Pivot Podcast

• Wes Moore on becoming first black Governor of Maryland, lessons from military to true meaning of service, shares story behind one name two fates, faith over fear, key to long marriage, Baltimore Ravens and meaning behind Army Navy football game

  "Some of the best decisions I’ve made in my life have been rooted in faith where I couldn’t give a guarantee but I had faith and some of the worst decisions I’ve made in my life were rooted in fear.” Governor Wes Moore In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins The Pivot Podcast to discuss leadership, purpose, and the personal journey that shaped his historic path to the governor’s office. Moore opens up to Ryan, Channing and Fred about his upbringing, his time in the military, and the pivotal moments that pushed him toward public service. He reflects on the challenges of leading a state during times of rapid change, the responsibilities of being Maryland’s first Black governor, and his commitment to expanding opportunity for all communities. Going in-depth, Moore shares the story behind writing his best-selling novel shaped how he views the world, based on the experience of 2 men with the same name who lived two different fates: one ended up doing life in prison while the other was a road scholar who became Governor. A journey rooted in faith not fear, Moore shares the key choices he made over his lifetime to give him the courage and strength to emphasize service over self. Throughout the episode, Moore’s trademark energy and clarity shine as he talks about balancing ambition with humility, the importance of mentorship, and what it means to create lasting impact. He shares his inspiring love story with wife Dawn, raising a family in the public eye while emphasizing the values that built their marriage, the support they’ve given each other through demanding careers, and the joy and purpose he finds in being a husband and father. And of course we talk football! From Maryland sports to the Baltimore Ravens to the AFC North to the true spirit and rivalry of the Army Navy game. Whether you’re interested in politics, personal growth, or stories of resilience, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at one of the country’s most dynamic political leaders. Pivot Family, tap in, like, hit subscribe and comment, we love hearing from you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Darren Woodson 3x Super Bowl Champion on Dallas Cowboys dynasty playing for Jimmy Johnson, Jerry Jones, Thanksgiving football, Leon Lett, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, his greatest takeaway from Deion Sanders, parenting and pain being the greatest teacher.

  “The most dangerous person is one who truly believes in himself..." Darren Woodson 3x Super Bowl Champion It's Thanksgiving week and we have a lot to be grateful for Pivot Family and can't celebrate this holiday without talking about gratitude, family and of course football. And when we talk Thanksgiving football- we have to talk Dallas Cowboys. In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Cowboys star Darren Woodson joins Ryan, Channing, and Fred for a raw, unfiltered conversation that dives deep into the dynasty years in Dallas and the life lessons that shaped him on and off the field. Known as one of the toughest safeties to ever play the game, Woodson pulls back the curtain on what it was really like lining up alongside legends like Deion Sanders, Larry Allen, Michael Irvin. and Troy Aikman during one of the most iconic eras in NFL history. Woodson brings the locker room to life with stories of competing with Irvin’s relentless intensity, Aikman’s leadership standard, Deion’s unmatched swagger, and the brotherhood that held the team together through championship runs. He also shares his firsthand perspective on the infamous Leon Lett Thanksgiving game moment, revealing how it felt on the field, how the team reacted, and why that play became one of the most unforgettable—and teachable—moments in Cowboys history but also a defining moment of who Jimmy Johnson is not just as a coach but a man. He speaks candidly of Jerry Jones and shares insight that we don't see as we often criticize and publicize the way he has built one of the most profound sports organizations. Beyond the highlights and headlines, Woodson opens up about identity, transitions, fatherhood, and building a purpose-driven life after football. From the mental toughness learned on the gridiron to the vulnerability required in the next chapters of his life, this episode shows Darren Woodson as more than a three-time Super Bowl champion—he’s a leader still evolving. Authentic, emotional, and full of championship-level storytelling, this conversation is a must-listen for fans of the game and anyone striving to redefine themselves beyond their greatest successes. It’s a masterclass in resilience and reinvention from one of the league’s all-time great competitors. Have a safe and happy holiday season from our Pivot family to yours, please take a moment to like, comment and hit the subscribe button, we are extremely grateful for your support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Zak Brown CEO of McLaren Racing relates how Seven Tenths of a Second isn't just about winning in sport but in life, leadership, ego vs arrogance, championship chase between Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri as F1 hits the Las Vegas Strip.

  “I think you have to have a big ego in business and in sports but I use mine to want to protect myself from failure. Ego makes me not want to fail, it’s a motivator, my ego doesn’t want me to be laughed at or labeled a failure.” Zak Brown CEO of McLaren Racing The 2025 F1 season is winding down with three races left to go and McLaren has already won its 2nd Consecutive Constructors’ Championship with the chance for their drivers to finish 1st and 2nd. At the helm of all this success is CEO Zak Brown, a high school dropout from California that pursued his passion for motor sports and turned around McLaren Racing.  On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, hosts Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder sit down with  Zak Brown for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, risk-taking, and the relentless pursuit of speed—both on and off the track. Zak pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to transform one of the most iconic organizations in motorsport, from rebuilding McLaren’s Formula 1 program to cultivating a culture where innovation thrives, no blame is placed and a team first mantra. He talks candidly about navigating high-pressure decisions, the realities of competing at the sport’s highest level, and how he balances business strategy with his pure passion for racing. The conversation amps up as Zak talks about Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s fierce but healthy internal rivalry, explaining how their push to beat each other is exactly what drives the team closer to the front of the grid. With only a few races left, McLaren is eyeing a 1st, 2nd finish for the 2025 season, hoping to prove doubters wrong with a drama-free relationship between his two drivers that sit atop the sport- a no favoritism, no fighting approach. From the dynamics inside the garage to the strategic vision for the future, Zak gives rare insight into what it takes to manage two hungry, elite-level drivers chasing the same trophy. Zak dives into the inspiration behind his new book, sharing the lessons, setbacks, and bold decisions that shaped his journey from young racing enthusiast to the executive steering one of motorsport’s most iconic teams. He reveals the mindset shifts that fueled McLaren’s resurgence and why embracing risk is often the only real path forward. From bold driver signings to the future of electric racing and what winning means in today’s F1 landscape, this episode offers a rare look at the mindset of a global sports executive who isn’t afraid to bet big. Whether you're a Formula 1 fanatic, a business leader, or someone inspired by reinvention, Zak Brown’s journey shows exactly what it means to pivot with conviction. Pivot Family, don't forget too comment, like and hit subscribe! 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, Las Vegas has been exciting and we wish the best of luck to Lando and Oscar down the finish! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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• Steve Smith

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• Steve Smith Sr. famed football career as one NFL's most prolific wide receivers opens up on recent personal issues, public fallout, accountability, self-discovery, his on and off-the-field beefs, LA streets to a storied career and being at peace.

  “I’m at peace with who I am. I am extremely comfortable in my own skin, I am extremely comfortable with the consequences of my life…I’m not chasing anything or trying to stay relevant, I’m just being myself.” Steve Smith Sr. In this powerful and unfiltered episode of The Pivot Podcast, former NFL star Steve Smith Sr. sits down with Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor for a raw, emotional, and brutally honest conversation about the journey that shaped him and discovering peace from ultimate pain. Known for his relentless competitive fire and fearless attitude on the field, Steve opens up about the battles no one saw—his upbringing, the chips on his shoulder, and the emotional scars that fueled his greatness. From rising as an undersized third-round pick to becoming one of the most explosive receivers in NFL history, Steve breaks down the mentality that kept him fighting long after others would have quit. He discusses his struggles with anger, the importance of mental health, and how he learned to redefine manhood, fatherhood, and purpose beyond the game. The conversation covers accountability, discovering true self, the pressure of public life, and the consequences of actions off the field. Steve addresses the explosive social media allegations that surfaced in February 2025, when a man publicly accused him of having an affair with his wife. In a fury, personal messages and voice calls were released leading to swift and strenuous fallout. Through it all, Steve has largely remained silent in public — but he breaks that silence with the guys as he unpacks the emotional weight of the accusations, his reaction when confronted, embarrassment and how this controversy affected his family and ultimately his own marriage. From the highs of football royalty to the lows of fame and fallout, this conversation gives an inside look at a rock bottom moments to rebuilding from the ground up. Insightful, vulnerable, and at times hilarious, this episode showcases the side of Steve Smith Sr. fans rarely see. It’s a conversation about growth, accountability, and the power of owning your story. Whether you’re a football fan or simply someone navigating your own journey, Steve’s words will hit home. Pivot Family, don't forget to like, subscribe and comment, we love hearing from you! Thanks to Chomps for sponsoring this convo: 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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