Ryan Clark on state of college football, LSU next coach, scary sports stories, Cam Newton bout, Channing Crowder breaks down reality of sports betting, best advice Fred Taylor received, world series and is Shohei the best athlete?

"It's not the money, it's the rush you get from doing it." Channing Crowder Another fun-filled Friday episode with the fellas! With so much going on in the sports world right now, Ryan, Channing and Fred are back together breaking down all the top headlines and offering a different perspective on certain storylines that have everyone in a spin! From college football powerhouses becoming a laughing stock in the SEC to coaching changes across ball to the reality of sports betting to evolution of young athletes and their approach to the game and are we seeing the best athlete ever in sports right now with Shohei Otani in baseball? Sharing personal insight into the LSU and Florida football chaos, Ryan talks about his visit to Baton Rouge this week and his experience as a former Tiger while Fred and Channing chime in on the state of their alma mater Florida. The guys get into the future of sports at college level, what young people need from their leaders, how gambling is casting a cloud, money not being the root of what sports betting truly is and we even get into the play by play of a viral bout between our guy Cam Newton and an Alabama mascot!! Also chat about the world series and if Shohei Otani is the greatest athlete we are seeing right now and if not, who is? Of course we tap into some of the viral stories circulating social media from women having secret bank accounts to marriage advice to sick monkeys on the loose to our ongoing exercise and diet struggles as Fred is embracing his new healthy lifestyle, Ryan still fighting off snack demons and Channing thinks it's all crazy haha! Kick off your weekend with your favorite trio and don't forget to hit the subscribe button, like and comment- we love hearing from you Pivot Family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If you are questioning what I’m doing, then why not get it from the source?” When you've consistently done the work to be one of the best, it's not just the on court respect and praise that is earned, it's how your voice resonates beyond the game and no better example of this than Kevin Durant. In this powerful and candid conversation, NBA superstar Kevin Durant sits down with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor to open up like never before. From his early days in Prince George’s County to becoming one of the most dynamic scorers in NBA history, KD reflects on his journey through every team he’s played for — the Thunder, Warriors, Nets, and Suns — and what each chapter taught him about loyalty, leadership, and growth. He opens up about overcoming devastating injuries, finding balance off the court, and the evolution of his mindset through success, criticism, and reinvention. He doesn't shy away from the questions surrounding his choices, his direct demeanor on social media and describes how he sees his iconic career vs. how it's viewed by the world. Revealing the darkness he experienced from his injuries to rediscovering the light from his time away from the game, KD's love and appreciation for the camaraderie, the intense competition and the high demands of the sport. He shares how special Olympic moments have been, how winning a championship doesn't define his legacy and lets us in on his bond with players around the NBA, especially Anthony Edwards, who he sees a lot of himself in and compares their relationship to a similar one he shared with the late Kobe Bryant. Durant also talks deeply about family, sharing heartfelt stories about the impact of his mother, Wanda, and his relationship with his father, Wayne, and how thier love and lessons shaped the man he is today. The conversation turns to business and life beyond basketball — from his ventures in media and tech with Boardroom to his vision for empowering the next generation of athletes and creators. And of course, KD keeps it real about being a lifelong Washington Commanders fan — the highs, lows, and that unwavering DMV pride. It’s vintage Durant: honest, thoughtful, competitive, and always evolving. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button, like and comment- we love hearing from you Pivot family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"This show should be a microcosm of life." Channing Crowder  In case you didn’t know- We are saying it now...It's ok to have different opinions and it's ok to not always agree. It’s not about right and wrong, it’s about sharing perspectives, listening to others and bringing balance to conversation, it’s called life.  Back together for a much needed 3 man Pivot- Ryan, Channing and Fred are addressing the latest social media storm, tackling latest topics, responding to backlash, going beyond sports headlines and have deeper discussions on importance of loyalty in a world of uncertainty and falsity. NBA returns, and so did Michael Jordan. The expectations of greatness from the greatest are set high, and we talk about why. When is enough, enough? The LeBron cycle continues, Stephen A apologizes, finally a side of Russell Wilson we’ve never seen before, is this the Russ Channing’s been waiting on?  Growing pressure and demands on people and platforms is at an all-time high. Ryan gets into the responsibility that comes with having a voice and differentiating between our thoughts and opinions vs others who come on our show.  The guys reflect on another NFL life lost too soon with Doug Martin passing, the mental and physical health struggles after the game is over, struggles of letting go and realization that life is shorter than we think.  The AI craze and chatpgt running point on all our lives, how do we navigate the positives while sorting through the really bad that comes with this technology. Fred loves it, Ryan and Channing not so much. It’s creating a world of fake news and public figures to be alert and on edge, what’s the future hold?  Don't forget to comment, like and hit the subscribe button and stay up to date on guests and stories- we love hearing from you Pivot family, the good and the bad! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Winning and losing is very close together, it’s really how quickly we can pivot in order to take advantage of the next opportunity that comes along.” Boris Kodjoe In this eye-opening episode of The Pivot Podcast, actor, producer, and entrepreneur Boris Kodjoe sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his incredible journey—from growing up biracial in Germany to moving to the US to his transition from tennis to Wall Street to building a decades-long career in Hollywood, while balancing fame with family. Boris opens up about the values that shaped him, the lessons he's learned through marriage with actress Nicole Ari Parker, and how he continues to pivot with purpose in an ever-changing industry. From fatherhood and fitness to cultural identity and career longevity, this is a deep, honest, and inspiring conversation with a man who’s done the work—on and off the screen. Boris explores what it means to live with intention: how growing up in a Ghanaian‑German family influenced his choices, how therapy saved him in the darkest times, and how his strained relationship with is own father paved the path to his real-life dream role of being a father. Embarking on twenty years of marriage, Boris reveals what the secret to not just staying together but staying happy in unity, defying odds in an industry that challenges relationships and the simple rules him and his wife follow to make it all work. We dive into his latest professional work and ventures — including his directorial debut, his role in the film starring alongside his wife and gives the guys the scoop of what it was like filming Real Husbands of Hollywood and what's next for that crew. He also shares how his business and philanthropic interests, including work with his foundation and Full Circle Africa, continue to push him to expand his horizons. Whether you’re juggling career changes, nurturing relationships, or looking for insight into re‑invention, this episode offers an honest look at one man’s evolving definition of success — and how staying true to self makes all the difference. Thanks to our friends at Chomps for sponsoring this conversation- Go to https://chomps.com/PIVOT or use code PIVOT to get 15% off your Chomps order and free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m willing to say what most people aren’t. I’m willing to do what most people aren’t. I’m willing to be in the storm, if that’s what it takes.” Stephen A. Smith On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Stephen A. Smith invites the guys to his home for a deeply personal and an unfiltered conversation discussing everything from sports to culture to parenting to politics while under fire for recent public clashes with LeBron James, Alexis Ohanian, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Ryan acknowledges all the heat surrounding Stephen A. and one by one, we go through it all, leaving no stone unturned to the whys, the hows and what happens from here while delving into the man Stephen A truly is behind the mic. Known for his bold takes and unapologetic style, Stephen A. opens up about the backlash, his growing interest in politics, and how he handles being a lightning rod for controversy. He shares the background into Lebron dislike, revealing how he and one of the greatest to ever play the game. ended up in such disdain. He shares insight into the recent Alexis Ohanian situation, doubling down on his comments but offering explanation of what he truly means at the core of his words. Stephen A. also talks about the criticism and being called out for comments on Jasmine Crockett, saying it wasn't an attack on black women but taking action to be apart of the solution not the problem. He also gets personal—discussing fatherhood as his two daughters have come into public eye lately and how it influences his choices on and off the air. He goes deep into his roots with the love and respect of his mother, who's voice still guides him today and the lessons he learned the hard way from his father's choices that have all led to shaping the man he is today. And of course we had to ask him about running for President, not only is he serious but Stephen A. shares why he believes he would win the office of Presidency and his why that drives him to take on politics in this dangerous era of hate and controversy. Buckle up, because this conversation covers it all and nothing is off limits! A special thanks to our partners at Jack Daniels for sponsoring this conversation and inviting us to be apart of their F1 partnership with McLaren, check us out in Austin, TX this wknd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I couldn’t keep my air, I couldn’t make any loud sound and I thought my career was over.” Joe Buck In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, legendary sportscaster Joe Buck takes the hot seat for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with Ryan, Channing, and Fred that's raw, insightful, and hilarious at times that goes far beyond the broadcast booth. From calling Super Bowls and World Series to growing up in the shadow of broadcasting icon Jack Buck, Joe opens up about the pressure, the privilege, and the personal journey behind the mic. He shares untold stories from the booth, the toll of living under public scrutiny, and how he's forged his own identity in the world of sports media. No topic is off-limits — from navigating criticism to growing up idolizing his dad to balancing his own career with fatherhood to revealing his biggest pivot, when he thought his livelihood was over. Now headlining Monday Night Football as lead play by play announcer, Joe opens up about his iconic partnership with Troy Aikman, reflecting on their chemistry, friendship, and how they’ve navigated decades together as one of the most recognized duos in sports media. But behind the mic is a man with even more to say about life off the field — Joe gets real about finding love again, marrying Michelle Beisner, raising twin boys as an older dad, and learning how to prioritize family after years of grinding in a high-pressure industry. He speaks with so much pride about his older daughters and admits he's not great at coaching youth sports for his kids. In a moment of reflection and honesty, Joe reveals how he almost lost the ability to do what he loves and how terrifying not being able to speak truly was but finding the courage to power through, This episode is a masterclass in vulnerability, humor, and resilience from a man who’s called the biggest moments in sports — and is now living some of the biggest moments of his life. Like, follow and leave us your comments, we love hearing from you Pivot family. Get a free trial at https://www.shipstation.com/pivot. Thanks to ShipStation for partnering with us on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I was lying to myself, the man in the mirror, I was lying to myself about where my heart was at, where my mind was at and that was hardest for me to deal with- if I could lie to myself of course I could lie to anybody.” -Odell Beckham Jr  Pivot Family- yes! A long awaited conversation comes at the right time as star Odell Beckham Jr joins The Pivot opening up to Ryan, Channing and Fred in an emotional, deeply personal and authentic conversation as Odell navigates his recent life reflections, his football journey, life of fame and where he goes from here. Undeniably one of the most famous athletes in the world, OBJ takes the guys through his football career, the highs, the lows, the stardom, the misconceptions, the regrets, the emotions, Super Bowl win and the one thing he has to face now before getting back to the game he loves most. Announcing his return to the NFL, he speaks about what is next, the team he wants to join, the coach he is forever indebted to and the big plays that lifted him to a larger than life persona. Getting into the celebrity circles, dating famously, high-profile friends, traveling the world, the guys talk about it all and in powerful break through, Odell lets his guard down and owns up to falling short in certain areas as a man, father, son, friend and teammate. He shares how becoming a father saved his life and how being able to do right by his son is the leading factor in why he has decided to change in certain areas of life. On a new path to right the wrongs and capitalize on the time he has now, his one focus is getting back on the football field, doing what he loves and not leave the game until it's on his terms. This conversation is one of the most powerful and honest we've had on The Pivot and we are extremely grateful, that Odell's vulnerability and willingness to share not only enlightened us but also teaches valuable lessons about accountability, growth and second chances. Don't forget to comment, like and subscribe to let us know what you think of each episode and to find out the most up to date happenings with The Pivot. We appreciate you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Whatever you try to stamp out or silence, ends up making that thing more popular.” Josh Johnson  On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, the hilarious and insightful Josh Johnson joins the guys to talk about his meteoric rise in the world of comedy. From viral stand-up clips and sold-out shows to his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live and taking the reins as guest host on The Daily Show, Josh is proving that smart, vulnerable, and fearless comedy has a powerful place in today’s culture. In between all the laughs and funny banter, an unbelievable conversation happens with Ryan, Channing, Fred and Josh, as we understand more about his why. Known for blending sharp observations with deeply personal stories, Josh opens up about his journey from a small town in Louisiana to writing for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and becoming one of the most exciting voices in stand-up. He shares how he found his voice on stage, built his audience from the ground up through digital platforms, and turned moments of uncertainty into defining pivots in his career. In this raw and funny conversation, Josh talks about handling pressure in high-stakes moments, the creative grind behind his success, and why staying true to yourself is the ultimate flex. Whether you’re chasing a dream or reinventing yourself, Josh’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of comedy to connect and transform. Don’t miss this inspiring sit-down with one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"When you stand on what matters, everything is going to fall into place for you." Anthony Ramos One's journey is never a straight line and often the path we think we are destined for is paved with lots of ups and downs that lead us to where we belong. In this pivotal conversation, Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with multi‑talented actor, singer, and storyteller Anthony Ramos, to explore the twists, turns, and lessons that have shaped his journey. From humble beginnings of the New York streets to Broadway stages, from major film sets to music studios, Anthony shares how he’s navigated shifting expectations, risk, and growth — all while staying rooted in identity and purpose. He shares the impact that starring in Hamilton had on his life, the wisdom from Busta Rhymes, the excitement of Spike Lee, being on set with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, his most transformative role as well as his most challenging and gives a sneak peek at some big projects in the works. It's a reflective and honest conversation on the little moments and decisions that led him to chase his dream down an unlikely path overcoming poverty, sharing how the streets taught him to act and maneuver the challenges of a rough upbringing and why pursuing a passion is often out of reach for people like him. He talks to Ryan about dealing with race and cultural barriers, staying authentically himself while balancing Hollywood pressures, choosing to be on the right side of his beliefs, betting on himself and taking risks to chase the big roles. He talks to Channing how he mended the relationship with his father before he passed and explains to Fred saying no is hard but being loyal to his roots matters the most, which he explains turning down the chance to work with J.Lo. The guys get into what “pivoting” really means when your life is already in motion as this episode goes beyond the highlight reel to dig into the grind, the doubts, and the quiet breakthroughs. Whether you’re in creative fields or facing your own pivot point, Anthony’s transparency and mindset offer resonance and inspiration. Tap into The Pivot Podcast on YouTube, hit the subscribe button, like, comment and let us know what you think! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Just being able to see you are still just a person because being a superstar is like a mask, it’s like a representative, when you get in jail and fighting for your life, you realize this shit is all an act, it’s all just a mask.”  Young Thug In one of the most raw and captivating episodes of the year, Young Thug sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for an unfiltered conversation in which he opens up in like never before after beating Georgia's biggest case, enduring a trial that shook the hip-hop world and reflecting on the emotional toll of incarceration, how he navigated leaked phone calls, and the impact it all had on his family and mental health. From the moment the guys start talking, Thug is full of emotion, remorse and takes accountability for all that he's been through and put the people closest to him through- he longs for a fresh start but doesn't waiver on who he is, his manhood and doubles down on loyalty. Ryan asks Thug how things got to where they did and why he turned to the streets, despite his overwhelming success, dating back to his childhood and growing up in a house with his father as an example of family. Acknowledging the weight of the world on his shoulders, he reveals how he's been coping, exploring the range of emotions he's experiencing and understanding ways to deal with depression. He speaks candidly about his relationship with his girlfriend Mariah The Scientist and how they survived through the storm, expresses gratitude for fatherhood, and shares what kept him grounded when his future looked uncertain.In a moment of vulnerability, Thug reveals the people who didn't turn their back on him during the dark times, including Drake, Lil Baby and how Kanye and Kim Kardashian are the ones who gave him his biggest break. Thug gives fans a glimpse into his creative mindset, impact on culture, life codes, details behind his new music and how his experiences have transformed his sound and purpose. Going through  emotional—now is Young Thug’s most pivotal moment, as he tunes out the negative noise, ignores the criticism and embraces the chance to start over.  Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices