Pivot Podcast

Andre Ward, undefeated two-division world champion and 2004 Olympic gold medalist, reflects on growing up in Oakland and the sacrifices that forged him. He discusses battling parental addiction, a near-death drug scare that led to faith, choosing to retire on his terms, and the challenges of fatherhood and identity beyond the ring.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers quarterback and 2023 No. 1 pick with a Heisman-winning college pedigree, reflects on his playoff run and the mindset-shifting night that changed him. He discusses handling benching and pressure, leadership growth, chemistry with Xavier Legette, bond with CJ Stroud, and why some things (including raccoon) are off the menu.

Aldis Hodge, actor, producer and watchmaker known for Hidden Figures and One Night in Miami, reflects on resilience shaped by a strong single mother and confronting racial threats. He discusses creating opportunities through producing and his 9B Collective. He also shares how fatherhood, watchmaking, and integrity guide his career choices and legacy.

Nick Emmanwori, rookie NFL safety who anchored Seattle’s top-ranked 'Dark Side' defense and became a Super Bowl champion. He recounts his pregame ankle scare and grit to play. He praises Coach Mike McDonald’s Xs and Os and explains his rapid schematic growth. He talks locker-room brotherhood, Sam Darnold’s swagger, his mom going viral, and why he trusts Seattle can run it back.

Gary Vaynerchuk, serial entrepreneur and cultural creator who built VaynerMedia and VaynerSports, shares a high-energy conversation on mindset and evolution. He talks about patience over shortcuts. He tackles fear and curiosity around AI and new tech. He discusses parenting, accountability for grown kids, and why building people matters as much as building companies.

Jared Verse, 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year and disruptive Rams edge rusher, talks film study, technique, and workouts that made him a pressure machine. He reflects on the NFC Championship loss and how it reshaped his mindset. Jared shares advice from Aaron Donald, praise for Matthew Stafford, thoughts on Keon Coleman, and the one off-season change he plans to make.

Terrence "Bud" Crawford, retired multi-division undisputed world champion from Omaha, reflects on legacy, retirement, and fatherhood. He argues big fight nights carry more pressure than the Super Bowl. He revisits career-defining wins, why he walked away, concerns about long-term damage, and his work giving back and guiding the next generation.

They tackle the week's biggest NFL headlines, including the Super Bowl matchup and a contentious Hall of Fame snub. They debate Pro Bowl selections and whether popularity beats merit. College football discipline and new fine policies get examined, along with Deion Sanders' approach. A personal story about confronting childhood bullying sparks a broader conversation on how those wounds persist into adulthood.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics forward and six-time All-Star who combines elite scoring with championship experience, opens up about rehab and the mental battle after a serious injury. He talks Boston’s championship culture, evolving relationships with coaches and teammates, fatherhood and privacy, the sting of the 2024 Olympics, and Kobe Bryant’s lasting influence.

“We are about proving ourselves right, not proving others wrong.” Marcus Jones  Super Bowl dreams are on the line. Before stepping onto the field for the AFC Championship, All-Pro Marcus Jones joins The Pivot Podcast for a raw, wide-ranging conversation about pressure, preparation, and purpose. Marcus breaks down what it really takes to perform when everything’s at stake—mentally, physically, and emotionally. From his journey to this moment, to the mindset he’s carrying into the biggest game of his career, nothing is off limits. He talks leadership, resilience, staying locked in through the noise, and what fuels him when the lights are brightest. Making history for the Patriots with an interception returned for a touchdown to help lead his team over the Houston Texans to land in the AFC championship, Marcus shares what it's like being underestimated as a defense, even calling out RC on his picks against them in a friendly banter egged on by Channing ofcourse! The guys talk about Cardi B's super fandom, Stefon Diggs' unique leadership qualities and how it's been building a team-first mentality under Coach Vrabel vs his rookie year lessons learned from Coach Belichick. Growing up in a military family that moved around, Marcus has had discipline at the core of everything he does as well as a family-first mentality, appreciating the sacrifices his father made for him and says becoming a young father himself, was pivotal, as he never wants to fail his son, who was recently diagnosed with Autism. This is more than football—it’s about belief, sacrifice, and showing up when it matters most. Pivot Family, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button! We love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices