Naked Sports with Cari Champion Podcast By The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts cover art

Naked Sports with Cari Champion

Naked Sports with Cari Champion

By: The Black Effect and iHeartPodcasts
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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

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Episodes
  • Let Them Play: WNBA Growing Pains with Cari Champion

    Let Them Play: WNBA Growing Pains with Cari Champion
    Jul 7 2025

    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 explosive growth of the WNBA, the drama brewing around Caitlin Clark’s All‑Star selection, and whether the league’s meteoric rise comes at a cost.

    Why are some folks upset that Caitlin Clark is an All-Star captain in just her second year? What's really behind the WNBA expansion news—and why are only male owners getting the big buy-in? Cari breaks it all down with honesty and edge, from fan vote drama to long-overdue investment in women’s sports.

    Mark your calendar: WNBA All-Star Weekend is July 18–20 in Indiana.

    Connect @CariChampion

    Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    46 mins
  • Rock the Bells with Big Daddy Kane

    Rock the Bells with Big Daddy Kane
    Jun 30 2025

    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 purpose, and how his style continues to be reflected in today’s artists.

    We also break down the many layers of hip-hop, conscious rap, mainstream hits, battle bars, and why it all matters. Kane drops gems on where the culture’s been, where it’s headed, and how artists can protect their legacy by knowing their worth and their business.

    This one’s for the hip-hop heads, the artists, and anybody who still believes in the power of authenticity in music.

    Connect @CariChampion @OfficialBigDaddyKane

    Learn More: RockTheBells.com

    Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    45 mins
  • Parents, Players, and the Trans Athlete Debate

    Parents, Players, and the Trans Athlete Debate
    Jun 23 2025

    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 about where sports, identity, and society intersect—this episode’s for you.

    Connect @CariChampion

    Subscribe Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
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