The quality of being outstanding or extremely good is the definition of EXCELLENCE according to Oxford Languages However, when you put the word BLACK in front of excellence the definition changes. It elevates once coupled with our truth, our culture, our stories, and our survival.  In this episode, Cari elaborates on this definition, describing her recent experiences in Dubai aka DuBey for Beyoncé's empowering and thoughtful performance at the Atlantis Royal and then invites her Producer (Jacquees Thomas) to join the conversation to address the list of Oscar nominations. Send us your thoughts on Black Excellence and the Oscars via IG @NakedwithCariChampion Twitter @NakedwithCari Connect: @CariChampion @JacqSilver_See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lynette Woodard is a retired American basketball Hall of Fame player, the First Female Globetrotter, a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, and a former women's basketball head coach. Woodard walks us through the particulars of what it’s like to be, "the first". Connect: @CariChampion @theLynetteWoodardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Erica Campbell always knew the road to her purpose went hand and hand with her gift of singing. Campbell was introduced to the world as a Singer/Songwriter via, "Mary Mary" a popular gospel group formed with her sister. She shares her story about growing up in LA in the church, her dreams, compromising in the industry, and her faith.  Connect: @CariChampion @ImEricaCampbell Listen: Feel Alright (Blessed)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's the Holiday season, so it's the perfect time for an encouraging story. Finesse Mitchell joins us today to share his story from growing up in Atlanta to his life now in Los Angeles. He speaks openly about his trials and errors, his upward failures and what he loves outside of show business. It is refreshing to hear from celebrities who know who they are outside of what they do or rather what category in which we know them.  Although Mitchell is not shy about his achievements and goals within the industry, there is so much more to what defines his happiness and identity.  Connect: @CariChampion @FinesseMitchell Learn More;  FinesseMitchell.tvSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alison Desir is changing the world through movement. She struggled with depression and found the motivation to change her life through movement, specifically as a runner.  Desir is a mother, an activist, the creator of Harlem Run, and the Author of Running While Black. Desir has taken action toward her mental health and healing process. Running has become her vehicle not only for personal transformation but also for social change. Connect: @CariChampion @AlisonDesir Resources: My Role in a Social Change Ecosystem: A Mid-Year Check-InSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Lewis is here to advocate for our hair, our skin, and our beauty, not to mention our economic power in the beauty industry. Lewis is a Filmmaker and Actress who developed a six-part documentary for us. There have been ongoing topics about black entertainers not having the adequate support to fit our needs on set and although the industry is slowly "changing", documentaries like The Black Beauty Effect aims to keep the trajectory moving forward.  The Black Beauty Effect follows the evolution, revolution, and disruption taking place within the realm of beauty. Each hour-long episode will examine a different aspect of the industry – hair, skin, and makeup – through the lens of some of the beauty's most notable game-changers. Available to watch now via Xfinity and Xumo Learn More: @BlackBeautyEffect Connect @CariChampion @AndreaLewis See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chloe Arnold is a dream come true story, the serendipity of how her heart, passion, talent, and dreams aligned along the way is nothing short of destiny. From the beginning, her mother affirmed her goals and made what some would quantify as a high achievement, but was Chloe’s plan B.  After working under the mentorship and support of Gregory Hines and Debbie Allen, her life and destiny were cosigned and predicted for greatness. Chloe Arnold is now a multi-hyphenated; Actress, Choreographer, and Producer; she is currently the choreographer and an actress in a musical version of the classic Christmas story by Charles Dickens starring Ryan Reynolds, Will Farrell, and Octavia Spencer now in theaters. Connect: @CariChampion @ChloeArnold “Spirited” is Now in theatres and available on Apple TV. P.S. For a very special gift, go to Chloe’s IG and check the link in her bio for 2 months Free of Apple TV!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is indeed rare for someone to understand the depth of their purpose, message, and legacy. The longevity of Kenny Lattimore's career is rooted in his knowing. As he says during every show, he is here, "To sing to the hearts of women and the minds of men to encourage them in love." During this episode, he talks about; his early career, the impact of his music, and how he has remained an eternal student learning to evolve over the years.  Learn More: KennyLattimore.com Connect: @CariChampion @KennyLattimoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabrielle Union is a veteran in the game. We know her name, her beauty, and her work.  No one can deny her star power. We start this conversation with the question, what is the difference between being an entertainer vs an actor? Union eloquently explains the difference. Union then tells the “WHY” behind this role in her upcoming film, The Inspection.  As I said before we all know Union - the entertainer, but we are about to be introduced to Gabrielle the actress.  The Inspection is in theaters now! Connect @CariChampion @GabUnionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s not an agenda to tell black stories in our totality, it is simply innate.  Leroi’s creative objective is not necessarily to go outside of the box, but simply not to ignore everything that fills it. His resume speaks volumes, but he started as a stand-up comedian. He shares stories from those earlier years; meeting Chris Rock and how that relationship developed over time both personally and professionally.  Leroi breaks down the career trajectory of a comedian’s lifespan, and his process as a writer and as a Director/Jazz composer. LeRoi also shares his opinion on the unavoidable topic of his fellow Chi-town native, Kanye West. (Fortunately, we don’t end on that note). Creatives get your notepads ready, because there are some free nuggets of feedback courtesy of Mr. Leroi all throughout this episode. Connect: @CariChampion @AliLeroi Learn More: MrLeroi.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.