New Year, Same Podcast

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fudd Around And Find Out

Episode: New Year, Same Podcast
Release Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Azzi Fudd & Ashanti Plummer

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Episode Overview

This episode of Fudd Around and Find Out kicks off the new year as Azzi and Ashanti reunite to recap their holiday adventures, reflect on traditions and gifts, share New Year’s resolutions, and give listeners an open look into life as an elite athlete in the middle of UConn’s basketball season. The second half delves into personal growth, team performance on and off the court, and peppered in are fan interactions and a signature “What the Fud” segment spotlighting hilarious and heartfelt listener moments from 2025.

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1. Holiday Reflections & Traditions

Christmas Rewind (02:30–09:36)

• Azzi shares her family’s low-key Christmas traditions: ordering pizza, matching pajamas, movie marathons, gift exchanges (where she’s “Santa”), and big family dinners. Due to basketball, her family woke up at 5am to celebrate before her early flight. She highlights the importance of family, and how even non-blood guests are “family.”

  • Quote: “My family is the best... They all woke up early for me so we could have our normal Christmas tradition.” (05:03)

• Ashanti describes her rotating location Christmases, often spent in Arizona with a large extended family—board games, soul food or Jamaican feasts, and a lot of music and singing. Despite not inheriting the singing gene, she relishes her role as the dancer and “hype woman.”

  • Quote: “My family, they are musically inclined... I'm in the background just making sure I sing low enough that no one hears what's really going on.” (07:07)

Best Gifts Received (05:20–09:38)

• Azzi got new books, bookmarks, a suitcase scale (for her notorious overpacking), and jewelry. But the real gift was special family time and guests.

  • Memorable Moment: Story about her family sticking to “Santa” rules and waking up at 5am for her (05:03).

• Ashanti received a devotional book from a close friend, with handwritten notes, calling it “super intentional, super thoughtful.” She also appreciated other presents like a watch and bag.

Best Gifts Given (09:38–10:17)

• Ashanti gave her mom a big box of clothes from Hope York City, a brand they both love.

  • Quote: “She was ecstatic. Ecstatic. Ecstatic. So that was probably my favorite gift.” (09:30)

• Azzi made a faux “certificate” for her family: a promise of travel to visit her wherever she gets drafted to the WNBA, with all expenses on her.

  • Quote: “I’ll pay for everyone’s trips... so it’s like a weekend with just my mom, or just my dad, or a sibling weekend. Just fun.” (10:10)

Christmas Meals (10:21–10:53)

• Both recount meals that mostly mirror Thanksgiving—with rib roast, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes for Azzi’s family, while Ashanti has a mix of classic soul and Jamaican cuisine depending on which side of her family she’s with.

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2. Ringing in the New Year

New Year’s Eve Stories (11:01–12:22)

• Azzi spent NYE after a game and a teammate’s birthday, hanging out and playing “Werewolf” so intently they missed the ball drop entirely.

  • Quote: “We were locked in, playing that, talking, having a good time... we forgot to watch the ball drop. I was actually really upset about that.” (11:21)

• Ashanti had a whirlwind: after Christmas in New York, she flew to Memphis for NYE before heading to Miami for an event. She celebrated with friends and family at a hotel party as the new year came in.

NY Superstitions & Traditions (12:23–14:10)

• Ashanti brings up NY superstitions—like eating grapes under the table for love—and jokes about having participated in the past, but skipped it this year.
• Azzi admits she isn’t superstitious: “Who cares? ...nothing’s embarrassing.” (16:41)

Cottage Cheese Care Package (14:20–16:18)

• Social media conversation about Azzi’s notorious love of cottage cheese erupts. She shows off branded merch from Good Culture (including a custom cottage cheese spoon).
• Ashanti confesses she hasn’t tried it, but will, with Azzi’s support. Azzi provides cottage cheese recipes and fan stories about trying it.

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3. New Year’s Resolutions & Personal Growth

Resolutions for 2026 (16:37–18:53)

• Azzi’s Resolutions: Remove concepts like “embarrassment” and “insecurity” from her mindset, stop procrastinating/avoiding things (especially when texting people back), and work towards reading the whole Bible in 2026.

  • Quote: “Nothing’s embarrassing. Like, it happened. I’m not gonna be embarrassed about it.” (16:41)
  • Quote: “I’m trying to read the whole Bible this year.” (18:13)

• Ashanti’s Resolutions: Journaling, betting on herself in media/hosting, and deepening her relationship with Christ—plus reading the Bible cover to cover.

  • Quote: “The number one biggest thing is to deepen my relationship with Christ and then everything else I mentioned.” (18:00)

• They commit to being accountability partners for faith-based and personal growth.

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4. UConn Basketball: Midseason Check-In

Conference Play & Team Vibe (22:03–26:27)

• Team Atmosphere: Azzi describes how the team is undefeated entering conference play, practices are hard but rewarding, and chemistry/confidence are high.

  • Quote: “Basketball is amazing when you really enjoy who you’re playing with and everyone’s confident.” (22:17)

• Growth & Coach’s Expectations: Coach Geno continues to “humble” them, always pushing the team to improve.

  • Quote: “Coach seriously never fails to humble us in practice.” (22:53)

• Personal Goals Update:

  • On leadership: Azzi feels she’s becoming more decisive and vocal but still has room to grow (23:30–23:57).
  • On risk-taking: She’s getting aggressive defensively and shooting more decisively:“For this year, I feel like I’ve definitely been a lot more risk-taking, especially on defense, taking—not more shots—but not hesitating as much.” (24:15)
  • On rebounding: Celebrates grabbing 8 rebounds, admitting it’s intimidating but key to her growth.
  • Layup “slump”: Drops the label entirely, choosing positive language going forward.

• Team Trust:

  • Quote: “If we’re in another one of those [close game] situations, we can trust that whoever is in that position is gonna make the right play.”* (25:38)

• Quirky Ritual: Azzi admits to her habit of holding someone’s finger in the huddle—a comfort carryover from high school.

  • Quote: “It just makes me feel safe. I really don’t know. I don’t have, like, a real reason—just to annoy people, probably.” (26:49)

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5. What the Fud: Listener Submissions & Fan Interaction

Notable "What the Fud" Moments (30:10–35:41)

• Top Fan Submissions (2025 Recap):

  • Stranger Things’ sad finale (no spoilers!)
  • Listeners vent about friend drama (“If people try to leave your life, open the door and let them.” – Ashanti, 32:44)
  • Azzi's good culture cottage cheese obsession highlighted by fans
  • Ashanti hilariously eating dinner with Azzi’s family post-game… without Azzi
  • Fans express excitement at small gestures, like Azzi joining TikTok Lives: “You don’t realize, like, the smallest things that you do showing up for people... it really means a lot.” (35:03)

• Memorable Quote:

  • Azzi: “They must have been praying for me. So thank you, whoever did that. I really appreciate it. I have been feeling super blessed lately.” (Church jersey sighting, 30:47)

• Hosts Express Gratitude:

  • Ashanti thanks the pod’s community for its warmth: “They show a lot of love.” (35:38)

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6. Notable Quotes & Moments

• Azzi on keeping perspective:
  • “Nothing’s embarrassing… I’m not gonna be embarrassed about it. I’m not gonna be insecure about it. Whatever.” (16:41)
• Ashanti on evolving traditions:
  • “Christmas, the last three years have been spent somewhere different… But my favorite is honestly just being with family, singing and laughing.” (07:07)
• Azzi on positive language:
  • “I’m going to stop saying I’m in a layup slump because I’m not!” (23:53)
• Ashanti on NYE in New York:
  • “Real New Yorkers, we do not go see the ball drop… imagine standing there… wearing diapers.” (12:27)
• Fan interaction appreciation:
  • “I love when I get to meet the girls at games. That’s one of my favorite things.” (35:06)

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7. Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [02:30–09:36] Holiday Recaps & Traditions
• [09:38–10:53] Gifts: Given & Received
• [11:01–12:22] New Year’s Celebrations
• [12:23–14:10] NY Superstitions & Cottage Cheese Banter
• [16:37–18:53] New Year’s Resolutions & Accountability
• [22:03–26:27] UConn Basketball: Team, Coach, Personal Growth
• [30:10–35:41] Fan "What the Fud" Round-Up

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8. Tone & Vibe

The episode is upbeat, warm, and candid—Azzi and Ashanti’s dynamic is playful, genuine, and supportive, mixing humor with vulnerability. The podcast balances behind-the-scenes athletic insight with approachable conversation, making listeners feel like part of the family.

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In Summary

New Year, Same Podcast is a feel-good reentry to the new year—a celebration of growth, tradition, and the bonds within basketball, family, and the fan community. Azzi and Ashanti blend peak athlete insight with everyday relatability, making this a must-listen for sports fans and young women alike.

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Transcript

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[Az Fudd]

What makes you you? What's up, everyone? Welcome back to another episode of FUD around and find out. I'm here with my girl Ashanti. Ashanti. What's up?

[Ashanti Plummer]

I feel like I haven't seen you in forever, but I. Yeah, I haven't.

[Az Fudd]

Seen you since last year.

[Ashanti Plummer]

No, actually, though. But yeah, I'm excited to catch up. I'm excited for this episode.

[Az Fudd]

Episode.

[Ashanti Plummer]

It's been a long time, so let's just get into it.

[Az Fudd]

It's been too long. Yeah. We have a lot to catch up on for sure.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Let's. Let's go back. So, Christmas. How was Christmas for you? Our favorite holiday.

[Az Fudd]

Our favorite holiday Christmas was good. We had, I think, four days off this year. We got to go home after the Iowa game, which was on the 20th. I'm already forgetting 20th, 21st, I think it was the 20th. She got to go home that night. So I drove home with my family. And then we had to be back Christmas morning, which, you know, isn't ideal, but it was a good amount of time off. Just not really the day you want to be at home. But it was good. It was great family time. It always is.

[Ashanti Plummer]

No, for sure. I mean, you ended the break or you began the break with a win, and then you got to spend time with the family. So that's a win. Another win. Christmas for me, I stayed in New York. I got to hang out with some family and some friends. It was just really low key. We watched basketball and just hung. And it snowed. Oh, my gosh. So I don't think it was. Maybe it was exactly Christmas day, like, or maybe the next day, but either way, it snowed. So we had like a white Christmas. I did all the. I love that cheesy things that people do, like see the tree, because I had some friends coming to town too, so. So I enjoyed it. New York, you can never go wrong with spending Christmas there.

[Az Fudd]

Yeah, Christmas in New York is beautiful.

[Ashanti Plummer]

So you were telling me how you were Christmas shopping. Tell me, what's the best gift that you received?

[Az Fudd]

Oh, okay. Let me start with saying this. So our Christmas traditions, and I want to hear about yours after. It's very low key. Christmas Eve, we order pizza, we open a present, and it's always matching Christmas pajamas. And we watch movies all night, play games, watch movies, go to bed, wake up, and then we have a very chill Christmas. So, like, I'm Santa, I get to hand. We go through presents one by one. I get to hand them out. And then we do. We do some presents and then we eat breakfast and then we finish presents. And then like, you're in PJs all day, so it's very chill. And then we have a big dinner. So because I had to leave, my flight was at like 10am Christmas morning. They're like, oh, should we do Christmas early? And I'm like, no, Santa won't be here. Like, no one told Santa to come early. So we Woke up at 5am and we did Christmas. So my family is the best because they. We are not. We do not wake up early. We usually sleep in till at least nine. So they all woke up early for me so we could have our normal Christmas tradition. It was fun this year because Inej Betancourt, who I played with at UConn to transfer to Gonzaga, she came over for Christmas again. So that was special. And then Jose's girlfriend Tallulah, who I called Cholula, also spent Christmas with us. So it was really nice to have them, you know, just the added family members who. Not exactly blood, but they are family. So to have them there was amazing. Even I said all that, not to say my favorite present.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Okay, low key. I was about to follow up. I'm like. And so what's the best you received?

[Az Fudd]

The best thing that I receive. I got so many good things. I got some new books. I got some new bookmarks. Oh, I got a. I got a, like, handheld, like, suitcase scale thing. Like, you know, like, you hook the strap on the little. Because I am the world's worst packer, and I always overpack. And my mom's like, just hold it and stand on the scale. But, like, when I over pack, it's so heavy. So now I can just, you know. Anyways, I really wanted that so that I got this necklace. Inej got me this super cute bracelet. So I was definitely spoiled.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, I love that. Oof. Okay, so I'm starting with Christmas traditions.

[Az Fudd]

Yes, Christmas traditions.

[Ashanti Plummer]

So the last three years of Christmas have been, like, spent somewhere different. But usually I'll fly out to, like, Arizona, because that's where, like, my uncle is. My two uncles, aunts, a bunch of family will fly out there and we'll go to my uncle's house and, like, everyone's cooking and just spending time. Um, Christmas Eve, you know, the drinks are flowing. We really get in, like, we play board games. It's just. It's. It's calm. Then on Christmas, we'll open gifts and then we'll eat, like, oh, my goodness, the food immaculates, the baked macaroni and cheese, the yams, the.

[Az Fudd]

So would you say that your Christmas dinner is similar to Thanksgiving?

[Ashanti Plummer]

So it depends on what side of the family I'm spending it with. So, like, I'm Jamaican, so I do have Jamaican family. And if I'm with them, dinner looks different. There's some fish, there's some other Jamaican dishes. But if I'm with my, you know, just black American side of the family, then it looks like Thanksgiving for sure. Like Thanksgiving Part 2. But yeah, so usually this, the. The side that I fly out to, like, to Arizona, that black American is giving Thanksgiving part two. And my family, they are musically inclined, so it's a lot of singing, drum playing Like, a bunch of artists all come together, and I'm in the background just making sure I sing low enough that no one hears what's really going on.

[Az Fudd]

The Hype woman.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Okay.

[Az Fudd]

And the dancer. Yes.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh. You know, but it's actually really nice. My family can sing. Sing. So it's just like. I'm like, why did it skip me?

[Az Fudd]

Yeah, that's messed up.

[Ashanti Plummer]

But it's all right because I can be all of them in basketball.

[Az Fudd]

There you go.

[Ashanti Plummer]

What matters? I think the best gift I received. You know what? I did receive, like, quite a few gifts that I really liked. Oh, man.

[Az Fudd]

That is.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You know what? My favorite gift actually came from my friend Chantal. She got me a devotional, and in the devotional, there's a couple of, like. I'm, like, going through it now, like, reading through it, and she left, like, notes, and she. Yeah, So I think that is definitely my favorite. It's super intentional. Super thoughtful.

[Az Fudd]

Very thoughtful.

[Ashanti Plummer]

So that was my favorite gift. But I did, you know, shout out to the rest of my friends and family. I love y'.

[Az Fudd]

All.

[Ashanti Plummer]

They did give me some cool gifts. I got a watch, I got a bag. I got a bunch of stuff. I was like, okay, I'm lit. But I love that gift. That was my favorite.

[Az Fudd]

That is amazing.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, we good. What we.

[Az Fudd]

I was gonna say, what was your favorite gift that you gave?

[Capital One Announcer]

Okay.

[Ashanti Plummer]

My favorite gift that I gave was my mother. Now, listen, you know, Miss Girl, Bougie girl, I get it from her. But my favorite gift was she had been talking about the hoopy York City line, so. Hope York City by Alex Taylor. They have a clothing line. And so my mom. Every time I wear something from them, my mom is like, I want that. I want that. I want that. So they had an end of the year sale. I bought up and also received a lot for free shout out. Alex and I just put it in a big box and gave it to her, and she was ecstatic. Ecstatic, Ecstatic. So that was definitely probably my favorite gift I was able to give.

[Az Fudd]

That's amazing.

[Ashanti Plummer]

How about you?

[Az Fudd]

Oh. I was proud of all my gifts this year. It was like, a chill. I couldn't top the cruise. But I really loved, like, the giving and experience because we. We don't need anything else. We all have everything we need. So I made another little, like, another little, like, fake certificate, but this time it said, like, a trip to come visit me wherever I get drafted. So. And I told them, like, my parents, obviously, they're gonna come visit me, but, like, I'll pay for everyone's trips. Like, they have to come alone, so it's like a weekend with just my mom, which is my dad. I'm sure my brothers will come together, but I gave one to Tallulah as well, so I'm sure, like, the three of them will come together, and we can spend, like, just a. A sibling weekend, and it'll just be fun.

[Ashanti Plummer]

That's so thoughtful, Az. That's dope.

[Az Fudd]

Thanks.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, my goodness. Okay, so you asked me earlier about, like, what my Christmas meal looks like. What is a fud. Family Christmas meal look like?

[Az Fudd]

The Fudd Family Christmas meal is very similar to Thanksgiving. I'd say it's almost the exact same. Like, mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese. What else do we have? We didn't do greens this year. We usually do greens, so it's a little sad on that. But everything was rushed. No. What are we now? I'm blanking. Just, instead of turkey, they do a rib roast.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, delicious.

[Az Fudd]

So, yeah, very good.

[Ashanti Plummer]

So let's fast forward. What'd you do for New Year's Eve?

[Az Fudd]

We played Providence, and then we hung out. It was Gandy's birthday, so we got to celebrate her a little. And then, yeah, we had practice the next day, so it was chill. We hung out. I mean, I was. Who was I with? I was with a few people, like, in Caroline's room, hanging out. And we were so locked in. Oh, we were playing a game called Werewolf. Have you played that before? It's like Mafia. Anyways, it's a lot of fun. It's similar to mafia. We were locked in, playing that, talking, having a good time that we forgot to watch the ball drop. I was actually really upset about that.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You guys skipped the ball drop. We stayed up till midnight and didn't.

[Az Fudd]

We missed the ball drop us?

[Ashanti Plummer]

That is hilarious. I mean, at least you guys are having a good time. At least we've been cussing. Were locked in.

[Az Fudd]

Exactly. How was your New Year's?

[Ashanti Plummer]

New Year's I spent. Honestly, it was crazy. So Christmas, I. I was in New York. Friends, family, casual. Like the 30th or maybe the 31st. Flew into Memphis, spent New Year's in Memphis. I feel like the ball dropped. And then I flew to Miami. So I was in, like, a little hotel party with some family and friends for the ball drop, but then I was in Miami for unrivaled, like, the next day.

[Az Fudd]

Really?

[Ashanti Plummer]

Yes.

[Az Fudd]

Wait, have you ever seen the ball drop in person?

[Capital One Announcer]

No.

[Ashanti Plummer]

And I'm actually really glad you asked me that, because real New Yorkers, we do not go see the ball drop. It's freezing, it's packed. People are acting crazy. They're loud. And then imagine standing there. You know, people get there, like, the night before wearing diapers.

[Az Fudd]

Oh, absolutely not.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Because if you leave your spot in line, that's it. You're not getting it back.

[Az Fudd]

That is so foul.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Yeah, so not me, honey. I will watch it from the TV. 3, 2, 1. Happy New Year. And text all 76 other people in my phone, and that's it.

[Az Fudd]

I support that.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Do you have New Year's superstitions?

[Az Fudd]

No. What is that?

[Ashanti Plummer]

So, you know, some people do the same thing all the time, or let me tell you this. Don't judge. Don't judge.

[Az Fudd]

I'm gonna judge. Tell me.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You know, there are things, there are sayings, like, you know, some people were eating grapes under the table.

[Az Fudd]

Okay. Yeah.

[Ashanti Plummer]

To, you know, have a. A future love life or things like that. So I may or may not have partaken in some of those traditions in the past, but this year I did not. I just enjoyed the ball dropping. But. So you've never done anything like that?

[Az Fudd]

No.

[Ashanti Plummer]

It's all right, girl. It's. Honestly, I'm not really superstitious, but it was fun. Had a good time.

[Az Fudd]

Does that mean that you're not going to have a great love life this year because you didn't have any grapes?

[Ashanti Plummer]

I am, uh.

[Az Fudd]

Oh.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Believing.

[Az Fudd]

Trusting.

[Ashanti Plummer]

I am believing, God, that it will be all right.

[Az Fudd]

Amen.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, my goodness. Wait. So recently.

[Az Fudd]

Sorry.

[Ashanti Plummer]

This is a pivot off New Year's Eve. If there's anything else you want to say about New Year's Eve.

[Az Fudd]

Nope.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Let me know.

[Az Fudd]

Okay, Go for it.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You. You posted on socials about your cottage cheese care package. I'm not gonna lie. I was so hyped. I was so hyped. I said, it makes sense. This. I've been waiting for this to happen for you.

[Az Fudd]

Yeah. I was so hyped when I opened it. I was like, there's no way. Like, cottage cheese merch. Absolutely. Now, I have a cottage cheese spoon. Thank you.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Specifically for cottage cheese.

[Az Fudd]

Exactly. Yeah.

[Ashanti Plummer]

I didn't even know they made those.

[Az Fudd]

It says cottage cheese on it, so.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, my goodness. Wait, you know, I'm the one who was like, do you have anything else about New Year's Eve? But I did have one more question. Shout out to the cottage cheese, though. Super Fire. And the picture. I think I don't remember the name of the brand that you posted.

[Az Fudd]

Good culture.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Good culture.

[Az Fudd]

They are the best Cottage cheese people.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Have been sending me.

[Az Fudd]

There's a difference.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Saying AZ needs to try this. Tell AZ to try this.

[Az Fudd]

I'd be like to try what?

[Ashanti Plummer]

Good culture.

[Az Fudd]

Oh, that's the best one. It's just so hard to find in Connecticut. Good culture. If you're listening to this. Well, hold on.

[Ashanti Plummer]

If you listen to this. Take a second.

[Az Fudd]

Good culture. If you listen to this, please stock the grocery stores and stores, Connecticut, please. I will buy every single container you put out there, but there are none.

[Ashanti Plummer]

So stock the grocery stores out here or send it.

[Az Fudd]

Or send something.

[Ashanti Plummer]

But no, everyone should experience is what you're saying. Like, yeah, everyone should try. Can I be real to you? I've never tried cottage cheese. I will be willing to taste a tiny bit, but you gotta be with me.

[Az Fudd]

I'll be with you. There was a girl on TikTok, a woman on TikTok posted her trying for the first time, and I think she ate it plain, maybe. And she tried it and she was like, listen, az, I tried. I'm not a fan. I commented. I was like, try it in your eggs. Like, it's really good. She tried it in her eggs and she loved it. So there's hope as long as you're willing to, you know, like, I'm willing.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Okay, I'm willing. What we'll do is we'll figure out how to make sure I don't just try it plain. We'll have to figure out because I can't. I have no idea what it would be like. I just. Anyways, that's fine. Back to New Year's.

[Az Fudd]

Back to New Year's.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Do you have any New Year's resolutions? Did you make any?

[Az Fudd]

I do have some. Someone asked me this recently. I didn't write any down, but when they asked me this, I was like, yeah, I do. My New Year's resolutions are for 2026. The words, like any form of embarrassment, embarrassing, insecure. Like, those words out of my vocabulary. Like, who cares? Nothing's embarrassing. Like it happened. I'm not gonna be embarrassed about it. I'm not gonna be insecure about it. Whatever. I'm really good at procrastinating and avoiding things. No longer doing that. Starting now when it comes to texting. So if you text me now, I won't avoid. I have been avoiding.

[Ashanti Plummer]

But those.

[Az Fudd]

Those words out of my life for 2026.

[Ashanti Plummer]

I love it here. What a great year already.

[Az Fudd]

Those are my big ones. What about you?

[Ashanti Plummer]

I want to start writing things down more. The things that I believe for my life and I started with writing down some of the things I want to do. So even writing things down is one of my resolutions. I. I really love getting to be in media, hosting this podcast with you, getting to host events. So I think I'm going to think I'm going to really bet on myself this year in regards to that. So those were the big things. Actually, the number one biggest thing is to deepen my relationship with Christ and then everything else I mentioned. But yeah, those are the big. It's like the big three.

[Az Fudd]

Okay, that's also mine. I'm trying to read the whole Bible this year.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oof, girl, you could do. Was hard for me. It was hard for me. I'm like, I mean, I've gotten through the Bible now, but I remember trying to connect, like, trying to do like the Bible plans like on the, on the apps, and it would give you like a streak. Like, oh, I read it three days in a row, four days in a row and I blank. It was like 20, 21 days later. I was like, oh my goodness. I'm definitely locked into with reading the whole Bible this year. So we can keep each other accountable.

[Az Fudd]

Yes, we accountability partners.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Perfect 100%.

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[National Geographic Promo Voice]

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[Ashanti Plummer]

Show me the way.

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[Ashanti Plummer]

Okay, so let's talk about your season. You are now in the middle of it. You guys are actually. Yeah, the beginning of conference play. In the middle. You guys are undefeated. How's it been?

[Az Fudd]

It's been good. It's been a lot of fun so far. Yeah, especially this last week. You've had some really good practices. They've been hard. But you know the hard ones, when you're in it, it's like, okay, this kind of sucks. It's kind of fun. But then afterwards you're like, okay, that was great. So yeah, this week's been a lot of fun. Games have been fun and I don't know, it's just basketball is amazing when you really enjoy who you're playing with and like everyone's confident, everyone like it's just moving together. It's incredible.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You guys feel like you're hitting your stride right now that you guys are flowing.

[Az Fudd]

I do feel like we're flowing, but at the same time, I feel like I felt that way all season. And yet we still continue. Like, each game, I feel like we're a little bit better. I say it so many times, but coach seriously never fails to humble us in practice. There's always something that we need to get better at that we need to work on individually as a team. So for sure.

[Ashanti Plummer]

So, circling back to some of the goals you set for yourself and the team earlier in the season, where do you guys think you are at in terms of those goals?

[Az Fudd]

What goals did I set?

[Ashanti Plummer]

I'll remind you.

[Capital One Announcer]

Don't worry.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You said you want to be where you were going to be. More confident, decisive, a more vocal leader. So those were some of them that I remember.

[Az Fudd]

I think I'm doing pretty well with those goals. I think I still have some progress to make on some of them as well. But season's not over, so I still have time to get where I want to be. I am going to add to my new Year's resolution to get out of my layup slump. And I'm going to stop saying I'm in a layup slump because I'm not. And I can make layups. I am good at. I can make shots from two feet. You can make shots, period.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Full stop, from wherever, on the court.

[Az Fudd]

Facts.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Okay, so I just remember, like, from some of our previous pods, specifically with Coach Gino, where he was just expressing he would love to see you take some risk. Have you taken any risks this season?

[Az Fudd]

I'd say yeah. And I think a lot of times he was talking about, like, on defense or I'd be in the right spot, but I wouldn't, you know, stick my hand in the passing lane or, like, take that extra step and risk being out of position and missing the steal. For this year, I feel like I've definitely been a lot more risk taking, especially on defense, taking not more shots, but not hesitating as much to shoot that pull up three. Cause who cares? It's gonna go in. I believe it.

[Ashanti Plummer]

And it's gonna go in every time. Honey. You definitely ain't gonna miss two in a row. An accomplishment that we talked about early. And I don't remember who we had on the pod, but it was about rebounding. I'm so proud of you. I remember you had eight rebounds. I was like, my girl. Sorry. I love that app. I don't know if that was a specific goal of yours, but I Definitely was like, I know that's something that we talked about. So shout out to you.

[Az Fudd]

Thank you. Yeah, rebounding. It gets a little scary down there. I'm not gonna lie. You guys are big.

[Ashanti Plummer]

I don't know what you're scared of. Cause you strong. Play the tape. She be knocking girls out, running right through them. Oh, my goodness. What have you learned about your teammates by being in close games? Like, early on, the first one I immediately think of is, like, Michigan.

[Az Fudd]

We haven't had too many close games, but I think just. I just feel like the confidence that we have in each other and the trust has grown as the season's gone on. So I think that in that close game, we did trust each other. But as season's gone on, I feel like if we're in another one of those situations, like, we can trust that, like, whoever is in that position is gonna make the right play, whether it's set a hard screen, make a hard cut, make a good pass, make a lay, like, make a get a stop, trap the ball when it's needed, make the right rotation. I feel like that is the biggest thing that we've been able to develop is, like, that trust in each other and that chemistry and knowing that, okay, if I'm going to be here, like, I know that Blanca or Sarah or Ash or KK is going to rotate and be in my help. Like, I, I, I can trust that, which I think is so important on the court, 100%.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Come on, y' all got be locked in, baby. It's Guild time, conference place.

[Az Fudd]

Sorry.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Okay, my last UConn question. Why do you always hold someone's finger when you're in the huddle?

[Az Fudd]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, oh, you don't recall?

[Az Fudd]

Oh, I don't know. I've done that since high school. It just makes me feel safe. I really don't know. I don't have, like, a real reason just to annoy people. Probably that's how it started.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, my goodness. I feel like after every single game, I always see things on social about, like, you and the huddle or you and the bench. You guys are really fun to watch. And I know being present was one the things that you talked about, and I could tell you're fully locked in the whole time. So shout out to you and your team, girl. Y.

[Az Fudd]

We do have a great time.

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This sports Spotlight is brought to you by Capital One. Capital One offers no fees or minimums on checking accounts. Did you know that the Northern Super League Canada's first women's professional soccer league played its inaugural season last year, and the Vancouver Rise were the inaugural champions, defeating AFC Toronto 21 in the league's first championship match on November 15th at BMO Field. Capital One what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.com bank for details. Capital One NA member FDIC For 100.

[National Geographic Promo Voice]

Days I'm going to cross the seven continents because the answers to everything important are at the edges of the our world. Pole to pole with Will Smith from National Geographic, now streaming on Disney plus.

[Odoo Announcer]

And Hulu Running a business is hard enough, so why make it harder? With a dozen different apps that don't talk to each other? One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting? Before you know it, you are drowning in software instead of growing your business. This is where Odoo comes in. Odoo is the only business software you'll ever need. It's an all in one, fully integrated platform that handles everything CRM, accounting, inventory, E commerce, HR and more. No more app overload, no more juggling logins. Just one seamless system that makes work easier. And the best part? Odoo replaces multiple expensive platforms for a fraction of the cost. It's built to grow with your business, whether you are just starting out or already scaling up. Plus, it's easy to use, customizable and designed to streamline every process so you can focus on what really matters running your business. Thousands of businesses have made the switch, so why not you try Odoo for [e-mail] that's O-O-O.com hi, I'm Cindy Crawford.

[Ashanti Plummer]

And I'm the founder of meaningful beauty. When Dr. Saba and I decided to do a skincare line together, he said.

[Cindy Crawford / Meaningful Beauty Announcer]

To me, when we are going to give women meaningful beauty.

[Ashanti Plummer]

And I said, that's exactly right. We want to give women meaningful beauty.

[Cindy Crawford / Meaningful Beauty Announcer]

Which means each and every product is meaningful.

[Ashanti Plummer]

It has a reason to exist.

[Az Fudd]

It's efficacious.

[Cindy Crawford / Meaningful Beauty Announcer]

You're going to get results and then.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You just go out and live your life.

[Cindy Crawford / Meaningful Beauty Announcer]

Meaningful Beauty Confidence is beautiful. Learn more@meaningful beauty.com.

[Ashanti Plummer]

All right girl, let's get into our fun and games. We're going to start with the what the Fun of the Week. But it's a special what the FUD of the Week. Yes, we asked a bunch of the fans and the listeners to submit their what the FUD of the year so of 2025 and we definitely have a lot of fun ones. You want to get into it?

[Az Fudd]

Yes. I also Have a what the fud for this week.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh, go ahead, start us off.

[Az Fudd]

Okay. But it's on topic because it's also from a fan. I took a screenshot, I got a dm.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Oh.

[Az Fudd]

And it made me laugh. Okay. This girl said, az, I went to church today and I saw someone wearing your throwback jersey. At first I thought it was a Dallas Cowboys jersey, but to my surprise, it said FUT on the back. So crazy. Why is someone wearing a basketball jersey to church? That's my. What the fudge? Who allowed that? They must have been praying for me. So thank you, whoever did that. Thank you. I really appreciate it. I have been feeling super blessed lately. So.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Yo, honestly. Hey, listen, some churches you could wear whatever. I love that. You know, they really bought their Sunday's best and it just so happened to be a jersey put your name on it. So I'm. I'm glad you're feeling blessed, girl.

[Az Fudd]

They.

[Ashanti Plummer]

They went to that church. They definitely prayed for you. I know it. I know it. All right, you wanna. We're gonna read some fan submitted.

[Az Fudd]

What?

[Ashanti Plummer]

The FUDs of 2025. The first one was in regards to stranger things. Sadie.Bammy B A m E said the sad finale of Stranger Things. Now, I did watch Stranger Things. Do I recall in this very moment that I'm sitting here of the sadness. Oh, there it is. Yes, I do. I don't want to spoil it because I have a feeling you did not get to catch it.

[Az Fudd]

I didn't watch it, so I don't know what she's talking about.

[Ashanti Plummer]

I'm not going to spoil it. But it definitely was sad. And if you get a chance, I do recommend Stranger Things. It's really good.

[Az Fudd]

Does the. What is it a Demogorgon thing?

[Ashanti Plummer]

Yes, Demogorgon thing.

[Az Fudd]

Does a Demogorgon eat everybody?

[Ashanti Plummer]

It eats somebody. Somebody get eight.

[Az Fudd]

Oh, snap.

[Ashanti Plummer]

But the end is really sad. Okay, the next one is gonna. It's. It's titled, you know, AZ and Ashanti therapy session. This is a. And a. Oh, gosh.

[Az Fudd]

I'm scared.

[Ashanti Plummer]

The fans are venting to us. Okay.

[Az Fudd]

Not qualified for this.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Guys, we're gonna do our best. You guys. We're gonna do our best.

[Az Fudd]

Set the bar low.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Maliadanielle143 said my ex best friend cutting me off and then me finding out she was running her mouth about something that I trusted her with. Smiley face. Dang, girl. That's definitely a. What the fuck?

[Az Fudd]

I'm so sorry.

[Ashanti Plummer]

That's definitely. What the fuck. But you know what I say, people Try to leave your life. Open the door and let them. What can you do? What can you do?

[Az Fudd]

You can't do anything. You gotta be the bigger person, though. You can't then start talking bad about her. Just gotta let it go, which is hard. Which is hard.

[Ashanti Plummer]

100%. Talk to God. Write in your journal. All right, Malia, you got this. Keep your head up.

[Az Fudd]

And it's better. It's better you found out now that she wasn't really your friend than a couple more years down the road when you guys got even closer and she knew more about you and whatever.

[Ashanti Plummer]

Yeah, that is good advice. Come on. HKGLD 2, 3, 4. Because I do not know how to pronounce that. Az's obsession for good culture cottage cheese. Also getting to know her and Ashanti more through their podcast. That's cute.

[Az Fudd]

That is cute. And if you guys have tried good cultured cottage cheese, you'd also be obsessed. But whatever, more for me.

[Ashanti Plummer]

We will try it. We will try it. Oh, this one made me laugh. Emily, underscore stats three. Ashanti eating dinner with Az's family without Az.

[Az Fudd]

When was this?

[Ashanti Plummer]

It was like after one of your games. It was like your parents, your grandparents, me and Batuli, and we just went out to dinner.

[Az Fudd]

What a crew.

[Ashanti Plummer]

I'm saying we had a great time. They don't know that I'm locked in. Okay. We like, I had a FUD bracelet. Like, it says FUD family on here.

[Az Fudd]

You're part of the FUD family.

[Ashanti Plummer]

You heard it out of her mouth. You heard it out her mouth. No, but I really do. I really, really do enjoy spending time with your family. They're really cool people. They make me laugh. They're a good time. So that won't be the first or last.

[Az Fudd]

Well, that was definitely won't be the last.

[Ashanti Plummer]

All right, last one. Addie loves women's basketball. Az joining my live on TikTok. Genuinely a once in a lifetime experience. Oh, Az, you make people's freaking lives. When you comment on, like, their TikToks enjoying their lives. You don't realize, like, the smallest things that you do showing up for people. It may. It really means a lot.

[Az Fudd]

I love when I get to meet the girls at games. That's one of my favorite things. I wish that there was more times after game or more time after game so you could, like, sign stuff and talk to girls, but there isn't. So when I do get a chance, it definitely is special. For sure.

[Ashanti Plummer]

I listen. Thank you guys so much for supporting the pod, being so welcoming and warm to me joining. I'm really thankful. And Az, you're the best. I love you.

[Az Fudd]

Wait, that was a what the fud or that's just you talking?

[Ashanti Plummer]

That was just me talking, acknowledging the fans who are always speaking.

[Az Fudd]

Oh. Oh my God.

[Ashanti Plummer]

They have. They show a lot of love. They show a lot.

[Az Fudd]

They really do.

[Ashanti Plummer]

And that was me saying I appreciate it and that I. I love them and I love you. That's it.

[Az Fudd]

Oh, so sweet. Thank you guys so much for watching today's episode. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to FUT around and find out wherever you get your podcasts. We'll see you guys next week. FUD around 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, Grace Fuse and Mackenzie Fitzpatrick 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 Plummer.

[Cindy Crawford / Meaningful Beauty Announcer]

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[Az Fudd]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

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