Pivot Podcast

It's Never Too Late To Pivot

Former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder have transcended the podcast game, topping the charts globally by creating a new form of media and carving an unprecedented niche in the space of sports, music and entertainment. Hosting weekly sit-down conversations with A-list stars, delivering timely discussions on important topics, not only becoming a voice of influence but one of impact as their unguarded emotion, humor and experience has established The Pivot as a premiere podcast destination. Packing the perfect balance of personalities and character, Ryan, Channing and Fred have pivoted their own professional careers and personal experiences into colorful storytelling, a genuine flow of conversation and originality, igniting a passion within viewers and listeners around the world to tap in weekly. The trio’s unrivaled chemistry has created a sought after environment of comfort and culture for professional athletes, celebrities, entertainers to be their authentic self on a filterless platform. Embracing the word Pivot, the platform has transformed the narrative driven by challenges, life lessons, loss and change into the ability to accept, adjust and move forward.

  1. Allyson Felix on motherhood, mental health, Olympic greatness, surviving a life-threatening pregnancy, fighting Nike over maternity protections, chasing a comeback at 40, and redefining legacy beyond the track.

    1 DAY AGO

    Allyson Felix on motherhood, mental health, Olympic greatness, surviving a life-threatening pregnancy, fighting Nike over maternity protections, chasing a comeback at 40, and redefining legacy beyond the track.

    “It is a privilege to go see what’s possible.” Allyson Felix  The saying goes, pressure is privilege and on this episode of The Pivot Podcast, the guys sit down with Olympic legend Allyson Felix for one of the most honest and inspiring conversations. From becoming the most decorated track and field athlete in Olympic history to chasing an unprecedented comeback at 40 to defying odds in motherhood, Allyson opens up about the mindset, sacrifice, and resilience that continue to drive her. She reflects on the difference between failure and success, why mental health became just as important as physical performance, and how some of her hardest moments shaped her greatest victories. Allyson also shares the deeply personal story of her troubled pregnancy, the life-threatening complications she faced, and how motherhood completely transformed her perspective on sport, business, and purpose. The conversation dives into her groundbreaking stance against Nike over maternity protections for female athletes — a decision that sparked industry-wide change and empowered women across sports to use their voices unapologetically. Beyond the track, Allyson talks about building businesses alongside her brother, creating opportunities beyond athletics, and what the future looks like after competition. This episode is about legacy, courage, reinvention, and proving that greatness doesn’t stop with medals — it evolves with purpose. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min
  2. John Starks from undrafted to NBA legend on battling Michael Jordan, iconic dunk vs Chicago, Knicks playoff pain, 90s rivalries, Game 7 heartbreak, Jalen Brunson, SGA and why this Knicks team feels different

    4 DAYS AGO

    John Starks from undrafted to NBA legend on battling Michael Jordan, iconic dunk vs Chicago, Knicks playoff pain, 90s rivalries, Game 7 heartbreak, Jalen Brunson, SGA and why this Knicks team feels different

    "If I could have played against Michael Jordan everyday, I would have because I am a competitor." John Starks With NBA playoffs heating up, the New York Knicks look to be a favorite in the East and the city of New York is buzzing with the same type of energy that rivaled that of the 90s teams. And who better to talk about this type of pressure than a man who lived and breathed it. Former NBA All-Star and legend John Starks joins The Pivot Podcast for a raw and inspiring conversation about perseverance, pressure, and proving doubters wrong. Starks opens up about his difficult upbringing and troubled youth, sharing the challenges that shaped the relentless mentality he carried throughout his basketball journey. From going undrafted to becoming one of the most electrifying players in the NBA, he reflects on the grit it took to earn his place in the league and etched in history books. The former New York Knicks fan favorite revisits the intensity of 1990s basketball, the culture surrounding the Knicks during their fierce rivalries, and the unforgettable moments that defined his career — including “The Dunk” over Chicago and the highs and heartbreaks of deep playoff battles. A fierce competitor, Starks talks about the 90s rivalries, facing Michael Jordan and the pure physicality of the sport that makes the game so different back then to now. He opens up about his infamous game seven collapse, the devastation he suffered after that loss and the hurt carried with him for letting his team and city down. Although a fan favorite with no blame cast on him, Starks tried to block it all out and shares what it took to get him out of the emotional rut to be himself again on the court. Despite never getting a chance to redeem himself at a championship title. Starks speaks candidly about overcoming criticism, handling pressure in New York, and what his journey represents for overlooked athletes chasing impossible dreams. Getting into the NBA today, Starks gives his perspective on some of the young stars dominating the court, why SGA is making waves and shares why he thinks this NY team is the one to beat, revealing a conversation he had with Jalen Brunson on Knicks culture. Throughout the conversation, the guys and Starks dive into legacy, resilience, mental toughness, and the impact he continues to have on generations of basketball fans and players who see his story as proof that determination can outwork talent when opportunity finally arrives. He opens up on his youth, how his poor choices off the court could have derailed his career and how his brother saved him by pushing him back on the path of basketball away from the streets. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  3. Laura Rutledge ESPN star on balancing family and high-profile job, the fear of Motherhood ruining her career, dealing with grief behind the scenes and reveals what marked change for the rising star.

    8 MAY

    Laura Rutledge ESPN star on balancing family and high-profile job, the fear of Motherhood ruining her career, dealing with grief behind the scenes and reveals what marked change for the rising star.

    “I was afraid being a mom would hold me back then it became my greatest strength."- Laura Rutledge A Pivotal conversation as we celebrate Mother’s Day and all the amazing women who impact lives daily. We welcome Emmy Award-Winning sports television host, Laura Rutledge, for a raw and inspiring conversation about the journey behind the success. Before becoming one of the most recognizable faces in sports media, Laura was on a path that she never thought would end up landing her a sideline view of sports’ biggest arenas from NFL to College Football to The Masters. In a deeply personal revelation, Laura opens up about the sacrifices, grief, fear of losing her career after becoming a mom, and the relentless work it takes to show up for both family and purpose. A powerful reminder that strength isn’t just what you achieve — it’s what you overcome. Laura shares the emotional decision of becoming a mother while fearing it could slow down — or even ruin — the career she worked so hard to build. Reflecting on her recent years, she opens up about the real fear and even disappointment of finding out about her first pregnancy and how that single experience changed her mindset and course of life forever. She talks candidly about balancing ambition with family, overcoming doubt, handling loss, and redefining success beyond titles and television. Laura explains the  support of her long-time husband, breaking the mold and attacking life differently than most couples, Laura opens up on the challenges of having a high profile career, while trying to raise kids away from the spotlight and stay true to her roots. Although her younger years were shaped by a competitive nature- performing ballet overseas, winning Miss Florida in 2012 and developing a deep love of Gator pride attending Florida University, Laura discovered her true calling and the love of her in life, in an unexpected turn. Laura opens up about meeting her husband, Josh early in life and building a relationship while navigating the uncertainty of a rising career in sports broadcasting. She reflects on breaking into a male-dominated industry, earning respect in sports media, and the pressure that came with constantly proving herself on the biggest stages. This is a powerful conversation about ambition, sacrifice, motherhood, love, and pure authenticity you don’t want to miss. And from our Pivot Family to yours-Happy Mother's Day to all the women out there who consistently show up with unconditional love and praying for those who may be missing their moms today, we see you and send you strength. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 3min
  4. Will Packer on building a Billion-Dollar film empire, pivoting to power, navigating Hollywood high stakes, Kevin Hart being evil, lesson from Paul Walker, persistence through rejection from Beyoncé, and turning setbacks into success.s

    5 MAY

    Will Packer on building a Billion-Dollar film empire, pivoting to power, navigating Hollywood high stakes, Kevin Hart being evil, lesson from Paul Walker, persistence through rejection from Beyoncé, and turning setbacks into success.s

    “Do you want to be right or do you want to win? I want to win.” -Will Packer When Will Packer pulls up to The Pivot Podcast, the conversation goes far beyond Hollywood headlines, combining sports and business to one of the most entertaining yet educational episodes we've had. Will unpacks the real story behind his rise—from grinding it out as a young mind at at HBCU to becoming one of the most powerful producers in the game. He shares how he built a billion-dollar film resume from the ground up, turning bold ideas into box office hits while navigating an industry that rarely hands out opportunities. But this isn’t just about success. Packer gets candid about the missteps, the pressure of managing money and expectations, and the moments where everything could have fallen apart. From producing cultural staples to learning hard lessons about risk, partnerships, and perseverance, his journey is a masterclass in betting on yourself—even when the odds say otherwise. From navigating Hollywood’s gatekeepers to creating opportunities where none existed, his path is paved with resilience, ownership, and vision as we unpack the wins, losses, and the pivots in between—and what it really takes to turn ambition into a lasting legacy. He reflects on hits like Girls Trip, Ride Along, Think Like a Man, and Stomp the Yard to life—films that didn’t just perform well, but became cultural movements. Along the way, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish, and the late Paul Walker. On day one of filming Takers, Will had to step in and defuse a tense moment when Paul nearly walked off set—quickly navigating the pressure to keep the production on track. It became a test of leadership, showing how staying composed and solutions-focused can turn a potential setback into a moment of trust and respect. Filled with inside stories, lessons and advice on staying at the top, this episode is about building confidence as a muscle, taking big leaps, and overcoming rejection in order to get doors to finally open, Will is unguarded and uses humor to share some of his most impactful moments to allow us to see a side of him we haven't before, hoping his story inspires and ignites a fire in others. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 11min
  5. Randy Adams: Army Sgt on reliving death, Chicago streets to Afghanistan, choosing war over jail,  life-changing battle of survival, depression to despair, finding faith and what kept him alive during dark times.

    1 MAY

    Randy Adams: Army Sgt on reliving death, Chicago streets to Afghanistan, choosing war over jail, life-changing battle of survival, depression to despair, finding faith and what kept him alive during dark times.

    “It’s never easy to relive near death experiences.”-Army Sgt. Randy Adams As May starts, Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation highlights the importance of confronting trauma, seeking support, and finding hope even in life’s darkest moments. From the streets of Chicago to the frontlines of Afghanistan, Randy Adams has lived a life marked by conflict, courage, and ultimately, transformation. In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, Randy opens up about his early years growing up in a tough environment where survival often meant learning how to fight—both physically and mentally. Searching for purpose, he enlisted in the military, a decision that would take him across the world into the heart of war. Randy shares the realities of combat in Afghanistan, the brotherhood forged in battle, and the life-altering moment that changed everything—an unexpected battle that left him with devastating injuries, leading to sepsis damaging the tissues in his face and forcing life-saving surgery to remove severely compromised portions of his face. This traumatic experience forever changed Randy physically and mentally, suffering so much loss. But what could have been the end of his story became the turning point. Facing unimaginable loss and a long road to recovery, Randy dives into the emotional and psychological aftermath of his injuries, including the struggle to rediscover his identity. He opens up about the darkness he felt and what was the one thing that kept him from ending his life when he thought disappearing was the only option. Through faith, resilience, and a refusal to give up, Randy found a new mission. While still strategizing and fulfilling military obligations, Randy shares his heartbreak and tragic story serving as a motivational Christian speaker, using his journey to inspire others to overcome adversity and find purpose in pain. This episode is a raw and honest conversation about trauma, faith, redemption, and what it truly means to pivot when life takes everything from you. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  6. Yahya Abdul-Mateen Emmy Award-Winning actor on choosing to be interesting vs being right, opens up on pain, purpose, staying true to himself and honor of playing Denzel's role as John Creasy in Netflix's Man on Fire.

    28 APR

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen Emmy Award-Winning actor on choosing to be interesting vs being right, opens up on pain, purpose, staying true to himself and honor of playing Denzel's role as John Creasy in Netflix's Man on Fire.

    “Do you want to be right or do you want to be interesting?” Yahya Abdul-Mateen II In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for a candid and inspiring conversation about the road that led him to becoming one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. Full of energy, spunk and true authenticity, Yahya lets his guard down with Ryan, Channing and Fred- revealing a side of deep pain that has led to difficult healing as well as giving us a glimpse into the traits that make him one of film industry's most sought-after leading men. Yahya opens up about his childhood, sharing what it was like growing up from Louisiana to Oakland and how his upbringing and community helped shape his voice, work ethic, and backbone in creativity. He takes us behind the scenes of his unconventional journey into acting—from his aspirations of architecture and building to taking a leap of faith into acting classes and fully committing to the craft. Yahya reflects on the risks he took, the doubts he faced, and the defining moments that pushed him forward, offering insight into the discipline it took to break into a competitive industry. The conversation also dives into his standout roles across major hit projects like Aquaman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Watchmen—the latter earning him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award. Yahya shares how he approaches complex characters and prepares for emotionally demanding performances, giving listeners a deeper understanding of his creative process. A highlight of the conversation is his discussion of stepping into his latest role, starring as John Creasy in Netflix's new series Man on Fire, famously portrayed by Denzel Washington. Yahya explains how he honors the legacy of the performance while making the role his own—bringing a fresh perspective, new emotional layers, and a distinct physical presence that reflects his personal interpretation. He goes on to share that choosing to be interesting is more impactful than being right, which is a philosophy that he has used to separate himself from others in his craft. Grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest, Yahya gives us a deeper look at the mindset, resilience, and purpose behind his rise—making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in creativity, reinvention, and chasing purpose beyond comfort. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  7. Patrick Ewing in a rare sit-down opens up like never before on missing a championship, his Knicks legacy, NYC pressure, rivalries with Michael Jordan & Hakeem Olajuwon, Georgetown, his parents’ sacrifice, and his one regret

    21 APR

    Patrick Ewing in a rare sit-down opens up like never before on missing a championship, his Knicks legacy, NYC pressure, rivalries with Michael Jordan & Hakeem Olajuwon, Georgetown, his parents’ sacrifice, and his one regret

    “That is the one regret I have of my time playing in New York.”-Patrick Ewing In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, NBA legend Patrick Ewing sits down for a candid and reflective conversation about the journey that shaped his life and career. This one hits differently as the Hall of Famer, who rarely shares, opens up on all the highs and lows with transparency, emotion and even a touch of humor.  From his early upbringing and path to basketball greatness, Ewing opens up about the discipline, challenges, and mindset that carried him from humble beginnings to becoming a dominant force at Georgetown to NBA legend. Grounded by the sacrifice of his parents, Patrick Ewing praises his family's move to the United States from Jamaica and how it not only saved his life but paved the way for him to live his dream. He revisits his iconic college years, where he helped turn Georgetown into a national powerhouse, and shares what it meant to play under the legendary John Thompson. Ewing opens up on his pivotal moment being selected as the NBA's first overall pick to New York and how he became the cornerstone of the Knicks best years and adjusted to Big Apple fame—embracing the pressure of the bright lights, the physicality of 90s basketball, and the responsibility of leading a franchise hungry for a championship. The conversation doesn’t shy away from the toughest on-court battles and heated rivalries. Ewing reflects on intense matchups against Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon, offering insight into what made those rivalries so challenging and memorable. He speaks honestly about coming close to an NBA title but never quite securing one, and how that reality has shaped his perspective over time. He also gets into the truth behind his once rocky relationship with his former coach Pat Riley and his gratitude for Jeff Van Gundy. Whether you are a sports fan or love a success story rooted in family and hard work, this will connect with you as we take a trip down memory lane through one of the most infamous times in all of sports, classic moments forever etched in our mind, and inside stories from some of the greatest basketball games and athletes to ever play, told from the perspective of an absolute legend. How Ewing views his impact on the game, what he hopes people remember, and how he’s found peace with both the triumphs and the unfinished business of his career is one of the more honest, thoughtful, and deeply human conversations we've had that goes far beyond basketball. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  8. Aurélien Tchouaméni: Real Madrid star on pressure, fame, playing for the world’s biggest club, Vinícius Jr’s leadership, racism on the pitch, contract talks, NFL influence, overcoming global defeat, France’s 2022 World Cup miss, and his 2026 mi

    17 APR

    Aurélien Tchouaméni: Real Madrid star on pressure, fame, playing for the world’s biggest club, Vinícius Jr’s leadership, racism on the pitch, contract talks, NFL influence, overcoming global defeat, France’s 2022 World Cup miss, and his 2026 mi

    “Playing for Real Madrid, it’s the biggest stage in sports, the pressure is a privilege."- Aurélien Tchouaméni The Pivot goes international! Getting ready for World Cup action, we tapped in with a man who's had success and defeat at the highest level of the sport while juggling all that life brings with it and he sits with us to give an inside-glimpse of what it's like to be apart of the most famous sports franchise in the world! On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Real Madrid star, Aurélien Tchouaméni opens up like never before about life at the top of world football. The Real Madrid midfielder reflects on what it means to wear one of the heaviest shirts in sports, the constant pressure to perform, and how he’s adapting to sky-high expectations both on and off the pitch. Tchouaméni explains the rollercoaster of highs and lows that come with global success and how he navigates the pressures, never allowing himself to feel the brunt of the boos or carried away with the cheers. He shares experiences of how he manages to stay focused on the pitch despite the noise outside team walls. In a deeply personal and emotional moment, Tchouaméni opens up about the racism experienced, specifically the incident with his teammate Vinícius Júnior and how it affected all of them, but says it was Vini's leadership and voice that guided them through the difficult time, kept them playing when many wanted to walk off...and in a moment of truth, Aurelien reveals those inner discussions his teammates had about that what ifs and the honest reality of racism that exists. The star midfielder also speaks candidly about representing the France national team, the pride that comes with it, and the heartbreak of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final—including the emotional weight of missing his penalty kick in one of football’s biggest moments. He shares how hard the loss was, being overwhelmed with disappointment but found a way to move forward taking those lessons into every phase of his life, impacting him as a man and the way he approaches the game forever. Tchouaméni dives into current contract talks and what his future could look like in Madrid, while also sharing a more personal side—touching on his relationship, viral moments, maintaining balance, and staying grounded amid global fame. He breaks down the financials of the sport and how it differs from American football, and that most young players start earning thousands to play at ten years old. His excitement for the NFL and studying the history and current players has turned him into an avid fan of American Football, recently spending time with Running Back Bijan Robinson who visited them in Spain as well as exchanged messages with Tom Brady.   Looking ahead, Tchouaméni discusses redemption, growth, and his mindset as he prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and what it means to be representing his country. This episode is a raw, insightful conversation about resilience, identity, and what it truly takes to compete at the highest level. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

About

Former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder have transcended the podcast game, topping the charts globally by creating a new form of media and carving an unprecedented niche in the space of sports, music and entertainment. Hosting weekly sit-down conversations with A-list stars, delivering timely discussions on important topics, not only becoming a voice of influence but one of impact as their unguarded emotion, humor and experience has established The Pivot as a premiere podcast destination. Packing the perfect balance of personalities and character, Ryan, Channing and Fred have pivoted their own professional careers and personal experiences into colorful storytelling, a genuine flow of conversation and originality, igniting a passion within viewers and listeners around the world to tap in weekly. The trio’s unrivaled chemistry has created a sought after environment of comfort and culture for professional athletes, celebrities, entertainers to be their authentic self on a filterless platform. Embracing the word Pivot, the platform has transformed the narrative driven by challenges, life lessons, loss and change into the ability to accept, adjust and move forward.

You Might Also Like