Naked Sports with Cari Champion
The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts
NAKED SPORTS lives at the intersection of sports, politics, and culture. It is a niche groundbreaking interview-based show that dives deep into the lives of the game-changers who have helped shape our world. We explore how sports are interwoven not only into their personal lives; but the role they play in the global experience. NAKED SPORTS is hosted by Cari Champion, a trailblazing broadcast journalist and television personality renowned for her pioneering contributions to sports media for women.
In each episode, this distinguished host sits down with, a diverse array of athletes, politicians, and cultural innovators who have left an indelible mark on their fields. Through intimate, unfiltered conversations, the show reveals the raw and vulnerable sides of their journeys—peeling back the layers to explore the defining moments, personal struggles, and transformative experiences that live at the intersection of sports, culture, and politics.
These conversations are thematically linked to live at the intersection and on this new season of NAKED SPORTS, we begin with a six-part docu-series, The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese, in which Cari questions how this “rivalry” started. Does the necessity for success depend on a foil? In a time of divisiveness, are sports—more specifically the WNBA—a reflection of our country? Or will the greatness of two supernovas unite this country and heal race relations?
NAKED SPORTS guests will span varied backgrounds, providing diverse perspectives as we examine how sports play a crucial role in nearly every aspect of life.
Connect: @CARICHAMPION
In each episode, this distinguished host sits down with, a diverse array of athletes, politicians, and cultural innovators who have left an indelible mark on their fields. Through intimate, unfiltered conversations, the show reveals the raw and vulnerable sides of their journeys—peeling back the layers to explore the defining moments, personal struggles, and transformative experiences that live at the intersection of sports, culture, and politics.
These conversations are thematically linked to live at the intersection and on this new season of NAKED SPORTS, we begin with a six-part docu-series, The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese, in which Cari questions how this “rivalry” started. Does the necessity for success depend on a foil? In a time of divisiveness, are sports—more specifically the WNBA—a reflection of our country? Or will the greatness of two supernovas unite this country and heal race relations?
NAKED SPORTS guests will span varied backgrounds, providing diverse perspectives as we examine how sports play a crucial role in nearly every aspect of life.
Connect: @CARICHAMPION
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 11, 2023 • 42min
CHARMAINE WILKERSON – Black Cake
Charmaine Wilkerson is the author of the New York Times Best-Selling novel, “Black Cake”. Wilkerson started her career as a journalist, but after finding more power in telling her truth through stories of fiction she started writing scenes and flash fiction stories; which led to her debut novel, Black Cake. Wilkerson’s voice and melodic speech will pull you in and offer an introduction to her eloquent approach to storytelling. Connect: @CariChampion @charmspen1 Learn More: CharmsPen.com Watch: Black Cake on Hulu Read: Black Cake by Charmaine WilkersonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 4, 2023 • 40min
BOBI WINE AND BARBIE KYAGULANYI – The People’s President
This episode is a real honor because today Bobi Wine and Barbie Kyagulanyi join us to bring awareness to the plights and the hopes of Uganda and how we can show our support. Bobi Wine ran for president of Uganda in 2021, he describes the election as going to hell and coming back. He survived several attempts to take his life and it is believed that the presidency was stolen from him. Despite all the adversities Bobi and his family have experienced, he and his wife speak with a strong conviction for hope and inevitable change for their country. “Oppressed people have never stayed oppressed forever, good has never lost to evil. We are sure we are going to win, we are sure because we are on the right side of morality…” Watch the Documentary: Bobi Wine – The People’s President on National Geographic on HULU or Disney Connect: @CariChampion @BobiWine Learn More: BobiWine.com Support: National Unity Platform Caring Hearts Uganda See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 27, 2023 • 38min
SYREETA SINGLETON - Do It Afraid., But Do It!
This episode is an insight into the writer’s room. Syreeta Johnson is a Writer and Showrunner who received her start as an eager writer with the opportunity to submit her script to Issa Rae before the acclaim of Insecure on HBO. As Rae's success grew, so did Issa and Syreeta's relationship; from starting as an assistant on Insecure to now working as the Showrunner on Rae's new project, Rap Shit. Johnson shares her experiences at every level and how her confidence has grown while working through her own insecurities as a writer and a leader. Connect: @CariChampion @reetafajita Watch: RAP SH!T ON MAXSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 20, 2023 • 55min
DEBORAH JOY WINANS - I Am Enough
Born into a well-known talented family that has made a lasting imprint in the world of Gospel music, the natural progression would be to follow in their footsteps. However, Deborah Joy Winans decided to live her life following the direction of her heart. Deborah Joy is best known for her role in Greenleaf and The Final Say. She joins us today to share a special story about the birth of her son, when Oprah called her, and her upcoming role in the allblk original series, Terror Lake Drive. Connect: @CariChampion @DeborahJoyWinans Learn More: JoyWinans.com Subscribe: Cari Champion’s YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 13, 2023 • 41min
CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS - Unafraid
Candice Carty-Williams is an Author, Screenwriter, and Showrunner with a fearless pen. Williams says her job is to listen and to tell stories that provoke. She has no inhibitions about conveying her experiences as they inspire her. We discuss her first book, Queenie which is currently being adapted into a series for Hulu. Queenie is about a young British-Jamaican woman who is an utter mess and we ask Candice about her decision to make a character that doesn’t date within her race and her answer may surprisingly make sense to you. Additional works by Candice Carty-Williams People Person Empress & Aniya Champion Premiers in January on Netflix Connect: @CariChampion @CandiceCartyWilliams Learn More: CANDICECARTYWILLIAMS.COMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 6, 2023 • 48min
NAKED REPLAY - When We ALL Vote with Stephanie Young
This week's episode is a NAKED REPLAY / a reminder of the importance of VOTING! Learn More: WhenWeAllVote.org Connect: @CariChampion @WhenWeAllVote Subscribe: Cari Champion's YouTube Channel NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2022 - The dates mentioned do not reflect present-day elections, be sure to check your local area scheduling for up and upcoming dates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 30, 2023 • 46min
ZAINAB JOHNSON - Affirming
Zainab Johnson and Cari came up in the same circles as they made efforts to make names for themselves in their respective fields. Fast forward she affirms her success by recognizing the growth of her peers. Zainab is an actress and comedian, she joins us today to celebrate her new special, Hijabs Off now available on Amazon Prime. Connect: @CariChampion @ZainabJohnson Learn More: ZainabJohnson.com Watch: Hijabs Off on Prime See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 23, 2023 • 45min
AIDA RODRIGUEZ – The Legitimate Kid
The road to becoming a comedian started as a “hobby” or at least that’s what Aida Rodriguez called it, in order to protect her dream. It’s no secret that her candid pursuit has blossomed into a successful career. Fast forward she now holds several titles, comedian, actress, activist, and now an author. Aida doesn’t hold back from her truth in this episode or in her book, “Legitimate Kid” and she shares a funny yet healing confession with and about Cari. Read Aida’s memoir, Legitimate Kid now available! Connect: @CariChampion @FunnyAida Learn More: FunnyAida.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 16, 2023 • 31min
JOCELYN BIOH - A New Generation of Theatre
Broadway is evolving. With artists like Michael R Jackson, Jordan E Cooper, and our guest today, Jocelyn Bioh, Broadway is becoming a home for our stories. As a Harlem native, Bioh was inspired to tell the story of the women we all have encountered, if/when you've ever visited Harlem. The women who feed the economy of the neighborhood and provide a quintessential need. Every person who has visited a salon, deeply understands that getting your hair braided; is a well-rounded experience, perhaps even spiritual. Bioh shares this never-been-told intimate transformation with her audiences on Broadway! The play, "Jaja's African Hair Braiding" is now on Broadway with its 2nd extended run till November 19th. Learn More: Jaja's African Hair Braiding Get Tickets! Connect: @CariChampion @JJBiohSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 9, 2023 • 46min
MUNI LONG - Made For This
Muni Long, a songwriter who has written for Rihanna, Madonna, Ariana Grande, and more, discusses the frequencies of creating and her new single. She talks about her boundaries in the industry, the challenges artists face, and the difference between writing for herself and others. They also reflect on Kanye's impact as an artist and the evolution of Muni Long's music career.
