Pivot Podcast

John Starks, former NBA All-Star who rose from undrafted underdog to 90s Knicks icon. He revisits battling Michael Jordan and the era’s brutal rivalries. He reflects on the iconic dunk over Chicago, the Game 7 heartbreak and recovery, and why today’s Knicks feel different. Short, candid stories about pressure, perseverance, and competing in Madison Square Garden.

Laura Rutledge, Emmy-winning sports TV host and former Miss Florida, shares candid stories from ballet training to sideline fame. She talks about balancing a high-profile career with motherhood. She opens up about grief, career pivots, and how saying yes in college changed her path. Honest, warm, and surprisingly funny reflections on family, ambition, and resilience.

Will Packer, film producer and studio exec behind hits like Girls Trip and Ride Along, shares stories from his rise from an HBCU student film to a billion-dollar resume. He talks on-set crisis leadership, pivoting and reshooting like a GM, turning rejections into opportunities, building momentum and confidence, and working loyally with stars like Kevin Hart.

Randy Adams, a U.S. Army Sergeant turned motivational Christian speaker who survived severe facial trauma and sepsis. He recounts life from Chicago streets to combat in Afghanistan. He discusses the night that changed everything, the fight for survival and faith in the hospital, 38 surgeries, and how pain became purpose to inspire others.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, an Emmy-winning actor known for Watchmen and Aquaman, reflects on his Oakland roots and unexpected path from architecture to acting. He talks about choosing to be interesting over being right, honoring Denzel’s Creasy while making the role his own, and how pain, purpose, and faith shaped his craft and leadership.

Patrick Ewing, Hall of Fame center and Georgetown champion, reflects on his rise from Jamaica to Knicks stardom. He discusses intense rivalries with Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon. He talks about New York pressure, physical 90s basketball, coaching shifts, Georgetown’s culture, family sacrifice, and his one lasting regret.

Aurélien Tchouaméni, Real Madrid and France midfielder known for his defensive steel, discusses life at the highest level. He talks about handling pressure and fame, playing alongside stars like Vinícius Jr and his leadership, confronting racism on the pitch, coping with the 2022 World Cup pain, and his mindset heading into 2026.

“I had to go through the fire to be exactly who I’m supposed to be.”- Trick Williams In this special pre-WrestleMania episode of The Pivot Podcast, WWE Superstar Trick Williams pulls up in his lemon pepper steppers showing out for Ryan, Channing and Fred in a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the ring, giving a rare glimpse of the same flair and energy that has captivated million around the world. Trick shocks us all sharing a full circle moment, from when he was a young boy having a run-in with Fred to sitting across from him now and how that impacted him forever. He opens up about his journey from the football field—where he played under legendary coach Steve Spurrier—to finding his true calling in professional wrestling, and how that athletic foundation shaped his mindset and work ethic in WWE. Trick dives into the importance of bringing culture, authenticity, and charisma to sports entertainment, explaining how he’s helping redefine what it means to be a modern superstar. He breaks down how his signature chant, “Whoop That Trick,” organically caught fire with fans and evolved into a full-blown WWE phenomenon—turning arenas electric, call-and-response moments that showcase his undeniable connection with the crowd. He even reflects on a surreal co-sign moment with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson —an unforgettable stamp of respect that signaled Trick’s arrival on the big stage. As he reflects on his upbringing and the deep influence of his family, especially his mother, Trick attributes his mom's strength and guidance key into molding him into the man he is today. The conversation also touches on love and partnership, as Trick shares insight into his relationship with his fiancée, who’s also a wrestler, and how they balance ambition, support, and the grind of the business together. With WrestleMania this week, Trick speaks candidly about the biggest matches of his career ahead, the pressure, the opportunity, and the legacy he’s determined to build. The true epitome of the word Pivot, Trick's compelling story is a lesson to all, that even when one door closes, never be afraid to kick another one down, because doing the unimaginable might end up being your true calling all along. 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

Craig Melvin, Today co-host and longform interviewer, reflects on family, fatherhood and recovery. He discusses staging an intervention and his father’s recovery, parenting trade-offs and why he values presence over perfection. He talks colorectal cancer advocacy after personal loss and launching Glass Half Full to explore perspective and resilience.

“I feel like God had his hands on me because I shouldn’t be alive.” On this powerful episode of the The Pivot Podcast, the hosts sit down with Grammy-winning artist Lecrae for a raw and inspiring conversation about transformation, faith, and purpose. Lecrae opens up about his turbulent upbringing, sharing how a tough past filled with instability and street influences shaped his early identity. He reflects on the lessons he learned from the streets—both the survival instincts and the emotional scars—and how those experiences ultimately pushed him to search for something deeper. That search led him to Christian music, where he found not only faith, but a calling that would redefine his life. Lecrae also dives into his evolution as an artist, discussing the challenges of balancing authenticity, faith, and mainstream success in today’s music industry. From building a groundbreaking career in Christian hip-hop to using his platform to inspire and uplift others, he shares the mindset and mission that keep him grounded. From his musical hits to working in the studio with some of music's top artists, Lecrae carved a niche for him that has led to high success and a global impact.  At its core, this conversation is about growth, redemption, and purpose—highlighting Lecrae’s goal to bridge worlds, impact lives, and prove that your past doesn’t have to define your future. 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