Emmy Award-winning analyst Monica McNutt joins The Pivot Podcast for a powerful, unfiltered conversation about the setbacks, sacrifices, and defining moments that shaped her journey from Georgetown basketball player to one of the most recognizable voices in sports media.

Before the national spotlight, there was life after basketball, trying to figure out what came next, navigating the working world, getting laid off, and moving back home with her parents. Monica opens up about what it really looks like when the plan doesn't go as expected, the humbling moments behind the success, and the resilience it takes to bet on yourself when the future is uncertain.

She takes us behind the scenes of her rise in sports media, including her unforgettable appearance on First Take and the heated exchange that helped catapult her career into a new stratosphere. But was that moment a turning point, or simply the moment the world finally caught up to the work she had already been putting in?

From covering the WNBA and earning respect in a male-dominated industry to calling a championship moment for the New York Knicks, Monica reflects on what it means to break barriers, command a room, and use her voice without asking for permission. She also gets real about being outspoken, facing criticism, navigating double standards, and why she refuses to shrink herself to make other people comfortable.

This is bigger than basketball. It's a conversation about identity, rejection, family, confidence, and finding your purpose when life forces you to take a different route. Monica's story is a reminder that sometimes the moments that feel like setbacks are the very things that position you for your breakthrough.

Don't miss this conversation as Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with Monica McNutt to talk about the journey behind the accolades, the truth behind the headlines, and what it takes to turn adversity into opportunity. Because sometimes, the pivot is the whole point. Full Video Episode out now on Netflix.

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“Drew is one of those people, he has such a mastery of the game, that you have to figure out how to see the game through his eyes to earn his trust.”Marques Colston

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Marques Colston joins the conversation to reflect on a remarkable journey built on perseverance, discipline, brotherhood, and purpose. From being a seventh-round draft pick out of Hofstra to becoming a New Orleans Saints legend, Colston shares the story behind a career that earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and football fans everywhere.

The conversation goes beyond the numbers, exploring the personal loss that helped shape the man behind the jersey. Losing his father at just 14 years old changed his life forever, and the lessons, memories, and influence he carried forward became part of his foundation as both a player and a man.

Colston also reflects on playing alongside Drew Brees, whose vision, preparation, and leadership helped elevate the Saints' offense, and working under Sean Payton, whose offensive creativity and competitive mindset helped transform New Orleans into a championship team. Together, they built something special — culminating in a Super Bowl XLIV victory that forever changed the franchise's history.

Despite never receiving the household recognition often associated with the NFL's biggest stars, Colston's production, consistency, and reliability established him as one of the defining receivers of his era. His story is a reminder that greatness isn't always about the spotlight — sometimes it's about showing up, doing the work, and earning the trust of everyone around you.

But the conversation doesn't end with football.

Colston opens up about fatherhood, the importance of being present for his family, and the challenges of transitioning into life after the NFL. After spending years competing at the highest level, he shares what it means to build a new identity, pursue opportunities beyond the game, and find purpose in the next chapter.

From losing his father as a teenager to becoming a Super Bowl champion and building a life beyond the field, Marques Colston's story is about more than football. It's about resilience, legacy, and understanding that the greatest victories often happen away from the stadium. Truly a special conversation and full video episode is streaming on Netflix now.

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“I think all of us have to be humble to a certain point, it doesn’t mean don’t believe in yourself and don’t believe in your ideas but also have some humility.” John Legend 

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, John Legend opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred about the journey that shaped him — from his rise in music and the power of staying true to himself to navigating fame, family, friendship, and loss in the public eye. One of a small group who is an EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, John Legend has had decades of success but is still chasing something new in every piece of music he records.

John gets personal about life with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, and their children, sharing how fatherhood has changed him and how he and his family have navigated the heartbreaking loss of a child. He commends his wife for being courageous enough to share publicly so others learn from her during the darkest hours and how people around the world are better for it.

He reflects on his relationship with Kanye West, and how it was extremely sad yet discouraging the entire process was to watch someone he was once close with use his platform for hate and fear.

Things in music, media and business may be forever changing but John stands firm in the importance of speaking up for what he believes in, and what it means to stand true in your values and be authentic. He also takes us inside his creative journey, reflecting on working with Pharrell Williams, the collaborations that have shaped his sound, and the inspiration behind his new music and upcoming album. From evolving as an artist to protecting culture and using his platform for something bigger than himself, John shares why authenticity matters now more than ever.

In an industry that often rewards conformity, John explains why being yourself is the most powerful statement you can make. It's an honest conversation about love, legacy, resilience, and the courage to keep evolving without losing who you are — and why, no matter how much life changes, staying true to yourself will always be the ultimate pivot. Full episode of video is streaming now on Netflix.

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Some guests we could talk to for hours, Peter King is one of them, an icon of ours who covered the game we love with writing that help shaped NFL's game-changing moments and stories that will live forever.

For more than four decades, Peter King has been one of the most trusted voices in football, earning a front-row seat to the people, moments, and decisions that transformed the NFL into the cultural powerhouse it is today. The legendary sportswriter sits with Ryan, Channing and Fred for an unforgettable conversation about his life covering the NFL, the relationships that shaped his journey, personal encounters with each of the guys and his new book, The Game.

From Mike Holmgren to Tom Brady, Brett Favre to Patrick Mahomes, and commissioner Paul Tagliabue to the coaches, players, and power brokers who helped define entire eras, Peter has spent his career gaining access to the people behind football's biggest stories. But what made those relationships possible? How did he earn the trust of the game's most influential figures? And what does it take to tell the stories that fans never get to see beyond the field?

Peter takes us inside his remarkable career, revisiting the moments that defined generations of football. He shares stories from getting his start at Giants training camp to spending Super Bowl week with Green Bay Packers to riding back with Steve Young to his hotel after one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history, and witnessing the early signs of Mahomes' extraordinary talent. He also revisits the behind-the-scenes decisions that changed the league, including Reggie White's free-agency journey to Green Bay and the pivotal moments that shaped football's evolution.

In his new book, The Game, Peter goes beyond the greatest hits of his reporting career and the result is a sweeping, deeply personal look at 40 years of NFL history, told through the people who lived it. The book explores everything from Bill Walsh's final season with the 49ers to the leadership of the league's commissioners, the human cost of football, and the business decisions that helped turn the sport into a year-round obsession.

On this episode, Peter also reflects on his own journey as a journalist, the lessons he learned from legendary coaches, the friendships and trust built over years of reporting, and how the world of sports media has changed. He opens up about what it means to cover a game for a lifetime, the responsibility of telling stories honestly, and the tension between the sport's incredible growth and the challenges it continues to face.

As always on The Pivot, the conversation goes deeper than football. It's about relationships, legacy, curiosity, and the people who shape our lives along the way. Peter King's story reminds us that behind every legendary player, championship, and defining moment is a human story worth telling.

Don't miss this historical conversation on The Pivot Podcast, episode now live on Netflix.

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"I love my fans, I don’t love music or the industry but I do it to provide for my kids.” BigXthaPlug 

In his first exclusive sit-down ahead of his highly anticipated new album, BigXthaPlug joins The Pivot Podcast for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the man behind the music — and the battles that success can’t silence.

From life after prison to navigating fatherhood in the spotlight, BigXthaPlug opens up about his evolving relationship with his parents, the bond he shares with his father and mother, and the life-changing moment he learned his son has autism. He reflects on the responsibilities of being a dad, the sacrifices he makes for his children, and why, despite his frustrations with the music industry, he continues to show up and do what he does for them.

But beyond the fame, the hits, and the success, there’s another side of BigXthaPlug that few get to see. He gets candid about struggling with unhappiness and loneliness, searching for peace in the middle of the chaos, and finding comfort in the small moments that make life feel a little lighter. He also shares why therapy isn’t for him and what it looks like to navigate his emotions on his own terms.

With the vulnerability and honesty that define The Pivot, this conversation goes beyond the artist to explore the father, the son, and the man still figuring it all out. And for the football fans, BigXthaPlug lets his Texans pride show, proving that even with everything on his plate, he’s still repping Houston.

Before the next chapter of his music career begins, BigXthaPlug sits down with Ryan, Channing, and Fred to discuss the weight of success, the realities of fatherhood, and the pursuit of peace in a world that never stops demanding more.

This is BigXthaPlug beyond the music — unfiltered, unapologetic, and real. Watch on Netflix for full video episode.

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“I will go to prison before I reveal who my sources are.” Pablo Torre

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Pablo Torre joins Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor for a wide-ranging conversation about the journey that took him from Harvard, to ESPN, to building a show of his own—and becoming one of the most fearless investigative voices in sports media.

Pablo opens up about the highs and lows of his career, including the surreal experience of losing his ESPN show on the very same day his daughter was born. Rather than allowing that moment to define him, he turned it into fuel, creating Pablo Torre Finds Out and betting on himself at a time when there were plenty of reasons to doubt what came next.

That gamble paid off. Pablo discusses the recognition his work has received, including a Pulitzer Prize, and the responsibility that comes with investigative reporting when your stories involve some of the biggest names, most powerful organizations and richest owners in sports. He takes us inside his reporting on Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, the questions that surrounded the franchise, and what it feels like to pursue a story when you know the people you're investigating have vastly more resources and power than you do.

He also opens up about his fascination with Bill Belichick, the psychology behind reporting on larger-than-life sports figures, and why the deeper you get into investigative journalism, the more you understand the personal risks that come with challenging powerful people.

From his investigation into Life Surge and its connection to Tim Tebow, Pablo discusses his reporting, the questions his investigation raised, Tebow's response—along with the growing pressure that comes with shining a light on powerful figures who are often not the ones used to being scrutinized.

At its core, this is a conversation about resilience, curiosity and courage—about losing a platform, creating your own, and continuing to ask difficult questions even when you know the answers could come with a price.

Because in sports, the scoreboard tells you who won the game. Investigative journalists like Pablo Torre are often asking a different question:

Pablo shares how he never imagined his work would lead to such strides nationally and become a force that is not only award-winning work, but public service, holding even those most powerful accountable. Full video Episode streaming now on Netflix.

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"You either die the hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain." Bart Scott

Former NFL linebacker and outspoken media personality Bart Scott joins Ryan, Fred and Channing for an unfiltered conversation about the journey that shaped him — from growing up in Detroit, nearly having his college football career derailed, to becoming one of the most feared defensive players in Baltimore and New York.

Bart takes us back to his college days and the pivotal moment when a coach who didn’t believe in him nearly changed the trajectory of his career — and the coach who stepped in, believed in him and helped save his football journey. That turning point became part of the foundation for the mindset that would eventually carry him to the NFL.

From Baltimore to the New York Jets, Bart built a reputation as a physical, intimidating defender who played with an edge and brought that same intensity to everything he did. He reflects on his NFL journey, the battles, the personalities and the experiences that shaped him both on and off the field.

Now, Bart is known just as much for his voice as he was for his play. He opens up about being unapologetically outspoken, the moments when speaking his mind came with consequences, and what it meant to get fired while refusing to compromise who he is.

The conversation goes deeper into what it means to stand on business — knowing when to speak up, when to take accountability and when to bet on yourself even when the decision comes with a cost.

Bart also shares his perspective on the rapidly changing media landscape, the evolution of sports talk, authenticity in an era of viral clips and social media, and what it takes to remain yourself while navigating an industry that continues to change.

From Detroit to college football, from Baltimore and the Jets to the media world, Bart Scott has never been afraid to be himself. This is a conversation about football, resilience, authenticity, adversity, standing on your principles and having the courage to bet on yourself. Full episode streaming on Netflix now.

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"Sometimes I think you should be aware of everything and acknowledge nothing." Charlamagne

Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder sit down with Charlamagne Tha God for a wide-ranging conversation about ownership, culture, media, and building a lasting empire.

Charlamagne takes us through his journey from radio and finding his voice to becoming an influential media entrepreneur and owner. He opens up about the lessons he’s learned along the way, the importance of controlling your platform, and what it means to build something bigger than yourself while staying connected to your community and culture.

The conversation goes beyond the microphone as Charlamagne breaks down the business of media, the evolution of podcasting, and where he believes the industry is headed next. He also shares his perspective on Jay-Z, Colin Kaepernick, influence, power, and the responsibility that comes with having a platform.

From ownership and entrepreneurship to authenticity, legacy, and the future of podcasts, Charlamagne brings an unfiltered perspective on what it takes to turn your voice into a business — and build an empire that can stand on its own. Full Episode is streaming on Netflix now.

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"Who puts us in the best situation to win each night...I'm here for all the smoke!" Kara Lawson

Kara Lawson joins Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder and Fred Taylor for a powerful conversation about the journey from elite athlete to one of basketball’s most respected leaders and coaches.

Fresh off a Gold Medal win at the 2026 FIBA World Cup, Coach takes us inside her experience with USA Basketball and the challenge of coaching a roster loaded with some of the greatest talent in the world—including Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers—and finding the balance between individual greatness, different personalities and one shared mission on the international stage. Not afraid to ruffle feathers or cave to criticisms, Coach explains her approach to leading and winning at the highest levels.

She opens up about the leadership lessons that have guided her, the impact of legendary coach Pat Summitt, and the stories and wisdom she carried forward from her time around one of the most influential figures in women’s basketball. Lawson also reflects on her experience with the Boston Celtics and how working inside the NBA sharpened her understanding of leadership, culture and team-building.

Lawson takes us from her childhood, where her father introduced her to football and helped shape the toughness, discipline and competitive mindset that would define her life, to becoming a top-tier basketball player and eventually a prominent coach.

Now at Duke, Lawson discusses the challenge of restoring a historic women’s basketball program to powerhouse status, building a culture that demands excellence, and developing players beyond what happens between the lines.

From playing football with her dad to learning from Pat Summitt, from the Celtics to Duke, and from elite player to elite coach, Kara Lawson shares the leadership, sacrifice, resilience and life lessons behind her remarkable basketball journey—and what it takes to lead the best talent in the world. Full video episode streaming on Netflix now.

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“No one teaches you how to be famous.”Xavi Simons 

From being a young football sensation in the spotlight to navigating family, fame, setbacks and the weight of expectations, Xavi Simons joins The Pivot for an honest conversation about the journey behind the player.

Xavi opens up about growing up with the world watching, finding his identity beyond the hype, and the family and people who helped shape him along the way. Sharing how his father was not present and being the namesake of a professional footballer came with pressure and expectations. He takes us inside the difficult decision to leave Barcelona’s academy at just 16, walking away from the club where he grew up and beginning a new chapter that would ultimately shape his career.

He also reflects on the pride and pressure of representing the Netherlands on the world stage — and the heartbreak of watching the 2026 World Cup from home after an ACL injury ended his season and took away the opportunity he had worked toward.

Now facing the next chapter of his career, Xavi talks about his recovery, his future in soccer, the lessons he's learned through adversity, and what it means to carry the expectations that have followed his name since he was a kid.

Fame came early. The setbacks came too. Now Xavi Simons is writing the next chapter of his story. Full Episode streaming now on Netflix.

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Colin Kaepernick joins Ryan, Channing and Fred for one of his most personal and revealing conversations yet.

A decade after he took a knee and changed the conversation around athletes, race, protest and power, Colin is telling the story behind the story in his new memoir, The Perilous Fight.

From growing up as a Black child adopted into a white family, to the experiences and misconceptions that shaped him long before he ever stepped onto an NFL field… from becoming a star quarterback with the San Francisco 49ers and reaching the Super Bowl, to the decision to protest during the national anthem and everything that followed.

Colin opens up about what people have gotten wrong about his journey, what actually led him to kneel, the fallout with the NFL, the years of questions surrounding his career, and the moments behind the headlines that he says have never fully been told.

He also gets candid about his relationship with Jay-Z, their conversations surrounding the NFL and Roc Nation, and why that relationship became complicated.

And then there’s the part of Colin’s story that exists beyond football and activism: fatherhood, family, identity, purpose and the man he has become today.

A conversation about childhood, race, football, sacrifice, power, relationships, fatherhood, misconceptions, and what it means to stand on what you believe—even when the world decides to define you for itself. Full video playing now on Netflix.

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