Naked Sports with Cari Champion

CHIKÉ OKONKWO – Being An Artist is a Political Act

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: <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcarichampion%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjacqueesthomas%40iheartmedia.com%7C0fac0e6e7fd741ff043108dc1ae21d61%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638414805651220059%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=ZGam%2B57iauw%2BK%2BvRX21kZPf26%2F35p%2FtJSm0rXbcyPF4%3D&amp;reserved=0">@CariChampion</a> <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchike_okonkwo%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjacqueesthomas%40iheartmedia.com%7C0fac0e6e7fd741ff043108dc1ae21d61%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638414805651229149%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=KjqHvgSCQXbIGmsBBb4U7rojsxCzlTihnEOWSL6Pc6E%3D&amp;reserved=0">@ChikeOkonkwo</a> Subscribe: <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40ItsCariChampion%2Fshorts&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjacqueesthomas%40iheartmedia.com%7C0fac0e6e7fd741ff043108dc1ae21d61%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638414805651236264%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=xYo7Ox%2BP29Y7RZrsxvXubXaq%2FFg60i3Byx0nNwouiV8%3D&amp;reserved=0">Cari Champion’s YouTube Channel</a> Learn More: <a href="mansa">Mansa.com</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese caused a media frenzy after their infamous “you can’t see me” exchange in the 2023 NCAA championship game. There was a fierce debate over their perceived rivalry and it only intensified once they became the hottest prospects in the WNBA's rookie class. 
The media’s fixation on their so-called rivalry has been fueled by the same gender and racial bias that has haunted women’s sports for generations. And now that Clark and Reese have brought thousands of new fans to the sport, is it safe to say that this storyline is what the WNBA needed?  Or has it invited toxicity into a space that has always prided itself on its inclusivity and sisterhood?
In this groundbreaking series, Cari Champion searches for answers from those who know Clark and Reese best – from the coaches who helped shape their game, to the players and journalists who have witnessed their meteoric rise first-hand. Champion traces the incredible parallel paths of not just these two historic talents but the WNBA itself, and sets the stage for the collision course that has brought us to this very moment. The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese is not just about two of the brightest flames the sport has ever seen, but it also asks an essential question – in a time of such divisiveness, is it possible to let greatness unite us?
Connect: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/carichampion/?hl=en">@CARICHAMPION</a>