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
Oct 2, 2023 • 24min
BETHANN HARDISON – Invisible Beauty
The revolution needs not to be sponsored by anger or aggression. Bethann Hardison is considered to be an activist, she revolutionized fashion, and some refer to her as the Godmother of Fashion, and yes she indeed is all these things and deserves these titles. However, she didn’t gain them through force. Her approach was always to educate and inspire change within her industry. She has indelibly made her mark on the world, and even if unknowingly her work to expose human commonality has affected you. Bethann joins us today to share her latest work as a documentarian. The film, Invisible Beauty is not just a film about fashion, it is a beautiful reflection of how we can create change together. Learn More: BethannHardison.com Connect: @CariChampion @BethannHardison Watch the movie: Invisible Beauty See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 25, 2023 • 27min
STEVEN MELENDEZ – Lift. Dance. Inspire.
We catch up with Steven Melendez at the New York Theatre of Ballet, where he started his career at the early age of seven years old. His journey with the NYTB has come full circle after being appointed the Artistic Director in 2022, where he now mentors and guides the careers of young dancers. As a young Puerto Rican boy from the Bronx, it wasn’t likely for him to pursue and gain success in the world of ballet; thankfully for the LIFT outreach program, Melendez was able to find his art and career. He joins us today to celebrate the release of the Lift documentary, filmed over 10 years detailing Melendez’s return to the Bronx shelter of his past, and focuses on the mentorship of three young dancers as Melendez runs the outreach program that he once attended as a child. Connect: @CariChampion @TheStevenMelendez Learn More: Lift Documentary StevenMelendez.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 18, 2023 • 49min
MICHAEL JAI WHITE - The Outlaw We Need
Michael Jai White is a unique leader within his lane. White holds eight black belts and many titles as an Independent filmmaker. In this episode, we talk about White's life prior to acting including his work as a security guard for Oprah. He also shares some of the challenges he faced as an alpha black male earlier in his career. Fast forward White didn't wait for a role to be handed to him, he decided to create them independently. His latest film, Outlaw Johnny Black is now in theaters. Connect: @CariChampion @OfficialMichaelJaiWatch More: Michael Jai YouTube ChannelLearn More: MichaelJaiWhite.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 11, 2023 • 37min
MYA - Shares Her Secrets
A child of the arts with inspiration from all directions. Growing up with a musical family and entering the game at an early age. Mya recently celebrated the 25th year Anniversary of her first album, released a new single, and unreleased projects she can’t wait to share! In this episode, Mya defines what being an artist means to her and how important it has been to start her own independent label. She made a commitment to herself; to write her own narrative while loving herself completely. Connect: @CariChampion @MyaPlanet9 Learn More: MYAMYA.com Listen: Whine ft Bounty KillerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 4, 2023 • 38min
PHOEBE ROBINSON - MESSY AF
Phoebe Robinson returns to the podcast and she is back on tour! We love having her join us and being witness to her genius. Robinson is having a good time developing spaces for her creativity to thrive and it's allowing her to live and work outside of any specific box or idea. When Phoebe entered the indie comedy scene in 2008 it wasn't her ideal, but now she has hit her stride. Connect: @CariChampion @dopequeenpheebs Tour Dates: PhoebeRobinson.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 28, 2023 • 52min
TOMMY DAVIDSON – Living in Color
Tommy Davidson was raised in an era where quality came first as an entertainer, he prides his work and longevity based on the company and talent he group up with. We learn about his life from the beginning; from being adopted to learning racism and what his skin color meant in the world, to his early start as a comedian making his friend laugh that pushed him to the stage. Read: Living in Color: What's Funny About Me: Stories from In Living Color, Pop Culture, and the Stand-Up Comedy Scene of the 80s & 90s Connect: @CariChampion @TheRealTommyCat Learn More: TommyDavidson.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 21, 2023 • 52min
STEPHANIE MILLS – Made in Brooklyn
Stephanie Mills is a household name, she has been making history since her appearance at the Apollo Theatre at eleven years old to her role as Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway and winning Grammy’s for her music as a solo artist. Mills has so many stories from over the years in business; from dating Michael Jackson, being on set with Diana Ross, a love fest with Motown, and more. She shares these monumental experiences casually, but they are undoubtedly legendary. Listen to learn more about her upcoming tour, including a special stop in Montgomery, Alabama to stand against injustice. Connect: @CariChampion @IamStephanieMills Learn More: IAMSTEPHANIEMILLS.COMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 1min
STORIES TO TELL: Dating as a Black Woman with Jessica Thorpe
This is a very special edition of NAKED, it is different from our normal format. We are introducing a new segment and conversation but what really makes this episode special is the intimacy between Cari Champion and her dear friend Jessica Thorpe. The topic is dating and the search to find, “the one”. Thorpe shares her very unique insight into the single black female hula-hoops, that are prevalent on the dating scene. This is a silly episode, but it circles back to how important it is to be true to who you are and what you want in life. Connect @CariChampion @iammsJessica Let us know your thoughts and experiences dating, leave a comment via Apple Podcast or wherever you’re listening, or slide in the Naked Podcast DMs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 7, 2023 • 58min
NAKED REPLAY - LARRY WILMORE – The Writer’s Champion
Larry Willmore has helped shaped television comedy over the last 3o years. He is a veteran and a champion in the game working on household favorites such as, In Living Color, The Bernie Mac Show, The Office, Insecure, Grown-ish, and many many more. He is a Writer, Producer, and basketball enthusiast. Wilmore joins us today to discuss the WGA writer’s strike, some of the black women in Hollywood he’s mentored over the years and his NBA thoughts on the season. Connect @CariChampion @LarryWilmore Learn More: LarryWilmore.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 31, 2023 • 43min
SASHEER ZAMATA - The First Woman
Sasheer Zamata is an actress, singer, and comedian. In this episode, she shares her experiences coming up as a black woman in improv, her time at the Upright Citizens Brigade, and SNL. Similar to all thespians as the SAG and WGA strike continues, we couldn't discuss her upcoming roles. We were able to celebrate her new podcast, "Best Friends" with Nicole Byer, and her new self-produced stand-up special, "The First Woman". Connect: @CariChampion @theSheerTruth Special Pre-Order: Sasheer Zamata - The First WomanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
