"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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“I had to give up a whole childhood to be what I became.” Andre Ward

With boxing headlines shaking up the sports world from big names retiring, to legends returning to fights drawing millions of views, we had to get some insight and who better to give us perspective than one of the greatest to ever do it. ..Andre Ward sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for more than just a conversation about championships — it's a conversation of resilience, discipline, and evolution.

In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, the undefeated two-division world champion opens up about the journey from Oakland’s toughest neighborhoods to Olympic gold and becoming one of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats. Ward reflects on the sacrifices behind the spotlight, the mental warfare of elite competition, and what it really took to retire on top.

But this isn’t just about belts and legacy. Andre speaks candidly about his childhood, navigating instability at home, witnessing addiction up close, and how those early experiences shaped both his edge and his empathy. Sharing the deeply personal moments that exposed him to life or death experiences, Andre reveals the promise he made that turned his life around, leading him down a new path, one paved by faith. From his experiences, He dives deep into mental health — the pressures of perfection, the identity crisis that can follow retirement, and the importance of faith, structure, and accountability in sustaining long-term success.

The conversation also explores fatherhood and parenting, with Ward sharing how breaking generational cycles became one of his greatest motivations. He discusses leadership inside his home, raising disciplined children in a distracted world, and redefining strength beyond the ring.

From addiction and adversity to championships and clarity, this episode is about transformation. Andre Ward doesn’t just talk about pivoting — he embodies it. A raw, honest, and inspiring discussion about purpose, pain, and what it means to win in life long after the final bell.

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 all signed up for the criticism, and will to take a bullet for our team, that’s our job.” Bryce Young

Fresh off a breakout playoff run with the Carolina Panthers, former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred for a deeply personal and one of his most reflective conversations yet.

Bryce opens up about the pressure of being selected first overall in the NFL Draft, the early adversity he faced adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL as a business, and how criticism fueled his growth rather than defined him. From learning how to command a locker room to embracing failure as part of development, Bryce shares the pivotal moments that shaped his evolution from highly touted prospect to playoff quarterback.

From a long drive Bryce never envisioned making to the lessons the rough roads taught him, the guys talk about the complexity of Dave Canales' play calling, Bryce's unique bond with Xavier Legette, support from Cam Newton and how the Panther faithful can be hard to navigate but worth the privilege of being the team leader.

He also discusses the mental side of the game — staying grounded amid expectations, blocking out outside noise, and building resilience during tough stretches. The conversation dives into leadership, faith, preparation habits, and what it truly means to “earn it” at the highest level. Sharing a close bond with CJ Stroud, Bryce talks about CJ's strength and talent will put him back on track ignoring the noise of this past season.

Honest, thoughtful, and poised beyond his years, Bryce reflects on what the playoff run taught him about trust, accountability, and belief — not just in football, but in himself.

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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“Human beings are the only puzzle I can’t figure out.” Aldis Hodge

On this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor sit down with actor, producer, and master watchmaker Aldis Hodge for one of their most raw and revealing conversations yet.

Hodge opens up about being raised by a single mother whose strength and sacrifice shaped his work ethic and sense of responsibility from an early age. Growing up in an area where the presence of the KKK was real and racial tension wasn’t just history—it was lived experience—he reflects on how those early encounters with hate forged both resilience and purpose. Rather than shrink, he found his voice. A passionate, unapologetic Black voice grounded in truth, excellence, and accountability.

Best known for his roles in Straight Outta Compton, Hidden Figures, One Night in Miami, Hawkman in Black Adam, and currently the lead in Prime Video series Cross, Hodge shares the pressure of portraying cultural icons and superheroes alike. He discusses the responsibility that comes with representing real stories and real communities—and how he channels personal experience into every performance.

Beyond Hollywood, Aldis speaks about fatherhood and how being a proud girl dad reshaped his definition of success. Legacy is no longer just about career accolades—it’s about what he models at home, the protection he provides, and the standard he sets for the next generation. In a deeply personal moment, Aldis lets us in on a powerful exchange between him and his wife that has forever changed and guided him.

He also dives into his passion for puzzles and engineering, explaining how building his own watch brand is rooted in ownership, precision, and creating generational wealth. Drawing powerful parallels between elite athletes and elite artists, Hodge breaks down why mastery demands hard work, sacrifice, and the courage to pivot toward purpose.

This episode is about perseverance through adversity, using your platform with intention, and building a legacy that stands taller than the obstacles meant to break you.

Pivot Family, please like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we love hearing from you,

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“They would have had to cut my foot off before I didn’t play in Super Bowl.” Nick Emmanwori 

They say Defense wins championships, and the Seattle Seahawks backed that statement up with one of the fiercest units!

Keeping up Pivot tradition, we travled to the home of the world champions post Super Bowl to sit down with Nick Emmanwori, the Seattle Seahawks’ rookie safety who defied the odds and finished his first NFL season on top of the league. Nick takes us inside an unforgettable year — from his Nigerian roots to being selected as the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, to becoming an anchor of Seattle’s defense and a key contributor to their championship run. 

We get into the biggest question looming Super Bowl week when a video of Nick surfaced not being able to walk as he opens up on the ankle injury scare heard round the football world as he shares missing the biggest game of his life was never an option and what he did to push through the unknown to stay locked in mentally and physically to help his team win the Lombardi. He takes Ryan, Channing and Fred into the locker room mentality to paint a picture of what Seattle truly built the past year and why he trusts a repeat is not off the table, recognizing all the pieces that need too fall in place to go back to back.

Beyond the big game, we dive deep into the ups and downs of his rookie campaign, falling to the second round of draft and rebounding with the early-season growth that earned him Defensive Rookie of the Year buzz and how he battled adversity to find his confidence on the biggest stages. Relying on veteran leadership, Seattle's locker room bonded together on a mission to never let outside noise affect the team goal which created the NFL's No. 1 ranked defense, known as the "Dark side". He opens up about his bond with head coach Mike Macdonald and what he had to do to soak in all of the football knowledge to adapt to X & O schemes that elevated his play.

Nick also opens up about the bond with Sam Darnold, whose own redemption arc culminated in a sturdy Super Bowl performance — proving that heart and leadership can outweigh the critics. The guys reflect on resilience, leadership, and the lessons learned in a season that none of his team will ever forget. And we couldn't not ask about the women in his life, from his mom's viral interview Super Bowl week to Dawn Stalely wearing his jersey to his girlfriend, Raven Johnson's unconditional support...this conversation covers it all.

From draft dreams to the Lombardi Trophy, this is the inside story of a rookie who refused to be ordinary and a team that rewrote the championship narrative. Pivot Family, please like, comment and subscribe- we love hearing and interacting with you all to see what resonates with you most!

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“There's something sort of romantic about losing everything and going back to zero.” Garry Vee

Continuing to champion a winning mindset after Super Bowl week, We sit down with serial entrepreneur, investor, cultural icon and friend of The Pivot Gary Vaynerchuk, better known to the world as Gary Vee. From immigrating to the U.S. as a kid and transforming his family’s liquor store into a multimillion-dollar business, to building VaynerMedia and becoming one of the most influential voices in entrepreneurship, Gary’s journey is all about betting on yourself and embracing the long game.

Gary dives right in on the do's and don'ts of navigating everyday life, offering research and guidance whether you are someone who feels stuck, looking for the next thing or experiencing self-doubt, he shares something for everyone in this conversation by making complex ideas seem relatable and breaking down what's hold someone back. He breaks down the fears associated with AI and how, electricity, something we couldn't live without now, was once feared that same way.

Gary gets real about taking chances before you’re ready, the fears that still drive him, and why self-awareness is the ultimate competitive advantage. He breaks down what most people get wrong about success, money, and happiness, and why patience, humility, and execution matter more than hype.

The conversation also dives into emerging business and media trends, where attention is really going in 2026, and how creators, athletes, and entrepreneurs can stay ahead without burning out. Plus, Gary connects his passion for sports to leadership, ownership, and legacy—and explains why athletes are perfectly positioned to dominate the business world if they play it right.

This is a masterclass in mindset, risk, and evolution from someone who’s lived every chapter and has a willingness to share information hoping to make an impact.

Pivot Family, please like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we love hearing from you!

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“I take the blame on defense, we thought we earned it but it was a young mindset.” Jared Verse

We love sports because it's all about the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, but for the athletes who play the game, it's all the moments in between that truly impact one's journey and mindset. Heading into Super Bowl weekend,  we look ahead to the big game with one of the most dominant young players in the NFL, LA Rams Jared Verse — the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and one of the league's most disruptive young edge rushers. Jared joins The Pivot Podcast for a deep-dive into the chess match called professional football.

The young star breaks down how film study, technique, and a relentless motor have helped him terrorize NFL quarterbacks, rack up pressures and tackles for loss, and evolve into a true game-changer for the Rams’ defense. 

We get into LA's last two season endings in heartbreak loss, going inside the mindset after his team's NFC Championship loss in Seattle as Jared opens up in a reflective and humbling tone about what went wrong, who's to blame and how to recover mentally from the disappointment. He talks about his MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford, leadership from Sean McVay and special advice from Aaron Donald that has changed his approach to the game. In opening up about this loss that still stings, and how this feeling will fuel his offseason preparation — from extra hours in the lab to the mindset tweaks that separate good defenders from great ones.

Plus, he shares what it’s like to learn from and compete with the best: the time he challenged Aaron Donald to a brutal one-on-one workout, came out the other side exhausted but inspired, and walked away with lessons on grit, fourth-quarter toughness, and the habits of elite defenders. 

Jared also talks about the defensive stars he studies, the moves and counters he’s adding to his repertoire, and how guys like Donald, Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, TJ Watt and others helped shape his approach — even facing San Fran's Trent Williams on his welcome to the NFL moment and how it woke him up to another level. He also shares his thoughts on his former college teammate Keon Coleman's struggles in Buffalo and what he thinks will come of it all.

From film breakdowns to mental insight to edge rushing philosophy, teammate dynamics, and how the greats build a game against the very best — this is one of the most personal, candid reflections of a top athlete opening up on the highs and lows of playing sports at an elite level.

Pivot Family, thank you for rocking with us, we love hearing from you, please hit subscribe, like, and comment! Keep this thing rolling!

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Super Bowl week is about the culmination of blood, sweat and tears with the best teams going at it and crowning a new NFL champion. This episode is a conversation with someone who knows a lot about what it takes to be at the top of a sport and the will to win at all costs...retiring with a perfect 42-0 boxing record, Terrance "Bud" Crawford joins The Pivot for a powerful, reflective conversation about legacy, purpose, and what comes next.

Without hesitation, Bud tells Ryan that fight night between two top boxers is bigger and more pressure than the Super Bowl and explains why he sees it as such.

Describing his journey in detail and how he defied the odds as a kid from the streets of Omaha to the mountaintop of boxing 🥊 Bud opens up about his decision to step away from the ring, revisiting a career defined by record-breaking fights, historic championships, and defying the odds to become an undisputed world champion. He speaks with honesty how he didn't have all the same opportunities as the big names in the sport yet he prevailed as the best to do it in his era. He is the first male in the modern four-belt era to become an undisputed world champion in three different weight divisions and highly regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the history of the sport- with his win over Canelo Álvarez widely seen as a defining achievement and one of boxing’s signature performances.

Bud breaks down the mindset that carried him through adversity, the moments that shaped him as a fighter, and the pride he takes in representing his city and his people at the highest level. Beyond the belts and accolades, Bud talks fatherhood, growth, and why family has always been his true north. He also shares why he believes boxing is in good hands, offering respect and insight on the next generation ready to carry the sport forward. Channing asks if there is a number that could get him to return to the ring, and his answer is surprising but also extremely telling of who he is as a man.

This conversation is an exploration of greatness, resilience, and a life built with intention showing that anything is possible. Whether you’re a boxing diehard or a fan of real stories about perseverance and purpose, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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

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