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
Jul 17, 2023 • 32min
D. SMITH - Unapologetically Her
Kokomo City is a documentary about four transwomen, the black community, our phobias, and our “conditioned ideas” towards alternative lifestyles. D. Smith’s personal story as a transwoman has not been easy, she has been blacklisted, discarded, embarrassed and etc, but this road led her to her truth as a storyteller and Director. While listening if any portion of this episode makes you feel discomfort offer yourself grace. Try to remember that the world is changing, so in a lot of ways we are all adjusting, unlearning, and “transitioning” to become a society that doesn't transfer pain but heals and accepts one another for our differences. Watch the Trailer: KOKOMO CITY - Official Trailer / Directed By: D SMITH / in Theaters July 28th Connect: @carichampion @truedsmith @kokomocityfilm Learn More. KOKOMO CITY FILM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2023 • 45min
ICE CUBE - The Big3 is Here to Stay
Ice Cube is a pioneer in hip-hop. He has been able to thrive in the music and film industry and is now expanding into sports. In 2017, Cube founded, "The Big3" - a black-owned three-on-three-premier global league that features many of the most popular and skilled athletes of all time. The league offers an opportunity for great ballers to coach and continue playing the game they love in front of home-court fans. As the Big3 continues to expand, there are some who oppose its growth, Adam Silver the current commissioner of the NBA in particular. Cube joins us to go over in detail the obstacles of the Big3 and we also address the rumor about the Super Bowl. Connect: @CariChampion @IceCube @TheBig3 Learn More: Big3.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 3, 2023 • 48min
ADAM BLACKSTONE - The Musical Director
A Musical Director translates the moments from the studio to the live performance. Blackstone facilitates the whole creative process whether it's for theater or a Superbowl live performance, he is the man behind the music directing the experience for some of the top artists of our time. Blackstone is also a Grammy nominated solo artist, a father and is putting in the work to ensure music stays in our schools. Connect: @CariChampion @AdamBlackstone Learn More: AdamBlackstone.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 26, 2023 • 43min
MAJOR – The Hope Dealer
Major is a singer, songwriter, and actor who is also known to offer a good sermon. He shares how things in the industry changed for him after releasing his single, "Why I Love You". Despite the single going platinum, he speaks colorfully about how the song introduced him to Stevie Wonder and that made it everything. He also addresses some hilarious rumors about Mr. Wonder that you want to hear! Connect: @CariChampion @NowThatsMAJOR Visit: NowThatsMAJOR.com Subscribe: Cari Champion's YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 19, 2023 • 42min
ANGIE STONE - Love Language
Angie Stone is a singer, songwriter, actress, and a legend in her own right. You may remember her song, “Brotha” an anthem to uplift our brothers, sons, and fathers. Angie Stone has been consistent with creating art that aligns with her soul, black love, and culture. Her new album, "Love Languages" is now available! Connect: @carichampion @theangiestone Learn More: TheAngieStone.com Listen: Angie Stone on Spotify Angie Stone on Apple See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 12, 2023 • 52min
GINA YASHERE - The Definition of Hustle
Gina Yashere is not an overnight name; her resume reigns long in the comedy world. However after humble beginnings, she attempted to make her mother proud by pursuing a career in Engineering, but the comedy bug bit her and there was no turning back. Once Yashere established her name in England, she knew America was next. She learned very quickly the difference between the LA vs NYC comedy circuit. She self-produced and sold her first two American specials, now fast forward she is the Executive Producer for Bob Hearts Abishola on CBS, and she's creating jobs and enjoying the adventure. Get Tickets Here: The Woman King of Comedy Tour Read: Cack-Handed: A Memoir Connect: @CariChampion @GinaYashere Learn More: GinaYashere.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 5, 2023 • 40min
LEXI UNDERWOOD - Tomorrow is in Good Hands.
Lexi Underwood is young, gifted, and black, and with the love and support of her family, she is on her way to greatness. Eight years ago after booking her role in, "The Lion King" her family decided to move to LA to further extend her career. Underwood is just getting started and as she leaves her teenage years behind, she readies herself for a softer life with focused intentions. She is an actress and an activist with a clear direction for the work her generation has ahead of them.Connect: @CariChampion @LexiUnderwood Learn More: LexiUnderwood.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 29, 2023 • 40min
DEVALE ELLIS – Love with a Plan
How are we going to get there? How are we going to reach our goals together? That was the question that started a love that would blossom into a success. Devale Ellis knew very early on what he wanted to do and once he started down that path, he attracted his now wife, Khadeen Ellis. As a couple, they created a plan and those steps led them to a co-written best-selling book, We Over Me, and their very popular podcast Dead Ass. Devale joins us today to share what he considers to be a normal black love story. Connect: @CariChampion @DevaleEllis Learn More: Devale EllisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 22, 2023 • 58min
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.
May 15, 2023 • 46min
STYLES P - Health x Hip Hop
Styles P's name is synonymous with the Lox, New York, Hip Hop, and now a healthy lifestyle. Styles didn't grow up vegan/plant-based, but after making small changes over the years he adopted the lifestyle in order to intentionally transition his health, mind, and energy. In this episode, Styles elaborates on how he ventured into the business of creating healthier options in the neighborhoods that need them most. Connect: @StylesP @CariChampion Learn More: Farmacy For LifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
