Advertise on podcast: Naked Sports with Cari Champion

Today, Cari talks with PBS NewsHour co-anchor Geoff Bennett about his book “Black Out Loud” and why the ’90s felt like a once-in-a-lifetime run of Black TV—“how did all of these shows exist on the air at the same time?” He traces the history from minstrelsy and vaudeville to comics like Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, Richard Pryor, and the Fox era that helped power “In Living Color,” “Martin,” “Living Single,” and more. Jeff explains the shift wasn’t just culture, it was business: networks later “pivot[ed] to whiter audiences,” and that helped end the boom. After listening to this episode, you’ll walk away understanding how comedy “lowers our defenses,” why representation changed real choices (like the “Maxine Shaw effect”), and why today we have “way more volume, but…less impact.” Connect @CariChampion @GeoffRBenett Read: Black Out Loud By Geoff Bennett Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode feels like a real check-in on what it takes to show up every day with purpose. Laura Coates walks Cari through her nonstop routine—up at 6 after getting home around 1:30 a.m., researching, doing CNN hits, writing fiction, parenting, then hosting her live 11 p.m. show. She explains why she left government work for TV: she felt “a muzzle” during officer-involved shootings. She wanted truth and justice to be accessible, saying “people had to know what the truth was” and “information… gives power.” She talks about being vulnerable on air, refusing to be performative, and protecting long-term trust: “I would never want… stating my opinion… to have a long-term consequence of no longer being a trusted source.” The only two opinions that Laura allows to lead are: “8-year-old Laura… and an 80-year-old Laura.” Connect @CariChampion @thelauracoates Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cari introduces an interview with surfer Caroline Marks, a 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist, world champion, and one of six featured athletes in Red Bull’s film “Now Days,” premiering May 1 on Red Bull’s YouTube. Marks explains how women’s surfing has rapidly progressed, including the WSL’s equal pay shift in 2019, and describes how the film—two and a half years in the making—brings fierce rivals together to show distinct styles and how women can push each other while still competing for No. 1. She recounts the full Olympic experience in 2024 after placing fourth in Tokyo, discusses surfing’s risks (reef, injuries, sharks, wipeouts), and shares training staples like Pilates, weight work, and swimming. Cari ends with encouraging words for viewers to watch the film and support the broader rise of women’s sports. Connect @CariChampion @Caroline_Markss Learn More: Meet the Super Six transforming surfing and the stars of “Now Days” Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cari has been bouncing between LA and New York and is close to recording from home full-time. She shouts out Kayla Nicole after appearing on her structured, story-driven “Pregame” podcast, saying it changed her perspective and reminded her not to judge people by social media. Now back in NYC, she vents about neighbors leaving shoes and a kid’s bike in the hallway, admits she left a polite note, and asks listeners if she was wrong. She recaps attending Gotham FC’s opener and then breaks down the WNBA’s new seven-year CBA: revenue share rising to 20%, a $7M team salary cap, a $1.4M top salary, and improvements like charter travel, housing, family planning support, and better insurance, while arguing players will soon need even more. She tees up and plays an interview with UCLA coach Cori Close and Jemele Hill about Wooden’s influence, media coverage gaps, NIL’s “wild west,” and building confident, pro-ready athletes as UCLA enters March Madness. Connect @CariChampion  Listen: Flagrant And Funny Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today features Wheezy—co-host of Decisions, Decisions (formerly Whoreible Decisions) and an entrepreneur behind Trap Haus Fitness and WTF Media—about sex positivity, public judgment, and the business realities of building a brand. Wheezy explains the name change was driven by missed opportunities and lost ad revenue tied to “Whoreible,” even though the original title fit their message about how liberated women get labeled anyway; the shift brought more money but felt like losing some of the show’s original, kink-centered cultural impact. She shares how online backlash still hurts, why Black kink communities value the safe space she helped create, and how her open relationship can still reflect commitment. She ends with advice for women to communicate what they want sexually, prioritize pleasure, and stop treating desire like something to be ashamed of. Connect @CariChampion @WeezyWTF Listen: Decisions Decisions  Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larry Miller, chairman of the advisory board for Nike’s Jordan Brand, shares how he went from being a smart kid in West Philly to joining a gang, killing a teen at 16, and serving time for murder and later armed robberies. In prison, he earned his GED, entered a college program, got an associate’s degree, then finished a Temple University accounting degree and built a decades-long career while keeping his record private after losing a job offer when he disclosed it. Encouraged by his daughter, he finally told his story in a book, which ended his nightmares and migraines, and he received support from Phil Knight and Michael Jordan. He now leads JUMP (Justice and Upward Mobility Project) to reduce recidivism through education, apprenticeships with NBA teams, and partnerships like the Players Coalition, while highlighting second-chance hiring successes at companies such as Lowe’s and JPMorgan Chase. Connect @CariChampion @LarryMiller_Jump Learn More: JumpProject.org Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cari welcomes trailblazer Jane Kennedy, praising her as the first Black woman she saw on TV doing sports and urging listeners to read her memoir, Plain Jayne: A Memoir by trailblazing actress and sports broadcaster Jayne Kennedy. Kennedy explains the title as identifying as “the girl next door”, tracing her early pageant and tomboy roots, and describes how limited roles for Black women in 1970s Hollywood pushed her to adapt across acting, modeling, singing, and sports broadcasting. She recounts breaking into CBS’s The NFL Today, being given only a six-week contract, and earning credibility by securing a Muhammad Ali interview—only to later be fired without being told, rehired, and fired again amid network politics and bias. Kennedy also shares stepping away due to endometriosis, building a stage production with her husband, and how a stolen sex tape derailed her career, leading to years of shame before choosing to tell the full story - owning her narrative, forgiving herself, and relaunching her career. Connect @CariChampion @JayneKennedyOverton Read: Plain Jayne Learn More: JayneKennedy.com Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cari reflects on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s death (Tuesday, February 17) and what he represented to her growing up; watching family gather around the TV during his 1984 and 1988 presidential runs, hearing “Keep Hope Alive” and “I am somebody,” and learning how much those messages of dignity and possibility mattered to Black communities. Cari speaks on Jackson’s legacy and contribution to the Civil Rights movement, his presence at key moments like Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, and argues that even with flaws, his impact can’t be erased, especially in a time of DEI rollbacks, political turmoil, and threats to marginalized communities’ rights. From there, the episode shifts to NBA All-Star Weekend: why fans keep complaining the game is boring, and how today’s stars feel more focused on social currency and being friends than on real competition, something earlier eras embodied through players like Kobe Bryant (and even stories about Michael Jordan’s mindset). Cari also recaps a major highlight from the all-star weekend: a “Love & Basketball” 25th anniversary panel sponsored by HBCU First Look, featuring Sanaa Lathan, director Gina Prince-Bythewood, Candace Parker, Jane Kennedy, Cheryl Miller, and hosted by Laura Coates. They talk about how the film was ahead of its time, how it helped shape women’s sports storytelling, the importance of giving elders their flowers, and the way each generation builds on the last, along with behind-the-scenes stories and standout cast memories. The episode closes by tying it all back to the same message: if you don’t document your history and control your narrative, someone else will. Connect @CariChampion  Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special edition of Naked Sports, host CarI and her friend/co-host Jemele Hill introduce their new podcast, 'Flagrant and Funny.' Recorded live from the Super Bowl, they discuss the podcast's focus on lively conversations about women's sports, culture, and race, emphasizing the need for honest critiques and praise. They share their hesitations and experiences critiquing athletes, drawing parallels between sports critique and racial discussions. The episode features their first-ever guest, Katie Nolan, who reflects on her career, the Super Bowl, and the importance of reconnecting with fandom. They also play a fun game guessing NFL players' positions based on their anonymous quotes about Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl. Connect @CariChampion @JemeleHill Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel Listen: Flagrant & Funny    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cari kicks off the 'Naked Sports' podcast by taking listeners back to 1977, when New York was a mix of World Series excitement and urban crises. The spotlight shines on Elliot Williams, a former federal prosecutor, as he discusses his book 'Five Bullets,' which tells the story of Bernard Goetz, the so-called subway vigilante. Williams recounts Goetz's controversial 1984 shooting of four black teenagers, an event that highlighted racial tensions and crime fears in a gritty New York City. He touches on the public's reaction, media bias, and how the subjects of safety and vigilantism remain relevant today. The discussion also includes the impact of the crack epidemic on New York's housing projects and the ongoing celebration of vigilantes in American culture. It’s a rich exploration of how past events continue to shape contemporary issues. Connect @CariChampion @ElliotWilliamsPhotos Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel Read: Five Bullets by Elliot Williams   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Cari welcomes Selema Masekela, an influential figure in action sports, music, and storytelling. Selema shares his journey of embracing his unique identity, recounting his transformation from being known as 'Sal' to reclaiming his full name, 'Selema.' They discuss the challenges he faced in predominantly white spaces and the significance of maintaining cultural authenticity. Selema talks about his impactful work in expanding diversity in extreme sports, his experience growing up in a musically rich household, and the importance of standing firm in one's identity. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, including Selema's reflections on grief and his father's legacy. Connect @CariChampion @Selema Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel Music: Listen to Alekesam See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cari shares her experiences at the iHeart LA studios and expresses gratitude to her team. The main discussion features various hot topics, including the controversy surrounding reporter Lynn Jones's compliment to a Jaguars head coach and the blowback it received in the media. Then transitions to the Golden Globes, highlighting celebrities using their platform to advocate for social issues, and praises Mark Ruffalo for his bold stance. Ending the episode with Meg Thee Stallion and Clay Thompson's intriguing relationship and its impact on public perception and Cari gives her final words to the trending debate about women proposing to men, humorously opposing the idea, and calling for tradition. Tune in next week for more exciting content. Connect @CariChampion  Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cari opens with gratitude, welcoming our new viewers, and celebrates a recent spike in YouTube subscribers. Despite battling a cold, the host reflects on a hectic holiday season and an exciting trip to Dubai, where she interviewed tennis legend Novak Djokovic. The conversation then shifts to the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, sparking debate over the implications and motivations behind this move. David Sanger, a journalist with The New York Times, joins the discussion to provide a detailed analysis of Maduro’s regime and the potential consequences of his arrest. The episode also touches on broader issues like U.S. interventionism, the complexities of international politics, and Cari's personal resolutions and reflections for the New Year.  Learn More: https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-e-sanger Connect @CariChampion  Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary: In this final episode for the year, Cari is joined by fellow journalist Ayman Mohyeldin, and they share stories of friendship, mutual passions, and deep dives into how current events and policies shape people's lives. Ayman, originally from Egypt with Palestinian roots, immigrated to Detroit at age five. He expresses his family's journey for a better life and how his background influences his unique perspective on politics and journalism. The episode takes listeners through thought-provoking topics like immigration, the Israel-Palestine conflict, political authenticity, gender dynamics, and the challenges today’s men face. As the discussion ventures into poignant reflections on fairness, objectivity, and personal biases, Ayman provides insightful commentary on maintaining cultural roots, navigating racism, and the evolving media landscape. The episode ends with a heartfelt holiday message and a nod to the show's recent award for best docuseries. Connect @CariChampion @AymanM Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel Listen to the Award Winning Series: Naked Sports: Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.