Cari kicks off the 'Naked Sports' podcast by taking listeners back to 1977, when New York was a mix of World Series excitement and urban crises. The spotlight shines on Elliot Williams, a former federal prosecutor, as he discusses his book 'Five Bullets,' which tells the story of Bernard Goetz, the so-called subway vigilante. Williams recounts Goetz's controversial 1984 shooting of four black teenagers, an event that highlighted racial tensions and crime fears in a gritty New York City. He touches on the public's reaction, media bias, and how the subjects of safety and vigilantism remain relevant today. The discussion also includes the impact of the crack epidemic on New York's housing projects and the ongoing celebration of vigilantes in American culture. It’s a rich exploration of how past events continue to shape contemporary issues.

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Read: Five Bullets by Elliot Williams

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Today, Cari welcomes Selema Masekela, an influential figure in action sports, music, and storytelling. Selema shares his journey of embracing his unique identity, recounting his transformation from being known as 'Sal' to reclaiming his full name, 'Selema.' They discuss the challenges he faced in predominantly white spaces and the significance of maintaining cultural authenticity. Selema talks about his impactful work in expanding diversity in extreme sports, his experience growing up in a musically rich household, and the importance of standing firm in one's identity. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, including Selema's reflections on grief and his father's legacy.

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Music: Listen to Alekesam

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Cari shares her experiences at the iHeart LA studios and expresses gratitude to her team. The main discussion features various hot topics, including the controversy surrounding reporter Lynn Jones's compliment to a Jaguars head coach and the blowback it received in the media. Then transitions to the Golden Globes, highlighting celebrities using their platform to advocate for social issues, and praises Mark Ruffalo for his bold stance. Ending the episode with Meg Thee Stallion and Clay Thompson's intriguing relationship and its impact on public perception and Cari gives her final words to the trending debate about women proposing to men, humorously opposing the idea, and calling for tradition. Tune in next week for more exciting content.

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Cari opens with gratitude, welcoming our new viewers, and celebrates a recent spike in YouTube subscribers. Despite battling a cold, the host reflects on a hectic holiday season and an exciting trip to Dubai, where she interviewed tennis legend Novak Djokovic. The conversation then shifts to the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces, sparking debate over the implications and motivations behind this move. David Sanger, a journalist with The New York Times, joins the discussion to provide a detailed analysis of Maduro’s regime and the potential consequences of his arrest. The episode also touches on broader issues like U.S. interventionism, the complexities of international politics, and Cari's personal resolutions and reflections for the New Year.

Learn More: https://www.nytimes.com/by/david-e-sanger

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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.

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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 and journalism. The episode takes listeners through thought-provoking topics like immigration, the Israel-Palestine conflict, political authenticity, gender dynamics, and the challenges today’s men face. As the discussion ventures into poignant reflections on fairness, objectivity, and personal biases, Ayman provides insightful commentary on maintaining cultural roots, navigating racism, and the evolving media landscape. The episode ends with a heartfelt holiday message and a nod to the show's recent award for best docuseries.

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Listen to the Award Winning Series: Naked Sports: Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese

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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 complexities of dealing with online harassment. This extended conversation also covers her views on the future of journalism and the importance of having genuine debates over performative ones. Reid shares her personal coping strategies for managing the constant public scrutiny and attacks, emphasizing the need for resilience and community support among black women in media.

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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 longstanding skepticism of Diddy’s character—an attitude that contrasts with the general public’s perception. They critique Diddy’s history, including his role in the East Coast–West Coast rap beef and his relationships with several artists.

The discussion also explores the Stephen A. Smith controversy, highlighting alleged biases and behind-the-scenes dynamics in the broadcasting world. This first episode of a two-part series concludes with insights into Trump’s relationships with hip-hop figures and society's tendency to forget past transgressions.

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