Pivot Podcast

• N.O.R.E American rapper on creating Drink Champs, always ahead of the curve, getting out of jail to finding his Euphoria, discovering Reggaeton, Bad Bunny, Michael Jordan regret, Kanye naming North after him, joy in being a grandpa and running.

  “My biggest Pivot is when I set out to do something and people doubt me. I like to have my back against the wall, that’s something that makes me.” Norega What happens when a rap legend trades the stage for the mic, and then turns that mic into a cultural movement? Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with N.O.R.E.—once frontman of the Queens duo Capone‑N‑Noreaga, still a platinum-selling solo act, and now one of hip-hop’s most trusted voices behind the mic. We get to know N.O.R.E behind the fame and see him as the family man who loves being a grandpa, building wealth with his wife, who wakes up at 4am to embark on training for the NYC marathon, the guy in the group chat who is always motivating you and the friend who reaches out just to check in. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover his journey through music, from his early days in Queens, going from jail to how meeting NAS changed his entire perspective on life to being one of the originals to boast Reggaeton to shifting into podcasting, co-founding the hit show Drink Champs with DJ EFN to becoming constant presence in hip hop culture. He takes the guys behind-the-scenes of hip-hop’s biggest names, the compliment from 50 Cent that impacted his legacy to Kanye West naming his first child after him to the unexpected collaborations to the “you wouldn’t believe” stories to his regret with Michael Jordan and how he's continuing to shape culture in a forever changing society. N.O.R.E shares how he developed a "whatever it takes" mentality to stay relevant as he's seen the culture he's helped build evolve three times over—on the mic, in the studio, in media. This episode is filled with raw energy, unfiltered truths, sharp humor, and the kind of storytelling only someone who’s lived it can deliver. Whether you grew up riding the “Super Thug” beat or you’re discovering N.O.R.E.’s impact for the first time, this episode is a bridge—between then & now, between rap and media, between the grind and the growth and where we are headed next. Tune in for a conversation that reminds us- a pivot isn’t just a change—it’s a choice and a continuous movement of evolution. And when you’ve seen it all, it’s what you do next that counts. Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe, we love hearing from you Pivot Family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Ryan Clark on state of college football, LSU next coach, scary sports stories, Cam Newton bout, Channing Crowder breaks down reality of sports betting, best advice Fred Taylor received, world series and is Shohei the best athlete?

  "It's not the money, it's the rush you get from doing it." Channing Crowder Another fun-filled Friday episode with the fellas! With so much going on in the sports world right now, Ryan, Channing and Fred are back together breaking down all the top headlines and offering a different perspective on certain storylines that have everyone in a spin! From college football powerhouses becoming a laughing stock in the SEC to coaching changes across ball to the reality of sports betting to evolution of young athletes and their approach to the game and are we seeing the best athlete ever in sports right now with Shohei Otani in baseball? Sharing personal insight into the LSU and Florida football chaos, Ryan talks about his visit to Baton Rouge this week and his experience as a former Tiger while Fred and Channing chime in on the state of their alma mater Florida. The guys get into the future of sports at college level, what young people need from their leaders, how gambling is casting a cloud, money not being the root of what sports betting truly is and we even get into the play by play of a viral bout between our guy Cam Newton and an Alabama mascot!! Also chat about the world series and if Shohei Otani is the greatest athlete we are seeing right now and if not, who is? Of course we tap into some of the viral stories circulating social media from women having secret bank accounts to marriage advice to sick monkeys on the loose to our ongoing exercise and diet struggles as Fred is embracing his new healthy lifestyle, Ryan still fighting off snack demons and Channing thinks it's all crazy haha! Kick off your weekend with your favorite trio and don't forget to hit the subscribe button, like and comment- we love hearing from you Pivot Family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Kevin Durant the NBA superstar unfiltered about his basketball journey, dealing with criticisms, new chapter in Houston, career choices, teammates he respects, Kobe bond, social media use, family ties, business advice and life after hoops

  “If you are questioning what I’m doing, then why not get it from the source?” When you've consistently done the work to be one of the best, it's not just the on court respect and praise that is earned, it's how your voice resonates beyond the game and no better example of this than Kevin Durant. In this powerful and candid conversation, NBA superstar Kevin Durant sits down with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor to open up like never before. From his early days in Prince George’s County to becoming one of the most dynamic scorers in NBA history, KD reflects on his journey through every team he’s played for — the Thunder, Warriors, Nets, and Suns — and what each chapter taught him about loyalty, leadership, and growth. He opens up about overcoming devastating injuries, finding balance off the court, and the evolution of his mindset through success, criticism, and reinvention. He doesn't shy away from the questions surrounding his choices, his direct demeanor on social media and describes how he sees his iconic career vs. how it's viewed by the world. Revealing the darkness he experienced from his injuries to rediscovering the light from his time away from the game, KD's love and appreciation for the camaraderie, the intense competition and the high demands of the sport. He shares how special Olympic moments have been, how winning a championship doesn't define his legacy and lets us in on his bond with players around the NBA, especially Anthony Edwards, who he sees a lot of himself in and compares their relationship to a similar one he shared with the late Kobe Bryant. Durant also talks deeply about family, sharing heartfelt stories about the impact of his mother, Wanda, and his relationship with his father, Wayne, and how thier love and lessons shaped the man he is today. The conversation turns to business and life beyond basketball — from his ventures in media and tech with Boardroom to his vision for empowering the next generation of athletes and creators. And of course, KD keeps it real about being a lifelong Washington Commanders fan — the highs, lows, and that unwavering DMV pride. It’s vintage Durant: honest, thoughtful, competitive, and always evolving. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button, like and comment- we love hearing from you Pivot family! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• News Flash- We won't always agree, unpopular takes, NBA returns, Michael Jordan insight, a new Russell Wilson, Stephen A backlash, AI and fake quotes overtaking social media, process of letting go, self-reflection and accountability

  "This show should be a microcosm of life." Channing Crowder  In case you didn’t know- We are saying it now...It's ok to have different opinions and it's ok to not always agree. It’s not about right and wrong, it’s about sharing perspectives, listening to others and bringing balance to conversation, it’s called life.  Back together for a much needed 3 man Pivot- Ryan, Channing and Fred are addressing the latest social media storm, tackling latest topics, responding to backlash, going beyond sports headlines and have deeper discussions on importance of loyalty in a world of uncertainty and falsity. NBA returns, and so did Michael Jordan. The expectations of greatness from the greatest are set high, and we talk about why. When is enough, enough? The LeBron cycle continues, Stephen A apologizes, finally a side of Russell Wilson we’ve never seen before, is this the Russ Channing’s been waiting on?  Growing pressure and demands on people and platforms is at an all-time high. Ryan gets into the responsibility that comes with having a voice and differentiating between our thoughts and opinions vs others who come on our show.  The guys reflect on another NFL life lost too soon with Doug Martin passing, the mental and physical health struggles after the game is over, struggles of letting go and realization that life is shorter than we think.  The AI craze and chatpgt running point on all our lives, how do we navigate the positives while sorting through the really bad that comes with this technology. Fred loves it, Ryan and Channing not so much. It’s creating a world of fake news and public figures to be alert and on edge, what’s the future hold?  Don't forget to comment, like and hit the subscribe button and stay up to date on guests and stories- we love hearing from you Pivot family, the good and the bad! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Boris Kodjoe on importance of confidence in reinventing himself —from tennis to business to Hollywood, 20 years of marriage, overcoming racism, fatherhood, and the power of staying true to yourself in a changing world.

  “Winning and losing is very close together, it’s really how quickly we can pivot in order to take advantage of the next opportunity that comes along.” Boris Kodjoe In this eye-opening episode of The Pivot Podcast, actor, producer, and entrepreneur Boris Kodjoe sits down with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his incredible journey—from growing up biracial in Germany to moving to the US to his transition from tennis to Wall Street to building a decades-long career in Hollywood, while balancing fame with family. Boris opens up about the values that shaped him, the lessons he's learned through marriage with actress Nicole Ari Parker, and how he continues to pivot with purpose in an ever-changing industry. From fatherhood and fitness to cultural identity and career longevity, this is a deep, honest, and inspiring conversation with a man who’s done the work—on and off the screen. Boris explores what it means to live with intention: how growing up in a Ghanaian‑German family influenced his choices, how therapy saved him in the darkest times, and how his strained relationship with is own father paved the path to his real-life dream role of being a father. Embarking on twenty years of marriage, Boris reveals what the secret to not just staying together but staying happy in unity, defying odds in an industry that challenges relationships and the simple rules him and his wife follow to make it all work. We dive into his latest professional work and ventures — including his directorial debut, his role in the film starring alongside his wife and gives the guys the scoop of what it was like filming Real Husbands of Hollywood and what's next for that crew. He also shares how his business and philanthropic interests, including work with his foundation and Full Circle Africa, continue to push him to expand his horizons. Whether you’re juggling career changes, nurturing relationships, or looking for insight into re‑invention, this episode offers an honest look at one man’s evolving definition of success — and how staying true to self makes all the difference. Thanks to our friends at Chomps for sponsoring this conversation- Go to https://chomps.com/PIVOT or use code PIVOT to get 15% off your Chomps order and free shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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