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
Nov 4, 2024 • 35min
Don't Give Up On The Dream: Election Day Special with Elliott Connie
With the election this week and so many experiencing understandable concern, this special episode with Elliott Connie offers hope amidst political turmoil. This conversation highlights women's empowerment in sports and politics, the impact of mental health on political discourse, and the pervasive issues of racism and confirmation bias in society. The episode opens with a special message from Thomas Booker and concludes with encouraging words of hope for listeners to fight for what matters to them, emphasizing the importance of voting and civic engagement. Connect: @CariChampion @ThomasBooker @ElliottConnie Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 28, 2024 • 36min
The Cowboys: America's Team
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. The conversation highlights the complexities of sports culture, the challenges faced by athletes, and the need for accountability in leadership. Connect: @Master_Tesfatsion @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 21, 2024 • 37min
Good Trouble with Angela Rye
Cari engages in a deep conversation with Angela Rye, exploring the intersections of sports, politics, and culture. Angela shares her upbringing in an activist household, the nuances of advocacy, and the significance of using platforms for social change. They discuss the importance of activism, the role of athletes in political engagement, and the stakes of the upcoming election. Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion @AngelaRye Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 14, 2024 • 38min
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.
Oct 7, 2024 • 36min
The Taylor Swift Effect
In this episode, Cari delves into the dynamics of rivalries in sports and music, with a particular focus on the perceived rivalries between female athletes, such as Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese, and likens them to those between artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. If we're being honest, there’s a societal compulsion to compare women, pitting them against each other as though the real competition lies in the comparison itself rather than the sport. The ongoing narrative of placing women in opposition has proven to be a profitable story, one that has fueled various industries throughout history. We also examine the responsibilities these women carry as public figures and emphasize the vital role authenticity plays in how they represent themselves. Cari Champion interviews Suzy Exposito, an independent journalist based in Los Angeles, and Justin Tinsley, a senior reporter with ESPN's Andscape. Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 30, 2024 • 36min
The BIG Game with a LITTLE Trash Talk. LSU vs IOWA
In this episode, Cari takes listeners back to the 2023 Women's National Championship game between LSU and Iowa — a game that made history and gave rise to one of the most significant moments in sports. We'll delve into its cultural impact, the media's portrayal of the players, and the ongoing conversations around race and gender in sports. The game shattered records and may have shown that every great player needs a foil. Cari Champion interviews Jemele Hill, FlauJae Johnson. Chiney Ogwumike, Sabreena Merchant, Ryan Ruocco, and Terrika Foster-Brasby Other voices include Kev on Stage, Djonai Carrington, Alyssa Thomas, and more... Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 23, 2024 • 34min
Who is Angel Reese?
This conversation delves into the complexities of race, rivalry, and media narratives in women's basketball, focusing on the contrasting portrayals of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Cari Champion interviews Ron James, Reese's former AAU Coach. They discuss Angel's character on and off the court and the role of family in athlete development. The discussion highlights the importance of rivalry in sports, the evolution of women's basketball as it gains recognition and respect, and players like Angel Reese's impact on the game. Cari also speaks with journalist Mitchell Northam, and Angel's former LSU teammate, FlauJae Johnson. Other voices include Ryan Ruocco, Sabreena Merchant, Kev on Stage, and more... Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 16, 2024 • 35min
Who is Caitlin Clark?
In this episode we highlight the evolution of women's sports, particularly focusing on the impact of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the WNBA. Cari Champion interviews Lisa Bluder, former head coach of the University of Iowa women's basketball team. They discuss the impact of Caitlin Clark on the sport and her experience coaching Caitlin to superstardom. Bluder shares her thoughts on the challenges and changes in women's athletics and gives her take on Caitlin’s performance in the WNBA. Cari also speaks with Caitlin’s high school coach, Kristin Meyer, Their conversation explores Caitlin's skills and playing style, her off-court personality, and the comparisons made between her and other basketball players. Within both conversations, we explore the historical context of women's athletics, the role of social media in shaping narratives, and the complexities of rivalry and race in sports. Other voices include Ryan Ruocco, Sarah Spain, Sabreena Merchant, Kev on Stage, and more... Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 26, 2024 • 1min
Introducing Naked Sports with Cari Champion - Season Four!
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous “you can’t see me” exchange in the 2023 NCAA championship game. There was a fierce debate over their perceived rivalry and it only intensified once they became the hottest prospects in the WNBA's rookie class. The media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted women’s sports for generations. And now that Clark and Reese have brought thousands of new fans to the sport, is it safe to say that this storyline is what the WNBA needed? Or has it invited toxicity into a space that has always prided itself on its inclusivity and sisterhood? In this groundbreaking series, Cari Champion searches for answers from those who know Clark and Reese best – from the coaches who helped shape their game, to the players and journalists who have witnessed their meteoric rise first-hand. Champion traces the incredible parallel paths of not just these two historic talents, but the WNBA itself, and sets the stage for the collision course that has brought us to this very moment. The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese is not just about two of the brightest flames the sport has ever seen, but it also asks an essential question – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 12, 2024 • 1h 27min
NAKED REPLAY - Game with Grant Hill
This is a special extended episode with one of the players who inspired Cari’s initial attraction to collegiate basketball. Grant Henry Hill is a former American professional basketball player 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.
