Pivot Podcast

Charlie Baker on the Future of College Sports

What happens when college sports becomes one of the biggest business, political and cultural battlegrounds in America?

On this episode of The Pivot Podcast, Charlie Baker, NCAA President and former Massachusetts governor, joins the conversation for a wide-ranging discussion about the rapidly changing world of college athletics.

Baker breaks down the chaos surrounding the NCAA, the evolving NIL landscape, the future of college football, and what the next era of the student-athlete experience could look like. He also opens up about LSU and the controversy surrounding NFL players going back to college and how it affects the identity of college sports and how much financial implications are coming from NIL and transfer portal.

The conversation goes beyond football, with Baker discussing the explosive growth of women’s sports, the opportunities and challenges facing women athletes, and how college athletics can continue building momentum across the country.

And because college sports and politics are increasingly intertwined, Baker weighs in on the role of politics in college athletics, the pressures facing universities and the NCAA, and where the line should be drawn between government, institutions and sports.

From NIL and conference realignment to football, women’s sports, LSU, politics and the future of the NCAA, this is a candid conversation about an industry undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history.

The rules are changing. The money is changing. The power is shifting. And Charlie Baker is at the center of it all.
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“The hardest fight is life, another man doesn’t scare me.” Conor Benn

In a powerful and eye-opening conversation, the guys sit with Conor Benn for one of his most honest and vulnerable conversations yet.

The son of British boxing legend Nigel Benn, Conor grew up carrying a family name that came with enormous expectations. But behind the undefeated record, the spotlight, and the pressure to live up to his father’s legacy was a young man fighting battles that had nothing to do with boxing.

In an emotional and vulnerable moment, Conor opens up about his journey through suspension, the scrutiny and isolation that followed, and reaching a point where the weight of everything became so overwhelming that he contemplated taking his own life. He shares what brought him back from that place, how he began to find himself beyond boxing, and the people and experiences that ultimately helped save his life. He shares how there is no such thing as fear and that his perspective on fighting has changed realizing getting in the ring is nothing compared to what he’s endured.

Now, with his upcoming fight against Ryan Garcia, Conor talks about what this next chapter means to him — not just as a fighter, but as a man. He discusses redemption, purpose, mental strength, what he has learned from the darkest moments of his life, and where he sees his career and life going from here.

This is more than a boxing conversation. It’s a story about falling apart, finding yourself, saving your life, and discovering what you’re truly fighting for.
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“The league is about getting better, if you don’t, you are out.” -Malik Willis

As NFL training camp officially wraps, now it’s time to see how some of the new faces in new places approach the 2026 season. We had the privilege of sitting with one of the break out stars over the past couple years who is getting his chance to be back leading a team.

Miami’s quarterback, Malik Willis, joins The Pivot for a wide-ranging conversation about the journey that has shaped him both on and off the football field — from growing up with the foundation of good parents, finding his way through college football, and eventually making his way from Tennessee to Green Bay and now Miami.

Willis opens up about the highs, setbacks, lessons, and growth that have come with chasing his dream of becoming an NFL quarterback. He reflects on his college path, the experiences that helped shape his game and his mindset, and the people who kept him grounded along the way.

Now entering a new chapter as the quarterback of the Miami Dolphins, Willis talks about the expectations that come with getting his opportunity to lead an NFL franchise. He discusses adjusting to a new team, a new city, and a new head coach, while embracing the responsibility and pressure that comes with being the guy under center. His bond with Coach Jeff Hafley has helped him grow into the leader the team needs especially with a young roster, specifically at wide receiver.

But beyond football, the conversation gives a glimpse into the person behind the helmet. Known for his relaxed demeanor and calm presence, Willis talks about staying true to himself while navigating the noise, expectations, and scrutiny that come with playing quarterback at the highest level.

From Tennessee to Green Bay to Miami, Malik Willis’ story is one of perseverance, patience, family, growth, and believing in yourself when the path doesn’t always go according to plan.
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“The entire team is bought in to Ben Johnson’s winning ways.” Coltson Loveland

As we are getting close to wrapping our training camp tour, we caught up with Chicago Bears’ first-round pick who sits with Ryan and Channing for an honest, fun and wide-ranging conversation about his rise from a small-town young buck in Idaho to becoming one of the biggest names in college football at Michigan — and now, one of the NFL’s most intriguing playmakers.

Colston takes us behind the scenes of the journey, the sacrifices and the moments that shaped him along the way. From Idaho hometown hero to winning a National Championship at Michigan with Jim Harbaugh to being selected as a first round draft pick to Chicago Bears. His name is rising quickly to the top of the NFL, he talks about feeding off the energy from Ben Johnson, the dawg mentality of his quarterback Caleb Williams and being apart of a roster determined to win at all costs.

He recounts last season’s comebacks, his career high performance, the heated rivalry between Green Bay, Bears’ playoff run and the expectations the team has instilled on themselves to chase a Lombardi trophy this season.

Colston gives his perspective on Johnson’s offensive mind, his coaching style and why players are excited about what he’s building in Chicago. He talks about Caleb’s unique ability to make plays that seemingly shouldn’t be possible, what it’s like developing chemistry with him and why the Bears’ offense has so much potential.

Chicago and the NFL world has already embraced Colston — and apparently, so have the ladies As he acknowledges the attention that comes with being a young NFL star, his growing fan base and what it’s like adjusting to life in the spotlight while still continuing to prove himself on the field.

To Colston, It's bigger than the draft status, the attention or the hype...It’s about his goals in the NFL, what he wants to accomplish in Chicago and the mindset required to bring championships to the city.
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"Be at your best when your best is needed." Jonathan Taylor

As the Pivot Training Camp tour hits Indianapolis, one of the league's best Running Backs Jonathan Taylor sits with the guys for an in-depth conversation about his football journey—from his early days at Salem High School in New Jersey to his dominant college career at Wisconsin to becoming one of the NFL’s premier running backs with the Indianapolis Colts...JT's transcendent path is one everyone can learn from.

Taylor opens up on making it to the league, the work behind becoming one of the most productive backs in football, and what it means to earn a new deal and continue building his legacy in Indianapolis. JT talks about the legends at his position before him, what it was like having Philip Rivers around and gives an inside-look into this year's roster filled with young proven talent. He also discusses his relationship with Colts head coach Shane Steichen, the Irsay family, and the people inside the organization who have helped shape his career.

He gives his respect to the other top Backs in the league from Bijan to Derrick Henry to Saquon, even revealing what him and Saquon had in common long before their NFL days...Beyond the numbers, Taylor talks about leadership, accountability, handling adversity, and setting the standard for a team that wants to win. He also breaks down what it will take for the Colts to make the playoffs—what needs to come together inside the locker room, the consistency required throughout the season, and the mindset it takes to make a real postseason run.

What does it take to be one of the best? How does he approach the responsibility that comes with being a leader? And what does winning mean to him at this stage of his career?

A candid conversation with one of the NFL’s elite about the journey that got him here—and the mindset, leadership and commitment it will take to get the Colts where they want to go.
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