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
May 8, 2023 • 40min
KIRK FRANKLIN – A Relevant Conversation
This next guest truly needs no introduction, he is a veteran in the game. We get into a conversation about mental health, his family, and of course his music. Kirk Franklin changed the ambiance around Gospel music. He quite frankly made it cool. Found out what’s behind Franklin’s motivation and learn about his upcoming TV show on this episode. Listen to Kirk Franklin's New Single: All Things Connect: @CariChampion @KirkFranklin Share your gospel with us: @NakedwithCariChampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 1, 2023 • 49min
JEMELE HILL – On The Other Side
A memoir is a literary example of being, “Naked” and expressing your story to the page. Jemele Hill recently released her memoir, “Uphill” and she doesn’t hold back, but sometimes truth comes at a cost. They say the truth doesn’t have a temperature, but some of her family members (one in particular) was pretty heated over the stories Hill decided to tell in her debut book. In this episode we discuss the aftermath of living your truth, sharing your story, and being bold enough to do so. Hill has consistently exhibited her bravery by standing by her words and opinions and you can expect nothing less from her book or this conversation. Learn More: Jemele Hill About the book: Uphill: A Memoir by Jemele Hill Connect: @CariChampion @JemeleHillSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 24, 2023 • 1h 27min
NAKED REPLAY - Grant Hill - The Game
This is a special extended episode with one of the players that inspired Cari’s initial attraction to collegiate basketball. Grant Henry Hill is an American former professional basketball player who is a co-owner and executive of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. He joins us from his family’s home in the D.C. area to share stories of his upbringing, family, and long-lasting commitment to the game. Read: Game: An Autobiography Listen: Game: An Autobiography – The Audiobook Connect: @CariChampion @realGrantHillSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 17, 2023 • 1h 2min
NAKED REPLAY - Jalen Rose - The Game As He Played It
Veteran NBA player and analyst, Jalen Rose joins us on today's episode. We discuss the yesteryears; the unhealthy anger he carried as a young Jalen from the North West Side of Detroit, the Fab FIVE Era/the documentary, and the regrets of not winning more championships. Who doesn't know a child named, "Jalen" despite all odds he is inspiring and evolving. Learn More: Jalen Rose Follow @carichampion @JalenRose Share your favorite part of the episode with us: @nakedwithcarichampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 10, 2023 • 1h 7min
NAKED REPLAY - Katt Williams - World War III
Creative control cannot be given to Katt Williams, he has and always had control. After releasing 11-self-produced specials, Williams releases his second collaborative production with Netflix entitled “World War III”. Yes, this is a comedic special and yes you will laugh, but the topics/theme of misinformation breaking down the lies vs the truth are worthy of sparking conversation. In addition, Katt shares; stories of mutual instrumental relationships throughout his life from, Stephen Curry, Tyronn Lue, and Prince and offers his opinions on the business of make-believe and how it plays out in “real” scenarios ie: the Oscars, the incident at the Hollywood Bowl with Dave Chappelle and Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction. After a few years of not hearing from Williams, he does not hold back on this episode. If you haven’t watched the latest special here is a juicy introduction to what Katt Williams has to say. Connect @KattWilliams @CariChampion Visit: Katt Williams World War IIISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 3, 2023 • 1h 3min
NAKED REPLAY - Amanda Seales - I’m On Tour!
Is Amanda Seales misunderstood or is she just an unfiltered unapologetic loud voice, and you have to be informed on the topics before you can understand her critiques? Seales is a Comedian and Common Sense Specialist and the creator of Smart, Funny & Black Radio. She gained her notoriety after making the radical decision to move across the country from New York to California and within four months was cast in HBO’s Insecure as Tiffany Dubois, she also explains how this character came to life. As she continues to grow her online community and within the public eye, it’s not without a little backlash but we have a feeling, she won’t go quietly into the night…in fact, she might just get louder and louder and LOUDER. Get informed: AmandaSeales.com Join Amanda Seales on Tour: Smart, Funny & Black Tickets Connect: @CariChampion @AmandaSealesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 29min
NAKED REPLAY - Tales of Transformation with Van Lathan
Van Lathan is an established host and media personality from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. At present, Van resides in Los Angeles and is developing both film and television projects. Lathan is the author of Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation, Lathan explains in this episode why he wrote this book and how it helped him exercise some of his own demons. Van and Carrie have a heated discussion over the unbalanced attraction men and women have to power. The Book: Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation Connect: @VanLathan @CariChampion Share your thoughts: @NakedwithCariChampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 20, 2023 • 33min
CARI CHAMPION - Season Highlights
Naked was started during the pandemic as a comfortable space for those to reveal their stories and thoughts openly. As we conclude Season 2, we are excited to share some of our favorite moments and announce Season 3!! Thank you for listening and we hope these were some of your favorite moments too!! Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 13, 2023 • 58min
TAMMY RIVERA - No Holding Back!
Tammy Rivera has been working consistently, hustling to make a way…her way. Baltimore is not for the meek or the weak, so growing up Rivera had to “hold her own”. There was no job she would shy away from and fast forward she speaks on how working those odd jobs inspired her current venture. Despite the survival hustle she always knew singing was one of her ultimate goals and there was more for her along the path. She followed her faith and heart, living and learning what works for her. Once the invitation for Love and Hip Hop was introduced it sparked the opportunity for her ultimate path to unravel. Learn More about Tammy’s Skin Care Kit: Be Care By T Rivera Connect: @CariChampion @charliesangelllSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 6, 2023 • 51min
OMAR MILLER – A Curious Mind
Blessed to learn the easy way as the youngest of seven children, Miller had various examples to guide him toward success, despite his initial dream to become a professional athlete. Miller explains how his love for baseball prepared him for rejection in the industry of acting. In this episode, he shares his failures, his life hack for motivation, and how he defines success. Catch Omar Miller in his latest role on CBS's True Lies. Connect: @CariCHampion @OmarMillerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
