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 30, 2024 • 59min
Sports, Culture, and Politics - End of Year!
In this episode of Naked Sports, producers Jacquees Thomas and Olubusayo Shabi step from behind the scenes to help recap the season so far as we wrap up the year. We begin by revisiting the opening limited series, “The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese,” delving into how race and privilege shape sports narratives. The conversation then highlights Kamala Harris’s political journey and explores how Black women persevere in the face of systemic challenges. This segment underscores the importance of empowerment, perspective, and pursuing financial success as vehicles for change, inspired by the episode “A Love Letter to Black Women” with Bozoma Saint John. Finally, we tackle the universal obstacles life throws at us, guided by insights from the show’s recent guest, mogul Fawn Weaver, and her roadmap to “Building a Billion Dollar Brand.” Listen to every episode from Season 4 plus more: Naked Sports with CariChampion Connect with the Team: @CariChampion @HumbleProducer @Nottoo_shabi @ThatsPeace Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 26, 2024 • 22min
BEST OF 2024: The Cowboys: America's Team (Ft. Master T)
Cari Champion and Master Tesfatsion discuss the current NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing struggles, Jerry Jones' controversial history, and the role of Black athletes in activism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 23, 2024 • 37min
The Fire Inside - Claressa "T-Rex" Shields
Clarissa Shields a two-time Olympic gold medalist and boxing champion, discusses her life journey, the upcoming biopic 'The Fire Inside', and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated sport. Clarissa emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and confidence and the influence of her upbringing in Flint, Michigan. She also shares insights about her relationship with her coach, the misconceptions about her personality, the struggles of maintaining her identity amidst public scrutiny, and her efforts to control her narrative. Watch The Trailer The Fire Inside based on the incredible true story of Claressa Shields. Only in theaters on Christmas Day! Connect @CariChampion @ClarissaSheilds Learn More Claressa Shields Says Fight With Legend Would Be The Biggest In Women’s Boxing History Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 15min
Building A Billion Dollar Brand with Fawn Weaver
Weaver, the CEO and founder of Uncle Nearest Whiskey, shares her journey of uncovering the legacy of Nearest Green, the first known African American master distiller. She discusses the historical significance of the relationship between Nearest Green and Jack Daniel, the impact of Prohibition on the whiskey industry, and the importance of honoring African American contributions to distilling. Fawn also highlights her efforts to revive Nearest's legacy through her brand, which has become one of the most awarded bourbons in the world. We also gain insight into the journey of building the Uncle Nearest brand, highlighting the challenges faced in a predominantly white industry with centuries of business and multi-generations of operation. Weaver emphasizes the need for a broader definition of culture, the power of storytelling, and the mindset to overcome entrepreneurship challenges needed to build a legacy. Connect: @CariChampion @FawnWeaver Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 9, 2024 • 55min
ART BASEL: The Art of the Challenge
Today's episode is from a special live taping at the 2024 Art Basel in Miami. This conversation explores the powerful intersection of art and sports, particularly focusing on the experiences of women in these fields. It highlights the importance of representation, empowerment, and the challenges faced by women artists and athletes. The discussion features insights from notable figures like Mickalene Thomas (Artist) and Napheesa Collier (Unrivaled), emphasizing the need for equity, support, and collaboration in both the art and sports communities. The panel explores themes of representation, confidence, and the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries. The discussion highlights the significance of mentorship, community, and the need for women to advocate for their worth in both the art and sports worlds. The speakers share personal stories and insights on navigating their careers while uplifting others in their fields. Panel Members: Mickalene Thomas - Artist Napheesa Collier- Founder and Player Unrivaled Women's Basketball League Kennedy Yanko - Artist See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 2, 2024 • 38min
NAKED SPORTS REPLAY - For the Love of Basketball
On the season finale of The Making of a Rivalry, Cari interviews Gina Prince - Bythewood, director and screenwriter whose resume includes: The Old Guard, The Woman King and Love and Basketball - a film that centers a Black athlete with dreams of being the first woman to play in the NBA. Trista Krick, also joins the conversation to discuss what the future holds for the league and the rising stars who are coming. WNBA players featured at the end of the episode: Angel Reese Odyssey Sims Dearica Hamby Lindsay Allen Brianna Turner Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 25, 2024 • 57min
Ashlyn Harris - Wide Open
In this episode of Naked Sports, Cari engages in a heartfelt conversation with Ashlyn Harris, a retired professional soccer player and two-time World Cup champion. Ashlyn shares her journey, discussing her transition from soccer to a creative career, the complexities of professional relationships, and the challenges she faced during her marriage and subsequent divorce. The conversation delves into themes of self-discovery, mental health, and the impact of public scrutiny on personal life, ultimately highlighting the importance of finding happiness and authenticity after heartbreak and the effect of trauma on her identity. Please Note that some of the topics discussed may be jarring and triggering. We truly hope Ashlyn's story serves as a bridge for those who can relate. May it offer comfort and solidarity. And for others, may it open your heart to a perspective brave enough to be vulnerable, inviting connection through a willingness to share. Connect: @CariChampion @AshlynHarris24 Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 18, 2024 • 50min
Darren Waller - From Football to Freedom
Darren Waller a former NFL athlete, shares his journey of self-discovery, addiction, and recovery with us in this episode. He discusses the duality of his identity and some of the challenges he faced while navigating life as a professional athlete. Waller's candid reflections on his struggles with addiction and the path to recovery highlight the importance of self-acceptance and finding purpose beyond sports. Waller shares his vulnerable experience of an overdose, the subsequent realization of his addiction, the transformative power of music, and his commitment to finding a deeper purpose in his life moving forward. Listen to the NEW EP: Internal Warfare: This Too Shall Pass Connect: @CariChampion @RakkWall Learn More: DarrenWaller.Org Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 16, 2024 • 35min
Naked Sports: Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese
The Black Effect Presents... Naked Sports with Cari Champion! Welcome to Season 4 of NAKED SPORTS! We're excited to kick off the season with a six-episode docu-series, *The Making of a Rivalry*, which follows the rise of women's basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The series traces their journey from high school to college, examining the media frenzy that has fueled their rivalry. It highlights their impact on the sport and how they've shaped the perception of women's basketball. The series also explores the importance of rivalries in sports and why competition is essential. This episode features interviews with players, coaches, and sports journalists, offering insights into the players' skills, personalities, and the challenges they face. Special guests in this episode include Jemele Hill, Sarah Spain, Sabreena Merchant, and more." Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 11, 2024 • 39min
A Love Letter To Black Women w/Bozoma Saint John
Cari delivers a powerful love letter to Black women in this heartfelt episode. She reflects on the emotional impact of Kamala Harris's election campaign and subsequent loss, exploring themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the collective pain felt by Black women across the country while emphasizing the importance of hope and community. Joining Cari is Bozoma Saint John, to help highlight the unique strength of Black women and their unwavering commitment to excellence, even in the face of adversity. The day after the election, Bozoma posted on Instagram with the caption, "Good morning to my sisters, and only my sisters." One of the slides in her post broke down the "Sex by Race" numbers, highlighting how Black women showed up at the polls to support Harris. The post concluded with an abstract image of a Black woman sitting on the edge of a bed—"Blue Monday" by Annie Lee—capturing the exhaustion and emotional weight of the moment. This message resonated deeply with Cari and many other women in the days following the election. Black women, this episode is for you. Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
