Pivot Podcast

• 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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• Stephen A. Smith built sports empire off confidence and criticism, responds to public spats with Jasmine Crockett, Alexis Ohanian, Lebron James, accepts being under heat, but not afraid of the fire

  “I’m willing to say what most people aren’t. I’m willing to do what most people aren’t. I’m willing to be in the storm, if that’s what it takes.” Stephen A. Smith On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Stephen A. Smith invites the guys to his home for a deeply personal and an unfiltered conversation discussing everything from sports to culture to parenting to politics while under fire for recent public clashes with LeBron James, Alexis Ohanian, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Ryan acknowledges all the heat surrounding Stephen A. and one by one, we go through it all, leaving no stone unturned to the whys, the hows and what happens from here while delving into the man Stephen A truly is behind the mic. Known for his bold takes and unapologetic style, Stephen A. opens up about the backlash, his growing interest in politics, and how he handles being a lightning rod for controversy. He shares the background into Lebron dislike, revealing how he and one of the greatest to ever play the game. ended up in such disdain. He shares insight into the recent Alexis Ohanian situation, doubling down on his comments but offering explanation of what he truly means at the core of his words. Stephen A. also talks about the criticism and being called out for comments on Jasmine Crockett, saying it wasn't an attack on black women but taking action to be apart of the solution not the problem. He also gets personal—discussing fatherhood as his two daughters have come into public eye lately and how it influences his choices on and off the air. He goes deep into his roots with the love and respect of his mother, who's voice still guides him today and the lessons he learned the hard way from his father's choices that have all led to shaping the man he is today. And of course we had to ask him about running for President, not only is he serious but Stephen A. shares why he believes he would win the office of Presidency and his why that drives him to take on politics in this dangerous era of hate and controversy. Buckle up, because this conversation covers it all and nothing is off limits! A special thanks to our partners at Jack Daniels for sponsoring this conversation and inviting us to be apart of their F1 partnership with McLaren, check us out in Austin, TX this wknd! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Joe Buck has the best job in the world and he shares how following in his father's footsteps as a broadcaster has led to a lifetime of joy, excellence and being the soundtrack of our sports lives but being a dad and husband is what makes him who he is.

  “I couldn’t keep my air, I couldn’t make any loud sound and I thought my career was over.” Joe Buck In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, legendary sportscaster Joe Buck takes the hot seat for a candid and wide-ranging conversation with Ryan, Channing, and Fred that's raw, insightful, and hilarious at times that goes far beyond the broadcast booth. From calling Super Bowls and World Series to growing up in the shadow of broadcasting icon Jack Buck, Joe opens up about the pressure, the privilege, and the personal journey behind the mic. He shares untold stories from the booth, the toll of living under public scrutiny, and how he's forged his own identity in the world of sports media. No topic is off-limits — from navigating criticism to growing up idolizing his dad to balancing his own career with fatherhood to revealing his biggest pivot, when he thought his livelihood was over. Now headlining Monday Night Football as lead play by play announcer, Joe opens up about his iconic partnership with Troy Aikman, reflecting on their chemistry, friendship, and how they’ve navigated decades together as one of the most recognized duos in sports media. But behind the mic is a man with even more to say about life off the field — Joe gets real about finding love again, marrying Michelle Beisner, raising twin boys as an older dad, and learning how to prioritize family after years of grinding in a high-pressure industry. He speaks with so much pride about his older daughters and admits he's not great at coaching youth sports for his kids. In a moment of reflection and honesty, Joe reveals how he almost lost the ability to do what he loves and how terrifying not being able to speak truly was but finding the courage to power through, This episode is a masterclass in vulnerability, humor, and resilience from a man who’s called the biggest moments in sports — and is now living some of the biggest moments of his life. Like, follow and leave us your comments, we love hearing from you Pivot family. Get a free trial at https://www.shipstation.com/pivot. Thanks to ShipStation for partnering with us on this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Odell Beckham Jr is returning to the NFL, discloses why he's been away from football, reveals team he plans to join, owns up to mistakes, talks fame, dating, success, regrets, Drake, Super Bowl Injury and how fatherhood saved his life.

  “I was lying to myself, the man in the mirror, I was lying to myself about where my heart was at, where my mind was at and that was hardest for me to deal with- if I could lie to myself of course I could lie to anybody.” -Odell Beckham Jr  Pivot Family- yes! A long awaited conversation comes at the right time as star Odell Beckham Jr joins The Pivot opening up to Ryan, Channing and Fred in an emotional, deeply personal and authentic conversation as Odell navigates his recent life reflections, his football journey, life of fame and where he goes from here. Undeniably one of the most famous athletes in the world, OBJ takes the guys through his football career, the highs, the lows, the stardom, the misconceptions, the regrets, the emotions, Super Bowl win and the one thing he has to face now before getting back to the game he loves most. Announcing his return to the NFL, he speaks about what is next, the team he wants to join, the coach he is forever indebted to and the big plays that lifted him to a larger than life persona. Getting into the celebrity circles, dating famously, high-profile friends, traveling the world, the guys talk about it all and in powerful break through, Odell lets his guard down and owns up to falling short in certain areas as a man, father, son, friend and teammate. He shares how becoming a father saved his life and how being able to do right by his son is the leading factor in why he has decided to change in certain areas of life. On a new path to right the wrongs and capitalize on the time he has now, his one focus is getting back on the football field, doing what he loves and not leave the game until it's on his terms. This conversation is one of the most powerful and honest we've had on The Pivot and we are extremely grateful, that Odell's vulnerability and willingness to share not only enlightened us but also teaches valuable lessons about accountability, growth and second chances. Don't forget to comment, like and subscribe to let us know what you think of each episode and to find out the most up to date happenings with The Pivot. We appreciate you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Josh Johnson writer and host of Daily Show on navigating the current comedy culture, being apart of Jimmy Kimmel's return, lessons from Jimmy Fallon, identity theft on a date, why he doesn't play football and Crocs cant be worn in NYC.

  “Whatever you try to stamp out or silence, ends up making that thing more popular.” Josh Johnson  On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, the hilarious and insightful Josh Johnson joins the guys to talk about his meteoric rise in the world of comedy. From viral stand-up clips and sold-out shows to his recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live and taking the reins as guest host on The Daily Show, Josh is proving that smart, vulnerable, and fearless comedy has a powerful place in today’s culture. In between all the laughs and funny banter, an unbelievable conversation happens with Ryan, Channing, Fred and Josh, as we understand more about his why. Known for blending sharp observations with deeply personal stories, Josh opens up about his journey from a small town in Louisiana to writing for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and becoming one of the most exciting voices in stand-up. He shares how he found his voice on stage, built his audience from the ground up through digital platforms, and turned moments of uncertainty into defining pivots in his career. In this raw and funny conversation, Josh talks about handling pressure in high-stakes moments, the creative grind behind his success, and why staying true to yourself is the ultimate flex. Whether you’re chasing a dream or reinventing yourself, Josh’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and the power of comedy to connect and transform. Don’t miss this inspiring sit-down with one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Thank you to Toyota and as you heard, we talked about Toyota's all in partnership with football and game day giveaways, Learn more at https://toyota.com/nfl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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