“If we are teammates working towards same goal, how do we grow apart?”-Channing Crowder 

A Friday with the fellas as Ryan, Channing and Fred unpack the blockbuster headlines in sports this week from AJ Brown to Myles Garrett to Odell Beckham Jr to rising star Jared Verse, discussing how each situation could reshape NFL teams, locker rooms, and championship expectations. The Rams going all in, Patriots and Eagles are all the talk and OBJ reunites with his old team to see if the veteran star can shake up the Big Apple once again.

From the gridiron to the hardwood, the guys shifts gears to share their thoughts on the NBA Finals, the biggest storylines, the pressure moments, and which players are built for the spotlight when everything is on the line. They make their picks and give respect to both Knicks and Spurs stars for one of the best championship match ups we've seen in years.

As always, the conversation goes far beyond sports, as the trio gets real about the things that run them hot, talk why resilience matters when life gets tough, and how success often comes down to refusing to quit when everything points to giving up. They also explore a reality every athlete—and every person—eventually faces: sometimes people grow apart. Whether it's teammates, friends, or family, they discuss how relationships evolve and what it takes to navigate change without losing yourself. With Jay Z popping back out, dropping some new verses- the guys reflect on when legends age out and when to know it's time.

Football, basketball, life lessons, laughs, and unfiltered perspective—it's another can't-miss episode of The Pivot Podcast.

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"My story isn't a basketball story, it's a life story." Greg Oden

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we sit down with former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick Greg Oden for one of the most honest and powerful conversations of his life.

For years, Greg Oden's name has been tied to one word: "bust." Drafted ahead of future MVP and NBA champion Kevin Durant in 2007, Oden became the subject of endless debates about what could have been. But as Durant himself has said, Greg was never truly given a chance—his career was derailed by injuries before the basketball world ever got to see what he could become.

In this raw and revealing conversation, Greg reflects on the pressure of being the No. 1 pick, the weight of expectations, and the frustration of seeing his legacy defined by circumstances beyond his control. From his rise as a high school phenom and Ohio State star to the devastating injuries that robbed him of years on the court, Greg shares the emotional and physical battles that shaped his journey. Parts of this conversation bare all as Greg's transparency truly brings his pain and passion to the forefront.

He opens up about his time with the Portland Trail Blazers, the criticism and scrutiny that followed him throughout his career, and what it was like earning a second chance with the Miami Heat and reaching the NBA Finals alongside some of the game's biggest names from Lebron James to Dwayne. Wade to Chris Bosh.

Beyond basketball, Greg discusses his struggles with mental health, depression, addiction, self-worth, and the challenges of rebuilding his life after the game. He speaks candidly about regrets, losing loved ones, what ifs , public perception, and the process of finding peace with a career that never unfolded the way anyone expected.

This episode isn't about what Greg Oden wasn't. It's about who he is, what he endured, and how he found the strength to keep moving forward when the world had already written his story for him. Greg's new chapter is leading as a dedicated father, mentor, college advisor and also filmmaker, with his feature film "Bust" getting ready to release.

A powerful conversation about resilience, perspective, redemption, and one of basketball's greatest "what ifs." 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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“Men put a mask to hide what appears to be weak to the world.”-Jason Wilson 

On this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, the guys sit down with bestselling author, martial arts master, mentor, and transformational leader Jason Wilson for a raw and inspiring conversation about manhood, healing, and emotional strength. Known for his groundbreaking work helping boys and men navigate trauma, masculinity, and mental health, Jason opens up about the life experiences that shaped his mission and the impact of his Detroit-based youth development program.

From the discipline of martial arts to the vulnerability required for true healing, Jason shares how he’s helping redefine what strength looks like for men today. The conversation dives into his bestselling books, his mentorship philosophy, the emotional struggles many men silently carry, and why healing—not hiding—is the path to becoming whole.

With honesty, wisdom, and hard-earned perspective, Jason challenges outdated ideas of masculinity and offers a blueprint for resilience, accountability, and emotional freedom. This one hits deep and truly instrumental on many levels, especially with family values—this is a conversation every man, parent, coach, and leader needs to hear.

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“Champions do daily what everyone does occasionally.”-Kenny Smith 

NBA champion, award-winning analyst, and basketball icon Kenny “The Jet” Smith joins The Pivot for a layered conversation about basketball, brotherhood, family, and legacy. From his early days at the University of North Carolina playing under legendary coach Dean Smith to winning back-to-back NBA championships with the Houston Rockets, Kenny reflects on the defining moments that shaped his career and his life.

Kenny opens up about competing during the Michael Jordan era and shares stories about his longtime relationship with MJ, what made him different, and how that generation transformed basketball forever. He reveals never-told-before stories of college shenanigans, ultimate confidence and being touted the 6th overall pick yet still having animosity towards a certain someone in Chicago.

The conversation also jumps into the chemistry and chaos behind the scenes of the award-winning Inside the NBA, as Kenny reveals what it’s really like working alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Ernie Johnson on one of the most beloved shows in sports television. He opens up about how the show became one of the most influential programs in sports television and why authenticity has always mattered most as it's given an extra voice to new media like podcasts.

Beyond basketball, Kenny gets candid about fatherhood, marriage, relationships, personal growth, and navigating life in the spotlight while staying grounded through family. The crew also talks about the current state of the NBA, the rise of Victor Wembanyama, today’s superstars, the evolution of the game, and what the future of basketball looks like moving forward.

Kenny doubles down on his official prediction for who will win the 2026 NBA Finals in a conversation filled with laughs, wisdom, untold stories, and real perspective that only that locker room can deliver.

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 spent a lot of time and pain trying to hide things from everyone." Thomas Davis

On this episode of the The Pivot Podcast, former NFL linebacker Thomas Davis Sr. sits down for one of his most raw and emotional conversations yet. From a childhood shaped by adversity to becoming an All-American at University of Georgia and a cornerstone of the Carolina Panthers defense, Thomas opens up about the journey behind the success fans thought they knew.

He reflects on battling through three devastating ACL tears in the same knee, defying every expectation to return to the field and eventually becoming one of the most respected leaders in the NFL. Thomas also shares what it was like playing alongside Luke Kuechly, building one of football’s most feared defenses, and helping lead Carolina to the Super Bowl. He shares the one time he regrets not listening to Luke and the Lombardi it possibly cost him and his team.

But beyond the accolades and highlight reels, Thomas speaks candidly about the darker chapters of his life — his dependence on painkillers during his playing career, the physical and emotional toll football took on him, and the personal consequences that followed after retirement. In a deeply vulnerable discussion, he addresses his divorce, the estranged relationship with some of his children, and the struggle to rediscover himself after the game ended.

This is a conversation about resilience, accountability, pain, healing, and what happens when the cheers stop and real life begins.

Powerful one, 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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“It is a privilege to go see what’s possible.” Allyson Felix 

The saying goes, pressure is privilege and on this episode of The Pivot Podcast, the guys sit down with Olympic legend Allyson Felix for one of the most honest and inspiring conversations. From becoming the most decorated track and field athlete in Olympic history to chasing an unprecedented comeback at 40 to defying odds in motherhood, Allyson opens up about the mindset, sacrifice, and resilience that continue to drive her.

She reflects on the difference between failure and success, why mental health became just as important as physical performance, and how some of her hardest moments shaped her greatest victories. Allyson also shares the deeply personal story of her troubled pregnancy, the life-threatening complications she faced, and how motherhood completely transformed her perspective on sport, business, and purpose.

The conversation dives into her groundbreaking stance against Nike over maternity protections for female athletes — a decision that sparked industry-wide change and empowered women across sports to use their voices unapologetically.

Beyond the track, Allyson talks about building businesses alongside her brother, creating opportunities beyond athletics, and what the future looks like after competition. This episode is about legacy, courage, reinvention, and proving that greatness doesn’t stop with medals — it evolves with purpose.

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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"If I could have played against Michael Jordan everyday, I would have because I am a competitor." John Starks

With NBA playoffs heating up, the New York Knicks look to be a favorite in the East and the city of New York is buzzing with the same type of energy that rivaled that of the 90s teams. And who better to talk about this type of pressure than a man who lived and breathed it.

Former NBA All-Star and legend John Starks joins The Pivot Podcast for a raw and inspiring conversation about perseverance, pressure, and proving doubters wrong. Starks opens up about his difficult upbringing and troubled youth, sharing the challenges that shaped the relentless mentality he carried throughout his basketball journey. From going undrafted to becoming one of the most electrifying players in the NBA, he reflects on the grit it took to earn his place in the league and etched in history books.

The former New York Knicks fan favorite revisits the intensity of 1990s basketball, the culture surrounding the Knicks during their fierce rivalries, and the unforgettable moments that defined his career — including “The Dunk” over Chicago and the highs and heartbreaks of deep playoff battles. A fierce competitor, Starks talks about the 90s rivalries, facing Michael Jordan and the pure physicality of the sport that makes the game so different back then to now.

He opens up about his infamous game seven collapse, the devastation he suffered after that loss and the hurt carried with him for letting his team and city down. Although a fan favorite with no blame cast on him, Starks tried to block it all out and shares what it took to get him out of the emotional rut to be himself again on the court. Despite never getting a chance to redeem himself at a championship title. Starks speaks candidly about overcoming criticism, handling pressure in New York, and what his journey represents for overlooked athletes chasing impossible dreams.

Getting into the NBA today, Starks gives his perspective on some of the young stars dominating the court, why SGA is making waves and shares why he thinks this NY team is the one to beat, revealing a conversation he had with Jalen Brunson on Knicks culture.

Throughout the conversation, the guys and Starks dive into legacy, resilience, mental toughness, and the impact he continues to have on generations of basketball fans and players who see his story as proof that determination can outwork talent when opportunity finally arrives. He opens up on his youth, how his poor choices off the court could have derailed his career and how his brother saved him by pushing him back on the path of basketball away from the streets.

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 was afraid being a mom would hold me back then it became my greatest strength."- Laura Rutledge

A Pivotal conversation as we celebrate Mother’s Day and all the amazing women who impact lives daily. We welcome Emmy Award-Winning sports television host, Laura Rutledge, for a raw and inspiring conversation about the journey behind the success.

Before becoming one of the most recognizable faces in sports media, Laura was on a path that she never thought would end up landing her a sideline view of sports’ biggest arenas from NFL to College Football to The Masters.

In a deeply personal revelation, Laura opens up about the sacrifices, grief, fear of losing her career after becoming a mom, and the relentless work it takes to show up for both family and purpose. A powerful reminder that strength isn’t just what you achieve — it’s what you overcome.

Laura shares the emotional decision of becoming a mother while fearing it could slow down — or even ruin — the career she worked so hard to build. Reflecting on her recent years, she opens up about the real fear and even disappointment of finding out about her first pregnancy and how that single experience changed her mindset and course of life forever. She talks candidly about balancing ambition with family, overcoming doubt, handling loss, and redefining success beyond titles and television. Laura explains the  support of her long-time husband, breaking the mold and attacking life differently than most couples, Laura opens up on the challenges of having a high profile career, while trying to raise kids away from the spotlight and stay true to her roots.

Although her younger years were shaped by a competitive nature- performing ballet overseas, winning Miss Florida in 2012 and developing a deep love of Gator pride attending Florida University, Laura discovered her true calling and the love of her in life, in an unexpected turn. Laura opens up about meeting her husband, Josh early in life and building a relationship while navigating the uncertainty of a rising career in sports broadcasting. She reflects on breaking into a male-dominated industry, earning respect in sports media, and the pressure that came with constantly proving herself on the biggest stages.

This is a powerful conversation about ambition, sacrifice, motherhood, love, and pure authenticity you don’t want to miss. And from our Pivot Family to yours-Happy Mother's Day to all the women out there who consistently show up with unconditional love and praying for those who may be missing their moms today, we see you and send you strength.

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“Do you want to be right or do you want to win? I want to win.” -Will Packer

When Will Packer pulls up to The Pivot Podcast, the conversation goes far beyond Hollywood headlines, combining sports and business to one of the most entertaining yet educational episodes we've had. Will unpacks the real story behind his rise—from grinding it out as a young mind at at HBCU to becoming one of the most powerful producers in the game.

He shares how he built a billion-dollar film resume from the ground up, turning bold ideas into box office hits while navigating an industry that rarely hands out opportunities. But this isn’t just about success. Packer gets candid about the missteps, the pressure of managing money and expectations, and the moments where everything could have fallen apart.

From producing cultural staples to learning hard lessons about risk, partnerships, and perseverance, his journey is a masterclass in betting on yourself—even when the odds say otherwise. From navigating Hollywood’s gatekeepers to creating opportunities where none existed, his path is paved with resilience, ownership, and vision as we unpack the wins, losses, and the pivots in between—and what it really takes to turn ambition into a lasting legacy.

He reflects on hits like Girls Trip, Ride Along, Think Like a Man, and Stomp the Yard to life—films that didn’t just perform well, but became cultural movements. Along the way, he’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, Queen Latifah, Tiffany Haddish, and the late Paul Walker. On day one of filming Takers, Will had to step in and defuse a tense moment when Paul nearly walked off set—quickly navigating the pressure to keep the production on track. It became a test of leadership, showing how staying composed and solutions-focused can turn a potential setback into a moment of trust and respect.

Filled with inside stories, lessons and advice on staying at the top, this episode is about building confidence as a muscle, taking big leaps, and overcoming rejection in order to get doors to finally open, Will is unguarded and uses humor to share some of his most impactful moments to allow us to see a side of him we haven't before, hoping his story inspires and ignites a fire in others.

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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“It’s never easy to relive near death experiences.”-Army Sgt. Randy Adams

As May starts, Mental Health Awareness Month, this conversation highlights the importance of confronting trauma, seeking support, and finding hope even in life’s darkest moments.

From the streets of Chicago to the frontlines of Afghanistan, Randy Adams has lived a life marked by conflict, courage, and ultimately, transformation. In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, Randy opens up about his early years growing up in a tough environment where survival often meant learning how to fight—both physically and mentally. Searching for purpose, he enlisted in the military, a decision that would take him across the world into the heart of war.

Randy shares the realities of combat in Afghanistan, the brotherhood forged in battle, and the life-altering moment that changed everything—an unexpected battle that left him with devastating injuries, leading to sepsis damaging the tissues in his face and forcing life-saving surgery to remove severely compromised portions of his face. This traumatic experience forever changed Randy physically and mentally, suffering so much loss.

But what could have been the end of his story became the turning point. Facing unimaginable loss and a long road to recovery, Randy dives into the emotional and psychological aftermath of his injuries, including the struggle to rediscover his identity. He opens up about the darkness he felt and what was the one thing that kept him from ending his life when he thought disappearing was the only option.

Through faith, resilience, and a refusal to give up, Randy found a new mission. While still strategizing and fulfilling military obligations, Randy shares his heartbreak and tragic story serving as a motivational Christian speaker, using his journey to inspire others to overcome adversity and find purpose in pain.

This episode is a raw and honest conversation about trauma, faith, redemption, and what it truly means to pivot when life takes everything from you.

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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