What Does Grief Look Like On and Off the Court? with Dr Akua Boateng

In this deeply personal episode of Naked Sports, Cari starts by honoring her grandmother, the woman whose love shaped your life in ways words can barely hold. Her passing is fresh, and the grief? It’s heavy. This episode is for her. For you. For anyone who’s carried that weight and still found the courage to speak. Cari reflects on how this podcast has become a place where she can step away from the polished TV persona and speak honestly, with vulnerability and truth. And that’s exactly what she does in today’s episode.

With the grace of the community, a new connection was formed during Cari’s recent visit to the vineyard this summer. Dr. Akua Boateng is a licensed psychotherapist and emotional wellness coach who helps Cari to unpack the complexities of grief, especially for high-functioning individuals. She shares how grief looks different for everyone and reminds us that ambition doesn’t cancel out the need for emotional care.

Together, they touch on how collective traumas like COVID-19 reshaped us, how athletes and high achievers carry hidden weight, and why healing in community is everything. Dr. Boateng’s words land like balm:

“Grief is the body and mind’s way of responding to the absence of love.”
“We are hurt in relationship, and we heal in relationship.”

The conversation is layered, healing, and exactly the kind of dialogue that helps move through pain with purpose.

Connect: @CariChampion @DrAkuaBoateng

Learn More: DrAkuaBoateng.com

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