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

In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we sit down with the multi-talented Woody McClain — actor, producer, and cultural force — best known for his powerful portrayal of Bobby Brown in BET’s The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story as well as his breakout role in PowerBook. Woody opens up to Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder about his journey from viral content creator and backup dancer to becoming a breakout star in Hollywood. He talks growth, rejection, reinvention, and what it really takes to pivot into your purpose. Throughout the episode, McClain shares candid insights into his early career, the challenges he faced in the entertainment industry, and the personal growth that led him to embrace acting as a lifelong passion. The discussion also touches on the importance of mentorship, the influence of Bobby Brown's legacy, and how McClain's experiences have shaped his approach to storytelling and artistry. He shares his what he learned from touring with Chris Brown, advice from 50cent, gratitude for his mother's unconditional support and how this one enlightening experience changed everything for the young actor. The impact of portraying a music legend How becoming a father reshaped his dreams Why he put breaks on dancing to chase acting Mental health, staying grounded, and staying hungry The real Woody McClain outside the spotlight This conversation is a masterclass in transformation and self-belief as Ryan, Fred and Channing share their own insights and experiences about navigating this high stakes business that is sometimes unforgiving. Drop your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring convos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Mai 1h 10min

“You can’t play chess with people who only own checkers because you both end up playing connect four and that’s a child’s game- and I no longer want to play children’s games.” Ryan Clark  Has this week been our Biggest Pivot? It's been an interesting and difficult at times for The Pivot Family, we lost Channing's father and have been trying to navigate life as various things have come our way. Ryan experienced a heightened media frenzy as he expressed his take on certain topics with RG3, culturally and with family, which ultimately led him to open up on his approach when using his voice and the responsibility that comes with having a platform. We also address recent accusations about our Bill Belichick show and Channing's clears the air on comments he made about Jordon Hudson's involvement while Ryan disclosed how our conversation truly took place. And we get back to the business talking about all the hottest headlines and biggest storylines in sports from Travis Hunter wedding to prenups to the reality of WNBA and our NBA Finals picks. The guys discuss the WNBA and how the league may be at elevated popularity because of Caitlin Clark, but there are so many stars and talented players which is truly making the game so much more fun and popular to watch. We get into the NBA finals, key players to watch and who the two teams left will be and how that affects the league and ratings. We get a few laughs as we talk about prenups, break down the viral best man speech and how we would handle these situations if it was us! And as we close out our conversation, we pay tribute to Randolph Crowder Sr as Channing reflects back on his final days with his father and how this loss has affected his outlook on life as he honors the man his dad Big Randy represented. Thank you Pivot Family for rocking with us and knowing that we will always hold each other accountable and operate with integrity no matter what popular opinion may be. Thank you to our friends at Monarch Money for sponsoring this episode, Check them out here and use code PIVOT to get 50% off your first year. https://www.monarchmoney.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Mai 1h 5min

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23 Mai 29min

“It’s everything I wanted it to be but it’s also a lot of things I never expected.” Teddy Swims singer and songwriter.  From pain to purpose- On September 20, 2022, Ryan, Channing and Fred went to Atlanta to check out this YouTube sensation and social media famed singer who could cover songs which had people gravitating to his voice and unique style. Ryan ended that show saying 5 years from now, 'you will be a huge star and we can say we sat with you before anyone else,'...Well it only took two and half years and we are back sitting with the one and only, and We can say we knew him when... Now, global sensation, topping the charts with his hits Lose Control, Bed on Fire, The Door and many others- Teddy Swims, singer, songwriter who's journey from football fields to soulful sound waves captivated audiences worldwide has become one of the top artists in all of music and has remained the same guy through it all! In his powerful return to The Pivot Podcast, Jaten Dimsdale known as Teddy Swims, sits down with the guys to reflect on how life has transformed since his first appearance in 2022. Back then, he was a rising star trying to find his place. Now, he's a chart-topping artist with a global fanbase—and a much deeper understanding of himself. We traveled to meet up with Teddy on his US tour where he's selling out venues around the country to catch him before his big show, and to no surprise, he's as genuine as the first time we met him. Teddy shares the pivotal moments that led him to embrace his true passion for music, revealing the challenges and triumphs along the way to the top and what it's like to be living his dream. Teddy opens up about the personal growth he's undergone over the past few years—emotionally, mentally, and creatively. He speaks candidly about therapy, heartbreak, healing, and the lessons learned while navigating fame, relationships, and his own identity. From the raw vulnerability in his newest music to the clarity he's found offstage, Teddy bares it all about finding his life partner as he shares his biggest news and excitement around his next chapter- fatherhood. The discussion delves into the creative process behind Teddy's latest album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy , exploring the raw emotions and personal experiences that shaped his journey. Teddy reflects on the therapeutic power of music and how it serves as both a personal outlet and a means to connect with others. He opens up on growth as an artist and individual, as he navigates the complexities of fame, self-identity, and the pursuit of authenticity in an industry often defined by its superficiality. The conversation offers a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist continuing to redefine the boundaries of music and personal expression. It explores the transformation: of a man, an artist, and a soul finding peace after chaos. Whether you're just discovering Teddy or have followed him since the beginning, his journey will resonate, inspire, and hit home. Life after viral fame: What success really feels like The role therapy and mental health play in his creative process Lessons in love, loss, and letting go How his sound—and soul—have matured Listen in for an honest, moving conversation about change, growth, and what it really means to come home to yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Mai 52min

“It felt like food was taken off my plate…Came into this third year with all these goals, the 50 point game was a confirmation that the work I did was showing up...So to go down with an injury was like a hit to the stomach- it was a reality check, like I’m not Superman.” Paolo Banchero In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, we sit down with Orlando Magic's All-Star forward, Paolo Banchero, to discuss his journey from a standout freshman at Duke to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft to battling adversity this past season dealing with serious injury and how he was able to lead his young team deep in first round of playoffs.  Coming off a historic 50-point performance this pass season, Paolo opens up about his experiences in the NBA, his time under Coach K at Duke, and the challenges and triumphs of his rookie season. He shares insights into his mindset during high-pressure moments, the evolution of his game, and his aspirations for the future. He talks about the strength of his family grounding him, growing up in Seattle with basketball idols becoming his mentors and the call from Michael Jordan that changed his outlook in life.  Paolo shares his takes on the current NBA playoff picture and how teams on the road win early games setting the tone for the upcoming conference series’ which is what led teams like NY and Indiana to the point they are at now. He gives us the one key that separates teams at this stage of the playoffs.  Tap in now for our conversation with one of the league's brightest young talents as he continues to make his mark in basketball, on and off the court. Thank you to our friends and partners at KaChava for sponsoring this episode. Go to ⁠https://kachava.com⁠ and use code PIVOT for 15% off on their subscription for a limited time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Mai 52min

With all the headlines and storylines swirling around Coach Belichick, we wanted to create a space for Coach to touch on some of these as well as add anything he finds important but ultimately we bring back a locker room vibe as Ryan, Channing and Fred talk football stories, the Art of Winning, life on and off the field and lessons learned along the way. Going through the various chapter of Coach’s iconic journey and the people who have helped shape him and the moments that define not just one of the Greatest Coach of All Time but one of the most polarizing sports figures ever. From coaching greats Tom Brady and Lawrence Taylor, to his mentor Bill Parcells and his special tribute and gratitude to his first football hero, his father…A lot of inside stories, laughs and wisdom as we connect Coach’s the love of the game to his winning approach to life. Focused on football more than ever, Coach leaves his NFL legacy as his path takes him to his next chapter at UNC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

16 Mai 1h 3min

“How you gonna ridicule me? I’m in the one percentile of my work and I’ve shown you I work hard, so why can’t I have a life away from my job?” Paul George Philadelphia 76ers In a special crossover  edition of The Pivot, we sit with NBA star, Paul George for the first part of our show and then Ryan, Chan and Fred do a second part with PG as the host that is streaming on his Podcast P channel…it’s a layered conversation about basketball, football, teammates, legacy, expectations personally and professionally as well as the role of family and more as we kick off the first part of this show… This raw and insightful discussion goes far beyond the court as PG opens up about the highs and lows of his career—from the devastating leg injury that nearly ended it all, to becoming one of the league’s most respected veterans as he’s played for the NBA's most storied franchises and had teammates who've defined the game. In a moment of humility and honesty, PG talks about coming to the Philadelphia 76ers and how things ultimately didn’t go as planned with championship expectations premature but hopes the adversity of a talented locker room will help the team rebound going forward. His admiration to play with Joel Embiid is what drew him to Philly, but injuries kept the duo from reaching full potential. He reflects on the mental and emotional toll of unmet goals, while staying focused on growth and what’s next in his journey. PG shares his mindset shift over the years, lessons in leadership, and how he's learned to balance basketball, fatherhood, and business. The guys also dive into PG’s thoughts on today’s NBA culture, playoff performances, and the power of staying mentally strong in a game that’s constantly evolving. Paul gets real about navigating criticism, evolving as a leader, and finding peace in the process. Chasing championship aspirations is still a goal, but the reality that not all greats achieve that feat is setting in....This is Paul George like you've never heard him—honest, real and reflective, in a powerful conversation about resilience, pressure, and purpose. Don't forget to tap into our YouTube Channel and hit subscribe. Head over to Podcast P channel to catch Part 2 of this episode! Get a free trial at https://www.shipstation.com/pivot. Thanks to ShipStation for supporting this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Mai 56min

“This is unlike any sporting event I’ve ever been to.” Ryan Clark The Savannah Bananas are best described as a wildly entertaining, baseball-meets-circus experience that blends sports with showmanship. They’ve reinvented the traditional baseball game by creating “Banana Ball,” a faster, fan-first version of the sport with unique rules, dancing players, and nonstop crowd engagement. More than just the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball—it’s competition at the highest , part athleticism, part theater, and 100% fun. The Savannah Bananas aren't just a baseball team — they're a movement. In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Cole, the visionary in the yellow tux, and his wife and business counterpart, Emily,  who welcome  Ryan, Channing, and Fred to their baseball mecca as they break down how the Savannah Bananas took the most traditional sport in America and turned it into a high-energy, sold-out, must-see experience. From dancing players to a fan-first philosophy, Jesse shares how breaking the rules, betting on fun, and building a unique culture created a global sensation. This episode is about more than baseball — it's about leadership, trailblazing, and having the guts to pivot when the world says play it safe. Games are packed with choreographed dances, stilt-walking players, and spontaneous celebrations. Although this blend of baseball and performance art has drawn comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters- Ryan, Fred and Channing learn quickly the competition is fierce and far from scripted.  Under owner Jesse Cole's leadership, the team prioritizes fan experience above all. This includes all-inclusive low ticket pricing, ad-free ballparks, and interactive elements that have re-ignited a love for America's past time and how this team turned from a struggling minor league squad into a global entertainment sensation. It's not just baseball — it’s Banana Ball.. And for the players, Baseball will never be the same and that's ok because the athletes embrace Banana Ball as an opportunity to shine, be attached to a sport they love while inspiring millions around the world with fun, entertainment and pure joy. Stars Kyle "KJ" Jackson, Malachi Mitchel and Bret Helton share with the guys their backstory boasting high-skill levels, being a part of viral moments and creating a bucket-list attraction that has led to selling out NFL and MLB stadiums across the country! The Savannah Bananas have become a viral sensation by transforming baseball into an electrifying entertainment experience that appeals to fans of all ages. Beyond baseball- We learn the Cole's motivation and passion in their personal and family life run parallel to their gratitude in general, as they give us a look into their family dynamic and opening up not just their hearts but their homes to fostering kids, adopting their two little girls and using the banana's platform for positivity around fostering and adoption. Buying into Banana ball is only through blood, sweat and tears as we uncover how these talented athletes choose to join the Banana family, and how it's not about wins and losses- it's how you are seen on and off the field and what drives them each day to give fans an unprecedented experience.  Truly an inspirational story of second chances for athletes and making big leaps for entrepreneurs who aren't afraid to take chances, follow a dream and turn their passion into purpose. Tap into this conversation and social for our full conversation and see Ryan, Channing and Fred get immersed into Banana culture and become fans for life. Catch the Savannah Bananas on ESPN Saturday night as they take Banana Ball on a stadium tour with a wait list of millions hoping to be a part of the action!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Mai 1h 18min