Naked Sports with Cari Champion

In this solo edition of Naked Sports, Cari holds space for one of the most complicated conversations of our time: free speech.

Through honest reflections and sound bites that hit close to home, Cari asks the questions that so many are afraid to say out loud: Is our free speech being threatened? Who decides what’s protected and what’s punished?

Cari unpacks how this plays out differently depending on who you are, especia...

“Five years after his passing, we are honored to share the story of Kobe Bryant—arguably one of the greatest and most competitive professional athletes of all time,” said Eric Johnson, Executive Producer for CNN Original Series

During this episode, we explore the complexities of Kobe's character, his impact on sports and culture, and the nuances of his relationships with the Executive Producer, Eric Johnson.

The d...

In this episode of Naked Sports, Cari begins by expressing sadness over current world events, focusing on the political violence underscored by the murder of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk. She highlights the intense division and mob mentality prevalent in society today, urging listeners to find the middle ground.

The episode then shifts focus to an interview with Tyriq Withers, the star of the upcoming Jordan Peele sports hor...

In this emotionally rich episode of Naked Sports, Cari opens up about loss: the recent passing of your grandmother and how that grief became both a wound and a window.  Grief, being the ultimate proof of love, was evident in and how the community has shown up with support, reminding Cari of what really matters.

Cari reflects briefly on how that moment shifted her perspective, re-centered her priorities, and made space for...

In this deeply personal episode of Naked Sports, Cari starts by honoring her grandmother, the woman whose love shaped your life in ways words can barely hold. Her passing is fresh, and the grief? It’s heavy. This episode is for her. For you. For anyone who’s carried that weight and still found the courage to speak. Cari reflects on how this podcast has become a place where she can step away from the polished TV persona ...

Devi Brown — a true force in the wellness space — joins Naked Sports to talk about what it means to take care of yourself in a world that never seems to slow down.

We get into her journey, how she found her way to healing, what it means to be a calming presence in chaotic times, and how every chapter of life, even the messy ones, shapes us into who we’re becoming.

Focusing on self-care, growth, and showing yoursel...

In this episode of Naked Sports, we’re back on the mic! Welcoming listeners in and setting the tone with a quick reflection on those recent re-aired episodes, including the one honoring Malcolm Jamal Warner and another spotlighting the rise of the new pro women’s volleyball league.

Cari shares a bit about her time in Martha’s Vineyard, not just the beauty of the trip, but the meaning behind that place. The history...

In this episode of Naked Sports, host Cari Champion discusses her recent NAACP Image Award nomination, the devastating impact of wildfires in California, and the journey of a professional volleyball player, highlighting the importance of women's sports and community support. 

Haleigh Washington Two-Time Olympic Medalist and Founding Athlete of LOVE Volleyball shares her journey through the world of volleyball, emphasizing the ...

Today, Cari Champion engages with comedian Roy Wood Jr. to explore the intersections of sports, politics, and culture. They discuss the current state of women's basketball, the significance of the Super Bowl, and the evolving landscape of political satire.

Wood shares insights from his Hulu special 'Lonely Flowers,' addressing themes of loneliness and connection in modern society. 

The conversation delves into the challenges o...

The Black Effect Presents... Naked Sports with Cari Champion!

In this episode of Naked Sports, Cari gets into it, and I mean really gets into it, around the noise surrounding Caitlin Clark and the WNBA. Let’s be clear: it’s not jealousy. It’s biased. Gender bias, media bias, and the way we constantly move the goalposts when it comes to women in sports, especially Black women. Before we get into the episode, C...

In this powerful and unfiltered episode, we take a hard look at the rise, reign, and reckoning of Sean “Diddy” Combs. From industry icon to tabloid headline, we unpack it all; the legacy, the lifestyle, and the legal heat he’s facing right now, including the fast-approaching sentencing on October 3rd.

Cari even shares some of her personal experiences that pull back the curtain on Diddy the man, not just the mogul,...

On this episode of Naked Sports, Cari Champion opens up about finding her tribe, cutting off toxic relationships (yes, we’re talking frenemies), and creating a sense of peace in a world that feels more divided than ever.

Then it’s game time: we dive into the headlines shaking up the WNBA.

From record-breaking expansion to fiery rivalries over player rankings—this week on Naked Sports, Cari Champion digs into the e...

In this episode, Cari chops it up with a true legend — Big Daddy Kane. We discuss the legacy of Rock the Bells, the roots of hip-hop, and why storytelling remains at the heart of the game.

Kane takes us back to his battle rap days and walks us through his rise, from hungry lyricist to certified pioneer. We delve into the creation of classics like "Smooth Operator," what it means to perform with p...

In this episode, Cari Champion gets real about the hot-button topic of transgender athletes in sports. From the emotional stories of parents to the big questions around fairness and inclusion, Cari breaks down the conversation with honesty and heart. She talks about how little research is actually out there, the real-life impact on families, and why we need more compassion and open-mindedness in this debate. If you’re curious...

In this solo episode, Cari addresses what’s happening right now, starting with the disturbing military presence in Los Angeles during protests against ICE. She discusses the dangers of government overreach and why we all need to stay aware, because these issues don’t just affect the marginalized; they impact everyone.

Then we pivot to the court. and not the kind with judges. Cari highlights the rise of some of the NBA&r...

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: Tamro...

This week on the podcast we are joined by legendary producer Jesse Collins! In this episode, Jesse keeps it real about his journey from radio to running major live events like the BET Awards and the Super Bowl halftime show. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from Ruthless Radio, reflects on the cultural impact of BET’s Teen Summit, and talks about the power of representation in media. With plenty of insights on staying crea...

In this episode of Naked Sports, Cari Champion chats with Jason Prenzo for a real, unfiltered talk about mental health—the highs, the lows. They get into the tough stuff: childhood trauma, the stigma that still surrounds mental health (especially for men), and why it’s so hard for some people to open up.

Jason opens up about his personal journey, sharing what it's really like to struggle with anxiety and the...