Naked with Cari Champion

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 ItSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In this conversation, Jasmine Guy discusses her career in dance and acting, her role in the groundbreaking TV show A Different World, and the importance of black representation in the media. She also shares her experiences with Tupac Shakur, her successes of being a black artist in Hollywood, and her upcoming projects including Harlem on Amazon Prime. Connect: @CariChampion @IamJasmineGuySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phoebe Robinson returns to the podcast and she is back on tour! We love having her join us and being witness to her genius. Robinson is having a good time developing spaces for her creativity to thrive and it's allowing her to live and work outside of any specific box or idea. When Phoebe entered the indie comedy scene in 2008 it wasn't her ideal, but now she has hit her stride.   Connect: @CariChampion @dopequeenpheebs Tour Dates: PhoebeRobinson.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Black Effect Presents... Naked with Cari Champion! This episode is a real honor because today Bobi Wine and Barbie Kyagulanyi join us to bring awareness to the plights and the hopes of Uganda and how we can show our support.  Bobi Wine ran for president of Uganda in 2021, he describes the election as going to hell and coming back.  He survived several attempts to take his life and it is believed that the presidency was stolen from him. Despite all the adversities Bobi and his family have experienced, he and his wife speak with a strong conviction for hope and inevitable change for their country. “Oppressed people have never stayed oppressed forever, good has never lost to evil. We are sure we are going to win, we are sure because we are on the right side of morality…” Watch the Documentary: Bobi Wine – The People’s President on National Geographic on HULU or Disney Connect: @CariChampion @BobiWine Learn More: BobiWine.com Support: National Unity Platform Caring Hearts Uganda  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Ledisi discusses her journey as a singer and actor, starting from her childhood in a musical household to discovering her talent and using it to connect with others. She shares her experiences of embracing different genres and breaking stereotypes, as well as the challenges of navigating the pressure to stay in a box. Ledisi also talks about the healing power of music, the importance of self-love, and her advocacy for other artists.  Listen to Ledisi’s latest album, 'Good Life,'!! Connect: @CariChampion @Ledisi Learn More: Ledisi.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Muni Long speaks with us today about the frequencies of creating and how she channels the lyrics for the music she writes; for others and now for herself. Long has spent the last decade writing for various artists from; Rihanna, Madonna, Ariana Grande, and many more. And is now fully standing in her artistry, releasing her new single, "Made For Me" Long has enough points on the board to now set a standard and hopefully a new precedent for all artists. She speaks with candid honesty about her boundaries in the industry. **Since October '23, "Made For Me" has climbed the charts reaching No. 1 at R&B Radio!! Connect: @CariChampion @MuniLong Learn More: MuniLong.com Listen:  Made For MeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isha Blaaker joins Naked today to discuss his background growing up in Suriname and the Netherlands, his aspirations in martial arts and modeling, and his transition to acting. He shares his experiences working on a Tyler Perry film and the growth he has seen in his acting skills. Isha also expresses the importance of the film 'Origin' in shedding light on racism and race relations. Isha opens up about his own experiences with racism in America and the challenges he has faced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a Super Bowl Edition on NAKED this week and Cari sits down with Kobe Turner, a nose tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, and Coach Michael Locksley, the president and founder of the National Coalition for Minority Football Coaches. Kobe discusses his love for music and his dream of becoming a high school choir director. Coach Locksley talks about the lack of minority head coaches in the NFL and the work his organization is doing to promote and prepare aspiring coaches. Both guests share their experiences and perspectives on the importance of character, familiarity, and third-party validation in the coaching industry. Connect: @CariChampion @KobieTurner @CoachLocksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Antonia Hylton discusses her book 'Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum' and the history of Crownsville, a mental facility for black patients during the Jim Crow era. The conversation covers the background of Antonia's interest in journalism and mental health, the discovery of Crownsville, the construction and operation of the facility, the treatment of patients, and the broader implications of Crownsville as a microcosm of American history. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and sharing our history to address the challenges of mental health in present-day America. Connect:@CariChampion @AHylton26 Learn More: AntoniaHylton.com Order MADNESS the BookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Cheryl P. Williamson discusses the power of affirmations and the impact they can have on one's life. She shares her journey of using affirmations to overcome challenges and manifest her desires. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of self-love and the need to pour into oneself before pouring into others. She also talks about her writings, including her recently released book, “Affirmed Volume Two”. Connect: @CariChampion @CherylPWilliamson Learn More: CherylPWilliamson.com Read: Affirmed Volume TwoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Chiké Okonkwo discusses his background as a Nigerian growing up in the UK, his journey to becoming an actor, and the challenges and triumphs he has faced in the industry. He reflects on the impact of the film 'The Birth of a Nation' and the importance of telling untold stories. Chiké also shares his experiences as a black man in America and the perseverance required in the acting profession. He discusses his voice acting work on the Calm app and the TV show 'La Brea,' where he explores his character's backstory. We also explore the importance of complex characters and the impact of historical work. He shares his favorite performances by Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sidney Poitier. He also introduces us to his new venture as one of the founders of Mansa, a platform for curated black culture. Connect: @CariChampion @ChikeOkonkwo Subscribe: Cari Champion’s YouTube Channel Learn More: Mansa.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we celebrate award season, Wilson Morales joins us from BlackFilmandTV.com to discuss predictions and he offers a 101 on the overall award show selection process.  Connect: @CariChampion @WilsonMoralesFilm Let us know your Oscar favorites and why! @NakedwithCariChampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Black Excellence a shield that protects us from scrutiny or attacks from extremist with subpar accusations that seemingly weigh heavier that our excellence by their accounts? Being great at doing what you do does not equate to an opportunity to continue to do so. Last week, Claudine Gay, the first black woman to hold the title of President of Harvard University in its 388 years history resigned or rather was forced to step down after being accused of plagiarism. Throughout countless occasions we can pinpoint circumstances where persons of color were forced to redirect their greatness or remove their excellence from the deemed goal, due to ill-intended persecution, is this another one of those scenarios? Learn More: Claudine Gay Connect: @CariChampion  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we embrace a new year, we are taking a moment to highlight some of our favorite episodes and we hope you are also reflecting on your accomplishments from 2023!  Happy New Year Champions!  Connect: @CariChampion  Visit: CariChampion.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is a gift to filmmakers and anyone who has a vision for their goals. A masterclass coupled with an intimate backstory of how Deniese Davis became the Producer she is today. Davis is entering into 2024 with her new company, Reform Media Group, and a production deal with Tyler Perry Studios to start creating her first film. Based on her trajectory thus far and her work with Issa Rae, the next chapter will continue to inspire.  Connect: @CariChampion @MsDeniese Learn More: RMG x TPS Deal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitchell S. Jackson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. His debut novel The Residue Years won a Whiting Award and The Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. But well before his acclaimed career took flight; he wrote a feature on three athletes from his neighborhood who didn’t make it to the NBA. Now years later well into his acclaimed career, his latest book brings him full circle back to the beginning with, “Fly” a coffee table book that fuses fashion with basketball. Listen to the end to hear Cari and Mitchell discuss their favorite NBA player’s fashion choices. Connect: @CariChampion @MitchSJackson Learn More: MitchellSJackson.com FLY – The Big Book of Basketball Fashion Amazon | BOOKSHOP | B&N | POWELL’S | AppleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charmaine Wilkerson is the author of the New York Times Best-Selling novel, “Black Cake”. Wilkerson started her career as a journalist, but after finding more power in telling her truth through stories of fiction she started writing scenes and flash fiction stories; which led to her debut novel, Black Cake. Wilkerson’s voice and melodic speech will pull you in and offer an introduction to her eloquent approach to storytelling. Connect: @CariChampion @charmspen1 Learn More: CharmsPen.com Watch: Black Cake on Hulu Read: Black Cake by Charmaine WilkersonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.