Pivot Podcast

Jameis Winston, NFL quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner, shares his journey as he enters his 11th NFL season. He reflects on personal growth and lessons learned from legends like Tom Brady and Michael Vick. A trip to Rwanda profoundly shaped his perspective on gratitude and faith. Winston candidly discusses missed opportunities in his career, the importance of accountability, and how relationships and community support drive resilience. He emphasizes redefining success and remaining driven, even in a new role.

Join former MLB pitcher CC Sabathia, a six-time All-Star and World Series champion, as he shares his remarkable journey to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He reveals how family support shaped his career, from pitching in New York to overcoming personal struggles with alcohol addiction. CC discusses his role as a Black icon in MLB, the importance of community, and initiatives aiming to inspire young athletes. With heartfelt stories of perseverance, he highlights the emotional weight of legacy, the power of support, and the revival of Black culture in baseball.

Claressa Shields, an Olympic gold medalist and the GWOAT in boxing, opens up about her challenging upbringing in Flint, Michigan. She shares how adversity sparked her drive to succeed in a male-dominated sport. Claressa discusses her relationship with rapper Papoose and how their bond fuels her resilience. She explores the evolution of women's boxing, emphasizing skill over power, and reflects on the pressures of public scrutiny. With her next title defense looming, she reveals the personal motivations behind her dreams and the profound impact of motherhood on her life.

Lavell Crawford, a comedian and actor from shows like Breaking Bad, joins Kym Whitley for a lively discussion about their experiences on the set of Happy Gilmore 2. They share hilarious anecdotes and the pressures of working with big names like Adam Sandler. The duo dives into the theme of disruption in entertainment, exploring challenges faced by women in comedy and the importance of resilience. With an exciting new movie set to premiere, they reflect on creativity, collaboration, and the transformative journey of parenthood.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, NFL safety for the Houston Texans and Super Bowl champion, opens up about his challenging journey in football. He addresses recent backlash and misconceptions about his reputation, sharing how his passion is often misinterpreted. C.J. also reflects on the emotional impact of being traded from the Eagles to the Texans, balancing personal struggles with professional growth. With candid insights, he discusses leadership, accountability, and the bittersweet nature of sports, all while emphasizing the importance of family during tough transitions.

The trio dives into Cam Newton's callout of Jayden Daniels, questioning the sincerity behind it. Naomi Osaka's powerful press conference sparks a broader discussion on the intersection of sports and social issues. They share Tyler Lockett's choice of sexual discipline and its implications on identity and faith. Puka Nacua's relationship fallout brings the cost of fame into focus. Expect laughter and thought-provoking insights as they discuss empowerment over competition and the challenges new athletes face in a demanding environment.

“It’s the perfect combo between being a beauty and a beast, and understanding I can separate the two. Knowing who I am in the ring is just an animal, who works hard, been in camp for 8 weeks and then there’s Alycia who wants to do her hair, get dressed up, uplift others- it really throws people off.” Alycia Baumgardner, Undisputed super featherweight boxing champion With her highly anticipated return to the ring streaming live on Netflix July 11, undisputed super featherweight champion Alycia Baumgardner joins The Pivot Podcast for a raw and revealing conversation just days before fight night. Known for her knockout power and unapologetic confidence, Alycia opens up about what this moment means—and the mindset it takes to stay at the top. Alycia opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred about her journey—from overcoming early setbacks and self-doubt to rising through the ranks and capturing titles with flair both in and out of the ring. Her humble beginnings grounded by having her father as her boxing coach and life coach engrained the value of hard work, chasing dreams and being resilient. She breaks down the emotional moment of becoming world champion while sharing the heartbreak of losing her father on this journey to top of women's boxing and how it has reinvigorated her motivation beyond the ring. Going from Amatuer to Champ, we talk about the pivotal moments that shaped Alycia’s boxing style and fueled her fierce determination, molding a certain part of her approach after Mike Tyson. Being mentally tough with a strong mindset, Alycia shares how she handles pressure preparing for a fight, walking to the ring and the second the bell rings how everything turns from fuel to focus. With a new trainer and signed to Jake Paul's MVP boxing, it's all about redefining women's sports, sharing her perspective on on being a champion in a male-dominated sport and paving the way for future generations. We also dive into her passions away from the ring, with mental wellness advocacy, crafting her personal brand, fashion, modeling and how visiting Africa truly changed her. This conversation is a blueprint for channelling discipline, resilience, and confidence—no matter what your arena may be and also having the courage to rewrite your own narrative. It's high stakes come July 11th, but Alycia is more than ready for the chance to be on the biggest stage at Madison Square Garden with the world watching on Netflix as she defends her title and furthers a historical movement in women's sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Grammy-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin as he shares his poignant journey of childhood trauma and faith. He reveals the struggles of growing up without a father and the emotional toll of reconciliation. With humor and vulnerability, Kirk discusses how music serves as a healing vessel and the importance of authenticity in spirituality. He opens up about navigating personal challenges, the scars of his upbringing, and how he aims to break the cycle of pain for his own children, emphasizing the power of forgiveness and redemption.

Nyjah Huston, a professional skateboarder and X Games medalist, shares his journey and insights. He talks about the intense pressure of competition and how he controls his mindset to treat each run like a once-in-a-lifetime shot. Nyjah emphasizes the importance of mental focus, using visualization to stay present before high-stakes performances. He also reflects on the evolution of skateboarding, both personally and within the sport at large, including the challenges of competing at the Olympics and the future of skate culture.

BMX innovator Ryan Williams and pro street skater Dashawn Jordan share their thrilling journeys in action sports. They discuss the intense mindset required to execute groundbreaking tricks and the high-pressure environment of competitions. Ryan reflects on balancing fatherhood with BMX risks, while Dashawn highlights the community's role in skating's progression. The duo also teases upcoming collaborations and the excitement surrounding the X Games, embodying the passion and resilience that define their sports.