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Pivot Podcast

Pivot Podcast

Written by: It's Never Too Late To Pivot
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 Former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder have transcended the podcast game, topping the charts globally by creating a new form of media and carving an unprecedented niche in the space of sports, music and entertainment. Hosting weekly sit-down conversations with A-list stars, delivering timely discussions on important topics, not only becoming a voice of influence but one of impact as their unguarded emotion, humor and experience has established The Pivot as a premiere podcast destination. Packing the perfect balance of personalities and character, Ryan, Channing and Fred have pivoted their own professional careers and personal experiences into colorful storytelling, a genuine flow of conversation and originality, igniting a passion within viewers and listeners around the world to tap in weekly. The trio’s unrivaled chemistry has created a sought after environment of comfort and culture for professional athletes, celebrities, entertainers to be their authentic self on a filterless platform. Embracing the word Pivot, the platform has transformed the narrative driven by challenges, life lessons, loss and change into the ability to accept, adjust and move forward. Football (American) Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Will Packer on building a Billion-Dollar film empire, pivoting to power, navigating Hollywood high stakes, Kevin Hart being evil, lesson from Paul Walker, persistence through rejection from Beyoncé, and turning setbacks into success.s

    Will Packer on building a Billion-Dollar film empire, pivoting to power, navigating Hollywood high stakes, Kevin Hart being evil, lesson from Paul Walker, persistence through rejection from Beyoncé, and turning setbacks into success.s
    May 5 2026
    “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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Randy Adams: Army Sgt on reliving death, Chicago streets to Afghanistan, choosing war over jail, life-changing battle of survival, depression to despair, finding faith and what kept him alive during dark times.

    Randy Adams: Army Sgt on reliving death, Chicago streets to Afghanistan, choosing war over jail, life-changing battle of survival, depression to despair, finding faith and what kept him alive during dark times.
    May 1 2026
    “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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Yahya Abdul-Mateen Emmy Award-Winning actor on choosing to be interesting vs being right, opens up on pain, purpose, staying true to himself and honor of playing Denzel's role as John Creasy in Netflix's Man on Fire.

    Yahya Abdul-Mateen Emmy Award-Winning actor on choosing to be interesting vs being right, opens up on pain, purpose, staying true to himself and honor of playing Denzel's role as John Creasy in Netflix's Man on Fire.
    Apr 28 2026
    “Do you want to be right or do you want to be interesting?” Yahya Abdul-Mateen II In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II for a candid and inspiring conversation about the road that led him to becoming one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. Full of energy, spunk and true authenticity, Yahya lets his guard down with Ryan, Channing and Fred- revealing a side of deep pain that has led to difficult healing as well as giving us a glimpse into the traits that make him one of film industry's most sought-after leading men. Yahya opens up about his childhood, sharing what it was like growing up from Louisiana to Oakland and how his upbringing and community helped shape his voice, work ethic, and backbone in creativity. He takes us behind the scenes of his unconventional journey into acting—from his aspirations of architecture and building to taking a leap of faith into acting classes and fully committing to the craft. Yahya reflects on the risks he took, the doubts he faced, and the defining moments that pushed him forward, offering insight into the discipline it took to break into a competitive industry. The conversation also dives into his standout roles across major hit projects like Aquaman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Watchmen—the latter earning him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award. Yahya shares how he approaches complex characters and prepares for emotionally demanding performances, giving listeners a deeper understanding of his creative process. A highlight of the conversation is his discussion of stepping into his latest role, starring as John Creasy in Netflix's new series Man on Fire, famously portrayed by Denzel Washington. Yahya explains how he honors the legacy of the performance while making the role his own—bringing a fresh perspective, new emotional layers, and a distinct physical presence that reflects his personal interpretation. He goes on to share that choosing to be interesting is more impactful than being right, which is a philosophy that he has used to separate himself from others in his craft. Grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest, Yahya gives us a deeper look at the mindset, resilience, and purpose behind his rise—making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in creativity, reinvention, and chasing purpose beyond comfort. Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
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