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 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.
Sep 8, 2025 • 50min
George Washington Black on Hulu with Selwyn Hinds
In this emotionally rich episode of Naked Sports, Cari opens up about loss: the recent passing of your grandmother and how that grief became both a wound and a window. Grief, being the ultimate proof of love, was evident in and how the community has shown up with support, reminding Cari of what really matters. Cari reflects briefly on how that moment shifted her perspective, re-centered her priorities, and made space for meaningful conversations, like the one that follows with today’s guest, the brilliant Selwyn Seyfu Hinds. Selwyn, a screenwriter, and producer who went from hip-hop journalism as The Source’sformer Editor-in-Chief to Hollywood creative, joins Naked Sports for a wide-ranging conversation. Together, we explore his new Hulu series, Washington Black, a powerful story rooted in human resilience and the refusal to be defined by trauma. Cari and Selwyn unpack the cultural legacy of ’90s hip-hop, the evolution of storytelling, and the role of Black creatives in shaping narratives that matter. The conversation touches on identity, legacy, and the fight to remain authentic in industries that often want to shape you. Throughout, there’s a thread of truth: that community, creativity, and perseverance are how we carry forward — in grief, in art, and in life. Watch: George Washington Black on Hulu Connect: @CariChampion @SelwynHinds Subscribe: Naked Sports with Cari ChampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 1, 2025 • 50min
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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 25, 2025 • 53min
REPLAY - Living In Wisdom with Devi Brown
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 self-care, growth, and showing yourself grace — because in today’s world of go-go-go, being still might be the most powerful move you can make. We also learn about Devi’s new book, Living Wisdom, and her reasoning and process for bringing it to life. Connect @CariChampion @DeviBrown Learn More: DeviBrown.com Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
