“There’s a difference between earning and building wealth.” Rich Kleiman

In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, business mogul Rich Kleiman sits down for a candid and compelling conversation about his unconventional path from small-time bookie to one of the most influential figures in sports and business. With honesty and sharp insight, Kleiman reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his journey—lessons learned on the streets, the risks he took early on, and how those experiences laid the groundwork for his future as a dealmaker and entrepreneur.

A central part of the conversation highlights his long-standing partnership with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Kleiman offers a behind-the-scenes look at how their relationship grew from friendship into a powerful business alliance, including the creation of Thirty Five Ventures and their approach to investing, branding, and storytelling.

Kleiman dives deep into his evolution as a business strategist, detailing how he built a reputation rooted in trust, loyalty, and vision. From lessons learned through shadowing Jay Z to what the streets taught him the hard way, Rich shares the vision behind co-founding Boardroom, the media and investment platform redefining how athletes and fans engage with the business of sports, culture, and entertainment.

Throughout the conversation, Kleiman touches on his work across industries—from media and tech to sports and philanthropy—revealing the key mindset that has helped him navigate high-stakes environments and build lasting impact. This is a story about reinvention, resilience, and recognizing opportunity where others might not. It’s an insightful listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, partnership, and the business of turning passion into power.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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“He said what he said!” Channing Crowder 

Another Friday with the fellas, and we are keeping it real as it comes! In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor dive headfirst into the growing tension between media narratives and athlete realities—where competition doesn’t just stay on the field, but spills into headlines, hot takes, and heated exchanges.

The guys unpack what happens when sports and media collide in a war of words, questioning whether loyalty still holds value in an era driven by viral moments and attention economics. Is integrity being sacrificed for clicks? And more importantly, how do athletes and analysts alike stop chasing acceptance in spaces that thrive on controversy?

They break down the ongoing friction between Cam Newton and Stephen A. Smith, offering perspective on accountability, respect, and the blurred lines between critique and personal attack while RC opens up on his views being dragged into it. The conversation expands to Dan Orlovsky’s recent criticisms and the debate surrounding leadership and performance expectations at the quarterback position—including the Fernando Mendoza vs. Ty Simpson No. 1 QB discussion. Channing agrees with Dan O while Fred feels that this 2026 QB NFL Draft class is weaker than recent ones.

Switching gears to NBA and basketball talk, the crew reflects on Victor Wembanyama’s unique presence in the league—his confidence, individuality, and whether his global background gives him an edge in navigating pressure without the weight of American sports culture norms or fandom of players like Lebron. The guys are fired up by Wemby' swag and echo his MVP chatter.

Rounding out the episode, the guys take a moment to acknowledge J. Cole’s message about authenticity and self-awareness, tying it back to the broader theme of staying grounded in truth while the world demands performance. We also spoke about acceptance, finding worth in achievement and what is the standard we value our success at.

It’s a raw, honest, and thought-provoking episode about identity, accountability, and the cost of being real in a system built for noise.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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“I regret none of it, I lived the best of both worlds.” Jeezy

We couldn't hide the excitement on this one, sitting with the man behind the soundtrack of our young adult lives...In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, Jeezy pulls up for a raw and reflective conversation about the journey that shaped him—from the pressures and grind of Atlanta’s streets to becoming a defining voice in hip hop culture. He opens up about the evolution of his music, how his mindset shifted over the years, and what it really means to bet on yourself when the odds aren’t in your favor.

Jeezy speaks candidly about carrying the weight of being a culture icon, the responsibility that comes with it, and how Atlanta’s influence helped mold not just his sound, but an entire era of music. The guys go deep into his phases of life, the transition of growth in his albums, using music as his message to culture, betting on himself when all else fails and taking risks despite being advised not to. 

Beyond the spotlight, he dives into personal battles with depression, offering a rare look at the emotional challenges behind the success. Jeezy also reflects on a pivotal moment in his life—being arrested—and how that experience became a turning point that forced him to reassess his path and ultimately change the trajectory of his life. 

Ofcourse, we have our laughs and lighter moments, when Channing calls him out on owing him money from the days of his music influencing his car purchases and the amount of money spent in strip clubs as well as the catalyst that pushed him back into the studio away from the outside noise. 

The conversation also explores his growth as a father and the realities of co-parenting, highlighting the importance of maturity, communication, and legacy. Jeezy reflects on his long-standing bond with Jay-Z, sharing insights into their mutual respect and what he’s learned from one of the game’s greats.

To top it off, he talks about his new Las Vegas residency and what this next chapter represents—not just as an artist, but as a man continuing to evolve while creating an experience for people to truly reflect on the longevity of music, message and motivation.

This episode is about resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying true to your vision—no matter where you start.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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“Here’s why people love to air out their dirty laundry in public.”-Channing Crowder 

It's a Friday back with your favorite fellas, Ryan, Channing and Fred chop it up covering a lot of topics from sports madness to public accountability to relationships to all the click bait topics trending...

Online feuds and podcast bickering continues as people feel like they can say anything with conviction, we break down the latest with Kenyon Martin calling out disrespect while Chad "Ocho" Johnson stands on business to his co-hosts. More and more we learn the power of athlete owned platforms with Maxx Crosby speaking out on what REALLY went down with the Ravens being another example. Ryan shares his own experience with the situation as Channing and Fred give their perspective on the business of the league.

Russell Wilson gets mixed feedback on his role in his stepson Future's life after taking him on a college visit, but the guys don't hold back on what's really at the core of this chatter with a surprise take from Channing and RC issuing a long overdue apology. Freddy T wants to know why everyone feels it's ok to film and share all private matters as the guys go deeper into family business no longer being inside discussions leading into dynamic of relationships changing...

And of course we tee up a few relationship trending stories to our "Tell you how it is" expert as Channing cuts right to the root of these topics and shares his own story of what it took for his wife to finally look his way before they started dating haha!

Also big shout out to women sports for March's biggest victory with the WNBA's new CBA deal as we go inside to talk about the massive increases in almost every aspect which truly reflects the value and progress.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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“You don’t know what grace is, until you are in need of it.” Devon Franklin

Lights, Camera, Faith- we get a behind the scenes look into the story of Devon Franklin, producer, bestselling author, husband, preacher, and purpose-driven leader for one of the most reflective conversations we've had on The Pivot Podcast. His story is proof that success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about alignment, growth, and the courage to start over when life changes direction.

From Hollywood success to personal setbacks and rediscovering joy, Devon brings powerful lessons on resilience, purpose, and trusting the process. It’s a raw, inspiring discussion about letting go, betting on yourself, and having the courage to pivot into the next chapter of your life. He speaks about his gratitude for Will Smith's role in his life as well as being confident enough to take the risk of leaving a "safe" powerhouse film company to pursue his own passion of filmmaking driven by passion and purpose over position. From developing major studio hits to producing faith-inspired films for mainstream audiences, Devon's career is on the rise with no signs of slowing down.

Personally, Devon talks openly about the grief, self-reflection, and healing that followed his very public divorce from Meagan Good—sharing how the experience forced him to redefine love, identity, and expectations. He opens up about heartbreak, healing, and what it really takes to move forward when the life you planned suddenly changes.

But this conversation isn’t just about loss—it’s about taking chances again. Devon shares how he found the courage to believe in love again, why faith and vulnerability are essential to growth, how embracing uncertainty can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be and to always trust that life can still unfold in beautiful ways after disappointment.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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"We know as the players grow, the league grows and vice versa, so we aren't settling for anything less than we've earned." Breanna Stewart

March celebrates all the amazing women out there and we were pumped to sit down with one of the greatest female athletes of this generation who isn't just a legend on the court, but a superstar in all aspects! Basketball royalty Breanna Stewart joins The Pivot Podcast for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and the future of women’s basketball.

Fresh off winning a championship in Unrivaled Basketball, a league Stewart and her former teammate Napheesa Collier created, Breanna is preparing to etch her legacy in stone even more as she is at the forefront of a historical moment for the WNBA.

Breanna opens up about her role in helping shape the WNBA’s next collective bargaining agreement and why this is critical for the league’s continued growth. She shares insight into how players are pushing for improved salaries, revenue sharing, better working conditions, and long-term sustainability as the popularity of women’s basketball reaches new heights. The foundation was built from strong women like herself, Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi to the new energy of Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Aja Wilson and Paige Bueckers...Women's sports is drawing millions of viewers worldwide.

Stewart also discusses the vision behind the new Unrivaled league and why creating more opportunities for WNBA players during the offseason was so important. She explains how the league is designed to keep elite players competing in the United States while giving them greater ownership, financial opportunities, and a stronger voice in the business side of the sport. With more eyes on the sport than ever, the challenge to get it right is one of the most defining opportunities in her career.

The conversation also reflects on Stewart's iconic journey—from becoming one of the greatest players in UConn history with four National Championships to winning three WNBA titles to MVP honors to the privilege of playing and winning gold for her country with Team USA . She talks about the pressure that came with being a generational talent, how those expectations shaped her competitive mindset, and what she hopes her legacy will be as the women’s game continues to evolve.

Off the court, Stewart shares how motherhood and marriage have changed her perspective on life and basketball. She speaks candidly about balancing family with the demands of being a professional athlete, how becoming a mom has influenced her leadership, and the importance of building a future where the next generation of players—and young girls watching—have more opportunities than ever before. No stranger to using her platform for change, Stewart is a powerful voice in cultural and society issues as well as an advocate for women of sexual abuse.

From the young girl who learned competition the hard way to now on the front lines advocating for the growth of women’s sports, Breanna Stewart continues to push the game forward while competing at the highest level.

It’s a powerful discussion about impact, ownership, and using your platform to change the game. Pivot Family! Please comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to hear it all!

Hot Topics Covered:

WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations

The vision behind the Unrivaled basketball league

UConn dominance and college basketball legacy

Winning WNBA championships and MVPs

Leadership in women’s basketball

Motherhood, marriage, and life off the court

Representing Team USA and Olympic success

Building the future of women’s sports

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"I produced some badass fights for UFC...and they were waiting for me to lose."- Demetrious Johnson

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, the guys sit down with one of the most technically brilliant fighters in combat sports history, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. Widely considered one of the greatest flyweights of all time, Johnson opens up about the journey that shaped him — from a difficult childhood to becoming a global MMA icon to the disappointment of never having the fight platform he earned.

Johnson reflects on growing up with a deaf mother and the responsibility and resilience that came with it. Not meeting his biological father until later in life, Demetrious' mom and sister were always at forefront of his choices, as he worked to turn his aggression and frustration into championship wrestling and competition skills. He shares how those early experiences forged the discipline and mindset that would later define his career. The conversation dives into the highs and lows of his time in the UFC, the challenges he faced during turbulent moments in the promotion, and the pivotal decision that led him to continue his legacy on the global stage of MMA.

Beyond championships and highlight-reel finishes, Johnson talks about what the sport has meant to him and the mark he hopes to leave behind. He discusses the evolution of mixed martial arts, his role in elevating the flyweight division, and how he wants to be remembered by the next generation of fighters. A complicated and often misunderstood relationship with Dana White led to Demetrious being a part of history, as the first trade in MMA with Ben Askren going to the UFC while DJ landed in a different MMA platform. Ryan goes in-depth about the elite skill set that defined DJ's career, how he ranks amongst the top MMA fighters and how his legacy is remembered.

Outside the cage, the conversation turns personal. Johnson opens up about fatherhood, marriage, and the balance between being a world-class athlete and a present husband and dad. It’s a candid and thoughtful look at the man behind “Mighty Mouse,” his values, and the legacy he’s building both inside and outside the cage as well as raising children with transparency and exposing them to the harsh realties of culture, race and social issues facing the world now.

A powerful conversation about perseverance, humility, and greatness you don't want to miss...Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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“I see it as a tragedy and a cautionary tale, just think of what it could’ve been.” Ryan Clark 

Friday back with the fellas as Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder kick off March Madness and NFL's Free Agency frenzy for an unfiltered conversation where the mics seem hotter than normal...no guests—just the three guys giving fiery takes about everything happening right now in sports, culture and life.

Taking a moment to talk about another young life lost to soon and why mental health is such a hard road to navigate in today's world. The conversation pivots into the wild world of podcast beefs and social media drama from 50 Cent to TI as the hosts give their honest takes on how the podcast game has changed media and why there is no standard of checks and balances. And it's Freddy T with the jaw dropping 50 Cent take.

With the NFL Draft approaching and Free Agency about to shake up the league, Ryan responds to an old media clip resurfacing from 6 years ago— about his 2020 Kyler Murray projection—Chan laughs that people act like it was a new clip and is more caught up with Ryan's look from 2020 than what he said! The guys chat the biggest headlines coming out of the 2026 NFL Combine, talking about the pressure young prospects face, unfair criticisms and how media narratives can shape careers before they even begin.

Getting into culture talk, crossover with sports, and how athletes and entertainers both deal with public scrutiny. They reflect on the ups and downs of life, not knowing what someone is really living with as the deeper story of Lamar Odom's addiction is revealed in a recent new documentary which opens up the discussion on what could have been for star athletes if they didn't have off the court and off the field distractions, as Channing shares his own experiences with it.

Of course, it wouldn’t be The Pivot without some real-life scenarios to react to as Ryan, Channing and Fred get into a funny debate about splitting the bill on a date gone wrong—you already know what Channing is chiming in with!

It’s a raw, funny, and honest conversation about sports, life, relationships, and navigating fame— the kind of unfiltered dialogue that makes The Pivot one of the most authentic podcasts in the game.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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"I never try to come back the same player as the year before, I'm always looking to change something." Trent Williams

Often the world sees professional athletes as invincible superheroes but what people don't see are the silent battles fought away from the field that can forever change someone. In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, the guys sit down with All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams for a raw and reflective conversation about his remarkable 17-year NFL journey and what kept him focused and grounded during dark times. With recent NFL rumors swirling around Trent's future and the 49ers salary hit, the guys get right into his off-season mentality and what the road ahead looks like.

From his early days establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant linemen to becoming a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers, Trent opens up about the evolution of his game, the mindset required to protect quarterbacks at the highest level, and what it truly takes to sustain excellence in the trenches for nearly two decades.

He also shares the deeply personal story of his cancer diagnosis — a life-altering moment that reshaped his perspective on football, family, and faith. Trent speaks candidly about fear, resilience, and how surviving that battle strengthened him both as a man and as a leader in the locker room.

The conversation dives into what it’s like blocking for dynamic playmaker Christian McCaffrey, the art of creating space for one of the NFL’s most versatile weapons, and how the 49ers’ offensive system maximizes talent. Trent gives rare insight into the brilliance of head coach Kyle Shanahan, breaking down why Shanahan’s scheme is so difficult to defend and what makes him one of the true offensive geniuses in the game today. The guys also talk about Trent's Super Bowl experience and how he went into a dark place after losing the big game to the Chiefs.

From Pro Bowl dominance to personal adversity, leadership, legacy, and what the future holds, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance and greatness from one of the best to ever do it.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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“I don’t care about backlash or any comments because In life you are going to be the hammer or the nail, I’m the hammer.” John Brown

We've been waiting on this one, especially Channing who met his match in someone who is even more unapologetic than he is about approaching life, his family and his backlash.

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we sit down with John Brown — former Mr. Universe, strategic coach, podcaster and father of NFL star Amon-Ra St. Brown — for a powerful conversation about parenting with purpose and raising professional athletes from the ground up.

His parenting groundwork is built on being number one and not teaching kids to compete, but to dominate by any means necessary, always outworking and outplaying your competition. Ryan, Fred and Chan push back on this style, asking questions that get a quick and fiery response.

Known for his disciplined, no-excuses approach to training and life, John Brown shares how his background in elite bodybuilding shaped the structure, mindset, and daily standards inside his household. From homeschooling and intense training sessions to language lessons and early morning workouts, he breaks down the intentional system he built to prepare his sons for excellence — not just in football, but in life.

John is very confident with his style as he shares the philosophy behind raising self-motivated, high-performing kids, how structure and routine build long-term confidence, the way of teaching discipline without crushing individuality and the difference between talent and preparation, His life story — from competitive bodybuilding to building a family legacy

More than a sports conversation, this episode dives deep into a rare form of love, family bonds, accountability, and what it truly takes to raise professionals in today’s world.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or young athlete, this discussion offers a blueprint for developing resilience, work ethic, and generational greatness.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!

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