“I hope there’s a world where you don’t have to come out of the closet because you never have to go in. We get to see each other for humanity and not what makes us different.” Carl Nassib former NFL player

In a groundbreaking and deeply personal episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder sit down with Carl Nassib — former NFL defensive end, entrepreneur, and trailblazer — for an unfiltered conversation about football, identity, and forging your own path.

Carl, who was the first active NFL player to come out as gay in 2021, may be tied to that moment forever but his purpose and legacy on and off the field goes far beyond all of that. From his early days at Penn State to making NFL history with the Las Vegas Raiders, the guys go through his football journey and explore the courage, challenges, and cultural impact of Nassib’s voice in society and sports.

Carl opens up about the moment that changed his life and the NFL forever: becoming the first active player to come out as gay. He discusses the weight of that decision, the support he received, and the backlash he had to navigate. The conversation takes us through Carl’s mindset through his playing days with the Browns, Raiders, and Buccaneers, the highs and lows of being a professional athlete, and how his personal journey intersected with his career.

But this episode goes beyond headlines. Carl shares insight into his post-football ventures, including his work with The Trevor Project and his foray into the world of finance and entrepreneurship. With honesty and humor, he talks about what it means to live authentically, redefine masculinity, and make space for others to do the same. He talks on how he misses the brotherhood of the NFL locker room, the bond with his coaches and teammates, his historical game vs Lamar Jackson and how his jersey will be a part of history at the Smithsonian museum.

Carl's story has reshaped the conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports as well as opened the minds of others who for so long couldn't grasp the idea while inspiring a new generation of athletes to live authentically.

Tap in for a powerful and thought-provoking discussion that challenges assumptions, celebrates courage, and highlights the strength it takes to pivot — both on and off the field. Full episode streaming now on YouTube and don't forget to hit the subscribe button and comment your thoughts below!

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“I don’t think I’m here because I want to be remembered by everyone or be known as the best in the world, I’m here to just enjoy my life. Some people want to be remembered forever, I have no interest in that- I want to enjoy my moment. ”  Lando Norris

Pivot Family we are in Miami and we have an unbelievable show for you!! In partnership with Jack Daniels and McLaren, we are racing through the sports world with a Pivotal pitstop at this weekend's Formula One Grand Prix ! The racing fanbase is loyal and the extreme popularity of F1 has hit the United States and we were excited to be apart of the conversation.

That's right, not only are we sitting with the 2024 Miami Grand Prix winner and experiencing the sights and sounds of race wknd- We are talking all the biggest headlines and storylines in sports from the Sanders family big week to The Haliburton's to the viral 100 men vs a gorilla question…this episode is packed and one you definitely want to tap into! 

Join Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder as they sit down with the 25 year old Formula 1 sensation Lando Norris as we learn more about the man behind the helmet. Lando brings the guys up to speed on the ins and outs of racing and not only what it takes to compete at the highest level, but win. From his early days karting in the UK to becoming a leading driver for McLaren, Lando shares the pivotal moments that have defined his journey both on and off the track.

Lando opens up about the mental challenges of competing at the highest level, discussing how he navigates pressure, criticism, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. He reflects on his experiences getting into racing, his childhood upbringing, importance of family bonds, having a strong mindset, and the strategies he employs to maintain focus and resilience. 

The conversation also delves into the dynamics within the McLaren team, the price of racing, the lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks as well as Lando’s future as a driver and what he envisions for himself down the road. Lando's candid insights offer a rare glimpse into the mindset of a young athlete striving for excellence in one of the world's most demanding sports, that only has 20 spots to compete.

Back in Miami where he captured his first Grand Prix checkered flag last year, Lando has sights set on returning to the podium and continuing to chase his dream to be a champion. Lando heads back to the garage for final preparations, Ryan, Channing and Fred continue to chat about NFL Draft with the Sanders, NBA playoffs and the guys listen to Channing say he will defy the odds and be one of the men who wouldn't be afraid to take on a Gorilla! We laugh, we learn a lot about a brand new world to us and continue to bring insightful and impactful discussions.

We truly appreciate Jack Daniels for their partnership and allowing us the opportunity to be at the forefront of all the action and along side two globally iconic brands that share common values as Jack Daniel and Bruce McLaren founded their brands with a pioneering spirit driven by a craftsman’s continuous quest for perfection which we strive to do with all of our content on The Pivot.

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 “My Biggest Pivot? Being homeless. Experiencing that, growing up having to really be humble, having to sacrifice and look at things from a different point of view. Not feeling like I ever fit in, I always feel like I had a lot of time to look inward.” Josh Jacobs.

In life, we often see the end result of success but never understand the story of what one endures to achieve it. Perseverance often makes the difference between success and failure, and this conversation is about a young man overcoming obstacles to find himself on an unlikely path that reveals his greatest gifts.

While in Green Bay for the 2025 NFL Draft, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit with Packers' star Running Back, Josh Jacobs for an unfiltered and deep conversation about his journey from sleeping in cars to a feeling of never fitting in to becoming a first-round draft pick and a Pro Bowl player.

Jacobs opens up about his challenging upbringing, how football became his escape, the mental battles and emotional turmoil he faced even after making it to the league. Forging a life-long close bond with his father who raised him and his siblings, Josh talks about the unconditional love and gratitude he has for his family and finding the ability to forgive his mother after opening up on the burdens of their relationship.

As an underrated high school player, Josh's football talents took him to Alabama where Josh was one of the best backs in college despite being third on the depth chart, having to prove himself day in and day out. He shares his pivotal point in ball and how Nick Saban played an intricate role his football career pushing to the next level and how he learned growth and discipline through football.

He shares the truth about contract negotiations, his thoughts on the running back position being devalued, his mindset after leaving the Raiders, and how he stays grounded in a world that constantly tests him. Josh reveals the pain he feels for his former teammate and close friend Henry Ruggs and how he hopes young people learn how one moment and one choice can alter life's direction. And of course the guys ask him about the talented roster in Green Bay as Josh raves about his quarterback Jordan Love, his head coach's leadership and what the team is working towards for the 2025 season.

This is more than a sports story and far beyond football—it’s about resilience, growth, and finding purpose beyond the game. Tap in now for the full conversation and don't forget to subscribe and comment to share your thoughts on the show.

Get a free trial at https://www.shipstation.com/pivot. Thanks to ShipStation for supporting this episode.

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Football is back and we are ready to go! Round 1 of NFL Draft in the books and we are live in GreenBay with a front row seat to all the stars, big moves, surprise news and inside information as we go through the first night that sets up the start of another NFL Season!

Travis Hunter in Jacksonville, only 2 Quarterbacks off the board, where does Shedeur Sanders land and how does Deion Sanders react. Ryan, Channing and Fred break it all down, react to some of the bigger moments while sharing their own stories of draft night, locker room stories and hang with Green Bay star Josh Jacobs who tells the guys what draft process is like as a first rounder.

The guys also talk the latest around the Shannon Sharpe fall out, Deion's family standard, what to expect in rounds 2-7 and the true meaning of being drafted in the NFL. This one is a fun one but we cover a lot!

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“Last words I ever told him was I love him and keep fighting. So that’s what I’m gonna live by from now on, just keep fighting, keep going no matter the circumstance but just keep on going.” Jack Bech

We try to find the right words to capture the impact and emotion of this episode, but this is one, that when you listen to it, you'll understand how rare and special of a human Jack Bech is and why any NFL team who drafts him, will instantly be better for it. Whether you're an athlete, a dreamer, or someone rebuilding from a loss, this episode is a reminder: the pivot isn’t the end — it’s where growth begins.

Ryan, Channing and Fred visit Lafayette, Louisiana, home of the Bech family and sit with Jack at the place his football career all started, St. Thomas More Catholic High School. Recent tragedy struck his family as his older brother, Tiger, was a victim of the Bourbon Street New Year's Eve attack. Jack opens up on the horrific moments of that night as he reflects on losing his brother who he idolized in every aspect from football to his faith to being his best friend since he was a young boy. In a special moment, he reveals something that he hasn't publicly shared yet about losing his brother and why now is the right time to share,

With Jack projected to be a day two pick in the upcoming NFL draft, he shares that NFL teams are getting a two-for-one special as he is no longer just playing for him, but his brother too. As a wide receiver, his football journey has been anything but linear. From LSU to TCU, Jack opens up about the highs, the heartbreaks, and the headspace it takes to bet on yourself when the world starts doubting you. Coming off a dominant final year in college ball, Jack shares how he’s turned grief into grit—navigating injuries, transfers, and the pressure of expectations while holding tight to his love for the game.

His family's heartbreak is added-fuel towards fulfilling his dream of a long successful NFL career and names a few star wide receivers he admires and models his game after from Cooper Kupp to LSU friends Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Malik Nabers, taking pieces of their style to craft into his own.

Jack is ready for wherever his journey takes him next and his guardian angel will be there to join him in any NFL city he calls home, and if you don't believe him, just watch.

The Pivot Family will be rooting for Jack and his family this weekend as his football fate is determined. Don't forget to subscribe and comment below.

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"I didn't hit a rock bottom. I just got tired of digging…Tired of digging myself out of messes.” Lane Kiffin, Head Coach Ole Miss Football 

It's a football Friday episode with the fellas as Ryan, Channing and Fred chat with one of the most polarizing figures in college sports, Coach Lane Kiffin, who's sharp wit fans have come to expect, but this conversation reveals a side of him that few get to see, full of humility, gratitude and tremendous respect for the men who helped shape his career from Nick Saban to Pete Caroll to most important his father, the late Monte Kiffin.

From once being the NFL’s youngest head coach at just 31, to public scrutiny in his hirings and firings to now becoming the Head man at Ole Miss football, Kiffin reflects on the peaks and pitfalls of a career that’s seen everything from sideline success to very significant setbacks.

Now older, wiser, and grounded in both his personal life and his coaching philosophy, Kiffin opens up about the man he’s become, both for himself, his players and children. He talks candidly about getting sober, becoming a more present father, and rebuilding his life off the field, explaining how change didn't come from a breakdown, but from a decision to be better.

Losing his father, his life-long hero, is a something Coach couldn't measure the impact one person could have on so many people and so many aspects of life until he had time to let his legacy sit in and guide him through the next phase of his life.

The guys ask Kiffin about the ever-changing landscape of college football, NIL, the transfer portal, and what it takes to keep a team together when everything around it is constantly shifting. Kiffin isn’t shy about the challenges, but he’s also clear-eyed about what matters most, connection and relationships with these young men. He speaks on his Quarterback, a top NFL Draft prospect, Jaxson Dart and why any of the 32 teams isn't just getting a talented stud on the field but a massive star in everyday.

Reflecting on his time working with mentors, Pete Carroll and Nick Saban, Lane offers a rare look into what shaped his football mind and how getting fired from USC, the job he once idolized, became a major pivot, forcing him to grow not just as a coach, but as a human.

The guys go beyond X’s and O’s. From laughing about yoga poses and NIL drama to unpacking grief, fatherhood, and the need for emotional sobriety, Kiffin shows that vulnerability is not weakness it’s evolution... “You don’t have to figure it out forever. You just have to do it today,” he says.

Getting prepped for the 2025 season after Spring ball, Coach Kiffin is already scheming, tweeting and quietly building something powerful in Oxford. He may not be calling Cover 2 like his dad, but he’s got a few plays dialed up you won’t see coming on this episode of the Pivot. Don't forget to like and comment as you follow us on YouTube!

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“Even if you hate your job, you hate your career- Collect everything you possibly can from this experience and then move to the next thing and collect everything from that.” Jay Shetty 

Pivot Family, in this introspective and soul-stirring episode, we go outside our comfort zone of sports and entertainment, approach topics we tend to ignore and ask questions that will help guide us to not just find our purpose but to LIVE our purpose, and who better to do it with than a man who sits atop the space, globally known for his wisdom and guidance.

New York Times Best Selling author, Award-winning podcast host and former monk Jay Shetty brings a powerful blend of vulnerability, clarity, and wisdom to the discussion. Known for helping millions navigate personal growth and emotional healing, Jay sits down with the newly minted Black Monk (our own Ryan Clark), Channing and Fred to share how his life has been built on pivots. Spiritually, emotionally, and professionally, “My life has just been full of pivots… I don’t actually want to be ever not pivoting,” he says, embracing change as a lifelong practice rather than a one-time choice.

Jay opens up to the guys about his unlikely journey from chasing status in London to giving it all up to become a monk, living in an ashram. Ryan asks if it was a failure to leave the monastery after three years to pursue his calling for motivational speaking as the guys discuss the reality of how life shifts and if we don't evolve, we can't grow. Jay recounts the days when no one showed up to hear him speak, the power of pushing forward and not being afraid to start at zero, reminding us all that growth requires humility, patience, and persistence.

Throughout the conversation, Jay breaks down the challenges people face in modern

relationships, identity, and purpose. He speaks candidly about love. What it is, what it isn’t, and

why we often confuse instability for excitement, flipping the cultural script on romance and connection.

Whether discussing solitude, emotional baggage, or finding meaning through pain, Jay delivers deep truths with the calm assurance of someone who’s lived every word. Jay opens up about marriage, failure, grief, and the challenge of letting go of people, careers, and versions of ourselves we’ve outgrown. He shares with the guys that we lose love to remind ourselves that there are other emotional skills to be developed by challenging us to grow beyond heartbreak, not just recover from it.

More than just motivation, this episode is a toolkit for self-discovery. With his signature

compassion and clarity, Jay Shetty proves that pivoting isn’t something you fear, it’s how you

evolve. Whether you’re starting over or standing still, this conversation might be the shift you

didn’t know you needed. Like and Comment what your biggest takeaway is from the conversation.

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“I was at the lowest point, I didn't know what I wanted. I didn't even know if I wanted to be alive at the time.” Michael Carter-Williams Former NBA star 

In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, former NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams sits down with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder to share the untold story of his journey through the highs and lows of professional basketball, the quiet moments that almost broke him and uncovering resilience. From instant stardom to injury setbacks and battling to stay in the league, Micheal opens up on how he found the mental toughness needed to keep pushing when the world counted him out and shares how he found peace and joy again.

From rock bottom back up to the fullest he's been in his life, Michael talks about the pressure of early success, the lessons learned from adversity, and how fatherhood and personal growth reshaped his mindset both on and off the court. This conversation is raw and honest about identity, perseverance, and finding purpose beyond the sport.

He reflects on growing up in a wealthy town but not having wealth, navigating the feeling of being an outsider in both predominantly white and Black spaces, and how basketball became his outlet.

Michael takes the guys through the surreal moment of winning Rookie of the Year with the 76ers, only to be traded the next season. He opens up about being coached by his childhood idol Jason Kidd, their fallout, the challenges of bouncing between five teams in five years, and the mental toll of trying to live up to high expectations.

At one of the lowest moments in his life, Michael reveals how he lost both his NBA job and his fiancé in the same week, sending him into deep depression and self-doubt. He admits there was a time he didn’t even know if he wanted to be alive. But through therapy, self-reflection, and rediscovering his purpose, he found his way back, eventually re-earning the trust of his now-wife and securing a two-year deal with the Orlando Magic.

Transitioning into the next phase of his life, Michael talks about his role as an ESPN analyst, the importance of teaching athletes about business, and why mental health is still taboo in NBA locker rooms. He hopes to change that narrative by starting real conversations something he wishes had been available to him earlier in his career.

This episode of the Pivot is about survival, self-worth, and embracing the journey, no matter how unpredictable it gets. Michael Carter-Williams’ story proves that success isn’t defined by awards or contracts, but by the ability to fight through adversity, rebuild, and come back stronger than before. Don't forget to comment, follow and like for more conversations like this!

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“I came back and gave my time so that I could give a young man an opportunity to dream, understand how to handle himself on and off court, have accountability, responsibility and to share a mentality that nothing is going to be given to you, you have to earn everything and get out of entitlement phase.” Penny Hardaway

In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with NBA legend and Hall of Famer Penny Hardaway for an in-depth conversation about his journey from basketball icon to cultural influencer to fatherhood to head coach of the Memphis Tigers. This conversation goes far beyond basketball, it’s about life, leadership, mentorship, and Penny's commitment to giving back to his community to inspire future generations.

Penny opens up about his early days growing up in Memphis, his rise to fame in the NBA, and the lessons he’s carried with him throughout his career. He shares with the guys his humble beginnings and being raised by his grandmother after both his parents were in and out of the picture. He speaks with raw honesty about the quiet strength she instilled in him, preaching loyalty to his roots and how that foundation helped him navigate the fame and expectations that would come with being one of the most prolific athletes of his generation.

As one of the most beloved figures in basketball, Penny shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time with the Orlando Magic, From playing alongside Shaquille O’Neal to chasing a championship to facing Michael Jordan to injuries derailing his explosive career...Penny doesn't lean into regrets, but admits that without the injuries, his name would have been mentioned with the greats. Despite Shaq and Penny going separate ways, he admits that the most fun he had playing basketball was with his larger than life teammate and it was a rockstar lifestyle on and off the court.

Now as Head Coach of the Memphis Tigers, Penny is more than just a coach. He’s a pillar for his city and a mentor to a new generation of young men. He reflects on the promise he made to his childhood friend and former coach Desmond Merriweather, a promise that brought him back home and inspired him to help create paths for young people to chase dreams. He talks about coaching his own sons and how it brought a new love of the game seeing his own sons play and be able to connect with them differently. With a disappointing early-round loss in NCAA tournament, Penny understands that the post season is where legacy is created, not just for him as a coach but for the athletes too. Navigating the NIL landscape has been tricky, but Penny stands firm on his philosophy that anyone can give you the money, butt not everyone can get you better in the gym.

One of our favorite conversations we have had because of the honesty and realness in the words spoken as Penny reminds us all that life is bigger than who we are, it's what we do with the gifts given to us that matter the most. And in every word, he proves that no matter how far you go, there’s power in returning home, not just to give back, but to build something bigger than yourself. Follow us and comment on what you think about this conversation.

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“I became world champion in a year and a half. People ain't been on my level. I’m more than special.” Fred Kerley 

Fred Kerley’s speed on the track is matched only by the intensity of his mindset and the strength of his journey. Sitting with Ryan, Channing and Fred- the guys are taking back by his serious demeanor and no-play attitude. 

From a football and basketball hopeful to one of the fastest men in the universe, the Olympic medalist and world champion sits down with The Pivot crew to talk about the twists, turns, and challenges that shaped his career.

Kerley doesn’t hold back as he reflects on the defining moments of his life, Growing up in a tough environment, being adopted, and making a life-changing decision to leave Texas to pursue a professional contract, which he credits to helping him mature faster and avoiding the pitfalls that trapped so many around him.

Kerley opens up about handling various pressures of being an elite sprinter and how hundreds of hours of preparation comes down to less than a minute and how your whole life and career can change in 9 seconds. Building up mental resilience to stay focused and achieve success is the goal every second of the day. 

While Fred dominates the track, he shares his thoughts on life beyond racing—his love for farming, his dedication to his kids, and why he believes track and field doesn’t get the respect it deserves compared to the NBA and NFL.

Of course, Kerley doesn’t shy away from the rivalries that fuel his competitive fire, taking direct aim at Noah Lyles: “Go look at the record books, look who got more wins.”

Whether it’s lining up against the best in the world or proving his critics wrong, Kerley is confident in his abilities and unapologetic in his approach. With high expectations swirling around the 2028 LA Olympics, he’s determined to go out on top and spend his next 2 years regaining his title as fastest man in the world. 

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