Naked Sports with Cari Champion
The Black Effect 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
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
AYMAN MOHYELDIN: Bias vs. Objective
Summary: In this final episode for the year, Cari is joined by fellow journalist Ayman Mohyeldin, and they share stories of friendship, mutual passions, and deep dives into how current events and policies shape people's lives. Ayman, originally from Egypt with Palestinian roots, immigrated to Detroit at age five. He expresses his family's journey for a better life and how his background influences his unique perspective on politics and journalism. The episode takes listeners through thought-provoking topics like immigration, the Israel-Palestine conflict, political authenticity, gender dynamics, and the challenges today’s men face. As the discussion ventures into poignant reflections on fairness, objectivity, and personal biases, Ayman provides insightful commentary on maintaining cultural roots, navigating racism, and the evolving media landscape. The episode ends with a heartfelt holiday message and a nod to the show's recent award for best docuseries. Connect @CariChampion @AymanM Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel Listen to the Award Winning Series: Naked Sports: Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 17, 2025 • 35min
PART 2 - Redefining Media with Joy Reid
In part two of the interview on Naked Sports, Joy Reid talks about the intersection of politics, media, and social issues. She expresses her views on the current political landscape, grappling with harassment from conservative figures and the challenges of being a public figure. Reid candidly discusses the impact of legacy media versus independent platforms, her stance on political issues like the Jeffrey Epstein case, and the complexities of dealing with online harassment. This extended conversation also covers her views on the future of journalism and the importance of having genuine debates over performative ones. Reid shares her personal coping strategies for managing the constant public scrutiny and attacks, emphasizing the need for resilience and community support among black women in media. Connect @CariChampion @JoyAnnReid Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 10, 2025 • 45min
Redefining Media with Joy Reid
In this episode, Cari welcomes Joy Reid by first reflecting on the beauty of their long-standing friendship, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cari talks about their shared friend group, known as “The Machetes,” and their collective mission to create positive cultural change. After the introduction, Reid joins the conversation to discuss perspectives on the controversial Diddy documentary, shedding light on her longstanding skepticism of Diddy’s character—an attitude that contrasts with the general public’s perception. They critique Diddy’s history, including his role in the East Coast–West Coast rap beef and his relationships with several artists. The discussion also explores the Stephen A. Smith controversy, highlighting alleged biases and behind-the-scenes dynamics in the broadcasting world. This first episode of a two-part series concludes with insights into Trump’s relationships with hip-hop figures and society's tendency to forget past transgressions. Connect @CariChampion @JoyAnnReid Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 3, 2025 • 51min
AUDIE CORNISH - THE JOURNALIST
We're back with Season 5 of Naked Sports with Cari Champion! Today, Cari welcomes Audie Cornish, a respected journalist formerly of NPR and now with CNN. Cari expresses her admiration for Audie and invites her to share personal insights, including the origin of her name and her career journey. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their professions and reflect on the importance of curiosity in journalism. The conversation touches on the impact of ambition, the fear of failing to meet personal expectations, and the need to remain vulnerable and authentic. Audie shares her experiences growing up as an immigrant, the societal changes over the years, and her thoughts on the current political climate. The episode concludes with Cari reflecting on what she learned from Audie and her appreciation for genuine storytelling. Audie Cornish is the host of CNN Podcasts’ The Assignment and the anchor of CNN This Morning, airing weekdays from 6-7 AM ET and streaming in the CNN app. Visit CNN.com/AllAccess for more. Connect @CariChampion @AudieOffmic Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 20, 2025 • 48min
Naked Sports Season 4 Finale with Cari Champion
In the final episode of Naked Sports Season 4, you take a moment to look back and breathe it all in. Cari reflects on the journey — how the show evolved with the culture and the world’s events. Back when it was called Naked, it was all about the intimate, vulnerable stories from our guests. Now, it’s a space where bold voices meet big topics. Case in point? Today’s timely conversation on Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl forthcoming appearance, which exemplifies how sports doesn’t just live on the field. It lives in the headlines, the halftime shows, the hidden political events, and/or in case it becomes a political event. Naked, now "Naked Sports" has grown into something fearless: a platform where sports, politics, and culture collide in real-time. We shift from the Super Bowl to the topic that led the season — women’s sports. Cari shines a light on the Las Vegas Aces, the tireless advocacy of WNBA players, and the battles still being fought against pay disparities, visibility gaps, and the push for real equity in a league full of stars. Women’s sports are having a moment — and we’re not just watching it.We’re part of it, and thank you all for being a part of NAKED SPORTS! Special thanks to the Naked Sports team, our listeners, and everyone who’s been part of this evolution. This may be the end of a season, but it’s the beginning of something bigger. Connect @CariChampion Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 13, 2025 • 47min
REPLAY - From Policy to The Playoffs with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby
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 switch gears and dive into one of the most exciting times of year — March Madness. The conversation gets heated in the best way, especially when we talk about women’s basketball. Shoutout to legends like Dawn Staley and the rivalries that keep the energy high and the fans coming back. But it’s not just about the game — it’s about the business too. The hosts dig into the current state of negotiations in women’s hoops and why smart, strategic moves are key if we want to keep this momentum going and take the league to the next level. Connect @CariChampion @airSwoopes22 @SheKnowsSports Listen: Levels to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 1min
Izzy Harrison: More Than the Game
Isabelle 'Izzy' Harrison Talks Career, WNBA Challenges, and Powerful Journeys On this episode of Naked Sports, Cari sits down with one of the real ones — Isabelle Harrison of the New York Liberty. Izzy opens up about the journey that shaped her; from playing under the legendary Pat Summitt at Tennessee, to making waves in the W with talent, heart, and a whole lot of voice. She gets real about her relationship with Tasha Cloud (yes, that Tasha), and shares what it means to show up authentically on and off the court. We talk CBA negotiations, league politics, officiating, and why players need more than just a seat at the table. They need a say. But Izzy’s story goes deeper. She gives us a glimpse into what it was like growing up in a big family of 12, and her powerful work raising awareness for Lupus, a cause close to her heart. This one’s about more than sports. It’s about the humanity of athletes, the hustle it takes to thrive, and the courage to use your platform for purpose. Connect @CariChampion @OMG_ItsIzzyB Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 29, 2025 • 43min
Free Speech Isn't Free with Cari Champion
In this solo edition of Naked Sports, Cari holds space for one of the most complicated conversations of our time: free speech. Through honest reflections and sound bites that hit close to home, Cari asks the questions that so many are afraid to say out loud: Is our free speech being threatened? Who decides what’s protected and what’s punished? Cari unpacks how this plays out differently depending on who you are, especially for marginalized communities who’ve never had the full luxury of “free” speech to begin with. Calling out the contradictions, especially when voices like Charlie Kirk and Laura Loomer use outrage as a platform. What does that say about where we are politically, culturally, and morally? There’s also a moment commenting on Vice President Kamala Harris’s new book, and what it means to finally hear things said out loud that many of us already knew deep down. And another big story this week, Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night, which truly highlights the permeating question: is our freedom of speech under attack? Connect @CariChampion Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 22, 2025 • 34min
REPLAY - Kobe: The Making of a Legend with Eric Johnson
“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 docu-series further delves into Kobe's life, providing insights into his early years, his rise in the NBA, his challenges, and the global mourning following his tragic death. Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding Kobe as a multifaceted individual--a sports icon and a person with personal struggles and triumphs. Although for many, Kobe's passing still resonates as deeply as it did five years ago, Cari shares this sentiment, and this episode is a homage to his legacy. Kobe: The Making of a Legend is NOW AVAILABLE on CNN. Connect @CariChampion @johnsonerich Watch: Kobe: The Making of a Legend Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 15, 2025 • 38min
HIM with Tyriq Withers
In this episode of Naked Sports, Cari begins by expressing sadness over current world events, focusing on the political violence underscored by the murder of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk. She highlights the intense division and mob mentality prevalent in society today, urging listeners to find the middle ground. The episode then shifts focus to an interview with Tyriq Withers, the star of the upcoming Jordan Peele sports horror film 'Him.' Withers discusses his role, his journey as an actor and athlete, and the film's central themes of hero worship and the human experience of athletes. The conversation touches on Withers' background, the authenticity he brings to his role, and his interactions with co-star Marlon Wayans. We wrap up with Withers sharing his GOAT picks in both football and basketball. Then Cari reflects on finding hope and dreaming big, even in dark times, emphasizing the importance of escape through family, friends, and entertainment. "HIM" released in theaters exclusively on Friday, September 19, 2025 Watch the trailer: HIM | Official Trailer Connect: @CariChampion @TyriqWithers Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari Champion's YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
