• Titus O'Neil aka Thaddeus Bullard: Former WWE Star shares unlikely journey from football to Wrestling Hall of Fame, overcoming adversity, dealing with traumas, rooted in faith, family, being named father of the year & navigating life after divorce
    Dec 24 2024
    "Obedience is greater than sacrifice...When you stay obedient to whatever it is that you're doing in life, there is no sacrifice, because even when you lose stuff, you gain so much more." Titus O'Neil As we head into the Holiday season, Ryan, Fred, and Channing sit down for a conversation covering a unique life journey that set out seemingly destined for one thing but through some major pivots, turned into something one could never imagine. WWE Superstar Titus O’Neil, known away from wrestling as Thaddeus Bullard, takes the guys through his unlikely path from young boy dealing with traumas and confusion to his dream of playing in the NFL to a popular career as professional wrestler to ending up in the WWE Hall of Fame but marks his biggest achievement has been being a dad. Going back to college days, Titus played with Fred at the University of Florida, as the two reminisce stories and funny moments of their playing days as he goes on to open up to the darker moments of his journey as he was raised by a single mother and shares unimaginable adversity when discovering how he was conceived. Most would crumble and give up or hide in shame and fear, but not Titus, he used his traumas to create a stronger foundation and formulate clear perspective on his faith, being resilient and finding his true purpose. In this deeply personal conversation, Titus opens up about discovering the difficult truth of how he came into the world and how that shaped his mission in life. While football provided a way out of tough circumstances, his aspirations always went beyond the game. He talks about his determination to create a legacy and become the kind of father he never had, inspiring not only his own kids but everyone around him. Titus's perspective on turning life’s challenges into opportunities is both moving and motivating. Appreciating the wonders of the world that WWE afforded him while traveling country to country and amassing a global fanbase, Titus admits wrestling was one of the hardest things he had to do in life but also one of the most fulfilling. Reflecting on fatherhood, Titus shares powerful testaments to his faith and credits his kids with saving him, giving him a reason to push through pain and not give up. A few years ago, Titus was named Celebrity Dad of The Year, something he takes great pride in being recognized as. Going through a divorce is always difficult, but especially in the public eye, as Ryan asks how he handled the grief and words of advice he could share with others embarking on difficult journeys. Deeply rooted in prayer and faith, Titus is a believer in grace, second chances and being able to pivot when life turns upside down on you and make the most of any opportunity by living a life of significance. A truly inspiring conversation of reflection, hope and healing. Tap in now for a conversation we all can take something away from. Happy Holiday to you and yours from our Pivot Family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Teddy Bridgewater: Quarterback plans NFL return after coaching alma mater to win Florida's High School Title, bond with his mom, details his worst injury, mental toughness & importance of keeping his word
    Dec 20 2024
    "A lot of those kids watching me growing up...they saw so much hope when they saw me. So I was like, let me go feed my soul and complete the mission God put me here to do." Teddy Bridgewater coaching & winning High School State Championship On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, fresh off a huge milestone, Teddy Bridgewater sits with Ryan, Fred, and Channing to talk about his full circle journey—how a kid from Miami went to Louisville, paved the way for black quarterbacks becoming an NFL All Pro then after a decade in the league, returned to his old high school this season to coach the football team to a state championship. After 10 years in the NFL and enduring devastating injuries to come back and play in the league again, Teddy realized he had something bigger left to give the game he loves so much…which led him back to his hometown. Teddy’s not just shaping athletes; he’s inspiring an entire community, one game at a time. For Teddy, coaching isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about giving back to the kids who grew up just like he did. He talks to the guys about what it means to help these boys grow into men on and off the field, build a culture of tough love but more importantly create an unbreakable bond of unity and belief in the community. The monumental moment of winning is a priceless feeling for Teddy, but now see says he’s ready to return to the NFL and show those same young men he coached, how passion and hard work can lead you to your biggest dreams. As the conversation continues, the guys get into the personal side of Teddy’s story—the moments that shaped him, the values that keep him grounded and how witnessing first-hand his mom’s strength during her toughest battle against breast cancer, is when he truly learned the power of prayer and resilience. Although Teddy keeps his life private, he isn’t shy about the lessons he’s learned from all the great coaches who influenced his life and inspired his journey. Teddy takes the time to open up about his bond with MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, another Louisville legend who credits Teddy as one of his biggest inspirations. For him, watching Lamar take the league by storm is more meaningful than he can put into words and he's proud to have been a role model for this next generation of quarterbacks. Whether you’ve been a fan of Teddy since his Louisville days, followed his NFL journey, or just enjoy a good story about resilience, heart, and community, this discussion is filled with gems and unforgettable stories. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Pivot Podcast on YouTube and follow us on all audio platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Gary Owen: From Military to Comedy, turning difficult life experiences into lighter moments, life after divorce, parenting, Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Lebron James Urnal story and names his top comedian of all time
    Dec 17 2024
    “When I saw that [Kendrick] line, I go, ‘well, that makes me a criminal then.’ Shoot, I’ve been talking about black women most of my career!” Gary Owen A Pivot treat for you as we have an open discussion with Stand up comedian and actor Gary Owen, who brings his unfiltered humor and raw storytelling to the conversation with Ryan, Channing and Fred as he shares key moments along his journey to success that have shaped him in his daily life, the entertainment industry, his athlete encounters and how he became “black famous." Gary walks the guys through his life path: from what it was like growing up on a farm and in a trailer park to joining the Navy to his biggest Pivot of deciding to pursue comedy and chase his dreams in Hollywood. Always being one to make people laugh on the spot, Owen talks about his time with the military, growing up in Ohio and details his long-love for black women and his rise in popularity amongst black community. Gary talks about recent comic beef and immersing himself in the cultural back and forth and music battles with a light heat and fun intentions. Although it's always laughs and smiles with Gary, he sheds some light on the pain he felt from his divorce, hurting people he cares about and how part of his healing was being able to share lessons through laughter while on tours from city to city. Going through personal matters in the public eye is never easy but Gary opens up about the end of his marriage, owns his part in the situation, talks about his new relationship and focuses on how mending the hurt with his kids took time but is grateful for the progress which has enabled him to have somewhat of a blended family now. From comedy tours to movie screens, Gary has carved a niche in entertainment working with everyone in the industry and thankful to Kevin Hart for opportunities that has helped sustain his success while trying to maintain his small-town demeanor despite having celebrity friends and running in same circles with athletes. Gary and Channing trade comedic stories about meeting LeBron James at the urinal and Bill Parcells coaching while in the hot tub. Gary, a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals fan, who is mesmerized with the talents of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, is like the rest of the sports world trying to figure out how one of the NFL's most potent offenses has a losing record. Don't let the orange and black fool you, Gary seems to have a unique relationship with the Pittsburgh Steelers too, dating back to meeting Ben Roethlisberger before he became Big Ben, and how he respects the organization from top to bottom, even with a sport crush on Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, especially after watching the new Hard Knocks episodes. The guys wrap up with where Owen is at with his career now, what's next, his dream role and who he thinks is the king of comedy...Fred even gets him to make his 2025 prediction like Kat Williams, as Gary gives us a look inside to the world of comedians and how things really are despite what people think. Don’t miss our latest conversation full of laughs, lessons and one of a kind storytelling as Gary navigates the challenges of life. Tap in now and hit the subscribe button on YouTube and follow us on all audio platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Andre Johnson: From The University of Miami to the NFL Hall of Fame, national champion, heart & soul of Texans franchise, humble roots, family, holiday hope, talks CJ Stroud, Travis Hunter & Antonio Brown
    Dec 13 2024
    "Once I put those shoulder pads on...it was like I was going to war.” Andre Johnson From The U to NFL Hall of Fame, on this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan, Fred, and Channing sit down with seven-time Pro Bowler, one of the best wide receivers to play the game, the heart and soul of Houston Texans franchise: Andre Johnson. As the Texans chase another AFC South title, Andre, who's still a big part of the organization today, takes us back to the beginning of his journey during expansion years and how he became the face of the franchise. From his early days as a young star at "The U" to dominating the NFL on Sundays, Andre shares what fueled his drive to make the Texans a team people respected. He opens up about his mindset on the field, where putting on those shoulder pads felt like preparing for war, and why he was so determined to make the city of Houston proud every single season. The conversation gets personal as Andre reflects on his upbringing and how his strained relationship with his late father shaped the man-and father- he is today. He gets deep about the difficult choice he made to ultimately walk away from the game of football- a decision the guys understand all too well- but how he knew it was the right time because his mind was not in it anymore. Ryan has some jokes pretending to get a call from an old foe, as the guys reminisce his famous scuffle with Cortland Finnegan, which he says fans bring up to him everywhere he goes. While it's not his favorite topic, Andre shares what was really going through his head that day. Getting his take on the current Texans team, the guys ask what it'll take to bring a championship mentality back to Houston and what kind of receiving yards he would have racked up with a quarterback like CJ Stroud under center. Andre weighs in on some big names, past present and future playmakers of the league like Antonio Brown, whose talent he admired despite the controversies, AJ Brown's frustrations and Travis Hunter, the young college star who's doing things you rarely see in this generation. And what's next for the Hall of Famer? Will we see him on the sidelines coaching? He's not quite there yet, though he admits it'll be on the horizon someday. Andre's story is all about work ethic and legacy. Whether he's talking about the pride he takes in the Texans, the struggles of his short time with the Colts, or the mental toughness he adopted to make his game look effortless, and all his focus on off-the field ventures helping community and how giving back has helped him in more ways then he can share. With the holidays around the corner, never be too busy to take time to help others, you never know how a little help goes a long way. Don't miss our latest conversation, tap in now and don't forget to hit the Subscribe button! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Travis Hunter: 2024 Heisman Finalist plans to play both offense and defense in the NFL, how Deion Sanders changed his life, bond with Shedeur & Shilo, emotions around Colorado last game, fiance Leanna and being drafted No 1 in the NFL
    Dec 10 2024
    I aint dream of winning the Heisman, I dreamed of being #1.” Travis Hunter Fresh off his Heisman nomination, Travis Hunter is sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred opening up in a way you haven't heard before, touching on both personal and professional aspects of his life as he tries to navigate his fame, future, football and family life as everything seems to be falling into a place for the college football standout and this year’s top NFL draft prospect. Travis Hunter, a young phenom taking the sports world by storm, says he is unlike any football player we’ve seen before, and it’s hard to argue against him right now. Hunter’s ability to play two positions at both wide receiver and cornerback has been under the microscope every step of his journey and Channing adds more fuel to the fire when he proposes a potential debacle that Travis may see himself in next year if he is forced to choose one side of the ball. Travis has dealt with the pressure that his ability brings on, the questions it raises and has leaned on those who have always been close to him to get him through all the challenges but in reality, there is no reason for Travis to answer critics because his on field play and talent speak for itself. A large part of Travis’ success stems from the relationships he has forged and the people who continue to support him, especially his fiancee Leanna. Off the top, Travis takes time to clear the air about a video from after his final Colorado home game that went viral, explaining the depth of his relationship with Leanna and what the two have gone through from the start. But the relationship he credits to his life forever changing is the one he has with his coach, Deion Sanders, as Travis reflects on his journey to greatness - from when he first met Coach Prime in high school, to committing to Jackson State to transferring to Colorado to now becoming a Heisman hopeful and the front runner for the top NFL top draft spot. From that bond with Deion, a brotherhood between Travis and Deion’s son, Shedeur Sanders, was born and since has brought the best out of each of the young athletes. Travis shares how Shedeur and himself have been able to put their pride aside when they compete and gives insight on what it’s like to have two dogs go at it together and how grateful he is to both Shedeur and Shilo for allowing him to be so close to their father on this journey too. Travis, along with the Sanders’, has transformed college football from their impact with HBCU’s to elevating Colorado’s popularity to proving it’s ok to go against the grain to chase dreams and shake up the norm! On the field, Travis is rewriting the standard, excelling as both a wide receiver and cornerback. With 14 touchdowns and four interceptions this season, he’s proving that he’s built to dominate on both sides of the ball. Determined to make history as a two-way player in the NFL, His confidence, paired with the unique bond he shares with Coach Prime, has landed him as one of the rare non-Quarterback Heisman finalists in the award’s history. But what does winning the Heisman mean to Travis? More than just a trophy, it’s a milestone he wants to dedicate to his family, He said there will be some tears but just proof that the hard work and sacrifices are worth it as this is one step closer to Travis' true dream...to be drafted Number One overall in this year's NFL Draft. Don’t miss this layered but conversation filled with laughs, humility and big dreams as Travis Hunter shares a side of him the world hasn't seen yet while on the verge making history. Tap in now and hit the subscribe button on YouTube and follow us on all audio platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • NFL week 14 storylines & sports headlines: Ryan Clark, FredTaylor, Channing Crowder AFC North, Mike Tomlin, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, Aziz Al-Shaair reactions, league news, true devastation within the 49ers, life lessons as grown adults.
    Dec 6 2024
    "Your response to adversity, negativity, rejection, are truly the moments in life that you grow...Growth comes when things are torn down and have to be rebuilt.” Ryan Clark It’s Friday and your favorite trio is back for a special episode of The Pivot, to kick off the weekend with the fellas talking all the biggest headlines and storylines in sports this week and giving their perspective both personally and from their playing days as athletes in similar scenarios. Ryan, Fred, and Channing start things off with this week’s episode of the first ever NFL in-season Hard Knocks, which gave an inside look to the famed AFC North division, the inner workings if each team and highlighted the true persona of figures like Coach Mike Tomlin, doing what he does best. Tomlin's leadership and ability to connect with his players has always been top-notch, but the world witnessed just how special his approach truly is. The biggest thing to shine through was how Tomlin handles bringing out the best in his players and inspiring positivity- which Ryan knows first hand from playing for Coach but the guys are impressed seeing 13-year veteran quarterback Russell Wilson interact with his new team. As Ryan says, Russell Wilson has "found his Russell Wilson" in Tomlin, which has solidified a new identity for the Steelers this season. But the guys admit their favorite AFC North quarterback isn’t Wilson or the stellar play of Joe Burrow or 2x league MVP Lamar Jackson but its Browns star Jameis Winston. His outspoken faith and wholesome personality have made him fun to watch, a fan favorite and even more entertaining to hear, as we're all praying with him, to “deliver me from these pick-sixes!”) Moving to the AFC south, Fred talks about being at the Jacksonville vs Houston game this past Sunday and witnessing in person the devastating hit on Jags Quarterback Trevor Lawrence by Aziz Al-Shaair as Ryan and Channing have strong opinions on the hit but more so on the three-game suspension. With two former hard-hitters in Ryan and Channing, they both offer perspective on what it means to play hard but fair on defense while standing up for a player in the NFL brotherhood who’s been mislabeled. Ryan goes in deeper on the league's reaction and says it’s irresponsible to ostracize one of our own so harshly, especially when the demoralizing words come from a former player who used to be known for dirty hits. Wrapping up the sports storylines, the guys take time to reflect on family, especially in light of heartbreaking tragedies like Trent Williams and Charvarius Ward losing their children. With so much focus on the 49ers disappointing season and key injuries, Ryan turns attention to the true devastation felt in the San Francisco locker room. The guys open up and get real about how athletes—no matter how much money, fame, or accolades they have—are just like everyone else when it comes to protecting their loved ones. Channing says there is no such thing as real life superhero’s…in an emotional conversation that reminds us of what really matters. The guys take a moment to share how as grown men, fathers and husbands, they acknowledge the lessons they still learn daily as Channing talks parenting teenagers, Fred talks emotional control and Ryan on how life continues to challenge us and forces us to grow through adversity. One of our more in-depth and layered episodes with sports, life and vulnerability at the forefront. As the year winds down and the holiday season underway, we thank you for rocking with us at The Pivot and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button on YouTube as we hear 1Million subscribers!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Gilbert Arenas: 3x NBA All-Star how it started to how it ended, his costly mistake and biggest regret, 60 points vs Kobe Bryant, rebounding from rock bottom, fatherhood, Lebron, Bronny James criticism and turning despair into discussion on his podcast
    Dec 3 2024
    "It really hurt...It was a toll on me. I'm not even gonna lie, I really hated the world." Gilbert Arenas In a conversation covering more than just sports, this impactful discussion evolves into life lessons, reflections, advice for handling adverse situations and how finding closure is possible even when you can’t see the light in life’s darkest moments. In our latest episode of The Pivot, three-time NBA All-Star, Gilbert "Agent Zero" Arenas sits down with Ryan, Fred, and Channing to open up about his upbringing, controversial career, personal struggles, climbing back from rock bottom, parenting and the future of the NBA. Known for his raw honesty and larger-than-life personality, Arenas takes the guys through his journey, sharing Pivotal moments that shaped him, on and off the court: From the highs of his All-Star days to the lows of losing it all. You’ve heard the stories and seen the headlines, now Gilbert is sharing his side and perspective from living it to reflecting on it. Gilbert is well aware how a split second decision changed it all for him and how something he didn’t intend to become a moment turned into an entire movement. Specifically, he explains the 2009 gun incident with then teammate, Javaris Crittenton, that changed both their basketball paths forever as Gil opens up on the one part of it, that he wishes he could take back. He feels regret years later not just for derailing his own career but also for messing up a young player’s path, which he holds himself accountable for as well as the impact and toll it took on his own life. Gilbert keeps it real and speaks from the heart, hoping that his true feelings and thoughts continue to help others right their wrongs and alleviate the opportunity of making similar choices. Whether it be public feuds, personal turmoil or career scandals, a media frenzy overshadowed Gilbert’s stellar play for most of his NBA time and the years following. He reminisces about studying Kobe Bryant, the night he scored 60 points against the icon and reveals the intricate moments of his game-plan that no one knew at the time. Humbling to his core, he opens up to Ryan, Fred, and Channing on the emotional toll life took on him, the grind to the top to his costly mistake and how depression pushed him to step away from the game he loved so much. Going through a public divorce was not easy but, Gilbert emphasizes how being a father gives him purpose and clarity through the chaos, as he says one of the lessons he likes to share with his kids is to put them in situations they can fail so they learn how to survive and rise above tough times. His everyday approach to life stems from his upbringing and how he believed in better times by appreciating the little things and understanding the future his father strived to give him. Even when his father didn’t have the financial means, he still provided stability and support by never giving up and never walking away. After having Kwame Brown on our show a year ago, the guys had to ask Gilbert what the real scenario between the two of them is and where it all stems from. Gilbert sets the record straight, from playoff drama to their current back and forth, he addresses the misconceptions and why he feels he became a scapegoat in Brown's story. Channing and Fred ask Gilbert's take on LeBron and Bronny James, a topic he's been outspoken about, as Channing has made his thoughts abundantly clear recently while Fred and Ryan continue to share their overall feelings. To no surprise, Gilbert has some strong words for people critiquing Bronny and reminds everyone how rare it is to see what LeBron has accomplished. Tap in now for an episode so intriguing that it will have you re-thinking some of your own perspective and a reminder to never judge by looking at something or someone from the outside. Hit the Subscribe button on YouTube now as we approach 1Million subscribers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Sterling K. Brown: Golden Globe and Emmy Award Winning Actor, Six Magical years as Randall, This Is Us Thanksgiving style, unlikely path from St. Louis to Stanford to Hollywood, Black Panther, Family, Gratitude & inspiration
    Nov 26 2024
    "You've got to kind of get quiet with it every once in a while because you have so many people telling you what you're supposed to do with your life...And just know for yourself." Sterling K. Brown This Thanksgiving week on The Pivot Podcast, Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with someone who knows a thing or two about family, both on-screen and in real life, the highly respected and decorated: Sterling K. Brown. Golden Globe and Emmy Award winning actor from This Is Us, The People v O.J. Simpson, Black Panther, Army Wives and many other iconic roles, but in this holiday episode, the conversation goes way beyond his career. The guys, all big fans (especially Ryan, who binge-watched This Is Us in just three weeks), go behind the acting wall and discover all the things about Sterling that not only make him a phenomenal actor but also a grounded, family man with strong values. Going through his journey and career, starting with his childhood in St. Louis to attending Stanford to NYU to the big screens of Hollywood…Sterling opens up about losing his father at just 10 years old, how that loss shaped his view on family, and how he honors his dad's memory—both through their shared name and in his portrayal of Randall Pearson on This Is Us. He talks about the strength of his mom, who raised him as a single parent while encouraging him to chase his dreams, even during tough times and questionable paths. The conversation becomes centered around Sterling’s trailblazing career as He talks about the “magical” six years on This Is Us, the joy of representing Black love on-screen, and the responsibility of telling authentic stories both in front of and behind the camera. The guys also get into the cultural impact of Black Panther, the intensity of The People v. O.J. Simpson, and why Sterling gravitates most toward roles that challenge him. Balancing Hollywood success and family life isn’t easy, but Sterling shares how his wife and two sons are the source of his humility and reality. He compares acting to being an athlete in many ways, explaining how the physicality and focus of his craft help him connect with his characters while staying present for his real-life family. Touching on the importance of representation and seeing people who look like him star in inspiring roles, he hopes his work will continue to open doors for future generations. Sterling talks about how timing is key and the power of saying no or walking away from what doesn’t feel right to hold out for what feels more complete is what guides his career. He shares wisdom about giving yourself grace, staying present, and finding connection—even in a divided world. In the the hit series, This is Us one of the most iconic episodes of the six seasons, is Thanksgiving episode which holds a special place in all of hearts for the portrayal of true family, emotion, turmoil, triumph and hope. So as we Kick off the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to sit with the man who impacted lives and made us all think about our families and evolution within our lives. Tap in now for a wholesome, laugh-filled episode and hit the subscribe button on YouTube or listen to our show on all audio platforms. And during this Thanksgiving week, we all take a moment to reflect on what we are grateful for and to thank each of you for being such a core part of our Pivot Journey. Happy Thanksgiving Pivot Family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 20 mins