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

"You call me a lot of things, but ignorant I'd disagree on." Andrew Schulz Comedian and Actor Comedy is all about pushing boundaries, but what happens when the joke lands differently than expected? Over the past few months, Ryan Clark and Andrew Schulz have had a public disagreement stemming from comments Andrew made in jest about Black women and their influence on men's appearance. His remarks led Ryan to respond, emphasizing a commitment to defending his culture and refuting Andrew’s insinuations of seeking attention. From their viral exchange about clout-chasing and defending black women to messages exchanged privately to the two finally deciding to hash it out face to face. Although tensions were high, the depth and tone of this discussion displayed respect, even in uncomfortable moments, the guys navigated the conversation through the many challenges and misconceptions to try and find a common ground. On this episode of The Pivot Podcast with Ryan, Channing and Fred—Andrew's authenticity shined through, bringing humor, honesty and humility as the men had an unfiltered discussion, where no topic was off limits. Andrew and Ryan don’t shy away from tough dialogue, sensitive topics and tackling the fine line between making people laugh and making them uncomfortable. In an effort to separate impact of words from the intent, Andrew explains how his jokes can sometimes be misinterpreted and how comedy, at its core, is about perspective. As the convo furthers, the guys get in-depth about the weight of words, racism, reactions to jokes. the changing nature of comedic responsibility, social media and how the internet can twist context into controversy. Andrew admits that his approach to comedy has matured over time, and he’s become conscious of never wanting to hurt anyone and feels his humor is now diversified and united by cultural impact of all people. Buried in the deep revelations, Andrew comes prepared with lots of one liners and fun jabs at Ryan, Fred and Channing, showing a glimpse of the wit, edge and quickness that has yielded his extraordinary success. Beyond the laughs, Andrew opens up about his personal life, from his father’s role in his career to getting his start in comedy to his struggles with starting a family and how his fanbase transcended into one of the most diverse audiences in comedy. At the core of this discussion is proof that people, even those who have differences and seem on total opposite sides of something, may be more alike than different afterall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before March bids us farewell, the guys weigh in on some of the sports madness the month has brought us and we aren't just talking about the NCAA tournament- we get into it all with a lot of laughs, heated debates and bold takes. From legend rivalries to the back forth of Stephen A and Lebron to social media craziness to Bronny's career to NCAA women's basketball this year vs last- Ryan, Fred, and Channing are breaking down the biggest storylines- unfiltered and without hesitation. Reacting directly to Lebron's interview on Pat McAfee, Ryan believes the conversation was full of so many nuggets about sports, life and family but Channing says none of that matters to him when considering if Bronny deserves to be in the NBA while Ryan and Fred offer a more measured take. The guys discuss the fallout of how far it's gotten with Stephen A and how the saga is very personal and no longer just about basketball. As the conversation shifts to Bronny James, LeBron’s parenting, all three guys can relate to wanting to protect your family and also on creating the most opportunity for your children through doors you can help open for them. Channing and Fred discuss what is the best ways to set up your children for success and stability while Ryan says providing an example is the best way to show them the way personally, professionally and respectfully by passing down values and sharing traits to help deal with the pros and cons faced. As parents, how do we phrase therapy, especially for young people, as a positive action vs "something must be wrong"? Also making headlines is the viral exchange between NFL All Pro Asante Samuel and Deion Sanders- the guys try to make sense of the conversation and why one side would even challenge the other in this skill level debate as Ryan, Channing and Fred are very blunt on their response to the two's war of words. The fellas dive into the viral phenomenon of Ashton Hall’s morning routine, debating whether his banana peel and Saratoga water content is motivational or just another influencer trend. Ryan offers up his own experiences of comparing one's everyday grind to someone else’s highlight reel as everyone's struggles and circumstances are different. Fred emphasizes perspective, importance of staying authentic and not allowing the highs of success change the course while Channing says he never will stray from who he is to appease public perception. And of course, it wouldn’t be March without some hoops talk, the unfortunate outcome for JuJu Watkins to praising Hailey Van Lith's vulnerability to this year's NCAA tournament to Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese forever impacting women's sports but did we take for granted the competition Caitlin and Angel created? Listen to what the guys say as they dive into that and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I had to do a 180. I had to completely turn my back on what was. And I still have to kill that little monster every day.” Jelly Roll We often say, "It's never too late to Pivot." and the epitome of that saying is the journey of Grammy Award Artist and Nashville Native, Jelly Roll, who's pure existence is an inspiration in every way. Opening up on his powerful path from a turbulent past, marked by addiction, incarceration, and emotional struggles to becoming one of the most celebrated and popular figures in music today, Jason DeFord widely known as Jelly Roll, sheds light on the darkness that has helped him rise to stardom. Ryan, Channing and Fred visit Jelly Roll at his Tennessee farm for a conversation rooted in friendship and acceptance as Jelly shares a message of hope, redemption and healing just as the lyrics of his music resonate with so many, especially those facing hardship. Together the guys explore Jelly's troubled past, from 15 years of criminal activity to being in jail while his daughter was born, to battling demons to overcoming addiction to the importance of love and healing in personal transformation. He admits he’s not proud of who he was, but those dark times shaped the man he’s become today. Transparent about his relationship with his wife Bunnie XO, Jelly opens up about the shame they both feel through their past habits and history before committing to one another and elevating each other through forgiveness and fostering a life of harmony and peace.   Faith plays a big role in Jelly Roll’s journey, but he keeps it real. “I talk to God like I talk to everybody. I might even cuss when I pray.” Now, as a husband and father, he talks about his fears of losing the stability he’s built, the impact of therapy on his mental health, and why it was important for his daughter to see him be vulnerable so she could feel safe doing the same.   Choosing to be public about his past, Jelly Roll never expected to be accepted by country music, but from Reba McEntire to Dolly Parton, the legends welcomed him as he transcended culture, he speaks on how Eminem inspired him long before they collaborated and how he now sees his music as a way to heal others while still healing himself.   Jelly Roll’s purpose goes beyond entertainment. He stood in front of the U.S. Senate to address the fentanyl crisis, spoken out about addiction’s impact on families, and dedicated himself to helping at-risk youth. His weight loss journey, his struggles with food addiction, and his fight to replace destructive habits all reflect a man constantly evolving, always trying to be the best version of himself.   This pivotal conversation is proof that no one is beyond saving and through Jelly Roll's vulnerability, his story isn’t just about overcoming the past it’s about embracing purpose, healing, and using pain to inspire others. Keep pushing through, the best is yet to come. Follow us on your favorite audio platform for more stories like this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The individual stuff is great, but you truly measure greatness by what your team does.” Cam Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro   Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with the heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Pro Bowler and All-Pro defensive tackle, Cam Heyward who joins the guys to talk about his football legacy, personal struggles, roster changes, quarterback questions and his relentless pursuit of a Super Bowl championship. Being drafted in the first round by Pittsburgh in 2011 wasn't just about Cam playing for one of the NFL's premiere organizations, it was the chance for Cam to write the next chapter of his story back in his birthplace, a city that holds a special place to his family. In a moment of personal reflection, Cam speaks of losing his father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, and the depression he battled silently from it, almost derailing his young football career. He credits his mother for stepping up, not just as a parent but as an advocate for his football future, making sure coaches knew exactly what kind of player and man they were getting.  Cam's rookie year was also the year Ryan was a captain of the Steelers defense as the two exchange funny stories and talk about the player Cam became and all the different talents and guys who've played for the black and yellow since. Cam opens up about playing alongside his younger brother, Connor Heyward, and how their relationship has evolved from siblings to friends to teammates. He shares what he’s learned from past Steelers legends and how he holds his current teammates to the same high standard that was expected of him. He even reveals some of his instigation tactics during practice used to generate a "Steeler" type of locker-room energy. And, we all know Mike Tomlin as one of the greatest coaches and leaders but Cam sheds insight into his bond with Mike T and some of what we don't see from the outside, explaining how the unconditional trust and respect goes far beyond the field and is never questioned.  Beyond the game, giving back is always at the forefront of Cam's daily routine. After multiple nominations, Heyward won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2023, and he opens up about the surreal feeling of earning the NFL’s highest honor for community service and the forever gratitude of this accomplishment. But for Cam, legacy isn’t just about awards it’s about chasing greatness, proving doubters wrong, and leaving behind a name that stands for perseverance and impact. He makes it clear his career won’t feel complete without a Super Bowl- He isn't ready to give up the quest for a Lombardi just yet and feels Pittsburgh has the right balance of new faces and veterans to get it done.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"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

“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

“I don't think it's a question of convincing people or convincing the world. My biggest hurdle was convincing myself.” Anthony Mackie on role of Captain America Pivot Family, We are back in New Orleans like we never left! Sitting with NOLA’s hometown hero who’s Hollywood’s new Captain America, Anthony Mackie, is sharing his rise to stardom in the film industry and taking us through how it all started and the challenges faced along the way.  This open-book conversation between the guys is hilarious, riveting and full of energy and insight as we learn the real story behind a young black man who grew up in Louisiana with big screen aspirations and wasn’t afraid to be different to pursue his dreams.  Anthony’s message about not just making it to the top but sustaining both status and respect in the industry may be unconventional as he tells the guys that success is given and not earned and that we’ve been lying to our youth by telling them differently. He explains how life is pushing past doubt, embracing opportunities, and finding the strength to carry the weight of something bigger than yourself while relying on relationships to find the next best thing. Being Black has yielded him certain experiences as well as taught him that having one talent or one dimension isn’t enough to stay successful but needing an arsenal is what it takes.  He talks about the differences between working actors and celebrities, including today’s new wave of names and how the landscape has changed with social media. Anthony admits he never thought he’d be given the role of Captain America but gets vulnerable about the self-doubt he had to overcome... not convincing the world he could do it but convincing himself he was worthy of the role and what it means to represent the character in a new era.  Reflecting on his New Orleans upbringing, Anthony tells Ryan, Channing and Fred how guys from “the hood don’t do theater” but he found his calling early on through his elementary teacher who recognized his potential and helped him discover New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) which gave him a sense of belonging and further inspired his acting career.  Anthony shares stories and scenes that shaped him including what his rap battle with Eminem in 8 Mile truly signified, how he landed his role in Hurt Locker, how Don Cheadle inspired his craft and how having Denzel Washington as a mentor guided his career path by watching Denzel never be too big to do the little things that give passion purpose. Channing asks his Channing questions as he tells Captain America he’s blown him away with a lot of his films but he didn’t love his character portrayal of 2pac and also asks what led him to being ok playing a gay man.    Beyond the big screen, Anthony opens up about losing his mother and best friend as a teenager which was a dark time that ultimately pivoted him down a path to find light again and take acting more seriously. He also discusses the importance of masculinity, raising his four sons to be responsible men and instilling strong family values despite being divorced from their mother.   This episode is more than just Hollywood stories and laughs. It’s about resilience, identity, and purpose. Anthony Mackie isn't just a mega star, he's a trailblazer in our time and proof that true leadership comes from honoring the past while inspiring the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“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 his focus 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 it tough 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

“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

“What it all comes down to is for a lot of these young guys, choices, decisions, consequences. You got a choice not to participate.” Fred Taylor on young athletes’ decision-making  Pivot Family, Your favorite trio is back with a new Pivot Friday talking all the biggest storylines in sports, culture and trying to make sense of life through our own experiences. As always Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder keep it 100 as they speak candidly about everything from NBA criticisms to NFL Combine to Hooters closing to men aging gracefully as the guys realize they aren’t the young bucks they once were…In that, the OG’s share advice for this new generation of athletes to act responsible with women, sex, money and how to avoid falling in traps that will negatively impact them.  Does the NFL Combine still have the same allure it once did? The guys dive into how big name players choose to skip the drills and choose to participate at their school’s pro day vs in Indianapolis. With heightened attention around Shedeur Sanders not throwing, Ryan points out that Shedeur faces more scrutiny than other QBs because of his last name while Channing says the Combine is more for the cusp guys or athletes trying to have one last shot to grab a team’s attention to separate from the pack since so much film and data is already compiled at this point.    Former NHL star, PK Subban, recently made comments on NBA players lacking passion for the sport which has sparked a national conversation on sports and NBA competitiveness as Fred breaks down where he sees the comments originating. Ryan admittedly feels the sports world, including himself, have disrespected our generation of legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, constantly nitpicking instead of appreciating their greatness. With the rise of international basketball stars, have we given enough respect to our own US born elite?   The conversation shifts to choices, decisions, and consequences, with Fred warning young athletes about making better decisions with women and their money. Channing keeps it real, saying, “You didn’t get cuter, you just got richer,” explaining why athletes should be smarter about who they let into their lives. Ryan emphasizes the importance of learning what a healthy relationship looks like and breaking the cycle of broken homes and settling for mediocrity personally. Channing makes a funny but valid comparison of how the internet has his financial status marketed and how he approached women as he was the young athlwt   Shifting the conversation to saying farewell to a once national treasure, Hooters, as Fred talks about it being a sign of the times with all these staple places closing up shop. Ryan has his cultural thoughts on why Hooters should have evolved with their customer service catering to the demographic who loves wings while Channing shares his personal interactions over the years adding his storytelling flare to the conversation that has everyone laughing in tears!   With the recent Eagles rumors of visiting 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue after the Super Bowl, The guys talk about the tradition of athletes visiting the White House, with Fred believing it should be a personal decision while Ryan agrees but says some players no longer see the White House as a symbol of unity, comparing it to how locker rooms represent true diversity, equity, and inclusion.  And stick around to the end as the guys discuss the state of Boxing, with Gervonta Tank Davis’ recent comments about Floyd Mayweather prior to his championship bout vs Lamont Roach this wknd. Per usual, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and deep discussions about sports, culture, and life. From the NFL combine to NBA players getting flack to young athletes making mistakes to Channing’s shenanigans over the years, The Pivot trio delivers another must-listen conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices