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 5, 2022 • 1h 4min
CHLOE ARNOLD – In Honor of Destiny
Chloe Arnold is a dream come true story, the serendipity of how her heart, passion, talent, and dreams aligned along the way is nothing short of destiny. From the beginning, her mother affirmed her goals and made what some would quantify as a high achievement, but was Chloe’s plan B. After working under the mentorship and support of Gregory Hines and Debbie Allen, her life and destiny were cosigned and predicted for greatness. Chloe Arnold is now a multi-hyphenated; Actress, Choreographer, and Producer; she is currently the choreographer and an actress in a musical version of the classic Christmas story by Charles Dickens starring Ryan Reynolds, Will Farrell, and Octavia Spencer now in theaters. Connect: @CariChampion @ChloeArnold “Spirited” is Now in theatres and available on Apple TV. P.S. For a very special gift, go to Chloe’s IG and check the link in her bio for 2 months Free of Apple TV!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 28, 2022 • 58min
KENNY LATTIMORE - A Love Story
It is indeed rare for someone to understand the depth of their purpose, message, and legacy. The longevity of Kenny Lattimore's career is rooted in his knowing. As he says during every show, he is here, "To sing to the hearts of women and the minds of men to encourage them in love." During this episode, he talks about; his early career, the impact of his music, and how he has remained an eternal student learning to evolve over the years. Learn More: KennyLattimore.com Connect: @CariChampion @KennyLattimoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 21, 2022 • 47min
GABRIELLE UNION - The Actress. The Mother. Her Power!
Gabrielle Union is a veteran in the game. We know her name, her beauty, and her work. No one can deny her star power. We start this conversation with the question, what is the difference between being an entertainer vs an actor? Union eloquently explains the difference. Union then tells the “WHY” behind this role in her upcoming film, The Inspection. As I said before we all know Union - the entertainer, but we are about to be introduced to Gabrielle the actress. The Inspection is in theaters now! Connect @CariChampion @GabUnionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 14, 2022 • 1h 17min
ALI LEROI - A Masterclass
It’s not an agenda to tell black stories in our totality, it is simply innate. Leroi’s creative objective is not necessarily to go outside of the box, but simply not to ignore everything that fills it. His resume speaks volumes, but he started as a stand-up comedian. He shares stories from those earlier years; meeting Chris Rock and how that relationship developed over time both personally and professionally. Leroi breaks down the career trajectory of a comedian’s lifespan, and his process as a writer and as a Director/Jazz composer. LeRoi also shares his opinion on the unavoidable topic of his fellow Chi-town native, Kanye West. (Fortunately, we don’t end on that note). Creatives get your notepads ready, because there are some free nuggets of feedback courtesy of Mr. Leroi all throughout this episode. Connect: @CariChampion @AliLeroi Learn More: MrLeroi.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 7, 2022 • 58min
MATEO ASKARIPOUR – BLACK BUCK
Black Buck is a crackling, satirical debut novel about a young man given a shot at stardom as the lone Black salesman at a mysterious, cult-like, and wildly successful startup where nothing is as it seems. New York Times Best Selling author Mateo Askaripour joins us on today’s episode to discuss his new success. READ: Black Buck The Novel LEARN MORE: MATEO WRITES CONNECT: @CariChampion @AskMateo See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 31, 2022 • 46min
DON LEMON – Good Morning!
Don Lemon is an American Television Journalist who is known for hosting on CNN. Despite the lack of support and his professors told him to consider an alternative major and direction, he moved from Louisiana to New York to pursue his career without a diploma and with only $200. Fast forward not only did he finish his degree at Brooklyn College, but he also became one of the most prominent names in journalism. In this episode, we discuss the trajectory of his career, his choice to move to the mornings, and what inspired his full transparency. Lemon is openly gay and has received various criticisms rooted in homophobia and race, but after coming out he gained the autonomy to be his true self. Read: Transparent By Don Lemon Connect: @CariChampion @DonLemonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 24, 2022 • 1h 2min
MICHAEL RAPAPORT - A Sh*t Talking Experience
Filter? What filter? Michael Rapaport is from New York and this is just how he talks. From Dan Le Batard to Janet Jackson to NBA Hot Takes; we talk or Rapaport tells us how he really feels about these topics, especially his personal dispute with Durant. Some would say Rapaport is privileged because he hurls his opinions without hesitation. After listening, let us know what you think? Learn More: MichaelRapaportComedy.com Connect: @CariChampion @MichaelRapaportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 17, 2022 • 1h 3min
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.
Oct 10, 2022 • 40min
MICHAEL R. JACKSON - A Strange Loop
What started as a personal testimony evolved into one of most acclaimed Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrights now on Broadway. Michael R Jackson grew up in Detroit in a middle-class family, where he kept his sexuality and artistry to himself or rather how his truth would be expressed through art. After almost twenty years of writing what would become, "A Strange Loop", Jackson writes a musical that explores self-hatred and the conversations he would have with himself over the years. The popularity of the musical," A Strange Loop" is without question with limited seats available and/or sold-out shows every night on Broadway! Audiences everywhere of all backgrounds are attracted to this once-hidden masterpiece. Jackson is proud and embraces this moment, but guarantees this is merely the beginning. Learn More: A Strange Loop - The Musical Connect: @carichampion @TheLivingMJ Are you in a strange loop, let us know: @nakedwithcarichampion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 3, 2022 • 47min
KEL MITCHELL - Prank Day
Kel Mitchel joins us today! He shares how he initially got the acting bug by transforming his class clown habits into art. Mitchell is an actor and stand-up comedian, best known for his work on the comedy sketch series, “All That” on Nickelodeon. Kel has been in front of the camera since he was fifteen, and although acting is what most know him for, Kel’s bigger calling has been to minister to the youth. GOD is indeed Kel’s leader in his career and writings. Now with two books available; “Bless Mode” and “Prank Day” wherever you get your books. Read: Bless Mode and Prank Day Connect: @CariChampion @KelMitchell Stay up to date with new episodes: @NakedwithCariChampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
