Pivot Podcast

“There’s a difference between earning and building wealth.” Rich Kleiman

In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, business mogul Rich Kleiman sits down for a candid and compelling conversation about his unconventional path from small-time bookie to one of the most influential figures in sports and business. With honesty and sharp insight, Kleiman reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his journey—lessons learned on the streets, the risks he took early on, and how those experiences laid the groundwork for his future as a dealmaker and entrepreneur.

A central part of the conversation highlights his long-standing partnership with NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Kleiman offers a behind-the-scenes look at how their relationship grew from friendship into a powerful business alliance, including the creation of Thirty Five Ventures and their approach to investing, branding, and storytelling.

Kleiman dives deep into his evolution as a business strategist, detailing how he built a reputation rooted in trust, loyalty, and vision. From lessons learned through shadowing Jay Z to what the streets taught him the hard way, Rich shares the vision behind co-founding Boardroom, the media and investment platform redefining how athletes and fans engage with the business of sports, culture, and entertainment.

Throughout the conversation, Kleiman touches on his work across industries—from media and tech to sports and philanthropy—revealing the key mindset that has helped him navigate high-stakes environments and build lasting impact. This is a story about reinvention, resilience, and recognizing opportunity where others might not. It’s an insightful listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, partnership, and the business of turning passion into power.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!
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“He said what he said!” Channing Crowder 

Another Friday with the fellas, and we are keeping it real as it comes! In this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor dive headfirst into the growing tension between media narratives and athlete realities—where competition doesn’t just stay on the field, but spills into headlines, hot takes, and heated exchanges.

The guys unpack what happens when sports and media collide in a war of words, questioning whether loyalty still holds value in an era driven by viral moments and attention economics. Is integrity being sacrificed for clicks? And more importantly, how do athletes and analysts alike stop chasing acceptance in spaces that thrive on controversy?

They break down the ongoing friction between Cam Newton and Stephen A. Smith, offering perspective on accountability, respect, and the blurred lines between critique and personal attack while RC opens up on his views being dragged into it. The conversation expands to Dan Orlovsky’s recent criticisms and the debate surrounding leadership and performance expectations at the quarterback position—including the Fernando Mendoza vs. Ty Simpson No. 1 QB discussion. Channing agrees with Dan O while Fred feels that this 2026 QB NFL Draft class is weaker than recent ones.

Switching gears to NBA and basketball talk, the crew reflects on Victor Wembanyama’s unique presence in the league—his confidence, individuality, and whether his global background gives him an edge in navigating pressure without the weight of American sports culture norms or fandom of players like Lebron. The guys are fired up by Wemby' swag and echo his MVP chatter.

Rounding out the episode, the guys take a moment to acknowledge J. Cole’s message about authenticity and self-awareness, tying it back to the broader theme of staying grounded in truth while the world demands performance. We also spoke about acceptance, finding worth in achievement and what is the standard we value our success at.

It’s a raw, honest, and thought-provoking episode about identity, accountability, and the cost of being real in a system built for noise.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!
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“I regret none of it, I lived the best of both worlds.” Jeezy

We couldn't hide the excitement on this one, sitting with the man behind the soundtrack of our young adult lives...In this powerful episode of The Pivot Podcast, Jeezy pulls up for a raw and reflective conversation about the journey that shaped him—from the pressures and grind of Atlanta’s streets to becoming a defining voice in hip hop culture. He opens up about the evolution of his music, how his mindset shifted over the years, and what it really means to bet on yourself when the odds aren’t in your favor.

Jeezy speaks candidly about carrying the weight of being a culture icon, the responsibility that comes with it, and how Atlanta’s influence helped mold not just his sound, but an entire era of music. The guys go deep into his phases of life, the transition of growth in his albums, using music as his message to culture, betting on himself when all else fails and taking risks despite being advised not to. 

Beyond the spotlight, he dives into personal battles with depression, offering a rare look at the emotional challenges behind the success. Jeezy also reflects on a pivotal moment in his life—being arrested—and how that experience became a turning point that forced him to reassess his path and ultimately change the trajectory of his life. 

Ofcourse, we have our laughs and lighter moments, when Channing calls him out on owing him money from the days of his music influencing his car purchases and the amount of money spent in strip clubs as well as the catalyst that pushed him back into the studio away from the outside noise. 

The conversation also explores his growth as a father and the realities of co-parenting, highlighting the importance of maturity, communication, and legacy. Jeezy reflects on his long-standing bond with Jay-Z, sharing insights into their mutual respect and what he’s learned from one of the game’s greats.

To top it off, he talks about his new Las Vegas residency and what this next chapter represents—not just as an artist, but as a man continuing to evolve while creating an experience for people to truly reflect on the longevity of music, message and motivation.

This episode is about resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying true to your vision—no matter where you start.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!
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“Here’s why people love to air out their dirty laundry in public.”-Channing Crowder 

It's a Friday back with your favorite fellas, Ryan, Channing and Fred chop it up covering a lot of topics from sports madness to public accountability to relationships to all the click bait topics trending...

Online feuds and podcast bickering continues as people feel like they can say anything with conviction, we break down the latest with Kenyon Martin calling out disrespect while Chad "Ocho" Johnson stands on business to his co-hosts. More and more we learn the power of athlete owned platforms with Maxx Crosby speaking out on what REALLY went down with the Ravens being another example. Ryan shares his own experience with the situation as Channing and Fred give their perspective on the business of the league.

Russell Wilson gets mixed feedback on his role in his stepson Future's life after taking him on a college visit, but the guys don't hold back on what's really at the core of this chatter with a surprise take from Channing and RC issuing a long overdue apology. Freddy T wants to know why everyone feels it's ok to film and share all private matters as the guys go deeper into family business no longer being inside discussions leading into dynamic of relationships changing...

And of course we tee up a few relationship trending stories to our "Tell you how it is" expert as Channing cuts right to the root of these topics and shares his own story of what it took for his wife to finally look his way before they started dating haha!

Also big shout out to women sports for March's biggest victory with the WNBA's new CBA deal as we go inside to talk about the massive increases in almost every aspect which truly reflects the value and progress.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!
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“You don’t know what grace is, until you are in need of it.” Devon Franklin

Lights, Camera, Faith- we get a behind the scenes look into the story of Devon Franklin, producer, bestselling author, husband, preacher, and purpose-driven leader for one of the most reflective conversations we've had on The Pivot Podcast. His story is proof that success isn’t just about achievement—it’s about alignment, growth, and the courage to start over when life changes direction.

From Hollywood success to personal setbacks and rediscovering joy, Devon brings powerful lessons on resilience, purpose, and trusting the process. It’s a raw, inspiring discussion about letting go, betting on yourself, and having the courage to pivot into the next chapter of your life. He speaks about his gratitude for Will Smith's role in his life as well as being confident enough to take the risk of leaving a "safe" powerhouse film company to pursue his own passion of filmmaking driven by passion and purpose over position. From developing major studio hits to producing faith-inspired films for mainstream audiences, Devon's career is on the rise with no signs of slowing down.

Personally, Devon talks openly about the grief, self-reflection, and healing that followed his very public divorce from Meagan Good—sharing how the experience forced him to redefine love, identity, and expectations. He opens up about heartbreak, healing, and what it really takes to move forward when the life you planned suddenly changes.

But this conversation isn’t just about loss—it’s about taking chances again. Devon shares how he found the courage to believe in love again, why faith and vulnerability are essential to growth, how embracing uncertainty can lead you exactly where you’re meant to be and to always trust that life can still unfold in beautiful ways after disappointment.

Pivot Family, comment, like, hit the subscribe button, we enjoy hearing and learning from you- the good and the bad, we want to know!
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