Pivot Podcast

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Vena E, known as Pretty Vee on social media and an entertainment mogul, known for her hilarious skits and funny dances sits with Ryan, Channing and Fred for a conversation covering her journey from childhood to stardom. Growing up with her parents in south Florida, one of Vee’s greatest motivators and influences is her her mother, who spent her life as a pastor, educator and a constant force of encouragement to Vee’s aspirations to follow an unlikely career path. Seeing her parents hard work all her life, Vee worked several hourly jobs while trying to figure out the next steps to put her in position to follow her dream but the catalyst to start her journey was when Vee was fired and credits that moment of being let go to giving her the push to pursue her passion. Trying to break into comedy and what was considered for so long a man’s world, Vee never was intimidated and always motivated to reinvent herself and find new ways to use her skits to generate attention. Living by the philosophy of a delay is not denial, Vee never took a no as a never and turned very closed door into another opportunity to go after he dreams. Amassing a social media following over 6M, Vee continues to entertain the world with her comedic skits, risk taking storylines and dominate the industry with her savvy business skills, using her characters to create products for women to help boost confidence and a fun easygoing lifestyle. Sustaining longevity in a Hollywood lifestyle is the continued goal for Vee as her path has allowed her to capitalize on every opportunity, carving her own niche in the comedic space and build a brand sustainable with respect and success in a cut throat entertainment business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Maalis 202349min

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find In an emotional and layered conversation covering everything from his HBCU exit, to new job at Colorado, his grave health scare, the importance of family and progression...Deion doesn't hold back as the guys chat through many tough topics and are able to soak up the wisdom and grasp the spirit of a man willing to share his trials, tribulations as well as celebrate the wins along the way too. Following the recent social and cultural uproar from his comments on recruitment, leaving Jackson State University for Colorado- Coach Prime is not shying away from the backlash and speaking honestly as he opens up to Fred, Ryan and Channing about the past couple months of change. In a long awaited conversation dating back to a previous exchange where Channing told Deion he didn't see him at a HBCU for a long time because of the lack of money and resources- Deion sets record straight that it was never about money, it was always about a calling to make a difference and create opportunities. Focused on what's in front of him and adapting to the opportunities life creates and the importance of bringing those close to him along on the journey, especially with his children. Ryan asks Prime how HBCUs will continue to grow without his footprint and blueprint, especially after bringing 5-star players like Travis Hunter with him in his exit and how will the programs maintain that level of attention without his contributions. Deion credits his time at JSU for making him the coach he is today and proud of the foundation he built for others to expand upon and explains why he felt it was his time to move on. Deion becomes emotional when Fred asks about the importance of community and continues to discuss family through his recent health scare. In a moment of vulnerability, Deion opens up about having no control as he battled one of the toughest things he’s ever been through and one of the scariest too, having blood clots in his lower extremities which led to amputation of two toes. Relying on those close to him, it was extremely difficult to be away from his children as Prime emotionally shares one moment with his son Shedeur which really put into perspective the effects change was having on not just him, but everyone close to him. Being one of the greatest athletes in our era and an icon on every level, Ryan talks to Deion on how doing the physical things that made him a legend are now the things he is unable to do and how that transition has been mentally. "I hope to run again one day...that's my goal, to be able to run," Deion says with watery eyes, it's the little things sometimes we take for granted who made us who we are that we no longer can do- that's when life becomes real. With the odds stacked against him, Deion is known for being a winner everywhere he goes and with everything he does which makes this transition to a new level, a challenging one. Ryan reiterates the importance of strong leadership and putting good people in proper places to excel and grow with him, which Deion has mastered. Close to selling out the stadium in Colorado for the first time in years, Prime talks about what it takes to build a championship program and his goals for the upcoming years as not just a coach but a father too. Deion’s next chapter as the head coach of Colorado is being documented for an upcoming series on Amazon Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Maalis 20231h 13min

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Today we sit down with Mina Kimes, a woman and friend we all admire and truly respect for the niche she has created and breaking barriers for women in sports and television. As an ESPN NFL analyst, media personality and writer, Mina has set the standard and continues to raise the bar in sports analytics. This conversation covers everything from her academic success, embracing her Korean heritage and the importance of representation which has led to finding her voice in the industry. Graduating summa cum laude from Yale University, some may say Mina may be over qualified for talking football and stats but she shares her why with Channing, Ryan and Fred as she explains she took what she was good at and mixed it with doing what she loves. Mina opens up about her relationship with her father and the influence he’s had on developing her love for football. Being raised as a military child and always moving around, Mina credits her nomadic life as the foundation of her strength and adaptability. Being a Korean woman is not the traditional candidate for this job, which Mina talks about relying on her coworkers to give her confidence and acceptance but admittedly opening up on her struggles with imposter syndrome for a lot of her career and an extreme focus on perfection. Fred relates to this to fight or flight vulnerability and opens up about doubtful times he had during his rookie year and how he overcame it as well. Mina’s intelligence and unique spin combining numbers and football makes her a rarity in the sport media space and a pivotal member of ESPN’s highly respected NFL Live show. An avid Seattle sports fan, Mina couldn’t leave without talking football and proving her predictions for the organization and future with Geno Smith. Tap in every Tuesday at noon eastern for our premiere episode of the Pivot. Special drops on Friday afternoons at 3:30 pm. We are your one-stop platform for all your sports and entertainment content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 Maalis 202356min

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Considered one of the best Defensive Ends in the game, Maxx Crosby’s journey to becoming a household name is more than just hard work on the field, it’s the humility and dedication as a man that truly makes his story inspirational. The guys sit down for a conversation that hits home for all of us as we all have moments in life we aren’t proud of or we try to keep hidden, but releasing the attachments and learning from the dark times is what makes the brighter days so meaningful. Opening up about the tough times of addiction, how it affected his game, his relationships, his family- Maxx takes us through the moments that led to him the life changing pivot and how he’s faced adversity head on and has come out even stronger on the other side. Extremely difficult to imagine and re-live, listening to Maxx’s story gives a new perspective of beating the odds and rooting for the good guy. Coming up on three years of sobriety in March, Maxx highlights that as a proud moment but becoming a father to his daughter Ella is truly the pivotal moment in his life that has brought everything full circle. Maxx raves about being a girl dad in good company with Ryan, Fred and Channing who all know the feeling and also expresses intimate gratitude to his wife Rachel who has stood by his side through it all. Despite his addiction, Max performed at a high level on the field which often tricked him into believing he didn’t have a problem. But now with a clear heart, Maxx has taken his ability to another level and shares in the confidence that he can be one do the best to ever play the game at his position. After a difficult season, Maxx talks about all the changes this off-season and what the Raiders need to do to be back in playoff contention this coming year, starting with finding a new QB. Tune in now to hear Maxx’s thoughts on what the key steps are this off-season for him and his teammates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Helmi 202350min

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with Lil Duval in one of his first conversations since his life-threatening accident in the Bahamas as he shares how his life has changed both physically and mentally since. Opening up to the guys, Lil Duval shares his recollection of the incident and talks through his mindset laying on side of road while waiting for help and how he tried to find humor in the difficulty of it and how the accident has helped teach him reassurance and the vulnerability of having to depend on others for help. Transitioning the conversation to his multi talented career, Ryan asks about navigating social media backlash and how Lil Duval has mastered not caring what others think while maintaining credibility and honesty in sharing his experiences and thoughts publicly. Never having ill intent and always knowing his audience to understand their relatability to his jokes and comments has been important to his sustainability and success. Opening up about his truth and vision from a young age, Lil Duval has always envisioned his success and says he has no finish line because he’s reinventing himself and evolving daily. Sharing the Jacksonville connection with Lil Duval, Fred talks about how the power behind the name “Duval” has transcended the city and caught on in culture to put Jacksonville on the map and a new swagger to those who live there, especially with their beloved Jaguars team! Not missing an opportunity to use the guys and their stories as comedic material, Lil Duval has some fun imitating Fred as a host and making jokes about Ryan and Channing. With Rehab going well and Lil Duval feeling more like himself, next up for him is his “Back On My Feet” tour! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Helmi 202355min

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find For four seasons, Aaron and Jamaal were constants in the Green Bay Packers backfield before Jamaal settled for a two-year deal with the NFC North rival Detroit Lions in 2021. Aaron and Jamaal describe their relationship as more of “brothers” than friends. Fred and Channing curiously ask how they maintained the brotherhood despite competing for same role on same team and even now that they are on rival teams. Jamaal talks about how the decision to leave Green Bay to go to the Lions was hard but in the end had to do what was best for him and his family. One commonality that Aaron and Jamaal bonded over and share was having influential male figures in their life. For Aaron, his father and for Jamaal, it was his uncle/trainer. In an emotional conversation, Aaron and Jamaal open up about the recent loss of these men in their lives and how it’s affected them and changed their course of life. With one of the major NFL offseason storylines tracking where QB Aaron Rodgers lands, Aaron Jones talks about his teammate’s leadership and drive pushed him to be a better player on the field and understand more the impact of winning and how to handle disappointment. Jones said he doesn’t want to see Rodgers leave but is prepared for what the team may be like with his absence. With a trio of running backs sitting together, you know the show can’t end without Fred asking who their top 5 RBs currently in the league are and why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Helmi 20231h 6min

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Considered one of the most influential R&B artists of all time, Ryan, Fred, and Channing dive into Musiq’s path to this point and discuss his transformation to stardom. Musiq opens up about his upbringing which he attributes to a lot of growing pains over the years. Dropping out of college and leaving the house at 17, Musiq talks about being forced to grow up quickly and the impact it had on him personally and professionally. From Musqi’s perspective, it was all a big risk for him to pursue his passion and he questioned himself every step despite the success and quick climb up record charts! Inspired by the sounds of similar artists such as D’Angelo, Musiq talks about how he worried if his sound would be accepted by the majority. Learning more about music and using his pain to produce legendary songs, he reflects on his process of writing songs and what moved him to produce this style. Ryan, Fred, and Channing reflect back on their days of listening to Musiq’s songs and the romantic tone it set, especially his big hit, Love. Musiq lets the guys know that Love was actually a therapy session for him and a product of searching for his definition of love. Fred goes down to the path of what it’s like to be in the industry limelight and how the journey affects him. Despite his 20+ years of experience, Musiq shares how he still gets nervous under the bright lights and even still gets nervous with every performance. He talks about his struggles balancing being an introvert and having an extroverted profession. Inspired by Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder, Musiq plans to continue to make music that’s a soundtrack to life. Fred, Ryan, and Channing don’t shy away from letting him know that he’s a legend in their book and that his music has forever impacted moved them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 Helmi 20231h 9min

FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST: MERCH | https://pivotpodcast.com  YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/thepivotpodcast INSTAGRAM | https://instagram.com/thepivot TWITTER | https://twitter.com/thepivot TIKTOK | https://tiktok.com/@thepivot FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/thepivotpodcast FOLLOW HAPPY DAD: https://www.instagram.com/happydad FIND HAPPY DAD: https://www.happydad.com/find Emmitt shares how a young man from Florida who had dreams of playing for the star turned his vision into a reality breaking the mold and going far beyond what he imagined. Opening up to Fred, Ryan and Channing- the football legend talks about how his purpose went far beyond the game and becoming an admirable man solidified his legacy. Meeting Walter Payton for the first time helped Emmitt shape his mission and knowing that breaking the running back’s record was on his radar, he worked everyday as that was his mission. Sharing memories and stories of playing for the Cowboys during the glory days of the 90s, Emmitt talks about what it was really like playing for America’s team. Away from the field and away from the bright lights and star, Emmitt shares how being a father and how finding life again after separating from his wife of almost two decades changed him and redefined his purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Helmi 202357min