Naked Sports with Cari Champion

This episode is an insight into the writer’s room. Syreeta Johnson is a Writer and Showrunner who received her start as an eager writer with the opportunity to submit her script to Issa Rae before the acclaim of Insecure on HBO. As Rae's success grew, so did Issa and Syreeta's relationship; from starting as an assistant on Insecure to now working as the Showrunner on Rae's new project, Rap Shit. Johnson shares her experiences at every level and how her confidence has grown while working through her own insecurities as a writer and a leader.  Connect: @CariChampion @reetafajita Watch: RAP SH!T ON MAXSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born into a well-known talented family that has made a lasting imprint in the world of Gospel music, the natural progression would be to follow in their footsteps. However, Deborah Joy Winans decided to live her life following the direction of her heart. Deborah Joy is best known for her role in Greenleaf and The Final Say. She joins us today to share a special story about the birth of her son, when Oprah called her, and her upcoming role in the allblk original series, Terror Lake Drive. Connect: @CariChampion @DeborahJoyWinans Learn More: JoyWinans.com Subscribe: Cari Champion’s YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Candice Carty-Williams is an Author, Screenwriter, and Showrunner with a fearless pen. Williams says her job is to listen and to tell stories that provoke.  She has no inhibitions about conveying her experiences as they inspire her.  We discuss her first book, Queenie which is currently being adapted into a series for Hulu. Queenie is about a young British-Jamaican woman who is an utter mess and we ask Candice about her decision to make a character that doesn’t date within her race and her answer may surprisingly make sense to you. Additional works by Candice Carty-Williams People Person Empress & Aniya Champion Premiers in January on Netflix Connect: @CariChampion @CandiceCartyWilliams Learn More: CANDICECARTYWILLIAMS.COMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's episode is a NAKED REPLAY / a reminder of the importance of VOTING!  Learn More: WhenWeAllVote.org Connect: @CariChampion  @WhenWeAllVote Subscribe: Cari Champion's YouTube Channel NOTE: This episode originally aired in 2022 - The dates mentioned do not reflect present-day elections, be sure to check your local area scheduling for up and upcoming dates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zainab Johnson and Cari came up in the same circles as they made efforts to make names for themselves in their respective fields. Fast forward she affirms her success by recognizing the growth of her peers. Zainab is an actress and comedian, she joins us today to celebrate her new special, Hijabs Off now available on Amazon Prime.  Connect: @CariChampion @ZainabJohnson Learn More: ZainabJohnson.com Watch: Hijabs Off on Prime See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The road to becoming a comedian started as a “hobby” or at least that’s what Aida Rodriguez called it, in order to protect her dream. It’s no secret that her candid pursuit has blossomed into a successful career. Fast forward she now holds several titles, comedian, actress, activist, and now an author.  Aida doesn’t hold back from her truth in this episode or in her book, “Legitimate Kid” and she shares a funny yet healing confession with and about Cari. Read Aida’s memoir, Legitimate Kid now available! Connect: @CariChampion  @FunnyAida Learn More: FunnyAida.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Broadway is evolving. With artists like Michael R Jackson, Jordan E Cooper, and our guest today, Jocelyn Bioh, Broadway is becoming a home for our stories.  As a Harlem native, Bioh was inspired to tell the story of the women we all have encountered, if/when you've ever visited Harlem. The women who feed the economy of the neighborhood and provide a quintessential need. Every person who has visited a salon, deeply understands that getting your hair braided; is a well-rounded experience, perhaps even spiritual. Bioh shares this never-been-told intimate transformation with her audiences on Broadway! The play, "Jaja's African Hair Braiding" is now on Broadway with its 2nd extended run till November 19th.   Learn More: Jaja's African Hair Braiding Get Tickets! Connect: @CariChampion @JJBiohSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Muni Long, a songwriter who has written for Rihanna, Madonna, Ariana Grande, and more, discusses the frequencies of creating and her new single. She talks about her boundaries in the industry, the challenges artists face, and the difference between writing for herself and others. They also reflect on Kanye's impact as an artist and the evolution of Muni Long's music career.

The revolution needs not to be sponsored by anger or aggression. Bethann Hardison is considered to be an activist, she revolutionized fashion, and some refer to her as the Godmother of Fashion, and yes she indeed is all these things and deserves these titles. However, she didn’t gain them through force. Her approach was always to educate and inspire change within her industry. She has indelibly made her mark on the world, and even if unknowingly her work to expose human commonality has affected you. Bethann joins us today to share her latest work as a documentarian. The film, Invisible Beauty is not just a film about fashion, it is a beautiful reflection of how we can create change together. Learn More:  BethannHardison.com Connect: @CariChampion @BethannHardison Watch the movie: Invisible Beauty  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We catch up with Steven Melendez at the New York Theatre of Ballet, where he started his career at the early age of seven years old. His journey with the NYTB has come full circle after being appointed the Artistic Director in 2022, where he now mentors and guides the careers of young dancers. As a young Puerto Rican boy from the Bronx, it wasn’t likely for him to pursue and gain success in the world of ballet; thankfully for the LIFT outreach program, Melendez was able to find his art and career.  He joins us today to celebrate the release of the Lift documentary, filmed over 10 years detailing Melendez’s return to the Bronx shelter of his past, and focuses on the mentorship of three young dancers as Melendez runs the outreach program that he once attended as a child.  Connect: @CariChampion @TheStevenMelendez Learn More: Lift Documentary  StevenMelendez.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.