Pivot Podcast

• Cam Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers Captain, NFL All Pro, future of the Steelers, questions at Quarterback, bond with Mike Tomlin, chasing a Super Bowl, locker room, Family, Battling Depression and legacy

  “The individual stuff is great, but you truly measure greatness by what your team does.” Cam Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro   Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with the heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL Pro Bowler and All-Pro defensive tackle, Cam Heyward who joins the guys to talk about his football legacy, personal struggles, roster changes, quarterback questions and his relentless pursuit of a Super Bowl championship. Being drafted in the first round by Pittsburgh in 2011 wasn't just about Cam playing for one of the NFL's premiere organizations, it was the chance for Cam to write the next chapter of his story back in his birthplace, a city that holds a special place to his family. In a moment of personal reflection, Cam speaks of losing his father, Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, and the depression he battled silently from it, almost derailing his young football career. He credits his mother for stepping up, not just as a parent but as an advocate for his football future, making sure coaches knew exactly what kind of player and man they were getting.  Cam's rookie year was also the year Ryan was a captain of the Steelers defense as the two exchange funny stories and talk about the player Cam became and all the different talents and guys who've played for the black and yellow since. Cam opens up about playing alongside his younger brother, Connor Heyward, and how their relationship has evolved from siblings to friends to teammates. He shares what he’s learned from past Steelers legends and how he holds his current teammates to the same high standard that was expected of him. He even reveals some of his instigation tactics during practice used to generate a "Steeler" type of locker-room energy. And, we all know Mike Tomlin as one of the greatest coaches and leaders but Cam sheds insight into his bond with Mike T and some of what we don't see from the outside, explaining how the unconditional trust and respect goes far beyond the field and is never questioned.  Beyond the game, giving back is always at the forefront of Cam's daily routine. After multiple nominations, Heyward won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2023, and he opens up about the surreal feeling of earning the NFL’s highest honor for community service and the forever gratitude of this accomplishment. But for Cam, legacy isn’t just about awards it’s about chasing greatness, proving doubters wrong, and leaving behind a name that stands for perseverance and impact. He makes it clear his career won’t feel complete without a Super Bowl- He isn't ready to give up the quest for a Lombardi just yet and feels Pittsburgh has the right balance of new faces and veterans to get it done.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  48:07
• Timbaland Musical Mastermind on creating legendary beats with Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Justin Timberlake, Aaliyah, battling addiction, rebuilding, describes the crash and burn from top, what saved him, learning to adapt and the future of Versuz's

  "You need to see what you are made of. I think everyone needs to go to the top and take a dip....Falling down really determines your true success. How do you get back up?" Timbaland    You know how it goes Pivot Family- 'It’s been a long time, we shouldn’t have left you, without a dope beat to step to'....Well we have that beat, as we welcome entertainment icon, Timbaland to The Pivot as he delivers a masterclass in music, resilience, and reinvention. The Grammy-winning producer sits down with Ryan, Fred and Channing to talk about his legendary career, the price of success, overcoming addiction, and the future of the industry.   Raised in Virginia, Timbaland didn’t come from a major music city, but that only made him hungrier. He breaks down how growing up with limited resources forced him to use anything available to him to create a sound that had never been heard before. As a teenager, he was shot in the neck, leaving him temporarily paralyzed on one side, but it didn't slow up his creative drive, it only sharpened his focus, clearing the way for one of the most distinct musical paths.  Ryan recounts how Timbaland, a musical mastermind, was a soundtrack to life growing up and is behind some of the most memorable hits of our times. With over 18-GRAMMY nominations, 4 GRAMMY wins and 200+ ASCAP Music awards, he shares with the guys how he understands his contributions to the music world and is grateful for working with some of the most successful and legendary artists who always brought out the best in him.    From Jay-Z’s effortless flow to Missy Elliott’s visionary and creativity, Timbaland shares what makes "the Greats" different. He breaks down how he and Missy discovered Aaliyah’s “Try Again” beat, the chemistry behind Justin Timberlake’s biggest hits, the songs he wished he released differently, his in-studio process with Jay Z and why some artists just have an energy that can’t be duplicated. Timbaland opens up on his dark times, discussing the moment success became too much and admits that at his peak, he let his ego overpower his talent, which allowed addiction to give him a false sense of power. He recalls out-of-body experiences that made him confront how far he had fallen, the loss of reality and how ultimately, it was deep self-reflection, faith and his wife’s voice that brought him back.   Despite decades of prominence and success, Timbaland isn’t stuck in the past. He’s studying the next wave of producers, embracing change, and keeping his sound ahead of the curve. He talks about the impact of Versuz's platform that he co-created with Swizz Beatz, how new artists are still trying to replicate his blueprint, and how the secret to true success isn’t about longevity, it’s about knowing how to adapt and elevate.   This conversation takes us on a journey through music but also sheds light on lessons of falling, rebuilding, and coming back stronger than ever. As in music and in life, Timbaland’s story is proof that the real beat never stops, sometimes, you just have to find the rhythm again. Don't forget to like and follow us on your audio platform of choice.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  1:06:51
• Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion, league voice on what's next for Women's basketball, CBA talks, Unrivaled competition, being Black & Gay in sports, family values, Dawn Staley the mentor, playing with Diana Taurasi, future of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

  “I’m never out here trying to prove to others who I am. I’m out here proving to myself that I’m exactly who I said I am.” Natasha Cloud WNBA Champion   Pivot Family, We have had a lot of great conversations but this one is up there as one of our favorites because it’s so personal, covering so many life aspects we don’t talk about often and truly reveals the inner character of a remarkable woman who stands on strength and is fueled by passion and purpose. Ryan, Fred and Channing sit with former WNBA champion and Connecticut Sun point guard Natasha Cloud. Cloud, joins the guys for an emotional and powerful conversation about her journey through basketball, identity, social justice advocacy, and the fight for equality in women’s sports. Through her battle scars and experiences, we get to know the real side of this strong woman who found her voice at a young age and has never hid from who she is to use it.    Growing up biracial, in a predominantly white household and community, Cloud reflects on feeling like she existed in a “gray area”…never feeling fully white, never feeling fully black and how that shaped her outlook. Shedding some tears, she shares how much her parents mean to her and how they embraced her wholeheartedly even though it wasn’t always easy times. Cloud opens up about her self discovery to understanding her Blackness, the difficult conversations that came with it, and how her white parents made a constant effort to support her experience as a Black woman.   Energized and excited about the success and competition of playing in the Unrivaled league- Cloud is now gearing up for their next battle as she is at the forefront of the WNBA’s fight for better pay, benefits, and respect. She speaks passionately about the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement, the need for pensions, and the growing investment in women’s basketball. She also discusses this past WNBA season with the increased viewership and doesn’t shy away from speaking on aggressive play being criticized as something other than basketball.    Candid about her personal relationship with fellow WNBA player Isabelle Harrison, Cloud takes us through the challenges of being a Black gay woman, and how she struggled to reconcile her faith with her identity while balancing societal pressures and criticism. By overcoming constant battles, Cloud finds strength in embracing who she is through thick and thin and never lets what others think be of influence.    The guys talk about Cloud skipping the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice, the burden of constantly speaking out on important issues, and how she’s learned the importance of self-care, acknowledging that while she wants to fight for change, she also understands that she can’t pour from an empty cup.   This episode is about courage, resilience, and standing firm in who you are. Natasha Cloud’s story is a beautiful one of pride, courage, love, family and proof that playing basketball is bigger than sports. Finding purpose in using her platform for change, she’s a proven leader, and willing to stand on the shoulders of those who came before her to leave the game and world better for future generations of young women.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  1:16:01
• Anthony Mackie: Captain America takes us behind the scenes from New Orleans to Hollywood icon, challenges faced by black actors, being mentored by Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle love, breakout roles, raising young men today and future of film

  “I don't think it's a question of convincing people or convincing the world. My biggest hurdle was convincing myself.” Anthony Mackie on role of Captain America Pivot Family, We are back in New Orleans like we never left! Sitting with NOLA’s hometown hero who’s Hollywood’s new Captain America, Anthony Mackie, is sharing his rise to stardom in the film industry and taking us through how it all started and the challenges faced along the way.  This open-book conversation between the guys is hilarious, riveting and full of energy and insight as we learn the real story behind a young black man who grew up in Louisiana with big screen aspirations and wasn’t afraid to be different to pursue his dreams.  Anthony’s message about not just making it to the top but sustaining both status and respect in the industry may be unconventional as he tells the guys that success is given and not earned and that we’ve been lying to our youth by telling them differently. He explains how life is pushing past doubt, embracing opportunities, and finding the strength to carry the weight of something bigger than yourself while relying on relationships to find the next best thing. Being Black has yielded him certain experiences as well as taught him that having one talent or one dimension isn’t enough to stay successful but needing an arsenal is what it takes.  He talks about the differences between working actors and celebrities, including today’s new wave of names and how the landscape has changed with social media. Anthony admits he never thought he’d be given the role of Captain America but gets vulnerable about the self-doubt he had to overcome... not convincing the world he could do it but convincing himself he was worthy of the role and what it means to represent the character in a new era.  Reflecting on his New Orleans upbringing, Anthony tells Ryan, Channing and Fred how guys from “the hood don’t do theater” but he found his calling early on through his elementary teacher who recognized his potential and helped him discover New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) which gave him a sense of belonging and further inspired his acting career.  Anthony shares stories and scenes that shaped him including what his rap battle with Eminem in 8 Mile truly signified, how he landed his role in Hurt Locker, how Don Cheadle inspired his craft and how having Denzel Washington as a mentor guided his career path by watching Denzel never be too big to do the little things that give passion purpose. Channing asks his Channing questions as he tells Captain America he’s blown him away with a lot of his films but he didn’t love his character portrayal of 2pac and also asks what led him to being ok playing a gay man.    Beyond the big screen, Anthony opens up about losing his mother and best friend as a teenager which was a dark time that ultimately pivoted him down a path to find light again and take acting more seriously. He also discusses the importance of masculinity, raising his four sons to be responsible men and instilling strong family values despite being divorced from their mother.   This episode is more than just Hollywood stories and laughs. It’s about resilience, identity, and purpose. Anthony Mackie isn't just a mega star, he's a trailblazer in our time and proof that true leadership comes from honoring the past while inspiring the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  1:05:37
• Mikey Williams Basketball & Social Media Sensation fall from the top, how the former Five-Star recruit is playing college hoops at UCF trying to chase NBA dreams after 2023 arrest, shares regret and finding light in darkness

  “I’ll have a game where I play 5 minutes and I’ll shed a tear. I know it’s gotta get better. I just have to work my way back up...It gets dark, but I can't lose the light inside of me.” Mikey Williams UCF Basketball Player  Pivot Family! As we are gearing up for March Madness in college hoops, Ryan, Channing and Fred sit down with social media star and former #1 high school prospect, Mikey Williams, who is playing at the University of Central Florida and opening up after his fall from the top of the basketball world after his arrest in 2023. The once considered "basketball prodigy" shows a vulnerable side as he reflects on how quickly his success came and how quickly it all slipped away with some bad choices, legal troubles and personal struggles. Becoming a social media sensation through his skill set, Williams talks about how he became a brand in basketball at an early age, ahead of the current NIL landscape, despite telling the guys he played an internet role and really is a quiet, shy guy off the court and off camera. But with fame, came pressure and expectations, and Williams opens up about how that affected his focus at times as well as how easy it was to get caught up in the wrong places. Mikey discusses how basketball and life problems blended together, making it tough to stay locked in and how he had to navigate his path differently to get through adversity and find the right people to keep around him. Ryan and Fred ask him about the incident that changed his life, from five-star high school prospect to facing felony gun charges. Mikey doesn’t shy away from addressing his 2023 arrest, reflecting on the hard lessons learned and how the entire legal experience changed his perspective. He shares advice for young athletes about making the right decisions before it’s too late and admits that during that time, the world saw him as problem child on trial and all he could do was leave it in God’s hands to be freed from it. He reflects on the time he lost while waiting for trial at Memphis, realizing he had taken the game for granted. With so much promise and commitment to play at an elite level and be coached by the legendary Penny Hardaway, Mikey knows what his mistakes cost him and tries to keep faith that his NBA dreams are still obtainable. Now on the road to redemption, playing college ball at University of Central Florida, Williams is locked in on one goal to make it to the league and doesn't think about his plan B. Growing up in the basketball world with other young standouts like Bronny James, Mike says he isn't bitter about them making it but he definitely sheds some tears when his mind thinks about what could have been for his own future. Speaking on the criticism Bronny receives, Mike has empathy and understands what it’s like to be in the spotlight and have every move scrutinized. This conversation goes beyond the surface of what we have seen on social media and what the headlines have deemed Mikey Williams, offering a deeper more personal look into a young man who's fortune and fame early in life took him down a path that is difficult to come back from but a story he is determined to rewrite. Don't forget to hit subscribe button on YouTube and like/comment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  --------  

  37:13

More Sports podcasts

Trending Sports podcasts

About Pivot Podcast