Azzi vs. Pop Culture: The Who the Fudd Challenge

Summary

Fudd Around And Find Out – Episode Summary

Podcast: Fudd Around And Find Out
Host: Azzi Fudd, with co-host Ashanti
Episode: Azzi vs. Pop Culture: The Who the Fudd Challenge
Date: October 3, 2025

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Overview

In this lively episode, UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd and Ashanti catch up on recent team adventures, discuss the pressures and quirks of being a high-profile college athlete, and recap their much-anticipated interview with legendary coach Geno Auriemma. The pair also share candid insights into recruiting at UConn and the challenges around NIL. The episode closes out with a brand new pop culture game, “Who the Fudd?,” putting Azzi's celebrity knowledge to the test with comical results.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Life Updates & Team Chemistry

• Ashanti shares about meeting Steph Curry at a Unanimous Media event and remarks, “He’s exactly how you describe him… incredible. But so kind and sweet and normal at the same time, even though he’s, like, one of the best basketball players to ever live.” (02:40)
• Azzi recounts her first ice-skating trip since middle school and the team's low-pressure pre-season activities: “I looked probably really unathletic, but I didn’t fall and I got better. So it was a win.” (03:26)
• The duo laugh about the team’s themed “stud bud” dress-up night—Azzi: “We all dressed up. We all went into Yana and KK’s closets and dressed up and hung out. It was a lot of fun… funny to see some people dressed up.” (05:17)

2. Team Culture & Social Media

• Discussion about teammates streaming on Twitch and the playful dynamic: “Everything really just boils down to bothering Kelis and rage baiting her. It was really easy.” (06:26)
• The team’s collective appearance at a UConn football game, including getting recognition on the field: “Got to, you know, wave at everyone. But it was fun… and they won. So good vibes all around.” (06:58)

3. Media Day Emotions (and Outfits)

• Azzi experiences bittersweet feelings about her final media day: “Everything this year is going to be bittersweet, but I don’t enjoy media of any form.” (07:37)
• Candid explanation of the media day routine: photos, videos, and the unexpected challenges of looking presentable. “I think we were there for like four hours doing it, and I was like, you know what… It’ll be on the screen… So I did my own makeup for it.” (09:10)
• On future social media posts: “I just have so many things to post right now... it’ll just be a surprise. Everyone will be shocked when I... decide to post them.” (11:09)

4. Geno Auriemma Interview Reflections

• Azzi opens up about how nervous she was to interview UConn head coach, Geno Auriemma: “I was definitely nervous going into it and very uncomfortable and awkward... He was coach, essentially.” (11:49)
• The importance of being called reliable: “That is one of the biggest compliments he could give me… One of my goals is that I’m someone my teammates can rely on.” (13:07)
• On being asked by Geno to take more risks as a player: “I think it’s shown up a little bit in practice, but... as we start ramping things up... I know it will show up more.” (13:46)
• Discussing NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness): “I’m super grateful that NIL started my first year in college… Money and NIL played no part in [my college decision] and I can’t imagine...money playing a role in that decision as well.” (14:07)
• Ashanti reading fan comments about the Geno episode, including one calling Azzi "Geno’s favorite child” and another laughing at Geno’s abrupt signoff: “You could hear the headphones hit the table when he was out.” (17:40)

5. Hosting Recruits & The UConn Experience

• Azzi’s approach to making recruits comfortable: “Just talking to them, asking questions, getting to know them, trying to relate to them... make them feel included.” (21:57)
• The unique, competitive spirit of “CD’s Games” during visits: “CD plans these super fun games and activities… everything’s super competitive, it brings out our inner child.” (22:42)
• Azzi highlights the importance of having UConn chefs provide meals during visits; “Our chefs are incredible. They have, like, a whole spread. You can also order whatever you want.” (24:56)
• On answering recruits’ and parents' questions: “The funniest one that people ask... are all of your practices like that? Are they always that intense? Always that fast-paced?” (27:21)

6. WNBA Finals Commentary

• Azzi expresses excitement about close games: “There have been some really good games in these series... you can’t really predict who’s going to win.” (29:23)
• On the Liberty’s loss: “I know one thing, it won’t be a back to back because my Liberty are out. So we’re going to have a new champion this year.” (29:45)

7. "What the FUD of the Week"

• Azzi reacts to Juju sitting out the season post-ACL injury: “That’s not something you can just rush and come back playing full force from in six months. I think she made the right decision…” (33:26)
• Ashanti’s “WTF” moment: Sandy being let go as Liberty coach right after winning a championship. “That was crazy… that’s really hard. Coaching is hard enough.” (34:11)

8. Pop Culture Mashup: Who the Fudd?

A lighthearted, rapid-fire segment where Ashanti quizzes Azzi on pop culture figures — sports stars, reality TV contestants, actors, and musicians. Azzi’s answers range from wildly accurate to comically off-base, providing plenty of laughs and friendly roasting between the co-hosts.

• Notable highlight: Azzi guessing Patrick Mahomes instantly (35:55) but stumbling hilariously on Derek Jeter and later being reminded, “Please forgive her, New Yorkers.” (37:49)
• Iconic moments as Azzi correctly IDs Bad Bunny, Simone Biles, Ryan Gosling (“Ronald Ryan...Ryan Gosling!” at 40:03), Halle Berry (41:11), Ben Affleck, Lionel Messi, Odell Beckham Jr., and Michael Phelps with plenty of hints and encouragement.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ashanti on media day: “You have been going off on social media. Bow, bow, bow. Back to back Fashion Week flicks. And I’m right under all of them like I said I would be.” (10:06)
• Azzi on reliability: “To me, that is one of the biggest compliments he could give me… I want to be someone that is consistent.” (13:07)
• Azzi on recruiting: “Whoever’s supposed to be there will be there.” (24:43)
• Azzi, self-aware on pop culture: “You guys have no faith in me. I have little faith in me too. It’s okay.” (35:38)
• Ashanti, during the quiz: “All you need is a letter. All you need is a letter.” (43:25)
• Azzi, on finishing the game: “That’s pretty good. That’s pretty good.” (43:53)

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Key Timestamps

• 02:28 – Start of main conversation (skip ads)
• 04:35 – Preseason/prep and team culture
• 07:37 – Media day: Azzi’s reflections
• 11:28 – Geno Auriemma interview afterthoughts
• 14:07 – NIL and recruiting values
• 16:12 – Fan feedback about the Geno episode
• 21:42 – Campus recruiting: how Azzi hosts
• 27:21 – Tough practices and parent questions
• 29:23 – WNBA Finals talk
• 33:12 – "What the FUD of the Week" (Juju’s injury and Liberty coaching changes)
• 35:38 – "Who the Fudd?" pop culture game
• 43:59 – Outro

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Tone & Style

The conversation is playful, supportive, and always authentic. Azzi blends star power with vulnerability, letting listeners behind the curtain of an elite basketball program. Ashanti serves as both hype woman and comic foil, keeping the energy high and the atmosphere warm and relatable. The “Who the Fudd?” segment is a standout for its infectious laughter, shared inside jokes, and honest stumbles.

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For New Listeners

• Get a sense of what it’s really like to be a top college athlete at UConn—on and off the court.
• Peek into the unique team culture, leadership under Geno Auriemma, and the everyday moments that never make headlines.
• Enjoy genuine, entertaining exchanges on sports, pop culture, and the realities student-athletes face today.
• Stay for the games—you’ll laugh with (not at) Azzi as she navigates the wild world of pop culture names and faces.

Transcript

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[Az Fudd]

Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of Futaround and find out. I'm here with my girl Ashanti. Ashanti, what have you been up to?

[Ashanti Pl]

I've been up to a lot of enjoying life. I actually had an opportunity to meet your mentor and friend Stephen Curry. So unanimous had like a celebration because you know he has a book that came out and other like awesome things that were happening here in New York. And so I was able to meet him at, I think it's called Zero Bond Places. It's super nice and exclusive and luxurious. But, yeah, I got to meet him, which was super dope. And he's exactly how you describe him. Like, incredible. But so kind and sweet and normal at the same time, Even though he's, like, one of the best basketball players to ever live. So that was definitely wild. And I was really glad to be able to meet him. And the unanimous team. How about you? What you been up to?

[Az Fudd]

Wait. That's so cool. That sounds like such a great time.

[Ashanti Pl]

It was.

[Az Fudd]

I've also just been enjoying life. I just went ice skating for probably the first time since, like, middle school, and I was better than I thought I'd be. I looked probably really unathletic, but I didn't fall and I got better. So it was a win.

[Ashanti Pl]

First of all, you didn't fall. And that honestly, is a win in itself. You didn't fall because falling on the ice is no joke. I used to actually teach ice skating lessons to, like, middle school kids.

[Az Fudd]

Really? So you're good?

[Ashanti Pl]

I wouldn't say that good, but good enough to teach little kids who don't know any better? And so, so good enough. But I'm not, like, I'm not that great. I'm not doing no tricks.

[Az Fudd]

That surprises me. I feel like tall people. I just wouldn't assume, like, imagine a tall person be good at ice skating.

[Ashanti Pl]

It's because imagine falling. You see, That's a long way down. Yeah, but I'm more of a roller skater. I definitely do roller skating. Ice skating is a little bit scarier with the blade and the ice. But I taught it to little kids, and that was fun.

[Az Fudd]

Very cool. I might need a lesson.

[Ashanti Pl]

Listen, anytime, girly. It's about to be cold anyways. So what has your team been up to?

[Az Fudd]

Um, the usual. Hanging out, enjoying life workouts. We're starting up practices this week, so official practices. We usually start a little bit later than other people. We take our. Our off days at the beginning.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oh, man.

[Az Fudd]

I'm really excited, though. I'm super excited to get into the grind of things, really start things up. But like I said, we've been enjoying each other's company, enjoying workouts. It's been good.

[Ashanti Pl]

That's good. Listen, y' all gotta get ready. Cause it's a long season, so it's really important to build up that camaraderie. I saw on social media. Everybody on your team dressed up like a stud. Like one of the stud buds. And you guys, what were.

[Az Fudd]

You guys even know how that started? I think it just. We're in the locker room and we were like, let's have a theme tonight. We were gonna go out to dinner and then we planned. We made the res reservations too late and there's 15 of us. We couldn't get. I don't even remember what we ended up doing. We're just hanging out, but we're like, let's dress up, let's do something. And so we all dressed up. We all went into Yana and KK's closets and dressed up and hung out. It was a lot of fun. But it was definitely funny to see some people dressed up.

[Ashanti Pl]

No. Yeah, I was very entertained. And the switch up is crazy, girl. You could wear whatever you. You could wear.

[Az Fudd]

I look pretty good. I look pretty good.

[Ashanti Pl]

I agree, I agree. You could listen whatever you into, you could do it. I also saw Kelis has been streaming on Twitch. What's actually funny is I text her. I was like, girl, you let me know if you need some backup.

[Az Fudd]

When she gets attacked on there.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Yes.

[Ashanti Pl]

How's that been? So like what you guys, she'll stream and you guys just come in and join her?

[Az Fudd]

Yeah, I mean, I don't really even know what Twitch streaming is. I didn't know you could like, I thought you had to be playing. I don't know. I don't know. But she'll be like, all right guys, I'm going to stream. And then like, all right, let's go bother Kelis on stream. Let's go see what Kelis is. Everything really just boils down to bothering Kelis and rage baiting her. It was really easy.

[Ashanti Pl]

It's really entertaining.

[Az Fudd]

That too. That too. But yeah, it's just fun to mess with her.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oh yeah, that was a good old time and we've been loving that. So I saw your team went to a football game. What was that like?

[Az Fudd]

Yeah, we went to the UConn football game. They played ball State, I believe, and it was actually a lot of fun. It was the first game we went to this season and they scored a touchdown. Someone caught a one handed pass. So it was like, it was like a pretty good game to go to. Yeah, yeah. And then they. We got to walk on the field and they recognize us. Got to, you know, wave at everyone. But it was fun. It was. It was a great game to go to and they won. So good vibes all around.

[Ashanti Pl]

I love that. Let's pivot. Az, this is your final Media day with the team. How you feeling?

[Az Fudd]

Good. I think everything this year is going to be bittersweet, but I don't enjoy media of any form. So as much as I. Well, like I said, bittersweet. So excited that I don't have to do another media day, but still sad. I was like, oh, it is kind of sad. I'm going to miss this, but I'm glad it's over.

[Ashanti Pl]

For those who don't know what a media date looks like for UConn or even for like, women's basketball, like, tell us, walk us through what media day looks like. Like, what do you have to do? Tell us the whole spiel.

[Az Fudd]

So this year was a little different. We're gamble is getting redone. They're like changing the seats and doing something else. So usually we have it in there and it's like we do it on. On a weekend off day and it's most of the day. But this year, like I said, it was different. So we did our photos on one day. So that's, you know, with all the different. The white background, blue background, colorful background interview was like voice pickups for the Jumbotron during different parts of the season. All this is just like a bunch of different, like, station, station stations. You have a checklist you gotta go through. And then I think a couple of us also had to change uniforms. So it's. It was still like a good amount of time, a few hours that you're there. I got my hair and makeup done that day. My girl Hailey came up and did my hair, of course. Who else? But yeah, so I got my hair and makeup done because I had to make sure I looked presentable for these pictures. My last one, of course. But we were there for a few hours and then a few days later we came back and we had to do our, like, the video stuff, like, for the, like, the intro video. And again, something that you think, like, shouldn't take that long, still takes. I think we were there for like four hours doing it, and I was like, you know what? I don't care how I look. It's not pictures. It'll be like a video. It'll be on the. On the screen. Like, you're not going to see it. Well, so I'm not going to get my hair and makeup done. So I did my own makeup for it.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oh.

[Az Fudd]

Which I'm kind of excited to see how it turns out because in the mirror it looked. It looked decent.

[Ashanti Pl]

You did your own makeup?

[Az Fudd]

I don't know. I know I did it with enough time left so that if it looked bad, I could just wipe it off and go with the bare face. But I was like, it doesn't look bad. I think it looks kind of good. My teammates are hyping me up. They could have lied to my face, but I feel like they would have told me if I looked ugly. So hopefully when you guys see the intro video, let me know your thoughts, because I did my makeup. Oh, I love that.

[Ashanti Pl]

I'm proud. I know that's right.

[Az Fudd]

I'm actually proud of myself too.

[Ashanti Pl]

Me too. Look at you doing things that you didn't expect. So speaking of pictures, media day pictures. You have been going off on social media. Bow, bow, bow. Back to back Fashion Week flicks. And I'm right under all of them like I said I would be. But the listeners and fans have been hounding because you know what? They're waiting for All Star Weekend.

[Az Fudd]

Eventually. Eventually. You know, I just have so many things to post right now.

[Ashanti Pl]

Mm.

[Az Fudd]

You know, like, maybe in, like, a week. Not. No. I'm not even gonna sit here and lie to you guys. Maybe.

[Ashanti Pl]

Are we still sticking to the end of the year vibe?

[Az Fudd]

Yeah. Yeah. No. Yeah. Okay.

[Ashanti Pl]

So y' all heard it. End of the year.

[Az Fudd]

It's just like, I had so many things to post the last two weeks. Like, there was no room to fit in All Star pictures. Like, you know, so just give me a little bit more time.

[Ashanti Pl]

The flow, the flow, the flow.

[Az Fudd]

It'll just be a surprise. Everyone will be shocked when I'll even shock myself when I say decided to post them.

[Ashanti Pl]

Okay, well, they're definitely waiting. So she said here first she will drop them for the end of the year. Don't ask. We just wait. If she doesn't drop them by January 1, we will bring this back up.

[Az Fudd]

Okay, that's fair.

[Ashanti Pl]

All right, so the last pod we got to interview your coach, Gino. Super exciting, fun, crazy. We learned a whole lot and what he's expecting of you and just, like, you know how his brain works. How are you feeling after that podcast?

[Az Fudd]

Good. I was definitely.

[Ashanti Pl]

How are you really feeling?

[Az Fudd]

I was definitely nervous going into it and very uncomfortable and awkward. I mean, he came in in a really good mood, so he made it fun. He was easy to talk to, had some good answers. He was coach, essentially. He was coach. So I do. I did feel better after because it went a lot better than I thought it would. Yeah, that's. That's about it.

[Ashanti Pl]

I knew you'd be nervous. I can't imagine having to interview Your head coach that you now have to continue to have practice with and see and work with throughout the rest of the year. But, you know, I had your back. That's why I was there. Because imagine asking him, hey, coach, what do you think about me? Hey, coach, what. You know what? I. What do you expect? It's just a. It's an. It's an interesting dynamic. So. But you did great.

[Az Fudd]

Well, it was a good thing that we did it before the season started, because, like, imagine if that was planned right after we had a bad practice or something.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oh, my goodness.

[Az Fudd]

I would be terrified to talk to him about absolutely anything. Remember this? Remember that? He would roast me.

[Ashanti Pl]

He was. Listen, he was going in anyways. He's funny. He's a funny guy. And he's. He just says what's on his mind, and he can.

[Az Fudd]

He. He is honest. I love that about him, though.

[Ashanti Pl]

How did you feel about him calling you reliable, someone that you know you can count on, and you show up as yourself every day?

[Az Fudd]

To me, that is one of the biggest compliments he could give me because I. That's one of my goals, is that I'm someone that my teammates can rely on, that they can count on me every day in practice, in games, on the court, off the court. Like, they know what they're going to get from me if they need something. I just. I want to be someone that they. That is consistent. So for him to call me reliable, someone that he thinks that everyone can count on, definitely means a lot and gonna keep it that way.

[Ashanti Pl]

I don't know.

[Az Fudd]

Even. Even when I start taking risks, we're gonna keep it that way.

[Ashanti Pl]

I was just gonna say so, like, you know, he asked you to take risks. Has. Has that shown up for you yet in practice, or is that something you're definitely planning on getting to?

[Az Fudd]

I think it's shown up a little bit in practice, but as we, like I said, are gonna start really ramping things up here in this next week. I think it'll show up. Not. Not. I think. I know it will show up more. So I am also excited for that.

[Ashanti Pl]

Did anything coach shared about Nil change the way you think about your own journey?

[Az Fudd]

I don't think so. I feel like I've always thought that I was super grateful that Nil started my first year in college. So when making my college decision, it didn't affect or impact anything going into that. Like, I chose UConn because of the coaches, because of the players, because of their legacy and their program and what they built and Money and Nil played no part in that. And I can't imagine, like that was hard enough. I can't imagine money then playing a role in that decision as well. But I also do agree with what he said that it just like it changes things. I feel like you're not picking places for the right reason. And you know, for some people that's okay, but for me, I feel like my morals, if I chose a school for money like that, my head is not in the right place and I'm not making the main thing the main thing. So I'm very grateful that I was not in that position.

[Ashanti Pl]

Well, well said. I agree. That's why the transfer portal looks crazy because it's like, is this your real home? Is this where you really fit? Is this system work for you or, you know, get into the money? But I definitely understand because that money can be life changing. You know, you never know.

[Az Fudd]

For some people, that is a priority. Absolutely good for them. But for me, that's not mine. So.

[Ashanti Pl]

Okay, you lucky. You get both a happy home and you get paid. So Sue Bird actually was trying to get Gino on the pod, on her own pod, but Gino ended up going to ours first. How does it feel to know that he's made an exception for you?

[Az Fudd]

I'm honored. I'm actually surprised though. I feel like he would go on Sue's pod. I also, he loves to talk, so. So I don't. I don't see why he would turn down going on a podcast, especially with someone like sue who's so easy to talk to. And I know he loves her, but yeah, I mean, I'm honored that he came first. I'm just honored that he was agreed to be on our show. And then knowing that he came on our support hers kind of just blows my mind.

[Ashanti Pl]

People's princess. So I'm going to read some of the feedback we got from the podcast with Coach Gina.

[Az Fudd]

Oh my gosh. Is it good feedback or bad feedback?

[Ashanti Pl]

It's been honestly really great. I've seen only good things. So now forgive me because I won't be able to read these names, but some of the comments were this was the best episode yet. I say this about every episode that comes out. Thank you, Az. Butt around and find out is such a great project. Oh, I got four more. Agent Zenish said, holding space for Sue Bird to comment since he had denied her for years. Laughing face.

[Az Fudd]

That's crazy.

[Ashanti Pl]

Special girl. Languish Regime said. How much convincing did it take to get Geno to do This, I don't.

[Az Fudd]

Know what convinced him. I really don't.

[Ashanti Pl]

I don't know. But I'm thankful.

[Az Fudd]

So thankful.

[Ashanti Pl]

All right, last two. AZ is never beating the Geno's favorite child allegations.

[Az Fudd]

I'm not the favorite.

[Ashanti Pl]

You definitely top 10. That's a wide top 10.

[Az Fudd]

I was, you know, hey, I just listen. I just do what he says. I listen so he can't get mad at me.

[Ashanti Pl]

Everybody else, if you're listening, make sure you're listening to him. And you can also be a favorite. Okay, last one. The way Geno just left so randomly had me cracking up. When I watched the pod back, I literally cackled. Like, you could hear the headphones hit the table when he was out.

[Az Fudd]

Can you Actually, I didn't watch it. I was too scared. I was. I didn't know how it was going to turn out, so I didn't watch it.

[Ashanti Pl]

I watched it and I listened to it. He is a funny man. Like, just gone, like, all right, y'. All. Peace. I did it.

[Az Fudd]

He's on his own time.

[Ashanti Pl]

I respect it. Okay, so last piece about the Genopod. After recording, what's the biggest thing you'll carry with you from this conversation with him?

[Az Fudd]

Hmm. I think. I mean, I guess him calling me reliable. It's not the first time he said it, but just remembering that, keeping that in the back of my mind when maybe things aren't going so well, just remembering, like, everyone believes in me, but I really. I just think him being on the pod is gonna stick with me. I'm super grateful that he took the time because he really didn't have to, and also that he came on ours first. Just an extra little cherry on top.

[Ashanti Pl]

Thank you, coach.

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[Ashanti Pl]

All right, so it's almost that time for high school players to start visiting your campus. Take us through what it's like as someone who's hosting recruits. Like what's the first thing you do to make them feel comfortable at your college?

[Az Fudd]

I think for me it's just talking to them, like asking questions, getting to know them, trying to relate to them a little bit. I feel like on my visits that always made me more comfortable with being in a conversation, talking to them, them asking me, them at least faking like they were interested in me when I was in high school and I could be like okay, like this person's really nice or, like, I don't know about this girl, but just, yeah, showing that interest, making them feel included. It's really easy, especially in a team like ours, when we're super close, it's easy to, like, feel left out. We have so many inside jokes and stories to just kind of feel like you're on the outside. So make them feel comfortable and bring them in.

[Ashanti Pl]

Nice. How do you balance showing them the fun part, but then also the seriousness that comes with being a student athlete?

[Az Fudd]

You see the seriousness when you watch our practices and you watch us lift and get on court, and then we do a lot of fun stuff with the recruits. CD plans these super fun games and activities. Whether there's a recruit or not. When we play CDs games, we get so, like, whether we are even in the mood to play her games or not, it's everything. Super competitive. It brings out, like, our inner child and people just. I mean, not mine, obviously. I'm very mature and respectful, but everyone else starts arguing and fighting, and it could be a game of tic tac toe, and people will argue over people cheating. And so recruits definitely see, like, the real. The real side of us.

[Ashanti Pl]

What do your coaches expect when they pair you with a recruit?

[Az Fudd]

I think they just expect us, like I said, to make them feel comfortable, welcomed, make sure, you know, we're. They're not just sitting there on their phone. Like, we're including them in conversation, bringing them around, making sure, like, they're hanging out and enjoying themselves, making sure they're having a good time. Okay.

[Ashanti Pl]

Do you remember the last time you had a big impact on a recruit's decision to come to UConn?

[Az Fudd]

I don't think I have any stories I can really share.

[Ashanti Pl]

Well, is there anyone that's on the team now that you hosted when they were a recruit?

[Az Fudd]

Mm. Who did I host? I don't. I don't remember if K.K. was mine, but I remember Ice and I drove her. Well, I. I drove, but Ice was with me. We drove her to Coach's house for dinner, and we drove her back that night. She had a good time on her visit. So did Ash. Who? I did have someone their year, I had someone, but I don't remember which one of them it was. And, I mean, both of them ended up coming, so they seem to have had a good time. Now. I can't remember. I think I have. I didn't have anyone last year, but the year before, I definitely did. Wait, who was that? That would have been Sarah, Ally Morgan, and a girl who did not come. I might have had her. Honestly, the girl who didn't come, I don't remember I had one of them, but those are pretty good odds. Three out of four.

[Ashanti Pl]

I mean, whoever's supposed to be there will be there.

[Az Fudd]

Exactly.

[Ashanti Pl]

And you just want a chip, so I feel like you're doing a great job.

[Az Fudd]

I agree with that.

[Ashanti Pl]

So what's the first place you take a recruit to eat on campus?

[Az Fudd]

Well, usually the meals are pretty planned out. The coaches, like I said, CD is very on top of things, but usually we have. We'll. We'll have a meal with them, usually at coach's house. But most of the time when it's like the on campus up, it'll be in our kitchen in Worth, our practice facility. So we'll be upstairs. Our chefs are incredible. They have, like, a whole spread. You can also order whatever you want. They'll make it. So we'll sit up there with them and their family, hang out with them. So it's like, chill. That's chill in that environment.

[Ashanti Pl]

What you got? Chefs making whatever you want. That sounds like I would have committed.

[Az Fudd]

Our chefs are the best. They really. You can tell that they love their job and they love us.

[Ashanti Pl]

I Love that. What's one only at UConn Experience?

[Az Fudd]

One only at UConn Experience would definitely be CDs. Games. I mean, I never. I didn't have official visits, so I don't know what that looks like at other schools, but I can just say there's absolutely no way that other schools have games. Like, the one and only. Christine Daly does shout out to cd.

[Ashanti Pl]

She really be holding it down with her crews. It seems from themed activities to meals.

[Az Fudd]

She has a great job. It's. She does do a great job.

[Ashanti Pl]

Okay, is there any photographed, safe stories about a funny or memorable moment when a recruit came to visit?

[Az Fudd]

Okay, I have a moment from when I was being recruited. I was there during Aaliyah Boston and Haley Jones official visit. I forget who they were playing. I think there was a game or something that I was also going to. And so we played CDs. Games. My family, my mom and dad were there, and these games, it was like these, like, plastic. I don't. I don't really know what they were, but it was like a plastic hurdle kind of, in a sense. And my dad is a big man, and you had to, like, crawl through one of them and then, like, go over something else. And it was like some sort of relay. My dad broke the plastic thing, and it just, like, popped. And, like, the Pieces went everywhere. And that's something that I still talk to CD about to this day. Must have been bad luck because neither Haley or Aaliyah committed so. Well, I mean, like you said, whoever's. You're meant to be there, you're meant to be there, so.

[Ashanti Pl]

Exactly. Exactly. So what kind of questions do recruits ask you on their visit?

[Az Fudd]

I think, actually, I think the funniest one that people ask are, it'll be after a practice, and they're like, are all of your practices like that? Like, do you guys always, like, is it always that? Because we don't. We don't really run for punishment unless, like, he is. If we're running, like, we did something really bad. But when he gets mad, there's not like a get on the baseline suicide. Whatever. We run in our drills and when we play, everything is super fast paced and everything's full court. Everyone goes as hard as they can the whole time. So usually it's like, are they always like that? Are they always that intense? Always that fast paced? It'll be like, like, how do you like it? Or the. I feel like a lot of times the parents will ask more questions to start with at least. Like, how do you like it? How do you like the coaches? Like, do you guys all get along? Like, what's the living situation like? Like, the parents always. They come with questions where the recruits, they really start to warm up as the weekend goes on.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oh, yeah. I mean, if they're gonna send their baby somewhere, right. For four years, potentially, they wanna know the real, you know, yes, it looks nice. Yes, we win. But are people happy here? What is living like? Is practice always like this? You know, whatever's best for their kid.

[Az Fudd]

Yeah. And my parents were the same way. And I was definitely a quieter. I mean, I'm still kind of quiet, but a quieter, more shy kid. So I was nervous to ask those kinds of questions. So that's why I feel like now it's important for me, when we have recruits, to kind of initiate that conversation. Because when I was a recruit, I knew I never would have been like, hey, what do you think about this? Do you like doing that? I would have been too nervous to have that conversation. So I try to initiate that now. That's great.

[Ashanti Pl]

And also shout out to the parents, they be holding it down. Cause I. If I don't want to ask, I'm be looking at my mom like, please, please help me. So we're going to pivot. The WNBA finals is hot right now. How are you feeling about that?

[Az Fudd]

There have been some really good games in these series, so it's been a lot of fun to watch. As a big Nafisa fan, I was really upset to see her get hurt. That kind of broke my heart. But other than that, I feel like the games have just been fun to watch because I feel like you can't. There's so many good teams now that you can't really predict who's going to win. So I agree.

[Ashanti Pl]

All the games have been super tight lately, like really close, exciting to watch. So I mean, who knows. I know one thing, it won't be a back to back because my liberty are out. So we're going to have a new champion this year and it's going to be. It's going to be fun and I can't wait for it.

[Az Fudd]

Yeah, it's gonna be good.

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[Ashanti Pl]

So now it's time for what the FUD of the Week. As you guys know what the FUD of the week is something that happened this week that made us say what the fud. So az, what do you have for what the FUD of the week?

[Az Fudd]

My what the FUD of the week is Juju announcing that she's out for the season. Like for me that wasn't a what the fud. My what the FUD is more so people other people's reaction. I feel like there was a lot of people who were shocked and surprised that she's going to be out, which I don't know where that confusion would come in. Unless you're someone who has no idea what it's like to have a major injury to your ACL and come back from that. That's not something you can just rush and come back playing full force from in six months. So I think she made the right decision because I mean it's hard to come back mid season but to really be able to dedicate this time to herself and her rehab is going to be really important. So I, I think that was a really smart decision for her.

[Ashanti Pl]

Absolutely and well wishes to Juju. You know, both of us we tore our ACLs so we completely understand the work and mind, body and soul that has to be locked in to come back. So we wish a speedy and full recovery to her. My what the FUD of the week is Sandy getting let go from the New York Liberty? That was crazy.

[Az Fudd]

When that news hit, I was shocked.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yeah, I mean I've heard both like, some people are like, oh, you know, they understood maybe. Cause their coaching style, I'm like, she just won a championship. Yeah, it's hard around here if you win a championship and then the next you're. You make it to the playoffs. But, you know, we didn't get past, I think, the first round. Um, but still, I think that's. That's really hard. The coaching is hard enough. And so it's really rough out here. And I definitely was surprised to hear that she was let go. So that's definitely my what? The FUD of the week. Okay, so we're going to get into some fun and games. So we have a new game that we're trying out. It's called who the fud? So in this game there are. If you are listening, I'm gonna give you guys hints. I'm gonna describe the person and then I'll eventually tell you. After we give AZY a chance to guess, if you're watching, the pictures will pop up for you. We're playing this game because we're not sure AZ is gonna be able to guess who these people are.

[Az Fudd]

You guys have no faith in me. I have little faith in me too. It's okay.

[Ashanti Pl]

Here we go. First one. This is a football player for the Kansas City Chiefs. He is their quarterback.

[Az Fudd]

Take a guess. Patrick Mahomes.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oh, my goodness. Ding, ding, ding. Yes, it is Patrick Mahomes. All right, our next one. Oof. I'll know, sis. Ready? It is a couple Love Island Season 6 contestant. He's from London and she's also nicknamed the people's princess. And they came in second place for season six. What is this couple's name?

[Az Fudd]

I didn't watch Love Island. I know Nick and Alandria and that's about it.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yo, Sandy and Amaya.

[Az Fudd]

Papaya. I remember her crying a lot.

[Ashanti Pl]

I think Amaya might be from New York and that's what I know about her. Okay, so this couple is. Yeah, go ahead. You want another hint?

[Az Fudd]

Yeah. There's no chance. I have no idea.

[Ashanti Pl]

All right, so I'll just let you know. It's Leah and Miguel.

[Az Fudd]

Those names don't even sound familiar.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oof. I'm not gonna lie. I didn't know either. Ooh. Okay, the next one. I love him. I do. I was a big fan. He played on the Yankees, nicknamed the captain. Legendary New York Yankee shortstop. I'll give you another. He wore number two.

[Az Fudd]

I only know, like, one baseball player. James Wood.

[Ashanti Pl]

Oh, my goodness.

[Az Fudd]

Okay.

[Ashanti Pl]

Didn't he? He dated someone famous. And I can't recall their names.

[Az Fudd]

I know the guy who dated JLo. Didn't he play baseball?

[Ashanti Pl]

Ooh, what's his name? What's his name?

[Az Fudd]

I lied. I don't know. I know you play baseball. What is the first letter? D. Oh, is this.

[Ashanti Pl]

Is this Mackenzie? Works closely.

[Az Fudd]

Oh, oh, oh. Derek Jeter.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes. Yes. Derek Jeter. Please forgive her New Yorkers. It's okay. All right, ready? Next one. Oh, I love him too. I like his music. He's known for his Latin music. He dated Kendall Jenner. He teamed up with Cardi B on a song called I Like It.

[Az Fudd]

I like it like that.

[Ashanti Pl]

I like it like that. Come on, girl.

[Az Fudd]

Oh, oh. He was just in Happy Gilmore 2. Bad Bunny.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes. Bad Bunny. All right, the next one.

[Az Fudd]

Are you serious?

[Ashanti Pl]

Icon. Iconic. One of the best gymnasts ever. Olympic gold medalist. Has had moves named after her because she invented them.

[Az Fudd]

Simone. Bachelor.

[Ashanti Pl]

Come on. That was easy.

[Az Fudd]

If I didn't know that, that would have just been embarrassed. I should have just packed up and got home.

[Ashanti Pl]

I was gonna say. Yeah. If we didn't know that, pack us up. Ooh. Okay. Lovable guy. He's an actor. Co starred in Top Gun, Maverick. Recently known for romantic comedies like Anyone but yout.

[Az Fudd]

I really struggle with actors. I know his name, though. I just said it the other day.

[Ashanti Pl]

Mm. I actually just watched something with him in it.

[Az Fudd]

Okay, what's the first letter? G. Glenn. Is it. Is it Glenn?

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes.

[Az Fudd]

I forget his last name. Glenn.

[Ashanti Pl]

It starts with a P. His last.

[Az Fudd]

Name starts with a P. Powell.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yeah, girl, you're doing better than you thought. You're doing better than you thought. All right, next one. Also an actor known for the Notebook and Barbie. Also was in La La Land. Ken and Barbie.

[Az Fudd]

La La Land. Or the Notebook.

[Ashanti Pl]

But did you see Barbie? He's Ken.

[Az Fudd]

Okay, okay, okay. I don't know his name. All right, give me the first letter. R. No, I don't know his name, girl.

[Ashanti Pl]

He.

[Az Fudd]

Ronald Ryan. Ryan Gosling.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yeah.

[Az Fudd]

Ding, ding, ding. That's him.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes. Yes, girl, that's him.

[Az Fudd]

I did not know that. Yes.

[Ashanti Pl]

I feel like this, right? This next one, I really hope. Oh, my goodness. I know her movies.

[Az Fudd]

She does. She's in that movie.

[Ashanti Pl]

Wait, wait, wait. Let me describe it to the fans. Let me describe it.

[Az Fudd]

Yeah, please.

[Ashanti Pl]

First black woman to win an Academy Award for Best actress. Icon. Played Storm in X Men and starred in the Monsters Ball. Also appeared in John Chapter three. Queen.

[Az Fudd]

Oh, my gosh. I know her name. Wait, is she the one in. What's it called? It's like the call or something when that girl gets kidnapped.

[Ashanti Pl]

Honestly, she always playing a distressed mama these days, so.

[Az Fudd]

I know her name.

[Ashanti Pl]

She always plays.

[Az Fudd]

Her name's in a song too.

[Ashanti Pl]

Okay. And for those who are listening, I'm doing a little dance that goes with it.

[Az Fudd]

Hello. I know her name. Oh, Halle Berry.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes. Halle Berry. Halle Berry. Halle Berry.

[Az Fudd]

I had no idea what you were singing.

[Ashanti Pl]

Okay, hold on. Is that. Is that Soulja Boy? Okay. I love her. All right, next one. Batman. He was in Batman vs Superman. He's also an actor, writer and director, and was in a Dunkin super bowl commercial. Hmm. He also really likes basketball. I think he's always courtside during. Is it Liberty Games? I think so.

[Az Fudd]

His face is familiar.

[Ashanti Pl]

Do you need. You need a letter?

[Az Fudd]

I need a letter. I got you, B. Ben Affleck.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes. Girl, that's all you needed. We just need letters. All right. Woo. Big time, huge star, huge following. One of the greatest soccer players to ever play the game, played for Barcelona FC and now plays for Miami and won the World cup with Argentina. I might as well just give you a letter and.

[Az Fudd]

Is it Messi?

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes.

[Az Fudd]

There we go. Okay, who's the guy? Nash is going to kill me when she listens this episode. Who's the guy who goes. Who's Portuguese and he goes like shoe or sue or something like that?

[Ashanti Pl]

The other famous one?

[Az Fudd]

Yeah, I wish. It's a mess up.

[Ashanti Pl]

What's his name?

[Az Fudd]

Ronaldo.

[Ashanti Pl]

He's also a famous soccer player. Yes.

[Az Fudd]

Okay, this one is messy.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes, that's him. This one's messy.

[Az Fudd]

Got it. It's pissed off. Okay.

[Ashanti Pl]

Second to last one, right? I thought the same thing you said. It was this. Lord. Okay, He's a football player and his brother was on Love island, which doesn't help because we didn't watch it, but he's really famous for a one hand catch when he played with the Giants. All right, I get what you're putting down.

[Az Fudd]

Can I have a letter?

[Ashanti Pl]

That's why I got right to it. Oh. His nickname is the three letters in his. The three beginning letters.

[Az Fudd]

Odell.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes, yes. Odell Beckham Jr. Obj. Oh, come on. All you need is a letter. All you need is a letter. Last one.

[Az Fudd]

Thank goodness.

[Ashanti Pl]

Last one. Oh, my goodness. Okay. Olympic gold medalist swimmer, one of the greats.

[Az Fudd]

Michael Phelps.

[Ashanti Pl]

Yes. Okay, that's gonna do it for our first edition of who the fud. You did a great job.

[Az Fudd]

That's pretty good. That's pretty good.

[Ashanti Pl]

You did a great job. You got more of them than not so you ate that up.

[Az Fudd]

Okay, that's a wrap on today's episode. Thank you guys so much for tuning in and watching. I hope you enjoyed it. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to FUD around and find out wherever you get your podcast. And we'll see you guys next week. Futaround and Find out is a production of I Heart, Women's Sports and Unanimous Media. Executive producers are Jesse Katz, Eric Payton, Sharla Sumter, Brigitte and Stephen Curry. Co executive producer is Kalena Maria Kutney, producers are Mike Coscarelli and co producers are Kurt Redmond, Maya Howard and Jaclyn Schoeninger. This podcast is edited by Mike Coscarelli and hosted by me, Az Fudd and Ashanti Pl.

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[Julian Edelman]

This is Julian Edelman from Games With Names. Applebee's just cooked up the ultimate option. Play with their new Ultimate Trio deal. You can choose from three of their delicious appetizers and pair them up with three sauces for just 14.99. Craft your perfect trio from over 80,000 different combinations in this flavor packed plate. Built for one or to share if you're generous. You could stick with the classic pairings like boneless wings and Buffalo sauce. Or you could spice things up and try some unexpected combinations like dipping chicken wonton tacos in their honey Dijon mustard. It's time to head to your neighborhood, Applebee's or order online today. That's eatin good in the neighborhood.

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