Pivot Podcast

Dawn Staley, legendary basketball player and coach, discusses her inspiring career, standing up for her players, and finding peace after tough losses. She shares insights on her passion for sports, handling criticism, and her guilty pleasure. A must-listen for basketball fans and those seeking motivation.

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findKenny Pickett joins the Pivot to share his football journey, teaching moments, how’s he preparing his team for next season while planning a wedding and his advice to young guys going through the draft process this week.Ryan, of course amped up to have a fellow Pittsburgh native on the show, starts the conversation with the mental toughness one must possess to be a starting quarterback in the NFL and what it was like to receive that call from Coach Tomlin on draft night. Channing chimes in that his journey seems like a Disney story and wonders what has been the hardest parts of making it to where he is today while the guys talk about being a young leader and his approach to bringing the team together to build a championship mentality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findDon’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOTRaised in Collins, Mississippi in a single mother household and with the help of his grandparents, DeMario lacked a consistent male role model and became a product of his environment early on in life. DeMario walks Ryan, Fred, and Channing through the three strikes that could’ve jeopardized his career and ultimately ended his life. From stealing in high school, being sent to an alternative school, and being jailed during his collegiate career, Demario was being tested at every stage. He credits his faith and God to the one relationship that transformed his life.Ryan inquires about DeMario’s transition to the NFL and career trials and tribulations. DeMario talks about discovering that the key to consistent performance was not just his talent and work ethic but relying on his knees for faith every step of the way. After this discovery, he’s been training like a DB, a decision that has ultimately led him to being named a 2023 Pro-Bowler and sheds some light on what the future of the Saints looks like and his long term goals as he prepared for next year this off season.Gambling Problem? Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY), If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MI/MD/NI/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in NH/OR/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet pregame moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/basketballterms. Ends 5/28/23 at 11:59PM ET. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Lines and Odds Subject to Change. Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findEmbarking on a journey of a lifetime, next week’s NFL draft is a monumental occasion filled with a range of emotions, nerves, excitement and kore as it will forever change the lives of many young men and their families. With all the talk swirling around the Alabama standout, his fate will be decided in the coming days but Bryce says he isn’t worried about being number one or any number he goes, he just wants to get on a team and start playing.With a lot of questions about his height and stature affecting his ability to stand tall on NFL fields may affect his draft stock, Bryce isn’t phased by the comments and has been hearing those same things all his life and always quiets his critics with his talent and capabilities. Not short on confidence, Bryce shares how he’s managed to keep composure and avoid nervous energy when stepping onto the field all these years and describes how it’s a dream every time he touches the ball so he embraces it which helps him shed any worries or fears when playing.Channing asks Bryce to recall the moment he knew he had the “it” factor that made him different than other players on the field as Bryce takes us through some of the plays he felt most confident as Ryan shares the one play he saw that made him associate the word “magical” with every time Bryce touches the ball. Bryce talks about CJ Stroud and other QBs in this draft and what makes them first rounders as well as breaks down his own play of how he would describe himself as a player and man on and off the field.Bryce’s father joins the conversation as the guys poke fun at his alleged story of a 4 month old Bryce with a grip on the football as he has now and they jokingly talk about seeing his talents from a young age and the closeness the two share along with his mother too. Having a strong foundation and good character is an asset in this day and age for teams and Bryce’s father is most proud of the man he raised and the quarterback in him is just extra.Transitioning from college super star to NFL leader, the guys talk to Bryce about what it will be like stepping into a role as a leader of grown men and controlling a locker room as a 21 year old. Bryce is excited for the opportunity and looking forward to getting to know his new teammates and the new city he lands where he will call home for hopefully years to come.And with the first pick of the 2023 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers select…. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findFollowing the recent surge of research and acceptance of CBD’s health benefits for athletes, Davis launched Defy, a CBD-infused sports drink company designed for athletes. Known for winning big at the Beverage Digest 2022 Awards, Terrell reflects on how his perception has completely changed and the mission of the company.Reflecting, Ryan asks Terrell about his father’s parenting and strict upbringing. From being the youngest of six children and always seeking approval from his father, Terrell struggled with understanding if his dad loved him. He speaks about his father's extreme parenting tactics and even walks Ryan, Fred, and Channing through the moment his father shoots a gun over their heads. Although Terrell wouldn’t parent that way today, he shares his ability to see the positive in what the world would consider negative parenting of his father.Seeking ways to appease his father, Terrell took a liking to football because he knew his father enjoyed the contact of the game. He shares candid stories about dominating on the field at a young age but his turning point was the passing of his father because the reason he started playing was no longer present. No stranger to adversity, TD talks about the struggles he faced in his collegiate and rookie seasons and the conversations he had internally to change it around.Oh, how the tables have turned! Terrell takes the time to give Fred Taylor his flowers and says he believes Fred was the most skilled Running Back to ever touch the field. High regards from someone Fred considered a role model, they take their time to discuss the HOF criteria. Of all his accomplishments, Terrell still wonders if he’s made his father proud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findDon’t miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using http://dkng.co/pivot or through my promo code PIVOTNever allowing failures to define your future has become the message Sarkisian spreads to his players, coaches and those around him. Known as one of the most dynamic and successful college football coaches under the Nick Saban tree, Sarkisian turned his low moments into lessons and his opportunities into a success story.After being fired from USC in 2015 mid season, Sarkisian sought treatment for alcoholism and worked to overcome personal struggles. Not being able to find any coaching job and about to give up and turn into a different career path, Sark received a call from Nick Saban who saw something in him to give him a shot.Embracing his second chance to the fullest, Sarkisian opens up on how his own trials and tribulations have helped made him navigate coaching and relationships with more of an open mind. Becoming the head coach of University of Texas football team in 2022, he makes it known that Nick Saban saved his career and he wouldn’t be where he is today without Saban’s grace, which is why he chooses to extend the same courtesy to others on this journey.NIL and the transfer portal have been big topics throughout college athletics and one that our very own, Fred Taylor feels very strongly about. Fred asks Sarkisian about his perspective on NIL and the transfer portal and as a head coach how he combats this during recruitment. Steve talks about the tool of adaptability and finding the positives in change. Promoting a philosophy of not allowing players to come back to the team if they've entered the transfer portal, Sark believes they’ve maintained a steady program at Texas due to transparency and truly selling that playing for Texas is a 40-50 year decision rather than a 4-5 year decision.If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/LA/MD/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS/NH), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), visit OPGR.org (OR), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA). 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA(select parishes)/MA/MI/MD/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY only. Void in MA/NH/OR/ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. Valid 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 prefight moneyline bet. Bet must win. $150 issued as bonus bets that expire 7 days (168 hours) after being awarded. See terms at sportsbook.draftkings.com/basketballterms. Ends 5/28/23 at 11:59PM ET. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findAfter a record breaking final four weekend and being catalysts for cultural impact in women’s sports, LSU’s champions Angel Reese and Flau’jae Johnson sit with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about everything surrounding their historic NCAA run, controversial social remarks and unapologetic influence in the game of basketball and with black women.The two Tiger teammates share how their tight knit bond has motivated one another, held each other accountable and supported each other through the highs and lows of the past couple months while building a championship mentality every time they stepped on the court. Both women growing up in single mother households, attribute their determination and swag to their mothers who paved the way for them to have the opportunities they do. Angel took Flau, a freshman, under her wing after bumping heads early in their season and led by example to show Flau and her other teammates what it takes to have a heart of a champion.Angel, named the Most Outstanding Player Of 2023 NCAA Championship, is known for her dominant play on the court just as much for her voice off the court as well. Amassing over 1M social media followers, Angel shares how she has used her position in sports not just to be one of the best to do it but setting out to be most influential as well. She shares with the guys her thought process for some of her comments and double downed on her words being proud of the lane she has created for herself and women who look like her.Pursuing a passion of music all her life, Flau’jae was always doubted that she could be successful as a rapper and a basketball player but being named SEC freshman of the year after winning the NCAA title has proved the naysayers wrong. Flau’ said her “ahhh moment” was Sunday evening when the confetti was pouring down and she was hugging the championship trophy while her song blared through the speakers of the arena…Flau’ emotionally shared how meaningful it all was to have everything click at once and grateful to her mother for never giving up their plan and paid a special tribute to her father who was killed before she was born.Channing gets the girls laughing and asks about Coach Mulkey’s fashion style for game days asking if they get to hold her accountable for her outfit choices just as she holds them accountable for their play on the court.Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot and Special drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findOpening up to Ryan, Channing and Fred- Riep and Wint described what first went through their heads when they were accused of rape and went from preparing for their senior years as expected Captains of the football team to three years of fighting in court before finally reaching justice.After first being accused and removed from the OSU football team in February 2020, Riep and Wint were finally declared not guilty on all charges this past February. The duo expressed the emotions they felt throughout the long process in great detail throughout the conversation.The two young athletes share how much this process has affected them and their families, with Amir losing his father during this time. Ryan and Fred ask what are some of the lessons they learned hoping their courage to share the trials and tribulations will help other young athletes avoid a similar situation.Trying to get back their life and still pursue a football career, the two young men have entered the transfer portal and begun the process of trying to get back on the playing field and still chase their NFL dreams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findAfter meeting Jason Lee during Super Bowl week and becoming fascinated with his story and impact in media and culture, Ryan, Channing and Fred asked him to sit down to talk about how he’s disrupting the industry and breaking down barriers for black media in Hollywood.Completely uncensored and unfiltered, this conversation journeys a young boy from Stockton, California surviving a rough childhood, growing through grief and overcoming adversity to become a pioneer in the business.From Floyd Mayweather to Cardi B to Rhianna to Tiffany Haddish, Jason talks about how he was able to leverage close relationships to make a solid name for himself and go from blogger to reality tv star to podcast host to author to entrepreneur to media mogul as he continues to disrupt the norm of Hollywood and unlock stories that entertain millions.Jason acknowledges his brand, image and approach in the industry is sometimes questioned and comes off intrusive but he assures the guys it’s one he’s comfortable with because he’ll always prioritize authenticity over a check. This style of storytelling is often unpopular among Hollywood’s elite but it also has led to his company having a nearly 50M evaluation in a few short years and positioned himself as a trusted source of information.As Ryan, Channing, and Fred dive into the experiences that have shaped his journey, Jason opens up and reveals that witnessing the murder of his brother completely destroyed his feelings. Working through the effects and emotions from it all, Jason turned his pain into purpose and used his survivor mentality to cultivate the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcastINSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivotTWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivotTIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivotFACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcastFOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydadFIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/findWith one of the most unique careers in professional sports, Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem is set to say farewell to basketball after a 20-year career and is sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred ahead of his last week of regular season play to talk everything basketball, life and what’s been most important to him.Not holding back in any areas, this conversation journeys a young boy from Liberty City and how he beat the odds and turned his opportunities into a two decade long career embracing his role on the Heat and continuously finding ways to benefit his teammates.Winning three championship titles with the Heat, Udonis has played with some of the game’s best players from Lebron to D Wade to Shaq to Chris Bosh to Ray Allen to many more and attributes his long lasting career to the relationships he sustained over time and his endless work ethic.As the guys dive into his childhood and early playing years, UD reveals the pain he felt losing his mother, who he just recently reunited with, and how the loss of his father led him down a different path and approach of opening up to people and asking for help when he needed it. He stressed the importance of finding balance and how his three rings mean the world to him but he’s most proud of his work giving back in the community.As the OG of the league, UD shares his thoughts on this year’s NBA MVP, which he feels should be Joel Embiid or Giannis, as they are above and beyond on the court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices