Podcast Summary:

Fudd Around And Find Out
Episode Title: Big East Champs… and a Mechanical Bull
Host: Azzi Fudd
Guest/Co-Host: Ashanti Plummer
Date: March 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of “Fudd Around And Find Out” celebrates Azzi Fudd and the UConn Huskies’ victory in the Big East Tournament. Azzi and Ashanti Plummer share behind-the-scenes stories from the tournament, discuss the significance of family and legacy, recount hilarious moments with teammates and family (including a legendary mechanical bull ride), and reflect on balancing elite athletics with real life. There are also lighthearted games and banter about life on the road, plus standout “What the Fud” moments from the week.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. UConn’s Big East Tournament Victory

Celebrating the Win:
- The episode kicks off with Azzi and Ashanti beaming over UConn securing the Big East title and heading into the NCAA tournament with confidence.
  - “We are finally in March. We are in playoff time. So, yeah, let's talk about this Big East tournament that you guys won.” – Azzi (03:03)
Favorite Tournament Moments:
- Ashanti reminisces about her favorite Big East tournaments, especially her first and most recent wins.
  - “Your first one. And then this last one, getting to win with this group.” – Ashanti (06:46)
- The special joy in watching teammate Sarah win her first Big East title:
  - “One of my favorite moments was her being like, ‘I get a shirt and a hat! Let's go.’ ...Being able to see that real emotion from her, I thought that was special.” – Ashanti (07:05)

2. Family Spotlight: Honoring Legacies at Georgetown

Ashanti’s Mom Recognized:
- Ashanti’s mother, Katie, a Georgetown legend, is honored during the UConn vs. Georgetown tournament game.
  - “To see her get that recognition, I thought was incredible. And especially for Georgetown to do it, like, my last year so I could be a part of it…I think it was just amazing.” – Ashanti (03:36)
- Family pride and community support are clear running themes.
Teammate and Coaches’ Response:
- Many of Ashanti’s teammates and coaches offered congratulations, further underscoring a sense of family within the program.

3. Tournament Atmosphere and Family Antics

Crowd Energy:
- Play-by-play on the fun and chaos in the stands.
- Special mention of “fatheads” (oversized photos of players and family members) and Ashanti’s brother jokingly wearing a Katie wig.
  - “Was your brother…He was wearing a Katie wig. I was gagged.” – Azzi (05:51)
Papa’s Fandom:
- Ashanti’s father, “Papa,” is affectionately called out for his unbeatable enthusiasm.
  - “Papa, first of all, is your number one fan, hands down. I don't even think he sat down for, like, more than a minute during the game.” – Azzi (05:17)

4. Personal Approaches to Playoff Preparation

Balancing Rest and Work:
- Ashanti shares wisdom about listening to her body and balancing hard work with recovery at this stage of the season.
  - “Some days it's more rest, some days it's getting a little bit of extra shots up...at this time of the year, like, your body needs to be at the performing at its best.” – Ashanti (08:51)
Mental Approach:
- It’s about staying “locked in,” eating right, and maintaining a performance mindset.

5. Mohegan Sun Adventures: The Mechanical Bull Story

Azzi’s Memorable Ride:
- Azzi tells a hilarious story of a spontaneous mechanical bull ride with Ashanti’s family at the casino’s restaurant.
  - “When I say I was on that bull, fighting for my life, it was me and Tallulah who rode it. It was crazy. My legs are sore, like, four days later.” – Azzi (11:28)
- The video becomes infamous on social media via Papa’s stories.
  - “He recorded it and posted it so much. He posted it.” – Azzi (11:56)

6. Mascot Moments: Jonathan the Husky

Iconic Photo:
- Ashanti scoring a photo with puppy Jonathan the Husky, finally getting the mascot to pose with the championship hat after previous failed attempts.
  - “This is a new Jonathan. This is Puppy Jonathan. And he let me put the hat on him. And he even looked at the camera for a picture.” – Ashanti (15:52)

7. Spotlight on Ashanti: National Hotel Commercial

Marriott Commercial with Coach Geno:
- Ashanti talks about shooting a national TV commercial for Marriott (pronounced “Marriott,” not “Marriott” as she jokes).
  - “Fun fact, something I learned on set is that it's actually pronounced ‘Marriott’ not ‘Marriott’...I'd been saying that wrong my whole life.” – Ashanti (17:00)
- Behind-the-scenes with Coach Geno and teammates, and thoughts on potentially getting into acting.
  - “That's definitely on my bucket list...Being in a movie or a TV show, that's a dream.” – Ashanti (19:27)

8. Fun and Games: “Hotel This or That”

Lighthearted Choices:
- Azzi quizzes Ashanti on her hotel preferences—from room service vs delivery, to hotel robes vs slippers.
  - “Room service or delivery?”
    “If I'm at a really fancy hotel, then room service…and if you're paying for it!” – Ashanti (22:57)
- Lots of playful energy, relatable travel woes, and laughter.

9. What the Fud of the Week: Surprising and Funny Moments

Personal Highlights:
- Ashanti’s pick: Her mom being honored as a Big East legend and the first real taste of spring weather.
- Zany campus activities—fairy godmothers in orange gowns granting wishes, singing, dancing, and pranking.
  - “They had like these bright orange sparkly gowns and wands and they were going around granting wishes around campus.” – Ashanti (27:01)
Sports Shocker:
- Bam Adebayo's record-setting 83-point game, breaking Kobe Bryant’s record and shooting over 40 free throws.
  - “My what the fud of the week is your fellow Jordan Brand athlete, bam Adebayo, scoring 83 points, beating Kobe's record.” – Azzi (27:41)
  - “He shot 43 free throws.” – Ashanti (27:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Family and Legacy:
“I'm so proud of her and I'm so lucky to be her kid.” – Ashanti (04:26)
On the Joys (and Fame) of Being a UConn Athlete:
“Yukon jerseys everywhere. Was your brother, bro. He was wearing a Katie wig. I was gagged.” – Azzi (05:51)
On Championship Mindset:
“Basically, just staying locked in is what I'm hearing.” – Azzi (09:39)
On Social Media Virality:
“I had people in the Mohican like, ‘Oh, hey, I saw you on Papa's Story. You were riding the bull.’” – Azzi (12:01)
On Dreaming Big:
“That's definitely on my bucket list...Being in like a movie or a TV show. That's dream. Like, that's up there.” – Ashanti (19:27)
On Weather and Campus Vibes:
“As soon as that weather hit like 60, 70 in New York...I literally was like, is that mimosa with the girls outside? Is that brunch? I think I hear brunch calling.” – Azzi (26:22)
On Jaw-Dropping Sports News:
“My what the Fud of the week is your fellow Jordan Brand athlete, Bam Adebayo, scoring 83 points, beating Kobe’s record.” – Azzi (27:41)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Tournament Recap & Family Honors: 03:03 – 06:46
Fatheads & Katie Wig Story: 05:46 – 06:16
Favorite Big East Moments: 06:33 – 08:13
Performance Prep/Mentality: 08:32 – 09:46
Mohegan Sun & Mechanical Bull Story: 10:52 – 12:45
Jonathan the Husky Photo Moment: 15:37 – 16:35
Marriott Commercial, Pronunciation, Acting Dreams: 16:47 – 19:34
Hotel This or That Game: 22:47 – 25:29
What the Fud of the Week: 25:47 – 28:27

Tone & Atmosphere

The conversation is upbeat, funny, and personal, filled with banter, playful teasing, and genuine warmth. The hosts are candid about both the pressures and joys of high-level women’s basketball and the family support that keeps them grounded.

For New Listeners

This is a must-listen if you want the inside scoop on championship basketball at UConn, candid stories from Azzi Fudd’s world, and lots of laughs about life, family, and athletic travel. The chemistry between Azzi and Ashanti makes the episode accessible, relatable, and thoroughly entertaining, even for those not steeped in basketball culture.