In this episode of Naked Sports , we’re back on the mic! Welcoming listeners in and setting the tone with a quick reflection on those recent re-aired episodes, including the one honoring Malcolm Jamal Warner and another spotlighting the rise of the new pro women’s volleyball league. Cari shares a bit about her time in Martha’s Vineyard, not just the beauty of the trip, but the meaning behind that place. The history. The energy. The community. All of it left Cari feeling recharged and ready to re...
Aug 18, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 42
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out! Listen here and s...
Aug 16, 2025•1 min
In this episode of Naked Sports, host Cari Champion discusses her recent NAACP Image Award nomination, the devastating impact of wildfires in California, and the journey of a professional volleyball player, highlighting the importance of women's sports and community support. Haleigh Washington Two-Time Olympic Medalist and Founding Athlete of LOVE Volleyball shares her journey through the world of volleyball, emphasizing the importance of humility, teamwork, and the challenges professional athle...
Aug 11, 2025•40 min
Today, Cari Champion engages with comedian Roy Wood Jr. to explore the intersections of sports, politics, and culture. They discuss the current state of women's basketball, the significance of the Super Bowl, and the evolving landscape of political satire. Wood shares insights from his Hulu special 'Lonely Flowers,' addressing themes of loneliness and connection in modern society. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating political commentary in a divided world, emphasizing the n...
Aug 04, 2025•1 hr 9 min
MALCOLM JAMAL WARNER August 18, 1970 - July 20, 2025 Learn More and reflect on the life of: Malcolm Jamal Warner / @MalcolmJamalWar Connect @carichampion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 28, 2025•40 min
The Black Effect Presents... Naked Sports with Cari Champion! In this episode of Naked Sports , Cari gets into it, and I mean really gets into it, around the noise surrounding Caitlin Clark and the WNBA. Let’s be clear: it’s not jealousy. It’s biased. Gender bias, media bias, and the way we constantly move the goalposts when it comes to women in sports, especially Black women. Before we get into the episode, Cari takes the time to call out these biases. Then we switch gears and sit down with the...
Jul 26, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 4Ep. 41
In this powerful and unfiltered episode, we take a hard look at the rise, reign, and reckoning of Sean “Diddy” Combs. From industry icon to tabloid headline, we unpack it all; the legacy, the lifestyle, and the legal heat he’s facing right now, including the fast-approaching sentencing on October 3rd. Cari even shares some of her personal experiences that pull back the curtain on Diddy the man, not just the mogul, and the challenge of reconciling the artist with the allegations. Mona Kosar Abdi,...
Jul 14, 2025•37 min•Season 4Ep. 40
On this episode of Naked Sports , Cari Champion opens up about finding her tribe, cutting off toxic relationships (yes, we’re talking frenemies), and creating a sense of peace in a world that feels more divided than ever. Then it’s game time: we dive into the headlines shaking up the WNBA. From record-breaking expansion to fiery rivalries over player rankings—this week on Naked Sports, Cari Champion digs into the explosive growth of the WNBA, the drama brewing around Caitlin Clark’s All‑Star sel...
Jul 07, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 39
In this episode, Cari chops it up with a true legend — Big Daddy Kane. We discuss the legacy of Rock the Bells , the roots of hip-hop, and why storytelling remains at the heart of the game. Kane takes us back to his battle rap days and walks us through his rise, from hungry lyricist to certified pioneer. We delve into the creation of classics like "Smooth Operator ," what it means to perform with purpose, and how his style continues to be reflected in today’s artists. We also break down the many...
Jun 30, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 38
In this episode, Cari Champion gets real about the hot-button topic of transgender athletes in sports. From the emotional stories of parents to the big questions around fairness and inclusion, Cari breaks down the conversation with honesty and heart. She talks about how little research is actually out there, the real-life impact on families, and why we need more compassion and open-mindedness in this debate. If you’re curious about where sports, identity, and society intersect—this episode’s for...
Jun 23, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 37
In this solo episode, Cari addresses what’s happening right now, starting with the disturbing military presence in Los Angeles during protests against ICE. She discusses the dangers of government overreach and why we all need to stay aware, because these issues don’t just affect the marginalized; they impact everyone . Then we pivot to the court. and not the kind with judges. Cari highlights the rise of some of the NBA’s brightest new stars and what their moment means for the culture at large. I...
Jun 16, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 36
The conversation delves into the work ethic and upbringing of Tamron Hall, the challenges and assumptions surrounding motherhood, the importance of presentation in journalism, and the experiences of sexual harassment as a black woman. Hall shares stories; of motherhood, behind-the-scenes, and the writings of her true crime series as a cathartic experience. Connect: @CariChampion @TamronHall Read : Watch Where They Hide Watch : TamronHallShow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...
Jun 09, 2025•43 min
This week on the podcast we are joined by legendary producer Jesse Collins! In this episode, Jesse keeps it real about his journey from radio to running major live events like the BET Awards and the Super Bowl halftime show. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from Ruthless Radio, reflects on the cultural impact of BET’s Teen Summit, and talks about the power of representation in media. With plenty of insights on staying creative, serving your audience, and building a lasting career in Hollywood...
Jun 02, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 35
In this episode of Naked Sports, Cari Champion chats with Jason Prenzo for a real, unfiltered talk about mental health—the highs, the lows. They get into the tough stuff: childhood trauma, the stigma that still surrounds mental health (especially for men), and why it’s so hard for some people to open up. Jason opens up about his personal journey, sharing what it's really like to struggle with anxiety and the role self-awareness plays in healing. They talk about therapy, coping strategies, the pr...
May 26, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 34
Weaver, the CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest Whiskey, shares her journey of uncovering the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller. She discusses the historical significance of the relationship between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, the impact of Prohibition on the whiskey industry, and the importance of honoring African American contributions to distilling. Fawn also highlights her efforts to revive Nearest's legacy through her brand, which has become one of t...
May 19, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of Naked Sports, host Cari Champion sits down with WNBA icon Angel McCoughtry to talk about life after the league, her journey into filmmaking and music, and her fight to elevate women’s basketball. From being the #1 overall draft pick to creating space for new generations of athletes, Angel shares raw insights on perseverance, purpose, and the power of reinvention. Connect @CariChampion @McCoughtry Learn More: angelmccoughtry.com/ Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See om...
May 12, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 33
Devi Brown — a true force in the wellness space — joins Naked Sports to talk about what it means to take care of yourself in a world that never seems to slow down. We get into her journey, how she found her way to healing, what it means to be a calming presence in chaotic times, and how every chapter of life, even the messy ones, shapes us into who we’re becoming. Focusing on self-care, growth, and showing yourself grace — because in today’s world of go-go-go, being still might be the most power...
May 05, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 32
Darren Waller a former NFL athlete, shares his journey of self-discovery, addiction, and recovery with us in this episode. He discusses the duality of his identity and some of the challenges he faced while navigating life as a professional athlete. Waller's candid reflections on his struggles with addiction and the path to recovery highlight the importance of self-acceptance and finding purpose beyond sports. Waller shares his vulnerable experience of an overdose, the subsequent realization of h...
Apr 28, 2025•50 min
On this episode, Cari sits down with the one and only Malik Yoba. They talk about where they’ve been, where they’re going, and what it really takes to move with kindness in industries that don’t always reward it. Malik opens up about his journey, from the spotlight to behind the scenes, and we reflect on the power of cultural influence, the pressure of public perception, and the responsibility that comes with using your voice for something bigger. Cari and Malik also get into the myths around ce...
Apr 21, 2025•42 min•Season 4Ep. 31
When Jemele Hill and Cari Champion get together, it always makes for a great conversation and a worthy episode! We kick things off with the state of women’s basketball: where it’s thriving, where it needs support, and why players like Paige Beckers and Caitlin Clark are changing the game, even as they battle injuries and media hype. Because let’s be honest, rivalries make the story, but so does real representation. Then we zoom out: NBA coaching shakeups, headline-grabbing trades, and, of course...
Apr 14, 2025•56 min•Season 4Ep. 30
In this episode, Cari shines a light on Senator Cory Booker’s powerful, history-making speech, not just for what he said but also for what it means in the bigger fight for civil rights and justice. It’s a reminder that the work isn’t done. And with the Women’s Final Four on the horizon, of course, Cari had to talk about where women’s basketball is right now: the growth, the challenges, and the energy that’s building. These athletes are doing more than showing up — they’re showing out. This one’s...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 29
This episode has a little bit of everything: some laughs, some heat, and another example of how sports intersects with culture and politics.. Cari is tapping into everything — from what’s really going down in women’s basketball right now. The game is changing, and so is the conversation, and then we go straight into dating standards: the back-and-forth between what men think women want and what women are actually asking for. That’s not all; we also break down the drama between LeBron James and S...
Mar 31, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 28
In this episode, we get into it — sports, politics, and everything in between. The hosts break down what’s really going on in today’s political climate, especially around education and how corporate power keeps showing up in all the wrong places. They also unpack how different generations are seeing politics play out and how political figures influence the way we think, act, and show up in the world. Then we switch gears and dive into one of the most exciting times of year — March Madness. The c...
Mar 24, 2025•47 min•Season 4Ep. 27
On this episode of Naked Sports , we’re getting real — like, take-the-gloves-off kind of real. We’re talking about the intersection where sports, culture, and politics ALL collide — because let’s be honest, they always do. Sali Christeson is our very special guest — someone who’s not just brilliant, but who’s also become a true ally in this work. We get into the messy, necessary conversations about bias, what real allyship looks like, and how political moments hit differently — especially for wo...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 26
Hill Harper shares his journey as a father, actor, and author. He discusses the significance of his son's name, Pierce, and the profound impact of adopting him. Hill challenges stereotypes surrounding single black fathers and emphasizes the importance of fatherhood and community. The dialogue also touches on personal growth, meaningful connections, and the evolving nature of parenting. They reflect on their father's influence, and the challenges of raising a son without a mother, and addresses t...
Mar 10, 2025•48 min•Season 4Ep. 25
Angie Stone (Dec 18, 1961 - Mar 1, 2025) Cari pays tribute to the late Angie Stone, reflecting on her legacy and contributions to music. Angie discusses her latest album, the rapid creation process, and her pioneering role in the hip-hop and R&B genres with her group Sequence. She shares insights into her songwriting process, collaborations with artists like D'Angelo, and the challenges of transitioning from a writer to a performer. The discussion also touches on her experiences in acting, m...
Mar 03, 2025•37 min
Wendell Pierce joins Cari Champion to discuss the intersection of sports, politics, and culture, focusing on the importance of family, community activism, and the power of art. The conversation also delves into Kendrick Lamar's impactful halftime performance and the significance of guarding one's joy amidst societal challenges. Wendell shares insights on rebuilding communities after disasters, emphasizing the need for self-determination and collective action. Connect @CariChampion @WendellPCG Su...
Feb 24, 2025•46 min•Season 4Ep. 24
Cari reflects on the emotional impact of recent events, including Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance. Tamika D Mallory joins the conversation to explore the importance of emotional intelligence in activism, the need for strategic responses to political challenges, and the diverse ways individuals can contribute to social justice movements. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community action and the power of consumer choices in driving change. In addition and in celebration of M...
Feb 17, 2025•44 min•Season 4Ep. 23
Today, Cari Champion engages with comedian Roy Wood Jr. to explore the intersections of sports, politics, and culture. They discuss the current state of women's basketball, the significance of the Super Bowl, and the evolving landscape of political satire. Wood shares insights from his Hulu special 'Lonely Flowers,' addressing themes of loneliness and connection in modern society. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating political commentary in a divided world, emphasizing the n...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 22
In this episode, Cari discusses the current socio-political climate, emphasizing the dangers of apathy and the importance of activism. Joined by Brittany Packnett Cunningham – The Baddie for Justice, they explore the intersections of sports, politics, and culture, and how community engagement can lead to meaningful change. They reflect on the historical context of activism, the need for accountability, and the significance of self-care in these challenging times. The conversation highlights the ...
Feb 03, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 21
