Pivot Podcast

“Chasing greatness is grieving the person you once were.” Tyriq Withers Ryan, Channing and Fred chop it up with Tyriq Withers, a rising actor making his mark in Hollywood, for an honest conversation about perseverance, processing grief, risk taking and how his journey is proof that purpose doesn’t always follow a straight line and what's meant to be will always be. The conversation starts off with a fun story of Tyriq, a Jacksonville native, sharing how his childhood idol was a FAMILIAR guest speaker he had as a kid in elementary school... one guess? And you already know Chan and RC had a field day with the age jokes of Freddy T being that guy 20+ years ago! A die-hard Jaguars fan excited for the playoffs, he also opens up on the special meaning behind wearing a custom made "144" Shedeur Sanders jersey and how the bible verse he had imprinted on the sleeve changed his thought process. Yes, his love of sports starts long ago and before stepping in front of the camera, Tyriq's first love was football as he walked on to Florida State where he was part of the Seminole team (along with Dalvin Cook and Derwin James) that won an Orange Bowl in 2016. Ball was his life and taught him discipline, resilience, and what it takes to perform under pressure. That foundation helped fuel his transition into acting, where he’s now making waves starring in the upcoming film Him, along with roles in other notable projects. Tyriq breaks down his journey into acting, the sacrifices it took to chase his passion, and the mental resilience required to survive an industry built on rejection and uncertainty. From navigating auditions and staying grounded to defining success on his own terms, he shares what it really means to pivot when the path isn’t guaranteed. He talks about what it was like working with Donald Glover, shares who is on-screen inspiration is and the full circle experience of learning from Marlon Wayans, who he admired growing up and then became a big brother to him during the filming of Him. But Marlon wasn't just an on-screen mentor, he also helped Tyriq navigate life during one of the darkest and difficult times after he lost his older brother unexpectedly and was met with a new wave of grief and responsibility he didn't know existed. Emotional and honest, Tyriq shares how he dealt with it while still being able to pursue his dreams and balance the success with managing deep pain. Pivoting from sports to Hollywood to betting on himself in an industry built on rejection, this episode takes a deep dive on staying grounded while navigating new levels of visibility and expectation. From embracing discomfort to redefining success beyond the scoreboard, this conversation goes deeper than credits and highlights. It’s a powerful discussion about identity, faith, work ethic, and trusting the process — on and off the field. Pivot Family, let us know what you think of this inspiring episode as we start the new year, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Don't confuse sacrifice and discipline with suffering." Ryan Clark Where did the time go? 2025 is wrapping up as we get ready to embrace the new endeavors, challenges and our biggest pivots that lie ahead in 2026! Ryan, Channing and Fred close out the year reflecting on the past 12 months of sports' biggest stories, headlines that dominated our feeds and personal milestones we embraced. We take account of our own self growth, missteps and ways we want to be better going forward knowing that perfection is an illusion, discipline and sacrifice are required for success and we take deep dive into the chaotic sports world. FBI takes on sports gambling, Luka trade to Dallas, Micah Parsons to Green Bay, Kansas City misses post season, Travis Kelce, Shedeur Sanders frenzy and the fall of Sean Diddy Combs...2025 had it's share of the unexpected and we discuss the impact of it all while the guys keep it real on the current state of the NFL. Channing says how the AFC North isn't what it used to be, Ryan says DK Metcalf incident could cost the Steelers their season and Fred weighs in on the possible end of the Chiefs dynasty. Pivoting to family, we talk about the vulnerable sides of parenting, from walking the line between wanting the best for our kids to pushing them too hard and how in the end happiness is the only true measure of how it turns out. Avoiding to set goals isn't always a bad thing while giving ourselves grace to make mistakes is how we've learned best. We also have a little fun talking about some viral fun scenarios and how we would respond to a wife's last wishes of a "casket pass". Pivot Family thank you for all the support, all the comments, the likes and follows- being on this journey with us means the world and we look forward to bringing more impactful conversations, stories and authentic content in 2026- Happy New Year, may it be filled with good health, family, memories and happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I was at the highest point of my career, signed a max contract, all NBA team, top 3 player in East to boom, hit rock bottom. And I got through it. Life isn’t going to be easy, there’s a lot of adversity and challenges, just don’t quit.” John Wall In one of the most authentic and powerful conversations of the year, John Wall opens up on pulling himself out of a dark place and the moment he chose life and light over a frightening alternative. He speaks from the heart as he shares his journey with Ryan, Fred and Channing, hoping to show people who struggle with mental health, there is always a way out. The conversation is raw, honest, and formidable as we talk everything from basketball to brotherhood to parenting to resilience to grief and manage to have lots of laughs throughout. From being the No. 1 overall pick to battling injuries, criticism, and personal loss, John talks the highs and lows of his journey in the league. He reflects on what the game has taught him about loyalty, mental toughness, and finding purpose beyond the spotlight. This episode goes deeper than stats and headlines—touching on growth, accountability, legacy, and what it really takes to keep pushing forward when the world counts you out. He explains his real reason behind retirement and responds to rumors, gives his perspective on today's game and highlights the players who he respects in NBA today. Full of Kentucky Wildcat pride, John describes the differences between young athletes of now and his era, NIL and what the future of college basketball looks like. In a more personal moment, John opens up about his mental health journey, the unseen battles he faced while navigating injuries and public scrutiny, and how losing his mother—his biggest supporter and anchor—changed his life forever. With vulnerability and strength, he shares how grief reshaped his perspective on basketball, manhood, and purpose. Wall also talks about his next chapter, including his new role with Amazon Prime, stepping into media and storytelling while redefining what success looks like beyond the court. With the guys navigating the conversation, the episode goes deep, diving into healing, identity, and learning to evolve when life forces a pivot. Pivot Family, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button! We love hearing from you and wish all of you a safe and happy holiday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three-man weave before the holidays as Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down to talk about all that’s been going on after a rollercoaster of a week in sports and social media from the Sherrone Moore news to the "we didn't see this coming" NFL moments to Kai Cenat's surprise message to offering a glimmer of hope this holiday season. The unfortunate season-ending injuries to the NFL’s top offensive player and defensive player bummed the sports world and now has changed the landscape of the league, with no Patrick Mahomes or Kansas City Chiefs in the post season, and the Packers loss of Micah Parsons altering their chance to play deep into January. The polarizing play by play of Shedeur Sanders is still captivating everyone whether you are completely against him or 100% with him, the debate is never ending. Who doesn't love Phillip Rivers? But the future Hall of Famer was 4 years removed from the game before returning to help the Colts save their season and Ryan has one perspective on his return while Channing has another. Sherrone Moore situation shook college sports but also affected the black community as the guys dive into the further implications from one's choices affecting a much larger group. Pivot Family! Let us know what you think, we love hearing from ya, so like, comment and hit the subscribe button! Appreciate you all! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Trying to change that perception has been the most challenging thing post career…It was K-Mart the player and Kenyon the person. I didn’t let a lot of people know Kenyon the person.” Kenyon Martin Sr The former NBA All-Star, No. 1 overall pick, and one of the most relentless competitors of his era, Kenyon Martin Sr. sits down with The Pivot Podcast for a powerful, unfiltered conversation about basketball, family, and the evolution of manhood. From his rise out of Dallas to leading the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals, Kenyon reflects on the edge and intensity that defined his playing career—and how that same fire often shaped how he was perceived. Now, with greater perspective, he opens up about the difference between being seen as a player versus being understood as a man. He opens up about the power of his voice now, how he strives to speak from experience and how his biggest post-career challenge is being able to show the world the difference from K-Mart the player vs Kenyon the person.... The conversation takes on new depth as Kenyon discusses watching his son, Kenyon Martin Jr., carve out his own NBA journey. He speaks candidly about fatherhood, pride, restraint, and the responsibility of letting your child become their own person while still standing firm in loyalty and protection as a parent. Beyond the game, Kenyon shares lessons on accountability, family-first values, standing on principle, and how growth sometimes requires rewriting narratives—both public and personal. This episode is about legacy, love, and learning when to pivot without losing who you are. 🎙️ Raw. Reflective. Real. Kenyon Martin Sr.—beyond the jersey. Pivot Family, let us know what you think, don't forget to like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we appreciate you sticking with us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices