Naked Sports with Cari Champion

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 using your voice for something bigger. Cari and Malik also get into the myths around celebrity, ambition, and how staying grounded is its own kind of success. Shifting gears into identity in the digital age, how the words we use and the way we’re seen shape so much of our reality. Vulnerability, intention, humanity. It all matters. And just when you think we’ve covered it all, Malik expounds on his Flipping the Hood initiative — a powerful push to empower communities through real estate and financial literacy.  Connect @CariChampion @MalikYoba Learn More: Yoba Development Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Then we zoom out: NBA coaching shakeups, headline-grabbing trades, and, of course, the drama between Stephen A. Smith and LeBron James. We talk about what it all really means and how it reflects on the game and the culture. Then, Jemele and Cari get into the ethics of sports journalism. The pressure to be first vs. the responsibility to get it right. Discretion, fan culture, and how the media landscape is shifting under our feet. This episode is a whole masterclass on how sports and storytelling keep evolving…whether the world is ready or not. Connect @CariChampion @JemeleHill Learn More: Jemele Hill Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 that’s building. These athletes are doing more than showing up — they’re showing out. This one’s about purpose. About standing up, speaking out, and showing love to the people — especially the women who’ve been putting in the work. Connect @CariChampion Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 actually asking for. That’s not all; we also break down the drama between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith — because yes, grown men do feud publicly, and it says a lot about the current media game. And finally, Cari shares her take on the Dodgers heading to the White House — why it matters, what it means, and how sports continue to play a role in shaping our political story. Connect @CariChampion Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 conversations about bias, what real allyship looks like, and how political moments hit differently — especially for women. But it’s not all heavy. There’s a beautiful, personal story in here too — about friendship, holding each other down through hard times, and what it means to show up for someone when the world feels upside down. This episode is a reminder that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s how we grow, connect, and find our way back to each other in a divided world. Connect @CariChampion @SaliChristeson @argent Learn More Argentwork.com Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the challenges of raising a son without a mother, and addresses the disconnect between Black men and women, emphasizing the importance of friendship and understanding in overcoming historical trauma and societal challenges. Connect: @carichampion  Learn More: HillHarper.com Subscribe: Cari Champion's YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 performer. The discussion also touches on her experiences in acting, memorable roles, and future aspirations, including her desire to create opportunities for upcoming artists.  Angie Stone has consistently created art that aligns with her soul, black love, and culture and will certainly be missed.  Connect: @carichampion @theangiestone Learn More: TheAngieStone.com Listen:  Angie Stone on Spotify Angie Stone on AppleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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-determination and collective action. Connect @CariChampion @WendellPCG Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 consumer choices in driving change. In addition and in celebration of Mallory’s new book, “I Lived To Tell The Story” we discuss the journey of writing a memoir, Mallory expounds on how writing a memoir can be painful, but also a healing process, the complexities of trust and betrayal, and the significance of empowering narratives for Black women and the community at large. Connect @CariChampion @TamikaDMallory Read I Lived To Tell The Story By Tamika Mallory Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.