Naked Sports with Cari Champion

In this episode of Naked Sports, host Cari Champion sits down with WNBA icon Angel McCoughtry to talk about life after the league, her journey into filmmaking and music, and her fight to elevate women’s basketball. From being the #1 overall draft pick to creating space for new generations of athletes, Angel shares raw insights on perseverance, purpose, and the power of reinvention. Connect @...

Devi Brown — a true force in the wellness space — joins Naked Sports to talk about what it means to take care of yourself in a world that never seems to slow down. We get into her journey, how she found her way to healing, what it means to be a calming presence in chaotic times, and how every chapter of life, even the messy ones, shapes us into who we’re becoming. Focusing on sel...

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 be...

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...

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 sto...

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 growt...

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  thin...

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...

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...

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 reflec...

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 tra...

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, emp...

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 commu...

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 conver...

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 acco...

“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 Exec...

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 signific...

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 Athle...

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 impa...

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’...

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,...

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...

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 Mickale...

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...