Pivot Podcast

"Don't confuse sacrifice and discipline with suffering." Ryan Clark Where did the time go? 2025 is wrapping up as we get ready to embrace the new endeavors, challenges and our biggest pivots that lie ahead in 2026! Ryan, Channing and Fred close out the year reflecting on the past 12 months of sports' biggest stories, headlines that dominated our feeds and personal milestones we embraced. We take account of our own self growth, missteps and ways we want to be better going forward knowing that perfection is an illusion, discipline and sacrifice are required for success and we take deep dive into the chaotic sports world. FBI takes on sports gambling, Luka trade to Dallas, Micah Parsons to Green Bay, Kansas City misses post season, Travis Kelce, Shedeur Sanders frenzy and the fall of Sean Diddy Combs...2025 had it's share of the unexpected and we discuss the impact of it all while the guys keep it real on the current state of the NFL. Channing says how the AFC North isn't what it used to be, Ryan says DK Metcalf incident could cost the Steelers their season and Fred weighs in on the possible end of the Chiefs dynasty. Pivoting to family, we talk about the vulnerable sides of parenting, from walking the line between wanting the best for our kids to pushing them too hard and how in the end happiness is the only true measure of how it turns out. Avoiding to set goals isn't always a bad thing while giving ourselves grace to make mistakes is how we've learned best. We also have a little fun talking about some viral fun scenarios and how we would respond to a wife's last wishes of a "casket pass". Pivot Family thank you for all the support, all the comments, the likes and follows- being on this journey with us means the world and we look forward to bringing more impactful conversations, stories and authentic content in 2026- Happy New Year, may it be filled with good health, family, memories and happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Wall, a former NBA All-Star and the No. 1 overall pick, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity and navigating grief. He opens up about the mental health struggles he faced and how his love for basketball helped him find purpose. John discusses his transition into broadcasting with Amazon, the emotional weight of his mother’s illness, and how fatherhood reshaped his priorities. He also reflects on his career, the pressures of fame, and the importance of staying humble for the next generation.

Three-man weave before the holidays as Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down to talk about all that’s been going on after a rollercoaster of a week in sports and social media from the Sherrone Moore news to the "we didn't see this coming" NFL moments to Kai Cenat's surprise message to offering a glimmer of hope this holiday season. The unfortunate season-ending injuries to the NFL’s top offensive player and defensive player bummed the sports world and now has changed the landscape of the league, with no Patrick Mahomes or Kansas City Chiefs in the post season, and the Packers loss of Micah Parsons altering their chance to play deep into January. The polarizing play by play of Shedeur Sanders is still captivating everyone whether you are completely against him or 100% with him, the debate is never ending. Who doesn't love Phillip Rivers? But the future Hall of Famer was 4 years removed from the game before returning to help the Colts save their season and Ryan has one perspective on his return while Channing has another. Sherrone Moore situation shook college sports but also affected the black community as the guys dive into the further implications from one's choices affecting a much larger group. Pivot Family! Let us know what you think, we love hearing from ya, so like, comment and hit the subscribe button! Appreciate you all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Trying to change that perception has been the most challenging thing post career…It was K-Mart the player and Kenyon the person. I didn’t let a lot of people know Kenyon the person.” Kenyon Martin Sr The former NBA All-Star, No. 1 overall pick, and one of the most relentless competitors of his era, Kenyon Martin Sr. sits down with The Pivot Podcast for a powerful, unfiltered conversation about basketball, family, and the evolution of manhood. From his rise out of Dallas to leading the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals, Kenyon reflects on the edge and intensity that defined his playing career—and how that same fire often shaped how he was perceived. Now, with greater perspective, he opens up about the difference between being seen as a player versus being understood as a man. He opens up about the power of his voice now, how he strives to speak from experience and how his biggest post-career challenge is being able to show the world the difference from K-Mart the player vs Kenyon the person.... The conversation takes on new depth as Kenyon discusses watching his son, Kenyon Martin Jr., carve out his own NBA journey. He speaks candidly about fatherhood, pride, restraint, and the responsibility of letting your child become their own person while still standing firm in loyalty and protection as a parent. Beyond the game, Kenyon shares lessons on accountability, family-first values, standing on principle, and how growth sometimes requires rewriting narratives—both public and personal. This episode is about legacy, love, and learning when to pivot without losing who you are. 🎙️ Raw. Reflective. Real. Kenyon Martin Sr.—beyond the jersey. Pivot Family, let us know what you think, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we appreciate you sticking with us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Malcolm Butler, a two-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL cornerback, shares an inspiring journey from being an undrafted rookie to making a life-changing interception in Super Bowl XLIX. He discusses the rigorous path from working at Popeyes to the Patriots, revealing the lessons learned from Bill Belichick and teammates. Butler opens up about the emotional challenges of sitting out Super Bowl LII, the importance of resilience, and his transition to coaching high school football while focusing on fatherhood.

“I feel like no one believes in me and that’s my approach. I got the underdog mentality and that’s what I’ll have all my life.” Diego Pavia We headed to Nashville to sit with one of sports' biggest breakout stars who's improbable journey has landed him in the national spotlight and on this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we learn more about one of the most electrifying and unlikely stars in college football today—Diego Pavia. Once an undersized and overlooked kid grinding his way through JUCO ball, Pavia’s journey to the national spotlight is nothing short of remarkable as he just etched himself a part of history being named a 2025 Heisman Finalist. He opens up about how he went from fighting for reps at a junior college to becoming the quarterback who completely transformed the culture at Vanderbilt, leading the Commodores to relevance in the SEC and putting the program back on the map. Despite a season worthy of national recognition—and even securing a spot as a Heisman Trophy finalist—Pavia and Vandy were hit with a controversial College Football Playoff snub that sent shockwaves through the sport. Diego talks candidly about the fire that keeps him going, tracing it back to his upbringing, the sacrifices made by his mom, and the constant motivation he draws from his brother. It’s a story of grit, doubt, resilience, and belief—proof that heart can take you where pedigree can’t. From JUCO fields to SEC stadiums, from being overlooked to becoming a household name, Diego Pavia’s rise is one of the most compelling stories in college football—and he shares it all right here on The Pivot. Pivot Family, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button- we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Desmond Bane, an Orlando Magic shooting guard and rising NBA star, discusses his transformative journey from being raised by his grandparents to hitting back-to-back 37-point games. He shares heartfelt stories about family sacrifices, including discovering his father later in life. Bane opens up about his brotherhood with Ja Morant and the pressures of leading a young team in Orlando after his blockbuster trade. He also highlights the importance of routine and mental health in achieving success and names emerging talents that could shape the future of the league.

"Some of the best decisions I’ve made in my life have been rooted in faith where I couldn’t give a guarantee but I had faith and some of the worst decisions I’ve made in my life were rooted in fear.” Governor Wes Moore In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins The Pivot Podcast to discuss leadership, purpose, and the personal journey that shaped his historic path to the governor’s office. Moore opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred about his upbringing, his time in the military, and the pivotal moments that pushed him toward public service. He reflects on the challenges of leading a state during times of rapid change, the responsibilities of being Maryland’s first Black governor, and his commitment to expanding opportunity for all communities. Going in-depth, Moore shares the story behind writing his best-selling novel shaped how he views the world, based on the experience of 2 men with the same name who lived two different fates: one ended up doing life in prison while the other was a road scholar who became Governor. A journey rooted in faith not fear, Moore shares the key choices he made over his lifetime to give him the courage and strength to emphasize service over self. Throughout the episode, Moore’s trademark energy and clarity shine as he talks about balancing ambition with humility, the importance of mentorship, and what it means to create lasting impact. He shares his inspiring love story with wife Dawn, raising a family in the public eye while emphasizing the values that built their marriage, the support they’ve given each other through demanding careers, and the joy and purpose he finds in being a husband and father. And of course we talk football! From Maryland sports to the Baltimore Ravens to the AFC North to the true spirit and rivalry of the Army Navy game. Whether you’re interested in politics, personal growth, or stories of resilience, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at one of the country’s most dynamic political leaders. Pivot Family, tap in, like, hit subscribe and comment, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darren Woodson, a three-time Super Bowl champion and a key member of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty, shares his unforgettable journey on and off the field. He dives into locker room culture, recounts legendary moments alongside stars like Deion Sanders and Troy Aikman, and reflects on the leadership of Jimmy Johnson. Woodson discusses the impact of injury and loss on his life, his insights on modern players, and the importance of self-belief. He candidly reveals lessons learned from pain and the joy of being a present father.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing and author of 'Seven Tenths of a Second', shares his journey from high school dropout to leading a championship-winning team. He emphasizes the importance of a no-blame culture, leadership, and the drive behind the healthy rivalry between drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Zak discusses the small margins that determine success in F1 and reveals how ego can be a motivating force. Dive into his insights on transforming McLaren and balancing strategy with passion for racing.