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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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