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

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.

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.

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)

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

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.

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.