Episodes
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Darren Waller a former NFL athlete, shares his journey of self-discovery, addiction, and recovery with us in this episode. He discusses the duality of his identity and some of the challenges he faced while navigating life as a professional athlete. Waller's candid reflections on his struggles with addiction and the path to recovery highlight the importance of self-acceptance and finding purpose beyond sports.
Waller shares his vulnerable experience of an overdose, the subsequent realization of his addiction, the transformative power of music, and his commitment to finding a deeper purpose in his life moving forward.
Listen to the NEW EP: Internal Warfare: This Too Shall Pass
Connect: @CariChampion @RakkWall
Learn More: DarrenWaller.Org
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The Black Effect Presents... Naked Sports with Cari Champion!
Welcome to Season 4 of NAKED SPORTS!
We're excited to kick off the season with a six-episode docu-series, *The Making of a Rivalry*, which follows the rise of women's basketball stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The series traces their journey from high school to college, examining the media frenzy that has fueled their rivalry. It highlights their impact on the sport and how they've shaped the perception of women's basketball. The series also explores the importance of rivalries in sports and why competition is essential.
This episode features interviews with players, coaches, and sports journalists, offering insights into the players' skills, personalities, and the challenges they face.
Special guests in this episode include Jemele Hill, Sarah Spain, Sabreena Merchant, and more."
Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!
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Missing episodes?
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Cari delivers a powerful love letter to Black women in this heartfelt episode. She reflects on the emotional impact of Kamala Harris's election campaign and subsequent loss, exploring themes of resilience, vulnerability, and the collective pain felt by Black women across the country while emphasizing the importance of hope and community.
Joining Cari is Bozoma Saint John, to help highlight the unique strength of Black women and their unwavering commitment to excellence, even in the face of adversity. The day after the election, Bozoma posted on Instagram with the caption, "Good morning to my sisters, and only my sisters." One of the slides in her post broke down the "Sex by Race" numbers, highlighting how Black women showed up at the polls to support Harris. The post concluded with an abstract image of a Black woman sitting on the edge of a bedâ"Blue Monday" by Annie Leeâcapturing the exhaustion and emotional weight of the moment. This message resonated deeply with Cari and many other women in the days following the election.
Black women, this episode is for you.
Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
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With the election this week and so many experiencing understandable concern, this special episode with Elliott Connie offers hope amidst political turmoil.
This conversation highlights women's empowerment in sports and politics, the impact of mental health on political discourse, and the pervasive issues of racism and confirmation bias in society.
The episode opens with a special message from Thomas Booker and concludes with encouraging words of hope for listeners to fight for what matters to them, emphasizing the importance of voting and civic engagement.
Connect: @CariChampion @ThomasBooker @ElliottConnie
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Cari Champion and Master Tesfatsion discuss the current NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing struggles, Jerry Jones' controversial history, and the role of Black athletes in activism. The conversation highlights the complexities of sports culture, the challenges faced by athletes, and the need for accountability in leadership.
Connect: @Master_Tesfatsion
@CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!
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Cari engages in a deep conversation with Angela Rye, exploring the intersections of sports, politics, and culture. Angela shares her upbringing in an activist household, the nuances of advocacy, and the significance of using platforms for social change. They discuss the importance of activism, the role of athletes in political engagement, and the stakes of the upcoming election.
Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
@AngelaRye
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On the season finale of The Making of a Rivalry, Cari interviews Gina Prince - Bythewood, director and screenwriter whose resume includes: The Old Guard, The Woman King and Love and Basketball - a film that centers a Black athlete with dreams of being the first woman to play in the NBA.
Trista Krick, also joins the conversation to discuss what the future holds for the league and the rising stars who are coming.
WNBA players featured at the end of the episode:
Angel Reese Odyssey Sims Dearica Hamby Lindsay Allen Brianna TurnerConnect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
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In this episode, Cari delves into the dynamics of rivalries in sports and music, with a particular focus on the perceived rivalries between female athletes, such as Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese, and likens them to those between artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.
If we're being honest, thereâs a societal compulsion to compare women, pitting them against each other as though the real competition lies in the comparison itself rather than the sport. The ongoing narrative of placing women in opposition has proven to be a profitable story, one that has fueled various industries throughout history.
We also examine the responsibilities these women carry as public figures and emphasize the vital role authenticity plays in how they represent themselves.
Cari Champion interviews Suzy Exposito, an independent journalist based in Los Angeles, and Justin Tinsley, a senior reporter with ESPN's Andscape.
Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!
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In this episode, Cari takes listeners back to the 2023 Women's National Championship game between LSU and Iowa â a game that made history and gave rise to one of the most significant moments in sports. We'll delve into its cultural impact, the media's portrayal of the players, and the ongoing conversations around race and gender in sports. The game shattered records and may have shown that every great player needs a foil.
Cari Champion interviews Jemele Hill, FlauJae Johnson. Chiney Ogwumike, Sabreena Merchant, Ryan Ruocco, and Terrika Foster-Brasby
Other voices include Kev on Stage, Djonai Carrington, Alyssa Thomas, and more...
Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!
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This conversation delves into the complexities of race, rivalry, and media narratives in women's basketball, focusing on the contrasting portrayals of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.
Cari Champion interviews Ron James, Reese's former AAU Coach. They discuss Angel's character on and off the court and the role of family in athlete development.
The discussion highlights the importance of rivalry in sports, the evolution of women's basketball as it gains recognition and respect, and players like Angel Reese's impact on the game.
Cari also speaks with journalist Mitchell Northam, and Angel's former LSU teammate, FlauJae Johnson.
Other voices include Ryan Ruocco, Sabreena Merchant, Kev on Stage, and more...
Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube
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In this episode we highlight the evolution of women's sports, particularly focusing on the impact of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the WNBA.
Cari Champion interviews Lisa Bluder, former head coach of the University of Iowa women's basketball team. They discuss the impact of Caitlin Clark on the sport and her experience coaching Caitlin to superstardom. Bluder shares her thoughts on the challenges and changes in women's athletics and gives her take on Caitlinâs performance in the WNBA.
Cari also speaks with Caitlinâs high school coach, Kristin Meyer, Their conversation explores Caitlin's skills and playing style, her off-court personality, and the comparisons made between her and other basketball players.
Within both conversations, we explore the historical context of women's athletics, the role of social media in shaping narratives, and the complexities of rivalry and race in sports.
Other voices include Ryan Ruocco, Sarah Spain, Sabreena Merchant, Kev on Stage, and more...
Connect: @CariChampion @NakedwithCariChampion
Check out NAKED SPORTS on YouTube!
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Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous âyou canât see meâ exchange in the 2023 NCAA championship game. There was a fierce debate over their perceived rivalry and it only intensified once they became the hottest prospects in the WNBA's rookie class.
The mediaâs fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted womenâs sports for generations. And now that Clark and Reese have brought thousands of new fans to the sport, is it safe to say that this storyline is what the WNBA needed? Or has it invited toxicity into a space that has always prided itself on its inclusivity and sisterhood?
In this groundbreaking series, Cari Champion searches for answers from those who know Clark and Reese best â from the coaches who helped shape their game, to the players and journalists who have witnessed their meteoric rise first-hand. Champion traces the incredible parallel paths of not just these two historic talents, but the WNBA itself, and sets the stage for the collision course that has brought us to this very moment. The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese is not just about two of the brightest flames the sport has ever seen, but it also asks an essential question â in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us?
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This is a special extended episode with one of the players who inspired Cariâs initial attraction to collegiate basketball.
Grant Henry Hill is a former American professional basketball player co-owner and executive of the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association. He joins us from his familyâs home in the D.C. area to share stories of his upbringing, family, and long-lasting commitment to the game.
Read: Game: An Autobiography
Listen: Game: An Autobiography â The Audiobook
Connect: @CariChampion @realGrantHill
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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 itâs like to be, "the first".
Connect:
@CariChampion
@theLynetteWoodard
Learn More: LynetteWoodard.com
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Dawn Staley grew up in a competitive household that prepared her for whatever the outside world would throw at her - but nothing could have readied her for being a female basketball player in the early â90s. The WNBA was non-existent, and players had few career opportunities to compete professionally, but Staley was determined. She played overseas, worked odd jobs, and kept her head in the game, but not even she could have predicted the road that would lead her to South Carolina. After years of playing and coaching, Staley had witnessed various degrees of inequity, but this year '2021" she changed the sport and the trajectory for women to follow her. Off-the-court Dawn Staley has already won! During this episode, Staley speaks openly about her journey, what it took to get her here, and the risk involved. One thing is for certain; she earned this moment. Now back to the game.
Learn More: University of South Carolina Women's Basketball
Stay connected @CariChampion @staley05
Send us a message or write a review: @nakedwithcarichampion
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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 Championâs YouTube Channel
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Angie Stone is a singer, songwriter, actress, and a legend in her own right. You may remember her song, âBrothaâ an anthem to uplift our brothers, sons, and fathers. Angie Stone has been consistent with creating art that aligns with her soul, black love, and culture. Her new album, "Love Languages" is now available!
Connect: @carichampion @theangiestone
Learn More: TheAngieStone.com
Listen:
Angie Stone on Spotify
Angie Stone on Apple
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Van Lathan is an established host and media personality from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Currently, Van resides in Los Angeles and is developing film and television projects. Lathan is the author of Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation, Lathan explains in this episode why he wrote this book and how it helped him exercise some of his own demons. Van and Cari have a heated discussion over the unbalanced attraction men and women have to power.
The Book: Fat, Crazy, and Tired: Tales from the Trenches of Transformation
Connect: @VanLathan @CariChampion
Share your thoughts: @NakedwithCariChampion
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UPDATE: Lexi Underwood made the Forbes 30 Under 30 List. Congrats!
Lexi Underwood is young, gifted, and black, and with the love and support of her family, she is on her way to greatness. Eight years ago after booking her role in, "The Lion King" her family decided to move to LA to further her career. Underwood is just getting started and as she leaves her teenage years behind, she readies herself for a softer life with focused intentions. She is an actress and activist with a clear direction for the work her generation has ahead of them.
Connect: @CariChampion @LexiUnderwoodLearn More: LexiUnderwood.com
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A memoir is a literary example of being, âNakedâ and expressing your story to the page. Jemele Hill recently released her memoir, âUphillâ and she doesnât hold back, but sometimes truth comes at a cost. They say the truth doesnât have a temperature, but some of her family members (one in particular) was pretty heated over the stories Hill decided to tell in her debut book. In this episode we discuss the aftermath of living your truth, sharing your story, and being bold enough to do so. Hill has consistently exhibited her bravery by standing by her words and opinions and you can expect nothing less from her book or this conversation.
Learn More: Jemele Hill
About the book: Uphill: A Memoir by Jemele Hill
Connect: @CariChampion @JemeleHill
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