role model can be & many other interesting topics.
Follow us on Instagram:
Shanieka Wood: https://www.instagram.com/shansantana/
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthefoodchain/?hl=en
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school.
Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 22, 2020.
Episode 3 is a two-part episode where we sit down with former StFX standout basketball player Christian "T-Bear" Upshaw. In part 2, we shift the focus and energy of the episode from a casual, relaxed conversation about Bear's life and passions, to an energetic conversation surrounding societal pressures and perspectives mainly around the black community.
Follow us on Instagram:
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthefoodchain/?hl=en
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
TBear: https://www.instagram.com/tour_guide_teddy/
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 22nd, 2020.
Episode 3 is a two-part episode where we sit down with former StFX standout basketball player Christian "T-Bear" Upshaw. In part 1, it's all about T-Bear's story and where he came from, how he started playing basketball, and his journey from high school to the pros. As someone who only knows the "legend" of T-Bear and his success, this episode is an incredible inside look on how T-Bear thinks and operates.
In part 2, we shift the focus and energy of the episode from a casual, relaxed conversation about Bear's life and passions, to an energetic conversation surrounding societal pressures and perspectives mainly around the black community.
•3 x Provincial High School Champion.
•3 x AUS All-Conference.
•2 x AUS MVP.
•2 x 1st Team U-Sport All-Canadian.
• Member of Team 🇨🇦 U-Sports.
• Stfx 3rd All-Time in Points @ Stfx.
• Stfx 2nd All-Time in Assists @ Stfx.
• Pro Basketball player.
Follow us on Instagram:
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthefoodchain/?hl=en
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
TBear: https://www.instagram.com/tour_guide_teddy/
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school.
Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 21, 2020.
In the first episode of the TopOfTheFoodChain Podcast, Will Silver and Tristen Ross speak on Tristen's experience after travelling home from London England during the coronavirus outbreak. Tristen was living in London for the last 5 months as a server at a restaurant in Central London. From being laid off work, to how the airports felt on his journey home, and now beginning his 14-day isolation from family.
Follow us on Instagram: Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthefoodchain/?hl=en
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 18th, 2020, the first day of Tristen's isolation.
Episode 002 we interview Chiko "PNut" States, a Halifax NS native who spent the last 12 years of his life in prison after getting involved with street life. Chiko shares countless stories about life before, during, and after prison, and is an example that the mistakes you make in your life don't define you. Chiko's perspective and drive to become a better human are evident and his ability to learn and grow because of this is incredibly inspirational.
Follow us on Instagram:
Will Silver: https://www.instagram.com/thetopofthefoodchain/?hl=en
Chiko States: https://www.instagram.com/its_me_pnut/
Tristen Ross: https://www.instagram.com/t_ross4/?hl=en
Will is the founder and creator of Top of the Food Chain with an education in kinesiology and a background of high-level sports performance. He's used his background and passion for fitness to create custom programs specifically designed his clients. A 5-year varsity basketball player for St. Francis Xavier University, Will's story is built on the foundation of working his way from the bottom and proving the doubter's who didn't believe in him.
Tristen is a close friend of Will's who is a recent graduate of St Francis Xavier University too. He also played 4 years for the school's varsity basketball team. Tristen attended high school in Vermont when he was just 13 years old in hopes of playing division 1 basketball some day. After returning home and graduating university, he decided to move to London, England in hopes of becoming uncomfortable once again as he was while attending boarding school. Together, Will and Tristen share a passion for fitness, growth, and the importance of being uncomfortable. This podcast is a platform for us to have conversations with those who share the same passion and see it from a different perspective.
This episode was shot on March 14th, 2020.