"Some of the best decisions I’ve made in my life have been rooted in faith where I couldn’t give a guarantee but I had faith and some of the worst decisions I’ve made in my life were rooted in fear.” Governor Wes Moore

In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins The Pivot Podcast to discuss leadership, purpose, and the personal journey that shaped his historic path to the governor’s office. Moore opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred about his upbringing, his time in the military, and the pivotal moments that pushed him toward public service. He reflects on the challenges of leading a state during times of rapid change, the responsibilities of being Maryland’s first Black governor, and his commitment to expanding opportunity for all communities.

Going in-depth, Moore shares the story behind writing his best-selling novel shaped how he views the world, based on the experience of 2 men with the same name who lived two different fates: one ended up doing life in prison while the other was a road scholar who became Governor. A journey rooted in faith not fear, Moore shares the key choices he made over his lifetime to give him the courage and strength to emphasize service over self.

Throughout the episode, Moore’s trademark energy and clarity shine as he talks about balancing ambition with humility, the importance of mentorship, and what it means to create lasting impact. He shares his inspiring love story with wife Dawn, raising a family in the public eye while emphasizing the values that built their marriage, the support they’ve given each other through demanding careers, and the joy and purpose he finds in being a husband and father.

And of course we talk football! From Maryland sports to the Baltimore Ravens to the AFC North to the true spirit and rivalry of the Army Navy game.

Whether you’re interested in politics, personal growth, or stories of resilience, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at one of the country’s most dynamic political leaders.

Pivot Family, tap in, like, hit subscribe and comment, we love hearing from you!

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“The most dangerous person is one who truly believes in himself..." Darren Woodson 3x Super Bowl Champion

It's Thanksgiving week and we have a lot to be grateful for Pivot Family and can't celebrate this holiday without talking about gratitude, family and of course football. And when we talk Thanksgiving football- we have to talk Dallas Cowboys.

In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Cowboys star Darren Woodson joins Ryan, Channing, and Fred for a raw, unfiltered conversation that dives deep into the dynasty years in Dallas and the life lessons that shaped him on and off the field. Known as one of the toughest safeties to ever play the game, Woodson pulls back the curtain on what it was really like lining up alongside legends like Deion Sanders, Larry Allen, Michael Irvin. and Troy Aikman during one of the most iconic eras in NFL history.

Woodson brings the locker room to life with stories of competing with Irvin’s relentless intensity, Aikman’s leadership standard, Deion’s unmatched swagger, and the brotherhood that held the team together through championship runs. He also shares his firsthand perspective on the infamous Leon Lett Thanksgiving game moment, revealing how it felt on the field, how the team reacted, and why that play became one of the most unforgettable—and teachable—moments in Cowboys history but also a defining moment of who Jimmy Johnson is not just as a coach but a man. He speaks candidly of Jerry Jones and shares insight that we don't see as we often criticize and publicize the way he has built one of the most profound sports organizations.

Beyond the highlights and headlines, Woodson opens up about identity, transitions, fatherhood, and building a purpose-driven life after football. From the mental toughness learned on the gridiron to the vulnerability required in the next chapters of his life, this episode shows Darren Woodson as more than a three-time Super Bowl champion—he’s a leader still evolving.

Authentic, emotional, and full of championship-level storytelling, this conversation is a must-listen for fans of the game and anyone striving to redefine themselves beyond their greatest successes. It’s a masterclass in resilience and reinvention from one of the league’s all-time great competitors.

Have a safe and happy holiday season from our Pivot family to yours, please take a moment to like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we are extremely grateful for your support.

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“I think you have to have a big ego in business and in sports but I use mine to want to protect myself from failure. Ego makes me not want to fail, it’s a motivator, my ego doesn’t want me to be laughed at or labeled a failure.” Zak Brown CEO of McLaren Racing

The 2025 F1 season is winding down with three races left to go and McLaren has already won its 2nd Consecutive Constructors’ Championship with the chance for their drivers to finish 1st and 2nd. At the helm of all this success is CEO Zak Brown, a high school dropout from California that pursued his passion for motor sports and turned around McLaren Racing. 

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, hosts Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder sit down with  Zak Brown for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, risk-taking, and the relentless pursuit of speed—both on and off the track.

Zak pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to transform one of the most iconic organizations in motorsport, from rebuilding McLaren’s Formula 1 program to cultivating a culture where innovation thrives, no blame is placed and a team first mantra. He talks candidly about navigating high-pressure decisions, the realities of competing at the sport’s highest level, and how he balances business strategy with his pure passion for racing.

The conversation amps up as Zak talks about Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s fierce but healthy internal rivalry, explaining how their push to beat each other is exactly what drives the team closer to the front of the grid. With only a few races left, McLaren is eyeing a 1st, 2nd finish for the 2025 season, hoping to prove doubters wrong with a drama-free relationship between his two drivers that sit atop the sport- a no favoritism, no fighting approach. From the dynamics inside the garage to the strategic vision for the future, Zak gives rare insight into what it takes to manage two hungry, elite-level drivers chasing the same trophy.

Zak dives into the inspiration behind his new book, sharing the lessons, setbacks, and bold decisions that shaped his journey from young racing enthusiast to the executive steering one of motorsport’s most iconic teams. He reveals the mindset shifts that fueled McLaren’s resurgence and why embracing risk is often the only real path forward.

From bold driver signings to the future of electric racing and what winning means in today’s F1 landscape, this episode offers a rare look at the mindset of a global sports executive who isn’t afraid to bet big.

Whether you're a Formula 1 fanatic, a business leader, or someone inspired by reinvention, Zak Brown’s journey shows exactly what it means to pivot with conviction. Pivot Family, don't forget too comment, like and hit subscribe!

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, Las Vegas has been exciting and we wish the best of luck to Lando and Oscar down the finish!

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“I’m at peace with who I am. I am extremely comfortable in my own skin, I am extremely comfortable with the consequences of my life…I’m not chasing anything or trying to stay relevant, I’m just being myself.” Steve Smith Sr.

In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Pivot Podcast, former NFL star Steve Smith Sr. sits down with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor for a raw, emotional, and brutally honest conversation about the journey that shaped him and discovering peace from ultimate pain. Known for his relentless competitive fire and fearless attitude on the field, Steve opens up about the battles no one saw—his upbringing, the chips on his shoulder, and the emotional scars that fueled his greatness.

From rising as an undersized third-round pick to becoming one of the most explosive receivers in NFL history, Steve breaks down the mentality that kept him fighting long after others would have quit. He discusses his struggles with anger, the importance of mental health, and how he learned to redefine manhood, fatherhood, and purpose beyond the game.

The conversation covers accountability, discovering true self, the pressure of public life, and the consequences of actions off the field. Steve addresses the explosive social media allegations that surfaced in February 2025, when a man publicly accused him of having an affair with his wife. In a fury, personal messages and voice calls were released leading to swift and strenuous fallout. Through it all, Steve has largely remained silent in public — but he breaks that silence with the guys as he unpacks the emotional weight of the accusations, his reaction when confronted, embarrassment and how this controversy affected his family and ultimately his own marriage.

From the highs of football royalty to the lows of fame and fallout, this conversation gives an inside look at a rock bottom moments to rebuilding from the ground up. Insightful, vulnerable, and at times hilarious, this episode showcases the side of Steve Smith Sr. fans rarely see. It’s a conversation about growth, accountability, and the power of owning your story. Whether you’re a football fan or simply someone navigating your own journey, Steve’s words will hit home.

Pivot Family, don't forget to like, subscribe and comment, we love hearing from you!

Thanks to Chomps for sponsoring this convo:

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"Manufacturing joy is exhausting..."Ryan Clark

November is Men's Health Awareness month and a good opportunity for us to check in with each other, check in with our loved ones and have tough conversations that generate awareness.

Ryan, Channing and Fred discuss the recent passing of NFL player Marshawn Kneeland and how mental health doesn't discriminate from the rich, the successful or the ones who seem to have it all. And often, times are heavier, as people try to navigate everyday life with how they are supposed to be perceived vs how it really is. Each of the guys opens up and shares what they struggle with and the ways they try to seek help when going through tough times.

We talk about the pressures and struggles of athletes in this time and get into the athlete owned platforms vs former athlete's who have platforms as the media landscape continues to change where more and more people respond directly as the source and the increasing need for people to respond to everything and anything.

We have a little fun and get into it when a topic that Ryan and Fred find themselves on one side while Channing surprisingly is on the other side of it, making sense of a situation that RC and Fred can't even begin to comprehend- If you pass away, is it ok for your best friend to date or marry your spouse? We discuss!

Pivot Family, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we love hearing from you!

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“Money couldn’t motivate me because if you are led by money, your morals will be second….my morals come first and money is a bi-product of that. Fame is not fun.” KevOnStage

We got a good one for you Pivot Family!! In this episode, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with comedian, entrepreneur, and creator Kevin Fredericks, known as KevOnStage, for an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about comedy, family, and carving your own lane in the entertainment industry.

Kev opens up about his journey from church stages to digital stardom, the ups and downs of building a brand rooted in authenticity, and what it really means to balance faith, creativity, and business in today’s world.

He opens up about his relationship with his wife, Melissa, together since they were teens and still going strong almost 30 years later. Not always easy to navigate, Kev shares how he had to learn to be vulnerable and not keep emotions bundled up, especially losing his brother unexpectedly and how he was able to release his grief during dark times while finding peace in humor and faith. Turning the worst heartache of loss into laughter may be one way of coping with tragedy, but Kev prides himself on his roots and sense of community, never wavering on his beliefs to chase money.

From viral sketches to building his own streaming platform, Kev shares the lessons he’s learned along the way—and the moments that tested his belief in himself and how walking away from a steady job to move across country changed his trajectory. This conversation is filled with a lot of laughs, real talk, and wisdom on how to keep pivoting with purpose and always find a way to the other side.

Pivot Family, don't forget to like, subscribe and comment- we love hearing from you!

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This week on The Pivot, Ryan Clark sits down with Dr. William F. Tate IV — fresh off his transformative tenure as president at LSU — as he takes on a new challenge: leading Rutgers University. In this candid and inspiring conversation, Dr. Tate opens up about the journey from his groundbreaking role as LSU’s first African American president and first in SEC history to his vision for shaping the future of higher education in New Jersey.

Ryan and President Tate get into the recent news around firing of LSU football coach, Brian Kelly (a hire Tate helped make) as well as long time Athletic Director Scott Woodward which led to the naming of Verge Ausberry as his predecessor to oversee Tiger's athletics. Tate openly shares what goes into the process, the success of all LSU sports and the importance of state universities working in harmony with state governors.

They dive deep into leadership, legacy, and the lessons learned along the way — from navigating the pressures of big-time college athletics in the SEC to building a campus culture grounded in equity, excellence, and innovation. Ryan and Dr. Tate explore how faith, mentorship, and resilience have guided him, and what it means to “pivot” from success into significance.

Whether you’re a fan of college sports, education, or powerful personal stories, this episode delivers wisdom, humor, and heart from one of higher education’s most dynamic leaders.

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“My biggest Pivot is when I set out to do something and people doubt me. I like to have my back against the wall, that’s something that makes me.” Norega

What happens when a rap legend trades the stage for the mic, and then turns that mic into a cultural movement? Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with N.O.R.E.—once frontman of the Queens duo Capone‑N‑Noreaga, still a platinum-selling solo act, and now one of hip-hop’s most trusted voices behind the mic.

We get to know N.O.R.E behind the fame and see him as the family man who loves being a grandpa, building wealth with his wife, who wakes up at 4am to embark on training for the NYC marathon, the guy in the group chat who is always motivating you and the friend who reaches out just to check in.

In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover his journey through music, from his early days in Queens, going from jail to how meeting NAS changed his entire perspective on life to being one of the originals to boast Reggaeton to shifting into podcasting, co-founding the hit show Drink Champs with DJ EFN to becoming constant presence in hip hop culture.

He takes the guys behind-the-scenes of hip-hop’s biggest names, the compliment from 50 Cent that impacted his legacy to Kanye West naming his first child after him to the unexpected collaborations to the “you wouldn’t believe” stories to his regret with Michael Jordan and how he's continuing to shape culture in a forever changing society. N.O.R.E shares how he developed a "whatever it takes" mentality to stay relevant as he's seen the culture he's helped build evolve three times over—on the mic, in the studio, in media.

This episode is filled with raw energy, unfiltered truths, sharp humor, and the kind of storytelling only someone who’s lived it can deliver. Whether you grew up riding the “Super Thug” beat or you’re discovering N.O.R.E.’s impact for the first time, this episode is a bridge—between then & now, between rap and media, between the grind and the growth and where we are headed next.

Tune in for a conversation that reminds us- a pivot isn’t just a change—it’s a choice and a continuous movement of evolution. And when you’ve seen it all, it’s what you do next that counts. Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe, we love hearing from you Pivot Family.

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"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!

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“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!

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