Fudd Around And Find Out: "Stud Around and Find Out" Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Azzi Fudd
Guests: Courtney Williams and Natisha Heideman (The Stud Buds)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Unanimous Media
Introduction
In the latest episode of Fudd Around And Find Out, Azzi Fudd welcomes listeners back with her signature enthusiasm. Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from the first episode, Azzi encourages fans to connect via the newly launched social media channels on Instagram and TikTok (@fudaroundpod). She introduces the special guests for the episode: Courtney Williams and Natisha Heideman, known collectively as "The Stud Buds," two standout players in the WNBA.
Personal Anecdotes
Before diving into the main discussion, Azzi shares a heartfelt story about her recent weekend at her grandparents' cabin in Minnesota. She reminisces about "Duff Fest," a cherished family tradition that brought together friends and family for memorable gatherings. This weekend was especially significant as it marked a smaller, intimate version of Duff Fest, celebrating Azzi's final free summer before entering the WNBA. Her feelings resonate deeply with Natisha, who appreciates the importance of family time amidst a busy travel schedule.
Quote:
Azzi Fudd [02:04]: "It was one of the best weekends I've had at the cabin, so it was a great way to kind of slow down my summer. I love that."
Natisha counters with her own weekend experience in New York City, where she attended the vibrant street basketball tournament, "New York vs. New York." Highlighting the competitive spirit and star-studded atmosphere, including appearances by NBA star Jalen Brunson, Natisha emphasizes the excitement of supporting her local teams like Tri-State and West 4th.
Quote:
Natisha Heideman [04:48]: "There's a bunch of neighborhoods in New York City that compete for the championship... Jalen Brunson was there and everybody went crazy."
Introducing The Stud Buds
Azzi then transitions to introduce her guests, Courtney Williams and Natisha Heideman. She sets the stage for an engaging conversation by posing an intriguing question about taking risks without fully understanding the consequences.
Quote:
Azzi Fudd [06:44]: "I want to know a time that you guys fudded around and found out. So like a moment where you took a risk without fully understanding the consequences."
Taking Risks and Embracing Change
Courtney and Natisha discuss the All-Star stream they conducted, acknowledging it as a significant risk in their careers. They candidly talk about their spontaneous decisions, such as dyeing their hair pink, which stemmed from live-stream interactions with their audience. This segment highlights the unpredictability and excitement of engaging directly with fans.
Quote:
Dani Shapiro [07:11]: "We just come up with it on chat and we just put ourselves into situations."
Team Dynamics and Mental Fortitude
The conversation shifts to the challenges of transitioning from college basketball to the professional league. Natisha shares her experiences during training camp, emphasizing the accelerated pace and heightened expectations in the WNBA compared to college.
Quote:
Natisha Heideman [29:21]: "The transition is fast. They keep on moving forward and, like, fast. So I would say that was the biggest adjustment."
Dani offers a perspective on her own journey, discussing her draft experience and the importance of staying true to her strengths as she navigates her role in the league. She underscores the significance of mental resilience and self-belief in overcoming adversity.
Quote:
Dani Shapiro [31:38]: "It's more mental. You gotta physically be in amazing shape... but you gotta just make sure you stay locked in mentally because you could potentially get hit with some adversity."
Advice for Azzi's Senior Year
Azzi seeks advice from her guests as she enters her final year at UConn. Natisha emphasizes the importance of confidence, noting how personal assurance can inspire and uplift the entire team.
Quote:
Natisha Heideman [24:00]: "Go into it having the utmost confidence when you have that confidence in yourself. It makes your team confident."
Dani echoes the sentiment, encouraging Azzi to cherish her final college year and make the most of the relationships and experiences it offers.
Quote:
Dani Shapiro [24:18]: "Go out with a bang. Cause I promise you, when they really say you don't get that time back... tee up. Enjoy it. Don't take it for granted."
Fun Segments: FUD of the Week and A-Z Game
To lighten the mood, the episode features the "FUD of the Week" segment. Natisha shares a cute moment where a baby took its first steps onto the court during a game, bringing joy and laughter to the team.
Quote:
Natisha Heideman [46:28]: "A baby on the aces like, floor took its first steps. It was like a baby race."
The hosts then engage in an entertaining A-Z game, testing how well they know each other through a series of personal questions. This playful interaction showcases their camaraderie and lighthearted side.
Quote:
Azzi Fudd [48:04]: "We're going to play A to Z with AZ and Ashanti. How well do you know each other?"
Closing Remarks
As the episode wraps up, Azzi thanks Courtney and Natisha for their participation and the engaging conversation. She reminds listeners to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast, encouraging them to tune in for future episodes.
Quote:
Azzi Fudd [60:31]: "Thank you so much. Welcome to the Buds... That's gonna do it for another episode of Fudd Around and Find Out."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Azzi Fudd [02:04]: "It was one of the best weekends I've had at the cabin, so it was a great way to kind of slow down my summer. I love that."
-
Natisha Heideman [04:48]: "There's a bunch of neighborhoods in New York City that compete for the championship... Jalen Brunson was there and everybody went crazy."
-
Azzi Fudd [06:44]: "I want to know a time that you guys fudded around and found out. So like a moment where you took a risk without fully understanding the consequences."
-
Dani Shapiro [07:11]: "We just come up with it on chat and we just put ourselves into situations."
-
Natisha Heideman [29:21]: "The transition is fast. They keep on moving forward and, like, fast. So I would say that was the biggest adjustment."
-
Dani Shapiro [31:38]: "It's more mental. You gotta physically be in amazing shape... but you gotta just make sure you stay locked in mentally because you could potentially get hit with some adversity."
-
Natisha Heideman [24:00]: "Go into it having the utmost confidence when you have that confidence in yourself. It makes your team confident."
-
Dani Shapiro [24:18]: "Go out with a bang. Cause I promise you, when they really say you don't get that time back... tee up. Enjoy it. Don't take it for granted."
-
Natisha Heideman [46:28]: "A baby on the aces like, floor took its first steps. It was like a baby race."
-
Azzi Fudd [48:04]: "We're going to play A to Z with AZ and Ashanti. How well do you know each other?"
-
Azzi Fudd [60:31]: "Thank you so much. Welcome to the Buds... That's gonna do it for another episode of Fudd Around and Find Out."
Key Takeaways
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Risk-Taking: Embracing spontaneous decisions like live-stream activities can foster deeper connections with fans and add excitement to a professional sports career.
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Team Dynamics: Transitioning from college to the WNBA requires both physical readiness and mental resilience. Staying true to one’s strengths is crucial for success in a competitive environment.
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Confidence and Leadership: Personal confidence not only enhances individual performance but also uplifts the entire team, creating a positive and winning atmosphere.
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Community and Camaraderie: Building strong relationships with teammates, such as the bond between Azzi, Courtney, and Natisha, is essential for both personal and professional growth.
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Balancing Fun and Professionalism: Incorporating fun segments like "FUD of the Week" and engaging in lighthearted games helps maintain team spirit and keeps the podcast entertaining for listeners.
Fudd Around And Find Out continues to provide a unique glimpse into the life of a world-class athlete, balancing the pressures of professional sports with personal anecdotes and engaging conversations. Azzi Fudd’s authentic and relatable approach makes this podcast a must-listen for fans and aspiring athletes alike.