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Pivot Podcast

Latest episodes

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Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 13min

Andrew Schulz and Ryan Clark address their public disagreement, sharing the importance of uncomfortable conversations in growth, intent vs impact in comedy, personal struggles and Andrew's comments on black women explained.

Andrew Schulz, a comedian and actor known for his edgy humor, dives deep with Ryan Clark into their public disagreement over sensitive jokes. They discuss the importance of uncomfortable conversations in growth and the difference between intent and impact in comedy. Schulz shares insights on navigating cultural sensitivity while maintaining authenticity. The duo also touches on personal struggles, exploring themes of masculinity, fertility, and the emotional dynamics of parenthood, all with humor and honesty.
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11 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 3min

Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, Channing Crowder discuss sports' biggest storylines and hot button topics from Stephen A to Lebron to Bronny to NCAA tournament, Deion Sanders + Asante Samuel to Viral morning routines to our different takes in parenting

The hosts dive into the month’s sports madness, tackling everything from Stephen A's rivalry with LeBron to Bronny James' future in the NBA. They discuss unconventional morning routines, share humorous critiques of viral wellness trends, and the pressures of public expectations in youth sports. With personal anecdotes, they explore the balance of parenting aspirations with children's individual pursuits. Plus, the conversation highlights the rise of women's sports, spotlighting the athletes shaping the future of athletics.
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Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 27min

Jelly Roll Grammy Award Artist on music telling a story, power of resilience, overcoming shame, self-forgiveness, strength in marriage, fatherhood, weight loss journey, therapy and finding hope in faith

Jelly Roll, a Grammy Award-winning artist, shares his transformative journey of redemption from addiction and incarceration to musical success. He opens up about the power of self-forgiveness, resilience, and the strength found in his marriage to Bunnie XO. Jelly emphasizes the importance of therapy and love in overcoming past shame and fostering harmony. With heartfelt reflections on fatherhood, weight loss, and the significance of faith, he inspires listeners to embrace their own stories of healing and hope.
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18 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 48min

Cam Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers Captain, NFL All Pro, future of the Steelers, questions at Quarterback, bond with Mike Tomlin, chasing a Super Bowl, locker room, Family, Battling Depression and legacy

In this engaging conversation, Cam Heyward, an All-Pro defensive tackle and captain of the Pittsburgh Steelers, shares his journey through personal loss and battling depression after the passing of his father, NFL star Craig Heyward. He discusses the bond he has with his younger brother, Connor, as they navigate life as teammates. Cam reflects on his relationship with Coach Mike Tomlin, the team’s evolving dynamics, and his relentless pursuit of a Super Bowl. His insights into leadership, teamwork, and legacy make for an inspiring and heartfelt discussion.
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Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 7min

Timbaland Musical Mastermind on creating legendary beats with Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Aaliyah, battling addiction, rebuilding, describes the crash and burn from top, what saved him, learning to adapt and the future of Versuz's

"You need to see what you are made of. I think everyone needs to go to the top and take a dip....Falling down really determines your true success. How do you get back up?" Timbaland  You know how it goes Pivot Family- 'It’s been a long time, we shouldn’t have left you, without a dope beat to step to'....Well we have that beat, as we welcome entertainment icon, Timbaland to The Pivot as he delivers a masterclass in music, resilience, and reinvention. The Grammy-winning producer sits down with Ryan, Fred and Channing to talk about his legendary career, the price of success, overcoming addiction, and the future of the industry. Raised in Virginia, Timbaland didn’t come from a major music city, but that only made him hungrier. He breaks down how growing up with limited resources forced him to use anything available to him to create a sound that had never been heard before. As a teenager, he was shot in the neck, leaving him temporarily paralyzed on one side, but it didn't slow up his creative drive, it only sharpened his focus, clearing the way for one of the most distinct musical paths. Ryan recounts how Timbaland, a musical mastermind, was a soundtrack to life growing up and is behind some of the most memorable hits of our times. With over 18-GRAMMY nominations, 4 GRAMMY wins and 200+ ASCAP Music awards, he shares with the guys how he understands his contributions to the music world and is grateful for working with some of the most successful and legendary artists who always brought out the best in him.  From Jay-Z’s effortless flow to Missy Elliott’s visionary and creativity, Timbaland shares what makes "the Greats" different. He breaks down how he and Missy discovered Aaliyah’s “Try Again” beat, the chemistry behind Justin Timberlake’s biggest hits, the songs he wished he released differently, his in-studio process with Jay Z and why some artists just have an energy that can’t be duplicated.Timbaland opens up on his dark times, discussing the moment success became too much and admits that at his peak, he let his ego overpower his talent, which allowed addiction to give him a false sense of power. He recalls out-of-body experiences that made him confront how far he had fallen, the loss of reality and how ultimately, it was deep self-reflection, faith and his wife’s voice that brought him back. Despite decades of prominence and success, Timbaland isn’t stuck in the past. He’s studying the next wave of producers, embracing change, and keeping his sound ahead of the curve. He talks about the impact of Versuz's platform that he co-created with Swizz Beatz, how new artists are still trying to replicate his blueprint, and how the secret to true success isn’t about longevity, it’s about knowing how to adapt and elevate. This conversation takes us on a journey through music but also sheds light on lessons of falling, rebuilding, and coming back stronger than ever. As in music and in life, Timbaland’s story is proof that the real beat never stops, sometimes, you just have to find the rhythm again. Don't forget to like and follow us on your audio platform of choice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 16min

Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion, league voice on what's next for Women's basketball, CBA talks, Unrivaled competition, being Black & Gay in sports, family values, Dawn Staley the mentor, playing with Diana Taurasi, future of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

“I’m never out here trying to prove to others who I am. I’m out here proving to myself that I’m exactly who I said I am.” Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion Pivot Family, We have had a lot of great conversations but this one is up there as one of our favorites because it’s so personal, covering so many life aspects we don’t talk about often and truly reveals the inner character of a remarkable woman who stands on strength and is fueled by passion and purpose. Ryan, Fred and Channing sit with former WNBA champion and Connecticut Sun point guard Natasha Cloud. Cloud, joins the guys for an emotional and powerful conversation about her journey through basketball, identity, social justice advocacy, and the fight for equality in women’s sports. Through her battle scars and experiences, we get to know the real side of this strong woman who found her voice at a young age and has never hid from who she is to use it.  Growing up biracial, in a predominantly white household and community, Cloud reflects on feeling like she existed in a “gray area”…never feeling fully white, never feeling fully black and how that shaped her outlook. Shedding some tears, she shares how much her parents mean to her and how they embraced her wholeheartedly even though it wasn’t always easy times. Cloud opens up about her self discovery to understanding her Blackness, the difficult conversations that came with it, and how her white parents made a constant effort to support her experience as a Black woman. Energized and excited about the success and competition of playing in the Unrivaled league- Cloud is now gearing up for their next battle as she is at the forefront of the WNBA’s fight for better pay, benefits, and respect. She speaks passionately about the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement, the need for pensions, and the growing investment in women’s basketball. She also discusses this past WNBA season with the increased viewership and doesn’t shy away from speaking on aggressive play being criticized as something other than basketball.  Candid about her personal relationship with fellow WNBA player Isabelle Harrison, Cloud takes us through the challenges of being a Black gay woman, and how she struggled to reconcile her faith with her identity while balancing societal pressures and criticism. By overcoming constant battles, Cloud finds strength in embracing who she is through thick and thin and never lets what others think be of influence.  The guys talk about Cloud skipping the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice, the burden of constantly speaking out on important issues, and how she’s learned the importance of self-care, acknowledging that while she wants to fight for change, she also understands that she can’t pour from an empty cup. This episode is about courage, resilience, and standing firm in who you are. Natasha Cloud’s story is a beautiful one of pride, courage, love, family and proof that playing basketball is bigger than sports. Finding purpose in using her platform for change, she’s a proven leader, and willing to stand on the shoulders of those who came before her to leave the game and world better for future generations of young women.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 6min

Anthony Mackie: Captain America takes us behind the scenes from New Orleans to Hollywood icon, challenges faced by black actors, being mentored by Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle love, breakout roles, raising young men today and future of film

In a vibrant conversation, Anthony Mackie, known for his role as Captain America, reflects on his journey from New Orleans to Hollywood. He shares insights on the unique challenges faced by Black actors, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, notably from Denzel Washington. Mackie discusses the need for resilience in a changing industry and the significance of having diverse skills to stay relevant. He also touches on parenting in today's world and the complexities of navigating identity and representation in film.
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Mar 7, 2025 • 37min

Mikey Williams Basketball & Social Media Sensation fall from the top, how the former Five-Star recruit is playing college hoops at UCF trying to chase NBA dreams after 2023 arrest, shares regret and finding light in darkness

“I’ll have a game where I play 5 minutes and I’ll shed a tear. I know it’s gotta get better. I just have to work my way back up...It gets dark, but I can't lose the light inside of me.” Mikey Williams UCF Basketball Player Pivot Family! As we are gearing up for March Madness in college hoops, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with social media star and former #1 high school prospect, Mikey Williams, who is playing at the University of Central Florida and opening up after his fall from the top of the basketball world after his arrest in 2023. The once considered "basketball prodigy" shows a vulnerable side as he reflects on how quickly his success came and how quickly it all slipped away with some bad choices, legal troubles and personal struggles. Becoming a social media sensation through his skill set, Williams talks about how he became a brand in basketball at an early age, ahead of the current NIL landscape, despite telling the guys he played an internet role and really is a quiet, shy guy off the court and off camera. But with fame, came pressure and expectations, and Williams opens up about how that affected hisfocus at times as well as how easy it was to get caught up in the wrong places.Mikey discusses how basketball and life problems blended together, making ittough to stay locked in and how he had to navigate his path differently to get through adversity and find the right people to keep around him.Ryan and Fred ask him about the incident that changed his life, from five-star high school prospect to facing felony gun charges. Mikey doesn’t shy away from addressing his 2023 arrest, reflecting on the hard lessons learned and how the entire legal experience changed his perspective. He shares advice for young athletes about making the right decisions before it’s too late and admits that during that time, the world saw him as problem child on trial and all he could do was leave it in God’s hands to be freed from it. He reflects on the time he lost while waiting for trial at Memphis, realizing he had taken the game for granted. With so much promise and commitment to play at an elite level and be coached by the legendary Penny Hardaway, Mikey knows what his mistakes cost him and tries to keep faith that his NBA dreams are still obtainable.Now on the road to redemption, playing college ball at University of Central Florida, Williams is locked in on one goal to make it to the league and doesn't think about his plan B. Growing up in the basketball world with other young standouts like Bronny James, Mike says he isn't bitter about them making it but he definitely sheds some tears when his mind thinks about what could have been for his own future. Speaking on the criticism Bronny receives, Mike has empathy and understands what it’s like to be in the spotlight and have every move scrutinized.This conversation goes beyond the surface of what we have seen on social media and what the headlines have deemed Mikey Williams, offering a deeper more personal look into a young man who's fortune and fame early in life took him down a path that is difficult to come back from but a story he is determined to rewrite. Don't forget to hit subscribe button on YouTube and like/comment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 8min

Dion Dawkins NFL Star on survivor's remorse, avoiding street life as a kid, football journey, becoming a leader in Buffalo, reveals what makes Josh Allen different and why he believes Bills would have been better than Chiefs in Super Bowl

“Figuring out what version of Dion I wanted to be. Definitely came with a lot of mistakes and definitely came with a lot of eye-opening experiences.” Dion Dawkins NFL Pro Pivot Family, ya'll definitely want to tap into this episode! It is a true example of “Accept, Adjust and Move Forward” as Ryan, Fred and Channing sit down with Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins to go beyond the surface of who he is as a player and learn more of his life journey as he opens up with honesty and accountability, going from young athlete to NFL star despite some off field obstacles. As the core of The Buffalo Bills team, Dion has become one of the faces of the franchise and community for his leadership, dominant play and boisterous personality. Dawkins has high praise for MVP teammate Josh Allen, calling him “one of one” and revealing what makes him a great leader that the world doesn't get to see. He keeps it real about the Bills’ Super Bowl drought, saying they have the key to the door but just can’t seem to open it. Although making peace with their painful AFC Championship loss this season and jokingly sharing what or rather who the team needs to get to the big dance, Dion voices his opinion and confidently claims that Buffalo would’ve put on a better show than Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX.Dion is unapologetically himself and approaches life with 100% confidence and explains you can still be a dawg on the field and a nice guy in real life. A few wrong-time wrong-place type decisions early in his life led Dion to revamp his path the man he wanted to be and living out his vision. He shares how he always knew he was built differently, from shoveling snow for money as a kid to being the last one on football field taking extra reps to adhering his cousin’s warning of the pitfalls that the streets offered.  Suffering from a variation of survivor’s guilt, Dion explains how the complicated relationship with his father heavily weighs on him as he opens up on why the two have failed to make peace and the root of the hurt. He talks about being the one who made it in life but is rather ridiculed for it than celebrated. Transparent with his challenging family dynamic, Dion is also an open book with some of his early mistakes that he made navigating his football talents while learning through tough moments that caused others' pain and himself. Reflecting on his college suspension at Temple, Dawkins talks about the humiliation of watching someone else take his reps, the one part of that experience he hasn't reconciled and his message to young athletes about second chances.  This conversation is filled with so much honesty, humility and proof that not everything is what it seems and sometimes those who portray a certain persona have a story to tell because often the things that shape us, are not what define us. Tap into this conversation and make sure you give us a 5 star rating if you enjoy listening to these discussions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 7min

Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, Channing Crowder: Why do men wear tubesocks? Talking football, life, culture and more as they talk Shedeur Sanders, NFL Combine, disrespect of Lebron, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Hooters Closing, Floyd Mayweather, Tank Davis fight

Join a lively discussion on the challenges of aging and the comical realities of fitness in your forties. The hosts tackle the pressures Shadour Sanders faces at the NFL Combine, questioning its relevance today. There's a humorous dive into the closing of Hooters and changing dining preferences. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of wise choices for young athletes, covering topics like relationships, accountability, and personal growth while connecting sports and culture in an engaging way.

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