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 Tasha Cloud (yes, that Tasha), and shares what it means to show up authentically on and off the court.

We talk CBA negotiations, league politics, officiating, and why players need more than just a seat at the table. They need a say.

But Izzy’s story goes deeper. She gives us a glimpse into what it was like growing up in a big family of 12, and her powerful work raising awareness for Lupus, a cause close to her heart.

This one’s about more than sports. It’s about the humanity of athletes, the hustle it takes to thrive, and the courage to use your platform for purpose.

Connect @CariChampion @OMG_ItsIzzyB

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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, especially for marginalized communities who’ve never had the full luxury of “free” speech to begin with. Calling out the contradictions, especially when voices like Charlie Kirk and Laura Loomer use outrage as a platform. What does that say about where we are politically, culturally, and morally?

There’s also a moment commenting on Vice President Kamala Harris’s new book, and what it means to finally hear things said out loud that many of us already knew deep down.

And another big story this week, Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late night, which truly highlights the permeating question: is our freedom of speech under attack?

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“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 docu-series further delves into Kobe's life, providing insights into his early years, his rise in the NBA, his challenges, and the global mourning following his tragic death.

Johnson emphasizes the importance of understanding Kobe as a multifaceted individual--a sports icon and a person with personal struggles and triumphs.

Although for many, Kobe's passing still resonates as deeply as it did five years ago, Cari shares this sentiment, and this episode is a homage to his legacy.

Kobe: The Making of a Legend is NOW AVAILABLE on CNN.

Connect @CariChampion @johnsonerich

Watch: Kobe: The Making of a Legend

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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 horror film 'Him.' Withers discusses his role, his journey as an actor and athlete, and the film's central themes of hero worship and the human experience of athletes. The conversation touches on Withers' background, the authenticity he brings to his role, and his interactions with co-star Marlon Wayans. We wrap up with Withers sharing his GOAT picks in both football and basketball. Then Cari reflects on finding hope and dreaming big, even in dark times, emphasizing the importance of escape through family, friends, and entertainment.

"HIM" released in theaters exclusively on Friday, September 19, 2025

Watch the trailer: HIM | Official Trailer

Connect: @CariChampion @TyriqWithers

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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 meaningful conversations, like the one that follows with today’s guest, the brilliant Selwyn Seyfu Hinds.

Selwyn, a screenwriter, and producer who went from hip-hop journalism as The Source’sformer Editor-in-Chief to Hollywood creative, joins Naked Sports for a wide-ranging conversation. Together, we explore his new Hulu series, Washington Black, a powerful story rooted in human resilience and the refusal to be defined by trauma.

Cari and Selwyn unpack the cultural legacy of ’90s hip-hop, the evolution of storytelling, and the role of Black creatives in shaping narratives that matter. The conversation touches on identity, legacy, and the fight to remain authentic in industries that often want to shape you.

Throughout, there’s a thread of truth: that community, creativity, and perseverance are how we carry forward — in grief, in art, and in life.

Watch: George Washington Black on Hulu

Connect: @CariChampion @SelwynHinds

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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 and speak honestly, with vulnerability and truth. And that’s exactly what she does in today’s episode.

With the grace of the community, a new connection was formed during Cari’s recent visit to the vineyard this summer. Dr. Akua Boateng is a licensed psychotherapist and emotional wellness coach who helps Cari to unpack the complexities of grief, especially for high-functioning individuals. She shares how grief looks different for everyone and reminds us that ambition doesn’t cancel out the need for emotional care.

Together, they touch on how collective traumas like COVID-19 reshaped us, how athletes and high achievers carry hidden weight, and why healing in community is everything. Dr. Boateng’s words land like balm:

“Grief is the body and mind’s way of responding to the absence of love.”
“We are hurt in relationship, and we heal in relationship.”

The conversation is layered, healing, and exactly the kind of dialogue that helps move through pain with purpose.

Connect: @CariChampion @DrAkuaBoateng

Learn More: DrAkuaBoateng.com

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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 yourself grace — because in today’s world of go-go-go, being still might be the most powerful move you can make.

We also learn about Devi’s new book, Living Wisdom, and her reasoning and process for bringing it to life.

Connect @CariChampion @DeviBrown

Learn More: DeviBrown.com

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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. The energy. The community. All of it left Cari feeling recharged and ready to return for this important interview.

The spotlight shifts to your incredible guest — Erin Haynes, the newly elected president of the NABJ. Cari and Errin discuss what it means to be a Black journalist right now. We call it what it is: wartime journalism. Errin doesn’t hold back on the challenges facing the industry, from hiring inequities to the rise of disinformation, and why advocacy, community, and truth-telling matter more than ever.

Cari and Erin get real about the stakes for journalism, for democracy, and for Black voices in media. She leaves listeners with a call to action: stand with NABJ, support the storytellers, and recognize the urgency of this moment.

Connect @CariChampion @EMarvelous

Learn More: National Association for Black Journalism

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