Naked Sports with Cari Champion

MC Lyte discusses her latest single and the challenges of finding a successful relationship as a successful woman. She emphasizes the importance of being open and vulnerable in relationships and the difficulty of finding a partner who can match her frequency. The conversation also touches on the evolution of relationships and the changing dynamics between men and women. MC Lyte talks about her rol...

In this episode, Cari Champion discusses the experiences of young black female athletes in the sports industry with Sanya Richards Ross, a decorated track and field star. They explore the narratives surrounding athletes like Angel Reese and Sha'Carri Richardson, who have faced praise and criticism for their outspokenness and success. The conversation delves into the challenges and expectations pla...

In this conversation, B. Monét discusses her origin story, inspirations, and journey to becoming a filmmaker. She emphasizes the importance of black girl representation in media and the need for softness and care in storytelling. She also discusses the challenges she faced at NYU and the power of film; as a medium for expressing emotions and showcasing the full humanity of black women. Her new fil...

In this episode of Naked, Cari discusses the lack of emotional songs in mainstream music and reminisces about artists like Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross. The guest, Ruben Studdard, winner of Season Two of American Idol and Platinum recording artist, shares how the show changed the landscape of reality competition shows. We also learn more about his life in Birmingham, the inspiration for his new...

The conversation delves into the work ethic and upbringing of Tamron Hall, the challenges and assumptions surrounding motherhood, the importance of presentation in journalism, and the experiences of sexual harassment as a black woman. Hall shares stories; of motherhood, behind-the-scenes, and the writings of her true crime series as a cathartic experience. Connect: @CariChampion @TamronHall Read :...

In this bonus episode, Cari discusses the NCAA women's basketball tournament and highlights the growth of the game, focusing on the behavior and accountability of LSU head coach Kim Mulkey compared to South Carolina's head coach Dawn Staley. Cari questions whether Mulkey's behavior would be tolerated if she were black and highlights Staley's professionalism and leadership. The episode raises impor...

In this conversation, Jasmine Guy discusses her career in dance and acting, her role in the groundbreaking TV show A Different World, and the importance of black representation in the media. She also shares her experiences with Tupac Shakur, her successes of being a black artist in Hollywood, and her upcoming projects including Harlem on Amazon Prime. Connect: @CariChampion @IamJasmineGuy See omny...

Phoebe Robinson returns to the podcast and she is back on tour! We love having her join us and being witness to her genius. Robinson is having a good time developing spaces for her creativity to thrive and it's allowing her to live and work outside of any specific box or idea. When Phoebe entered the indie comedy scene in 2008 it wasn't her ideal, but now she has hit her stride.   Connect: @CariCh...

In this conversation, Ledisi discusses her journey as a singer and actor, starting from her childhood in a musical household to discovering her talent and using it to connect with others. She shares her experiences of embracing different genres and breaking stereotypes, as well as the challenges of navigating the pressure to stay in a box. Ledisi also talks about the healing power of music, the im...

Muni Long speaks with us today about the frequencies of creating and how she channels the lyrics for the music she writes; for others and now for herself. Long has spent the last decade writing for various artists from; Rihanna, Madonna, Ariana Grande, and many more. And is now fully standing in her artistry, releasing her new single, "Made For Me" Long has enough points on the board to now set a...

Isha Blaaker joins Naked today to discuss his background growing up in Suriname and the Netherlands, his aspirations in martial arts and modeling, and his transition to acting. He shares his experiences working on a Tyler Perry film and the growth he has seen in his acting skills. Isha also expresses the importance of the film 'Origin' in shedding light on racism and race relations. Isha opens up...

It’s a Super Bowl Edition on NAKED this week and Cari sits down with Kobe Turner, a nose tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, and Coach Michael Locksley, the president and founder of the National Coalition for Minority Football Coaches . Kobe discusses his love for music and his dream of becoming a high school choir director. Coach Locksley talks about the lack of minority head coaches in the NFL and...

In this conversation, Antonia Hylton discusses her book 'Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum' and the history of Crownsville, a mental facility for black patients during the Jim Crow era. The conversation covers the background of Antonia's interest in journalism and mental health, the discovery of Crownsville, the construction and operation of the facility, the treatment of patients, a...

In this conversation, Cheryl P. Williamson discusses the power of affirmations and the impact they can have on one's life. She shares her journey of using affirmations to overcome challenges and manifest her desires. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of self-love and the need to pour into oneself before pouring into others. She also talks about her writings, including her recently released book, “A...

In this conversation, Chiké Okonkwo discusses his background as a Nigerian growing up in the UK, his journey to becoming an actor, and the challenges and triumphs he has faced in the industry. He reflects on the impact of the film 'The Birth of a Nation' and the importance of telling untold stories. Chiké also shares his experiences as a black man in America and the perseverance required in the ac...

As we celebrate award season, Wilson Morales joins us from BlackFilmandTV.com to discuss predictions and he offers a 101 on the overall award show selection process.  Connect: @CariChampion @WilsonMoralesFilm Let us know your Oscar favorites and why! @NakedwithCariChampion See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Black Excellence a shield that protects us from scrutiny or attacks from extremist with subpar accusations that seemingly weigh heavier that our excellence by their accounts? Being great at doing what you do does not equate to an opportunity to continue to do so. Last week, Claudine Gay, the first black woman to hold the title of President of Harvard University in its 388 years history resigned...

As we embrace a new year, we are taking a moment to highlight some of our favorite episodes and we hope you are also reflecting on your accomplishments from 2023!  Happy New Year Champions!  Connect: @CariChampion  Visit: CariChampion.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is a gift to filmmakers and anyone who has a vision for their goals. A masterclass coupled with an intimate backstory of how Deniese Davis became the Producer she is today. Davis is entering into 2024 with her new company, Reform Media Group, and a production deal with Tyler Perry Studios to start creating her first film. Based on her trajectory thus far and her work with Issa Rae, the next...

Mitchell S. Jackson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. His debut novel The Residue Years  won a Whiting Award and The Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. But well before his acclaimed career took flight; he wrote a feature on three athletes from his neighborhood who didn’t make it to the NBA. Now years later well into his acclaimed career, his latest book brings him full circle back t...

Charmaine Wilkerson is the author of the New York Times Best-Selling novel, “Black Cake”. Wilkerson started her career as a journalist, but after finding more power in telling her truth through stories of fiction she started writing scenes and flash fiction stories; which led to her debut novel, Black Cake. Wilkerson’s voice and melodic speech will pull you in and offer an introduction to her eloq...

This episode is a real honor because today Bobi Wine and Barbie Kyagulanyi join us to bring awareness to the plights and the hopes of Uganda and how we can show our support.  Bobi Wine ran for president of Uganda in 2021, he describes the election as going to hell and coming back.  He survived several attempts to take his life and it is believed that the presidency was stolen from him. Despite all...

This episode is an insight into the writer’s room. Syreeta Johnson is a Writer and Showrunner who received her start as an eager writer with the opportunity to submit her script to Issa Rae before the acclaim of Insecure on HBO. As Rae's success grew, so did Issa and Syreeta's relationship; from starting as an assistant on Insecure to now working as the Showrunner on Rae's new project, Rap Shit. J...

Born into a well-known talented family that has made a lasting imprint in the world of Gospel music, the natural progression would be to follow in their footsteps. However, Deborah Joy Winans decided to live her life following the direction of her heart. Deborah Joy is best known for her role in Greenleaf and The Final Say. She joins us today to share a special story about the birth of her son, wh...

Candice Carty-Williams is an Author, Screenwriter, and Showrunner with a fearless pen. Williams says her job is to listen and to tell stories that provoke.  She has no inhibitions about conveying her experiences as they inspire her.  We discuss her first book, Queenie which is currently being adapted into a series for Hulu. Queenie is about a young British-Jamaican woman who is an utter mess and w...