Pivot Podcast

“Chicago is a gritty city, we need intensity like that from Caleb and Ben Johnson.” Mojo Brookzz Chicago comedian In a special episode of football and comedy, The Pivot Podcast welcomes Chicago comedian Mojo Brookzz a rising star known for his sharp wit, real-life storytelling, and unapologetic humor—plus an unwavering love for his hometown and the Chicago Bears. Mojo breaks down his journey from grinding on Chicago stages to his rapid rise in comedy, sharing what it really takes to build momentum, stay authentic, and keep betting on yourself. The conversation goes beyond comedy as Mojo talks being a die-hard Bears fan, the excitement around the team’s current success, and what it means to finally see Chicago football trending in the right direction. He shares why the city is rallying behind Quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson, how their mentality and execution has ignited not just the fanbase but the city. He also shouts out the Chicago greats who influenced his mindset and creativity, from legendary athletes to hometown icons who set the standard for excellence. Mojo opens up about navigating fame, staying grounded, and pivoting through life with humor, loyalty, and purpose. The conversation dives into the realities of the comedy grind, navigating setbacks, staying true to your voice, and how Chicago’s culture helped shape Mojo’s comedic perspective. We even explore the impact of family support, especially a father's acceptance and how that can be the one defining factor in the course of life. This is an episode about betting on yourself, finding your lane, and pivoting through life with humor and purpose. Pivot Family, please comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we love hearing from you and your support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Self Motivation- If you want different for yourself, you gotta do different for yourself. If I can’t control anything else in this world, I can control my ways and my actions, so I’ll start there.” Method Man Hip-hop icon, actor, and cultural legend Method Man joins The Pivot for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music and making movies. From his rise as a founding member of the Wu-Tang Clan to building longevity across music, film, and television, Method Man breaks down the mindset, discipline, and pivots that shaped his journey. He opens up about navigating fame, protecting his craft, fatherhood, and the lessons learned from setbacks and success. With trademark authenticity and wisdom, Meth delivers gems on evolution, ownership, and staying true to yourself while adapting to change. He lets us in on some never-heard-before stories from studio sessions with Mary J, to bond with Snoop to final words with Tupac to relationship with Biggie...Method Man shares his experiences from a decorated life to the dark parts we didn't see. This episode is raw, reflective, and inspiring — a masterclass on growth, resilience, and redefining legacy. You don’t want to miss this one Pivot Family, please like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we love to hear from ya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on The Pivot Podcast, we’re joined by one of the NFL’s most dominant edge rushers — Brian Burns. Coming off a record-breaking season with the New York Giants, where he racked up 16.5 sacks — second most in the NFL behind Myles Garrett, Brian opens up about the defining moments of his career and the evolution of his game. He reflects on leaving the Carolina Panthers, what that transition meant personally and professionally, and how embracing change pushed him to another level. Brian opens up on his personal experience on the NFL being a business and no matter how many times you hear it, you don't truly know until you've gone through it and the impact of leaving a city he thought would be his career-home. Despite a record-setting year for Burns, the team success of Giants is something that weighs on him and is committed to turning his focus to building off the positives and has high hopes for what a new coach will add to the organization. From key veteran leadership to the electric play of quarterback Jaxon Dart, Brian believes New York's future is bright because of Dart's confidence, the skill level of offensive weapons, and young bulls like Adbul Carter being a fierce competitor with strong years ahead. Brian also gets candid about family, the role they’ve played in keeping him grounded, and how perspective off the field fuels excellence on it. From navigating expectations in a new city to discussing the future of the Giants, leadership, and legacy, this conversation goes far beyond stats and highlights. And of course, the guys have some laughs, as Channing knows Brian from the time he was a young boy living in south Florida as they exchange some stories of how Brian remembers Channing from back then haha. And that spirited love continues to now as Channing gets on him about having grown man hobbies vs the anime collection he boasts. This is an honest, insightful look into the mindset of an elite competitor — one who understands that growth, sacrifice, and purpose are just as important as production. Pivot Family, please like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we love hearing from you and appreciate the support always! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Chasing greatness is grieving the person you once were.” Tyriq Withers Ryan, Channing and Fred chop it up with Tyriq Withers, a rising actor making his mark in Hollywood, for an honest conversation about perseverance, processing grief, risk taking and how his journey is proof that purpose doesn’t always follow a straight line and what's meant to be will always be. The conversation starts off with a fun story of Tyriq, a Jacksonville native, sharing how his childhood idol was a FAMILIAR guest speaker he had as a kid in elementary school... one guess? And you already know Chan and RC had a field day with the age jokes of Freddy T being that guy 20+ years ago! A die-hard Jaguars fan excited for the playoffs, he also opens up on the special meaning behind wearing a custom made "144" Shedeur Sanders jersey and how the bible verse he had imprinted on the sleeve changed his thought process. Yes, his love of sports starts long ago and before stepping in front of the camera, Tyriq's first love was football as he walked on to Florida State where he was part of the Seminole team (along with Dalvin Cook and Derwin James) that won an Orange Bowl in 2016. Ball was his life and taught him discipline, resilience, and what it takes to perform under pressure. That foundation helped fuel his transition into acting, where he’s now making waves starring in the upcoming film Him, along with roles in other notable projects. Tyriq breaks down his journey into acting, the sacrifices it took to chase his passion, and the mental resilience required to survive an industry built on rejection and uncertainty. From navigating auditions and staying grounded to defining success on his own terms, he shares what it really means to pivot when the path isn’t guaranteed. He talks about what it was like working with Donald Glover, shares who is on-screen inspiration is and the full circle experience of learning from Marlon Wayans, who he admired growing up and then became a big brother to him during the filming of Him. But Marlon wasn't just an on-screen mentor, he also helped Tyriq navigate life during one of the darkest and difficult times after he lost his older brother unexpectedly and was met with a new wave of grief and responsibility he didn't know existed. Emotional and honest, Tyriq shares how he dealt with it while still being able to pursue his dreams and balance the success with managing deep pain. Pivoting from sports to Hollywood to betting on himself in an industry built on rejection, this episode takes a deep dive on staying grounded while navigating new levels of visibility and expectation. From embracing discomfort to redefining success beyond the scoreboard, this conversation goes deeper than credits and highlights. It’s a powerful discussion about identity, faith, work ethic, and trusting the process — on and off the field. Pivot Family, let us know what you think of this inspiring episode as we start the new year, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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