Naked Sports with Cari Champion
NAKED SPORTS lives at the intersection of sports, politics, and culture. It is a niche groundbreaking interview-based show that dives deep into the lives of the game-changers who have helped shape our world. We explore how sports are interwoven not only into their personal lives; but the role they play in the global experience. NAKED SPORTS is hosted by Cari Champion, a trailblazing broadcast journalist and television personality renowned for her pioneering contributions to sports media for women. In each episode, this distinguished host sits down with, a diverse array of athletes, politicians, and cultural innovators who have left an indelible mark on their fields. Through intimate, unfiltered conversations, the show reveals the raw and vulnerable sides of their journeys—peeling back the layers to explore the defining moments, personal struggles, and transformative experiences that live at the intersection of sports, culture, and politics. These conversations are thematically linked to live at the intersection and on this new season of NAKED SPORTS, we begin with a six-part docu-series, The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese, in which Cari questions how this “rivalry” started. Does the necessity for success depend on a foil? In a time of divisiveness, are sports—more specifically the WNBA—a reflection of our country? Or will the greatness of two supernovas unite this country and heal race relations? NAKED SPORTS guests will span varied backgrounds, providing diverse perspectives as we examine how sports play a crucial role in nearly every aspect of life. Connect: @CARICHAMPION
Episodes
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 ...
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...
In part two of the interview on Naked Sports, Joy Reid talks about the intersection of politics, media, and social issues. She expresses her views on the current political landscape, grappling with harassment from conservative figures and the challenges of being a public figure. Reid candidly discusses the impact of legacy media versus independent platforms, her stance on political issues like the Jeffrey Epstein case, and the comp...
In this episode, Cari welcomes Joy Reid by first reflecting on the beauty of their long-standing friendship, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cari talks about their shared friend group, known as “The Machetes,” and their collective mission to create positive cultural change.
After the introduction, Reid joins the conversation to discuss perspectives on the controversial Diddy documentary, shedding light on her ...
We're back with Season 5 of Naked Sports with Cari Champion!
Today, Cari welcomes Audie Cornish, a respected journalist formerly of NPR and now with CNN. Cari expresses her admiration for Audie and invites her to share personal insights, including the origin of her name and her career journey. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their professions and reflect on the importance of curiosity in journalism. The conversation touc...
In the final episode of Naked Sports Season 4, you take a moment to look back and breathe it all in. Cari reflects on the journey — how the show evolved with the culture and the world’s events. Back when it was called Naked, it was all about the intimate, vulnerable stories from our guests. Now, it’s a space where bold voices meet big topics. Case in point? Today’s timely conversation on Ba...
In this episode, we get into it — sports, politics, and everything in between. The hosts break down what’s really going on in today’s political climate, especially around education and how corporate power keeps showing up in all the wrong places.
They also unpack how different generations are seeing politics play out and how political figures influence the way we think, act, and show up in the world.
Then we switc...
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 ...
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...
MALCOLM JAMAL WARNER
August 18, 1970 - July 20, 2025
Learn More and reflect on the life of: Malcolm Jamal Warner / @MalcolmJamalWar
Connect @carichampion
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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,...
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