Naked Sports with Cari Champion
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
Episodes
On this episode, Cari sits down with the one and only Malik Yoba. They talk about where they’ve been, where they’re going, and what it really takes to move with kindness in industries that don’t always reward it.
Malik opens up about his journey, from the spotlight to behind the scenes, and we reflect on the power of cultural influence, the pressure of public perception, and the responsibility that comes with usin...
When Jemele Hill and Cari Champion get together, it always makes for a great conversation and a worthy episode!
We kick things off with the state of women’s basketball: where it’s thriving, where it needs support, and why players like Paige Beckers and Caitlin Clark are changing the game, even as they battle injuries and media hype. Because let’s be honest, rivalries make the story, but so does real representation...
In this episode, Cari shines a light on Senator Cory Booker’s powerful, history-making speech, not just for what he said but also for what it means in the bigger fight for civil rights and justice. It’s a reminder that the work isn’t done.
And with the Women’s Final Four on the horizon, of course, Cari had to talk about where women’s basketball is right now: the growth, the challenges, and the energy t...
This episode has a little bit of everything: some laughs, some heat, and another example of how sports intersects with culture and politics.. Cari is tapping into everything — from what’s really going down in women’s basketball right now. The game is changing, and so is the conversation, and then we go straight into dating standards: the back-and-forth between what men think women want and what women are...
In this episode, we get into it — sports, politics, and everything in between. The hosts break down what’s really going on in today’s political climate, especially around education and how corporate power keeps showing up in all the wrong places.
They also unpack how different generations are seeing politics play out and how political figures influence the way we think, act, and show up in the world.
Then we switc...
On this episode of Naked Sports, we’re getting real — like, take-the-gloves-off kind of real. We’re talking about the intersection where sports, culture, and politics ALL collide — because let’s be honest, they always do.
Sali Christeson is our very special guest — someone who’s not just brilliant, but who’s also become a true ally in this work. We get into the messy, necessary conver...
Hill Harper shares his journey as a father, actor, and author. He discusses the significance of his son's name, Pierce, and the profound impact of adopting him. Hill challenges stereotypes surrounding single black fathers and emphasizes the importance of fatherhood and community. The dialogue also touches on personal growth, meaningful connections, and the evolving nature of parenting. They reflect on their father's influence, and ...
Angie Stone
(Dec 18, 1961 - Mar 1, 2025)
Cari pays tribute to the late Angie Stone, reflecting on her legacy and contributions to music. Angie discusses her latest album, the rapid creation process, and her pioneering role in the hip-hop and R&B genres with her group Sequence. She shares insights into her songwriting process, collaborations with artists like D'Angelo, and the challenges of transitioning from a writer to a perfo...
Wendell Pierce joins Cari Champion to discuss the intersection of sports, politics, and culture, focusing on the importance of family, community activism, and the power of art. The conversation also delves into Kendrick Lamar's impactful halftime performance and the significance of guarding one's joy amidst societal challenges. Wendell shares insights on rebuilding communities after disasters, emphasizing the need for self-determin...
Cari reflects on the emotional impact of recent events, including Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance. Tamika D Mallory joins the conversation to explore the importance of emotional intelligence in activism, the need for strategic responses to political challenges, and the diverse ways individuals can contribute to social justice movements. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community action and the power of consum...
Today, Cari Champion engages with comedian Roy Wood Jr. to explore the intersections of sports, politics, and culture. They discuss the current state of women's basketball, the significance of the Super Bowl, and the evolving landscape of political satire.
Wood shares insights from his Hulu special 'Lonely Flowers,' addressing themes of loneliness and connection in modern society.
The conversation delves into the challenges o...
In this episode, Cari discusses the current socio-political climate, emphasizing the dangers of apathy and the importance of activism. Joined by Brittany Packnett Cunningham – The Baddie for Justice, they explore the intersections of sports, politics, and culture, and how community engagement can lead to meaningful change. They reflect on the historical context of activism, the need for accountability, and the significance of...
“Five years after his passing, we are honored to share the story of Kobe Bryant—arguably one of the greatest and most competitive professional athletes of all time,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Producer for CNN Original Series
During this episode, we explore the complexities of Kobe's character, his impact on sports and culture, and the nuances of his relationships with the Executive Producer, Eric Johnson.
The d...
Moses Anoh, founder of Blitzfits, joins Naked Sports to discuss the intersection of football, fashion, and lifestyle. He shares insights on sports marketing, the importance of personal branding for athletes, and the role of his platform Blitzfits has in showcasing athletes' fashion choices and the upcoming Blitzfits Awards. The conversation also explores the evolution of player style, the significance of identity in fashion choices...
The Black Effect Presents... Naked with Cari Champion!
In this episode of Naked Sports, host Cari Champion discusses her recent NAACP Image Award nomination, the devastating impact of wildfires in California, and the journey of a professional volleyball player, highlighting the importance of women's sports and community support.
Haleigh Washington Two-Time Olympic Medalist and Founding Athlete of LOVE Volleyball shares her jo...
On today’s episode host Cari Champion engages with Napheesa Collier, a player and co-founder of the new women's basketball league, Unrivaled. They discuss the evolution of women's basketball, the challenges faced by female athletes, and the innovative approach of Unrivaled in addressing salary disparities and creating generational wealth for players. The conversation also touches on the impact of NIL in college sports, the gr...
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 ...
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.
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 person...
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 rev...
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