Pivot Podcast

• Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion, league voice on what's next for Women's basketball, CBA talks, Unrivaled competition, being Black & Gay in sports, family values, Dawn Staley the mentor, playing with Diana Taurasi, future of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

  “I’m never out here trying to prove to others who I am. I’m out here proving to myself that I’m exactly who I said I am.” Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion   Pivot Family, We have had a lot of great conversations but this one is up there as one of our favorites because it’s so personal, covering so many life aspects we don’t talk about often and truly reveals the inner character of a remarkable woman who stands on strength and is fueled by passion and purpose. Ryan, Fred and Channing sit with former WNBA champion and Connecticut Sun point guard Natasha Cloud. Cloud, joins the guys for an emotional and powerful conversation about her journey through basketball, identity, social justice advocacy, and the fight for equality in women’s sports. Through her battle scars and experiences, we get to know the real side of this strong woman who found her voice at a young age and has never hid from who she is to use it.    Growing up biracial, in a predominantly white household and community, Cloud reflects on feeling like she existed in a “gray area”…never feeling fully white, never feeling fully black and how that shaped her outlook. Shedding some tears, she shares how much her parents mean to her and how they embraced her wholeheartedly even though it wasn’t always easy times. Cloud opens up about her self discovery to understanding her Blackness, the difficult conversations that came with it, and how her white parents made a constant effort to support her experience as a Black woman.   Energized and excited about the success and competition of playing in the Unrivaled league- Cloud is now gearing up for their next battle as she is at the forefront of the WNBA’s fight for better pay, benefits, and respect. She speaks passionately about the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement, the need for pensions, and the growing investment in women’s basketball. She also discusses this past WNBA season with the increased viewership and doesn’t shy away from speaking on aggressive play being criticized as something other than basketball.    Candid about her personal relationship with fellow WNBA player Isabelle Harrison, Cloud takes us through the challenges of being a Black gay woman, and how she struggled to reconcile her faith with her identity while balancing societal pressures and criticism. By overcoming constant battles, Cloud finds strength in embracing who she is through thick and thin and never lets what others think be of influence.    The guys talk about Cloud skipping the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice, the burden of constantly speaking out on important issues, and how she’s learned the importance of self-care, acknowledging that while she wants to fight for change, she also understands that she can’t pour from an empty cup.   This episode is about courage, resilience, and standing firm in who you are. Natasha Cloud’s story is a beautiful one of pride, courage, love, family and proof that playing basketball is bigger than sports. Finding purpose in using her platform for change, she’s a proven leader, and willing to stand on the shoulders of those who came before her to leave the game and world better for future generations of young women.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:16:01
• Anthony Mackie: Captain America takes us behind the scenes from New Orleans to Hollywood icon, challenges faced by black actors, being mentored by Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle love, breakout roles, raising young men today and future of film

  “I don't think it's a question of convincing people or convincing the world. My biggest hurdle was convincing myself.” Anthony Mackie on role of Captain America Pivot Family, We are back in New Orleans like we never left! Sitting with NOLA’s hometown hero who’s Hollywood’s new Captain America, Anthony Mackie, is sharing his rise to stardom in the film industry and taking us through how it all started and the challenges faced along the way.  This open-book conversation between the guys is hilarious, riveting and full of energy and insight as we learn the real story behind a young black man who grew up in Louisiana with big screen aspirations and wasn’t afraid to be different to pursue his dreams.  Anthony’s message about not just making it to the top but sustaining both status and respect in the industry may be unconventional as he tells the guys that success is given and not earned and that we’ve been lying to our youth by telling them differently. He explains how life is pushing past doubt, embracing opportunities, and finding the strength to carry the weight of something bigger than yourself while relying on relationships to find the next best thing. Being Black has yielded him certain experiences as well as taught him that having one talent or one dimension isn’t enough to stay successful but needing an arsenal is what it takes.  He talks about the differences between working actors and celebrities, including today’s new wave of names and how the landscape has changed with social media. Anthony admits he never thought he’d be given the role of Captain America but gets vulnerable about the self-doubt he had to overcome... not convincing the world he could do it but convincing himself he was worthy of the role and what it means to represent the character in a new era.  Reflecting on his New Orleans upbringing, Anthony tells Ryan, Channing and Fred how guys from “the hood don’t do theater” but he found his calling early on through his elementary teacher who recognized his potential and helped him discover New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) which gave him a sense of belonging and further inspired his acting career.  Anthony shares stories and scenes that shaped him including what his rap battle with Eminem in 8 Mile truly signified, how he landed his role in Hurt Locker, how Don Cheadle inspired his craft and how having Denzel Washington as a mentor guided his career path by watching Denzel never be too big to do the little things that give passion purpose. Channing asks his Channing questions as he tells Captain America he’s blown him away with a lot of his films but he didn’t love his character portrayal of 2pac and also asks what led him to being ok playing a gay man.    Beyond the big screen, Anthony opens up about losing his mother and best friend as a teenager which was a dark time that ultimately pivoted him down a path to find light again and take acting more seriously. He also discusses the importance of masculinity, raising his four sons to be responsible men and instilling strong family values despite being divorced from their mother.   This episode is more than just Hollywood stories and laughs. It’s about resilience, identity, and purpose. Anthony Mackie isn't just a mega star, he's a trailblazer in our time and proof that true leadership comes from honoring the past while inspiring the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:05:37
• Mikey Williams Basketball & Social Media Sensation fall from the top, how the former Five-Star recruit is playing college hoops at UCF trying to chase NBA dreams after 2023 arrest, shares regret and finding light in darkness

  “I’ll have a game where I play 5 minutes and I’ll shed a tear. I know it’s gotta get better. I just have to work my way back up...It gets dark, but I can't lose the light inside of me.” Mikey Williams UCF Basketball Player  Pivot Family! As we are gearing up for March Madness in college hoops, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with social media star and former #1 high school prospect, Mikey Williams, who is playing at the University of Central Florida and opening up after his fall from the top of the basketball world after his arrest in 2023. The once considered "basketball prodigy" shows a vulnerable side as he reflects on how quickly his success came and how quickly it all slipped away with some bad choices, legal troubles and personal struggles. Becoming a social media sensation through his skill set, Williams talks about how he became a brand in basketball at an early age, ahead of the current NIL landscape, despite telling the guys he played an internet role and really is a quiet, shy guy off the court and off camera. But with fame, came pressure and expectations, and Williams opens up about how that affected his focus at times as well as how easy it was to get caught up in the wrong places. Mikey discusses how basketball and life problems blended together, making it tough to stay locked in and how he had to navigate his path differently to get through adversity and find the right people to keep around him. Ryan and Fred ask him about the incident that changed his life, from five-star high school prospect to facing felony gun charges. Mikey doesn’t shy away from addressing his 2023 arrest, reflecting on the hard lessons learned and how the entire legal experience changed his perspective. He shares advice for young athletes about making the right decisions before it’s too late and admits that during that time, the world saw him as problem child on trial and all he could do was leave it in God’s hands to be freed from it. He reflects on the time he lost while waiting for trial at Memphis, realizing he had taken the game for granted. With so much promise and commitment to play at an elite level and be coached by the legendary Penny Hardaway, Mikey knows what his mistakes cost him and tries to keep faith that his NBA dreams are still obtainable. Now on the road to redemption, playing college ball at University of Central Florida, Williams is locked in on one goal to make it to the league and doesn't think about his plan B. Growing up in the basketball world with other young standouts like Bronny James, Mike says he isn't bitter about them making it but he definitely sheds some tears when his mind thinks about what could have been for his own future. Speaking on the criticism Bronny receives, Mike has empathy and understands what it’s like to be in the spotlight and have every move scrutinized. This conversation goes beyond the surface of what we have seen on social media and what the headlines have deemed Mikey Williams, offering a deeper more personal look into a young man who's fortune and fame early in life took him down a path that is difficult to come back from but a story he is determined to rewrite. Don't forget to hit subscribe button on YouTube and like/comment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  37:13
• Dion Dawkins NFL Star on survivor's remorse, avoiding street life as a kid, football journey, becoming a leader in Buffalo, reveals what makes Josh Allen different and why he believes Bills would have been better than Chiefs in Super Bowl

  “Figuring out what version of Dion I wanted to be. Definitely came with a lot of mistakes and definitely came with a lot of eye-opening experiences.” Dion Dawkins NFL Pro   Pivot Family, ya'll definitely want to tap into this episode! It is a true example of “Accept, Adjust and Move Forward” as Ryan, Fred and Channing sit down with Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins to go beyond the surface of who he is as a player and learn more of his life journey as he opens up with honesty and accountability, going from young athlete to NFL star despite some off field obstacles.  As the core of The Buffalo Bills team, Dion has become one of the faces of the franchise and community for his leadership, dominant play and boisterous personality. Dawkins has high praise for MVP teammate Josh Allen, calling him “one of one” and revealing what makes him a great leader that the world doesn't get to see. He keeps it real about the Bills’ Super Bowl drought, saying they have the key to the door but just can’t seem to open it. Although making peace with their painful AFC Championship loss this season and jokingly sharing what or rather who the team needs to get to the big dance, Dion voices his opinion and confidently claims that Buffalo would’ve put on a better show than Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX. Dion is unapologetically himself and approaches life with 100% confidence and explains you can still be a dawg on the field and a nice guy in real life. A few wrong-time wrong-place type decisions early in his life led Dion to revamp his path the man he wanted to be and living out his vision. He shares how he always knew he was built differently, from shoveling snow for money as a kid to being the last one on football field taking extra reps to adhering his cousin’s warning of the pitfalls that the streets offered.    Suffering from a variation of survivor’s guilt, Dion explains how the complicated relationship with his father heavily weighs on him as he opens up on why the two have failed to make peace and the root of the hurt. He talks about being the one who made it in life but is rather ridiculed for it than celebrated. Transparent with his challenging family dynamic, Dion is also an open book with some of his early mistakes that he made navigating his football talents while learning through tough moments that caused others' pain and himself. Reflecting on his college suspension at Temple, Dawkins talks about the humiliation of watching someone else take his reps, the one part of that experience he hasn't reconciled and his message to young athletes about second chances.   This conversation is filled with so much honesty, humility and proof that not everything is what it seems and sometimes those who portray a certain persona have a story to tell because often the things that shape us, are not what define us. Tap into this conversation and make sure you give us a 5 star rating if you enjoy listening to these discussions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:07:49
• Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, Channing Crowder: Why do men wear tubesocks? Talking football, life, culture and more as they talk Shedeur Sanders, NFL Combine, disrespect of Lebron, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Hooters Closing, Floyd Mayweather, Tank Davis fight

  “What it all comes down to is for a lot of these young guys, choices, decisions, consequences. You got a choice not to participate.” Fred Taylor on young athletes’ decision-making  Pivot Family, Your favorite trio is back with a new Pivot Friday talking all the biggest storylines in sports, culture and trying to make sense of life through our own experiences. As always Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder keep it 100 as they speak candidly about everything from NBA criticisms to NFL Combine to Hooters closing to men aging gracefully as the guys realize they aren’t the young bucks they once were…In that, the OG’s share advice for this new generation of athletes to act responsible with women, sex, money and how to avoid falling in traps that will negatively impact them.  Does the NFL Combine still have the same allure it once did? The guys dive into how big name players choose to skip the drills and choose to participate at their school’s pro day vs in Indianapolis. With heightened attention around Shedeur Sanders not throwing, Ryan points out that Shedeur faces more scrutiny than other QBs because of his last name while Channing says the Combine is more for the cusp guys or athletes trying to have one last shot to grab a team’s attention to separate from the pack since so much film and data is already compiled at this point.    Former NHL star, PK Subban, recently made comments on NBA players lacking passion for the sport which has sparked a national conversation on sports and NBA competitiveness as Fred breaks down where he sees the comments originating. Ryan admittedly feels the sports world, including himself, have disrespected our generation of legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry, constantly nitpicking instead of appreciating their greatness. With the rise of international basketball stars, have we given enough respect to our own US born elite?   The conversation shifts to choices, decisions, and consequences, with Fred warning young athletes about making better decisions with women and their money. Channing keeps it real, saying, “You didn’t get cuter, you just got richer,” explaining why athletes should be smarter about who they let into their lives. Ryan emphasizes the importance of learning what a healthy relationship looks like and breaking the cycle of broken homes and settling for mediocrity personally. Channing makes a funny but valid comparison of how the internet has his financial status marketed and how he approached women as he was the young athlwt   Shifting the conversation to saying farewell to a once national treasure, Hooters, as Fred talks about it being a sign of the times with all these staple places closing up shop. Ryan has his cultural thoughts on why Hooters should have evolved with their customer service catering to the demographic who loves wings while Channing shares his personal interactions over the years adding his storytelling flare to the conversation that has everyone laughing in tears!   With the recent Eagles rumors of visiting 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue after the Super Bowl, The guys talk about the tradition of athletes visiting the White House, with Fred believing it should be a personal decision while Ryan agrees but says some players no longer see the White House as a symbol of unity, comparing it to how locker rooms represent true diversity, equity, and inclusion.  And stick around to the end as the guys discuss the state of Boxing, with Gervonta Tank Davis’ recent comments about Floyd Mayweather prior to his championship bout vs Lamont Roach this wknd. Per usual, this episode is full of laughs, real talk, and deep discussions about sports, culture, and life. From the NFL combine to NBA players getting flack to young athletes making mistakes to Channing’s shenanigans over the years, The Pivot trio delivers another must-listen conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  1:07:23

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