Naked Sports with Cari Champion

iHeart Podcast Network

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous “you can’t see me” 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 media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted women’s 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 – 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 – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us? Connect: @CARICHAMPION

Location:

United States

Networks:

iHeart Podcast Network

Description:

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous “you can’t see me” 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 media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted women’s 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 – 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 – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us? Connect: @CARICHAMPION

Language:

English

Website:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-naked-with-cari-champion-79632103/

Episodes

Introducing Naked Sports with Cari Champion - Season Four!

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous “you can’t see me” 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 media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted women’s 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 – 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 – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:01:03

NAKED REPLAY - Game with Grant Hill

This is a special extended episode with one of the players who inspired Cari’s 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 family’s 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 – The Audiobook Connect: @CariChampion @realGrantHill See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:27:04

NAKED REPLAY - LYNETTE WOODARD - A True Trailblazer

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 @theLynetteWoodard Learn More: LynetteWoodard.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:54:40

NAKED REPLAY - DAWN STALEY - Player, Coach, Legend.

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 ’90s. 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:55:09

NAKED REPLAY - DEBORAH JOY WINANS - I Am Enough

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 Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:54:37

NAKED REPLAY - ANGIE STONE - Love Language

Angie Stone is a singer, songwriter, actress, and a legend in her own right. You may remember her song, “Brotha” 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:41:34

NAKED REPLAY - Van Lathan - Tales of Transformation

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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:29:13

NAKED REPLAY - LEXI UNDERWOOD - Tomorrow is in Good Hands.

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 @LexiUnderwood Learn More: LexiUnderwood.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:39:57

NAKED REPLAY - JEMELE HILL – On The Other Side

A memoir is a literary example of being, “Naked” and expressing your story to the page. Jemele Hill recently released her memoir, “Uphill” and she doesn’t hold back, but sometimes truth comes at a cost. They say the truth doesn’t 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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:49:08

NAKED REPLAY - STYLES P - Health x Hip Hop

Styles P's name is synonymous with the Lox, New York, Hip Hop, and now a healthy lifestyle. Styles didn't grow up vegan/plant-based, but after making small changes over the years, he adopted the lifestyle to transition his health, mind, and energy intentionally. In this episode, Styles elaborates on how he ventured into creating healthier options in the neighborhoods that need them most. Connect: @StylesP @CariChampion Learn More: Farmacy For Life See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:45:45

NAKED REPLAY - AMANDA SEALES - I’m On Tour!

UPDATE: Amanda is currently on The Unlikeable Tour Is Amanda Seales misunderstood or just an unfiltered unapologetic loud voice, and you have to be informed on the topics before you can understand her critiques? Seales is a Comedian and Common Sense Specialist and the creator of Smart, Funny & Black Radio. She gained her notoriety after making the radical decision to move across the country from New York to California and within four months was cast in HBO’s Insecure as Tiffany Dubois, she also explains how this character came to life. As she continues to grow her online community and within the public eye, it’s not without a little backlash but we have a feeling, she won’t go quietly into the night…in fact, she might just get louder and louder and LOUDER. Get informed: AmandaSeales.com Connect: @CariChampion @AmandaSeales See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:01:02:49

NAKED REPLAY - JOCELYN BIOH - A New Generation of Theatre

Highlight: Jocelyn Bioh received five Tony Award nominations for her play, Jaja’s African Hair Braiding Shop. 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 neighborhood's economy 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 @JJBioh See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:31:26

LINSEY DAVIS - Representation and Diversity in Children's Books

Linsey Davis, an ABC News anchor, discusses her career as a journalist and the challenges of remaining neutral in today's society. She shares her passion for telling meaningful stories and the importance of impactful journalism. Linsey also talks about the changing landscape of media, with the rise of streaming platforms and the ability for individuals to create their brand of television. In this conversation, Linsey and Cari discuss the importance of having uncomfortable conversations and the lack of nuance in today's society. They explore the challenges of discussing faith and personal beliefs in media and the need for empathy and understanding in conversations overall. Linsey shares her experience as a children's author and the importance of representation and diversity in children's books. Connect: @CariChampion @LinseyDavis Learn More: LinseyDavis.com Read: Girls of the World: Doing More Than Ever Before See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:35:20

MC LYTE – WOMAN

MC Lyte discusses her latest single and the challenges of finding a successful relationship as a successful woman. She emphasizes the importance of being open and vulnerable in relationships and the difficulty of finding a partner who can match her frequency. The conversation also touches on the evolution of relationships and the changing dynamics between men and women. MC Lyte talks about her role as a producer in the Broadway revival of The Wiz and her upcoming projects as a director and musician. She expresses gratitude for the impact she has had on the culture and her intentions as a multi-hyphenated artist moving forward. Connect: @CariChampion @McLyte Attend: The WIZ on Broadway Learn More: MCLyteNow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:46:39

SANYA RICHARDS-ROSS – Master of the Pivot

In this episode, Cari Champion discusses the experiences of young black female athletes in the sports industry with Sanya Richards Ross, a decorated track and field star. They explore the narratives surrounding athletes like Angel Reese and Sha'Carri Richardson, who have faced praise and criticism for their outspokenness and success. The conversation delves into the challenges and expectations placed on black women in sports, the importance of authenticity, and the lessons that life teaches us. Sanya Richards Ross also shares her own experiences, and announces her involvement in various projects; including a pajama line, covering the Olympics, and a return to the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Connect: @CariChampion @SanyaRichiRoss Learn More: SRR.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:39

B MONET – A Joyful Creative

In this conversation, B. Monét discusses her origin story, inspirations, and journey to becoming a filmmaker. She emphasizes the importance of black girl representation in media and the need for softness and care in storytelling. She also discusses the challenges she faced at NYU and the power of film; as a medium for expressing emotions and showcasing the full humanity of black women. Her new film, “Black Girls” is a love letter to emphasize the importance of Black girl joy and self-care, as well as the power of sisterhood among Black women. Highlighting the importance of connection and seeing each other. Monet understands the impact of centering Black women's experiences and is dedicated to making this a common thread within her work. Connect: @CariChampion @DirectherBMonet Watch the Trailer: BLACK GIRLS Trailer Xfinity: BLACK GIRLS on the Black Experience on Xfinity Channel Download Xumo: BLACK GIRLS on XUMO Learn More: B-Monet.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:52:54

Introducing: Conversations with Unc, Hosted by Lil Duval

Conversations with everyone’s favorite Uncle Lil Duval, features casual and in-depth talks about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness amongst new and old celebrity friends. Unlike his work on stage, Uncle Duval taps into a more serious and sensitive side to give life advice, answer any question his guests may have and simply offer words of encouragement and a reminder to never forget to laugh. Welcome to Conversations with Unc, hosted by Comedian Lil Duval. Listen here and subscribe to Conversations with Unc, Hosted by Lil Duval on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:01:04

RUBEN STUDDARD - The Soul in R&B

In this episode of Naked, Cari discusses the lack of emotional songs in mainstream music and reminisces about artists like Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross. The guest, Ruben Studdard, winner of Season Two of American Idol and Platinum recording artist, shares how the show changed the landscape of reality competition shows. We also learn more about his life in Birmingham, the inspiration for his new album, and the importance of authenticity in R&B. Connect: @CariChampion @RealRubenStuddard Learn More: RubenStuddard.com Listen: The Way I Remember It See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:47:29

TAMRON HALL - Behind The Scenes

The conversation delves into the work ethic and upbringing of Tamron Hall, the challenges and assumptions surrounding motherhood, the importance of presentation in journalism, and the experiences of sexual harassment as a black woman. Hall shares stories; of motherhood, behind-the-scenes, and the writings of her true crime series as a cathartic experience. Connect: @CariChampion @TamronHall Read: Watch Where They Hide Watch: TamronHallShow.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:42:43

BONUS - March Madness Edition

In this bonus episode, Cari discusses the NCAA women's basketball tournament and highlights the growth of the game, focusing on the behavior and accountability of LSU head coach Kim Mulkey compared to South Carolina's head coach Dawn Staley. Cari questions whether Mulkey's behavior would be tolerated if she were black and highlights Staley's professionalism and leadership. The episode raises important questions about the treatment of black coaches and the need for progress and accountability in women's college basketball. Connect: @CariChampion Subscribe: Cari Champion's YouTube Channel See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:15:58