Pivot Podcast

Kevin Durant, one of the NBA's greatest scorers and a multi-time champion, opens up about his basketball journey and life beyond the court. He candidly discusses overcoming injuries and the pressures of public scrutiny. Durant shares insights on his bond with teammates like Anthony Edwards and the influence of Kobe Bryant. He emphasizes the importance of loyalty, community involvement, and his entrepreneurial ventures, including Boardroom. With an unfiltered approach, Durant reflects on the emotional highs of basketball and what truly drives him to play.

The hosts dive into why it's okay to disagree and the importance of different perspectives. They explore the anticipation surrounding Michael Jordan's return and Russell Wilson's newfound assertiveness. The discussion shifts to the mental health struggles of retired players, highlighting the tragic loss of Doug Martin. The rise of AI prompts a conversation about misinformation on social media, while the crew emphasizes the responsibility of having a platform. Expect humor, reflection, and a deep dive into the complexities of loyalty and authenticity.

Boris Kodjoe, an actor, producer, and entrepreneur, reflects on his journey from a biracial upbringing in Germany to thriving in Hollywood. He shares how sports shaped his resilience and discipline, which helped in his smooth transitions across various careers. Boris reveals the 'no nipple, no tongue' rule he and his wife, actress Nicole Ari Parker, abide by while working together. He also discusses the significance of therapy, his commitment to fatherhood, and the powerful lessons learned from his marriage of 20 years, encouraging others to embrace authenticity and vulnerability.

Stephen A. Smith, a veteran sports commentator and media entrepreneur, shares a candid look at his life. He discusses recent clashes with LeBron James and others, revealing the backstory behind their feuds. Stephen A. opens up about prioritizing health after a COVID scare and how fatherhood shapes his public persona. He urges accountability from athletes and reflects on his political views, questioning the effectiveness of athlete activism. A bold voice in sports, he isn't afraid to face controversy head-on.

“I couldn’t keep my air, I couldn’t make any loud sound and I thought my career was over.” Joe Buck In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, legendary sportscaster Joe Buck takes the hot seat for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with Ryan, Channing, and Fred that's raw, insightful, and hilarious at times that goes far beyond the broadcast booth. From calling Super Bowls and World Series to growing up in the shadow of broadcasting icon Jack Buck, Joe opens up about the pressure, the privilege, and the personal journey behind the mic. He shares untold stories from the booth, the toll of living under public scrutiny, and how he's forged his own identity in the world of sports media. No topic is off-limits — from navigating criticism to growing up idolizing his dad to balancing his own career with fatherhood to revealing his biggest pivot, when he thought his livelihood was over. Now headlining Monday Night Football as lead play by play announcer, Joe opens up about his iconic partnership with Troy Aikman, reflecting on their chemistry, friendship, and how they’ve navigated decades together as one of the most recognized duos in sports media. But behind the mic is a man with even more to say about life off the field — Joe gets real about finding love again, marrying Michelle Beisner, raising twin boys as an older dad, and learning how to prioritize family after years of grinding in a high-pressure industry. He speaks with so much pride about his older daughters and admits he's not great at coaching youth sports for his kids. In a moment of reflection and honesty, Joe reveals how he almost lost the ability to do what he loves and how terrifying not being able to speak truly was but finding the courage to power through, This episode is a masterclass in vulnerability, humor, and resilience from a man who’s called the biggest moments in sports — and is now living some of the biggest moments of his life. Like, follow and leave us your comments, we love hearing from you Pivot family. Get a free trial at https://www.shipstation.com/pivot. Thanks to ShipStation for partnering with us on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Odell Beckham Jr., an iconic NFL wide receiver, opens up about his journey through fame and personal growth. He reveals why he stepped away from football, citing mental health and family priorities. Odell discusses his return to the NFL and names teams he’s interested in joining, while candidly reflecting on his Super Bowl injury. He talks about how fatherhood transformed his life, the lessons learned from fame, and the importance of trimming his circle. This heartfelt conversation gives insight into his struggles and ambitions.

In this lively conversation, comedian Josh Johnson, known for his sharp observational humor, shares his experiences navigating the comedy scene. He discusses the cyclical nature of free speech issues, his journey from writing for Jimmy Fallon to guest hosting on The Daily Show, and the humorous chaos of identity theft during a date. Josh also reflects on his footwear choices, how cities influence one's sense of safety, and the uncomfortable reality of self-editing as a Black comedian, all while showcasing his unique blend of humor and insight.

Anthony Ramos, a Brooklyn-born actor and singer known for his breakout role in Hamilton, shares his inspiring journey from the streets to Broadway stages. He reflects on pivotal moments, like turning down a project with J.Lo for loyalty and learning the ropes of performance from his tough upbringing. Ramos discusses his commitment to authenticity in Hollywood, the influence of icons like Busta Rhymes and Bradley Cooper, and how his Puerto Rican roots shape his artistic identity. He also reveals ambitious future projects, including a unique take on Bob the Builder.

“Just being able to see you are still just a person because being a superstar is like a mask, it’s like a representative, when you get in jail and fighting for your life, you realize this shit is all an act, it’s all just a mask.”  Young Thug In one of the most raw and captivating episodes of the year, Young Thug sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for an unfiltered conversation in which he opens up in like never before after beating Georgia's biggest case, enduring a trial that shook the hip-hop world and reflecting on the emotional toll of incarceration, how he navigated leaked phone calls, and the impact it all had on his family and mental health. From the moment the guys start talking, Thug is full of emotion, remorse and takes accountability for all that he's been through and put the people closest to him through- he longs for a fresh start but doesn't waiver on who he is, his manhood and doubles down on loyalty. Ryan asks Thug how things got to where they did and why he turned to the streets, despite his overwhelming success, dating back to his childhood and growing up in a house with his father as an example of family. Acknowledging the weight of the world on his shoulders, he reveals how he's been coping, exploring the range of emotions he's experiencing and understanding ways to deal with depression. He speaks candidly about his relationship with his girlfriend Mariah The Scientist and how they survived through the storm, expresses gratitude for fatherhood, and shares what kept him grounded when his future looked uncertain.In a moment of vulnerability, Thug reveals the people who didn't turn their back on him during the dark times, including Drake, Lil Baby and how Kanye and Kim Kardashian are the ones who gave him his biggest break. Thug gives fans a glimpse into his creative mindset, impact on culture, life codes, details behind his new music and how his experiences have transformed his sound and purpose. Going through  emotional—now is Young Thug’s most pivotal moment, as he tunes out the negative noise, ignores the criticism and embraces the chance to start over.  Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I still haven’t got over that Super Bowl, I have yet to watch that game through because it’s that painful and I was that close to getting my ring. I hate the Super Bowl. I hate February.” Charles "Peanut" Tillman On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, former NFL star Charles "Peanut" Tillman joins Ryan, Channing, and Fred for an unforgettable conversation that goes far beyond the football field. Known for his legendary "Peanut Punch" and Pro Bowl career with the Chicago Bears, Tillman opens up about the highs and lows of life in the NFL, the mental grind of competition, and what truly defined his time on the gridiron. He shares how it's still difficult to think about coming up short in two Super Bowls and how it pains him to this day to watch football in February. He takes the guys through his infamous career, some of his legendary plays and how he was the only player close to reaching a historic NFL milestone, of the 40/40 club with 44 forced fumbles and two picks short of 40 interceptions.  But his story didn’t end with football. In a tremendous pivot of honor, Peanut talks about his decision to join the FBI after NFL retirement—a rare and inspiring path for a professional athlete. He shares what drove him to serve in a completely different arena, the challenges of the transition, and how discipline and purpose continue to shape his life. Growing up with his father in the military, he always had a passion to serve the country and joining the bureau was his way to make an impact. But recent changes and demands in protecting the homeland led Peanut to abruptly leave the FBI after eight years of service, which he opens up on and shares why for the first time.  Peanut also reflects on the most important role he’s ever played: being a father. He gets deeply personal about his family, including the emotional journey with his daughter’s health, and how that experience changed his entire perspective on life, love, and prayer. Fred deems his storytelling as his favorite share in our Pivot history.  The guys wrap up talking ball, sharing career moments and reminisce he plays we never live down! This is an episode about resilience, reinvention, and real priorities. Don't miss this raw and heartfelt sit-down with a true game-changer—on and off the field.  New episodes every week — Comment, let us know what you think and don't forget to subscribe-- so you never miss a Pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices