Fudd Around And Find Out
Episode: "World Wide Work Tour: China Tell All"
Date: August 28, 2025
Host: Azzi Fudd (with co-host Ashanti Plummer)
Special Guest: Katie Fudd (Azzi’s mom, former basketball player/coach)
Episode Overview
In this vibrant, story-packed episode, UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd takes listeners on an exclusive “tell all” of her recent whirlwind trip to China with NBA legend Stephen Curry—plus a behind-the-scenes look at Curry Camp, unique international basketball moments, and what it’s like being a rising basketball superstar in the heart of China’s wild fan culture. Joined by her mom, Katie, Azzi delivers candid and often hilarious stories about travel, basketball as a universal language, and the intense love for hoops on the other side of the globe. The discussion uncovers both cultural surprises and the realities of superstar fame.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Catching Up: Pre-China Highlights
Azzi and Ashanti’s Updates
- [03:03] Ashanti shares her experience hosting the Jordan Brand Global 1 Finals, meeting her idol Maya Moore, and celebrating young talent on Pier 17’s rooftop in New York.
- [03:40] Azzi describes a relaxing pool day at Amy Errett’s (Madison Reed founder) house in Sonoma before her busy travel:
“I roasted in their pool. I was burnt. But it was like the perfect, just relaxing day before all the craziness that I had coming up.” — Azzi Fudd (04:10) - [04:51] Azzi talks about Curry Camp in Sonoma/Bay Area:
- Feeling “old and out of touch” with high schoolers
- Working out alongside Steph Curry, Brandon (trainer), and other rising basketball stars like Davion Mitchell, Quincy Olivari, and Tahad Pettiford
- Bonding with Cannon Curry—Steph’s energetic son
Learning from Steph Curry
- [06:43] Azzi reflects on what stands out about working with Steph:
“One thing I learned: he misses. Like, he is human. But his footwork, his ball handling, it just flows perfectly. Being around him elevates my game...elevates my intensity and attention to detail.” — Azzi Fudd (06:43) - [07:25] Azzi shares the story of how her relationship with Steph began—naming her dog “Curry,” meeting Steph’s mom, and the surreal long-term mentorship that followed.
Travel Mode: China with Steph & the Curry Crew
Fancy Flights and Arrival
- [13:28] Azzi and Katie recount their “incredible” first time flying first class across the Pacific, then switching to a private jet to reach Chongqing.
“There were a lot of highlights from the trip. Some little things, like that flight, that seat.” — Azzi (13:28)
Fun moment: their photographer Tony accidentally sits in the private jet’s bathroom, thinking it’s a special seat (14:41).
The Madness of Fame in China
- [15:32] An exhausting arrival: fans waving Warriors jerseys from speeding cars, never entering through the hotel front due to crowds, only backdoors—an intensity of fandom unlike anything they’ve seen. “We never saw the front of the hotel. There were too many people out front. So we had to go in through the garage...Every building we went to, we never saw the front.” — Azzi Fudd (16:22)
Inside Curry Camp & Chinese Basketball Culture
Fan Gifts and Cultural Differences
- [16:52] Early morning workouts: fans sleeping overnight by the gym just for a “glimpse of Steph,” and presenting Azzi with a Labubu figurine—a unique (and heartfelt) fan gift.
“Back home, I get lots of bracelets from younger girls. But this was a like, grown man. I’ve never gotten anything like this from a guy in the US!” — Azzi Fudd (17:18) - [17:41] Katie: “Over there, it’s very giving, very appreciative...So many people had gifts for Steph, also for Azzi, not just signing stuff—they wanted to thank them.”
Language Barrier & Basketball as Universal Language
- [19:02] Azzi trains multicultural campers (from China, Thailand, Japan, Australia)—with many unable to communicate in English.
“I had no idea how to explain what to do without just showing you. The first morning was just a lot of ‘good jobs’ and high fives. Except to the Aussie...My mom was like, ‘basketball’s a universal language. Figure it out.’” — Azzi Fudd (19:41) - [20:33] Adapting drills: Azzi and Katie explain needing exaggerated gestures and demonstrations until the group falls in sync.
Curry Con: Like Comic Con, but for Steph
- [21:01] Azzi and Katie describe the scale and creativity of Curry Con—the Steph Curry mega-fan expo:
- DIY mini-games, custom cars, collectible shoes (including rare unreleased pairs and Azzi’s PEs), fan art, and more.
Opening Ceremony & Wild Moments
-
[22:56] Azzi, Steph, and Seth open Curry Con by shooting at a massive 20-ft-high basket.
“I airballed my first shot...But I think everyone airballed their first. It was really hard!” — Azzi Fudd (23:14) - [24:10] Security is tight. A major fan leaps the barrier in hopes of reaching Steph.
“She tried to run on the court, security snatched her up...It was like Red Rover. But they weren’t being aggressive—fans just wanted to be close.” — Katie Fudd (24:45)
Leading the Camp: Azzi Takes Charge
- [25:50] On day two, the boys leave for Curry Con and Azzi coaches the girls—finally managing to break past language barriers: “Without the guys, there was less energy—more chill. I got to know the players a little better. That’s when I started to learn a little bit of Chinese.” — Azzi Fudd (25:53)
- [26:41] Azzi proudly shares new Chinese words she learned:
- Hǎo yàng de (好样的): Good job/very good
- Hǎo qiú (好球): Good ball
- Jiā yóu (加油): “Fighting”/Let’s go
“They’d get a stop or get scored on, they’d be like ‘jiā yóu, jiā yóu!’ It’s giving ‘let’s go!’” — Azzi Fudd (27:01)
Yao Foundation Session: Growing Girls Basketball in China
- [27:16] Special session with 10–15 countryside girls brought by the Yao Ming Foundation, aimed at boosting girls basketball. Azzi is moved by the younger girl’s enthusiasm and the role of older campers acting as “mini-coaches.”
Side Quests: Snacks & Sights
- [28:26] Azzi and Katie negotiate security to sneak away to two gigantic malls for snacks and a taste of local life:
- “Snack roulette” with mystery Chinese snacks—some delicious, some (like spicy tofu and salty egg yolk chips) far less so.
- [31:29] Bubble tea adventures and awe over the scale of Chinese shopping centers
The Intensity of Steph Curry’s Chinese Fame
- [32:04] Azzi recounts the massive fan presence—hundreds and thousands gathered outside every venue, lining riverbanks and sidewalks: “We're on a boat, and people on little boats next to us are chanting Steph’s name...It was crazy to see that many people.” — Azzi Fudd (32:44)
- [33:02] Katie reflects on how immense Steph’s celebrity is in China: “Here, he’s Steph Curry. But over there, he is the deal. It’s just people on top of people...” — Katie Fudd (33:02)
Evening Highlights
- [33:18] Rooftop party with karaoke (Azzi sings One Direction), card games (Azzi learns spades), and reflection with the crew
What Azzi Learned about Steph
- [34:28]
“The craziest thing was just the reach he has...He is Steph Curry here, but over there he is so impactful and powerful...People told me, but there’s nothing like seeing it firsthand.” — Azzi Fudd (34:28)
Cultural Surprises & Fan Love
-
[35:18] If she could return, Azzi would love to experience authentic local cuisine, especially Chongqing’s famous hot pot:
“I’d love to actually be submerged in their culture more. We didn’t get the full food experience...I know hot pot would be too spicy, but I would’ve loved to go to a real local restaurant.” — Azzi Fudd (35:18) -
[35:52] Katie wants to visit the panda sanctuary next time.
-
[35:59] Azzi recalls fans organized via DMs to deliver custom gifts for her and teammate Paige, and meeting a fan who traveled hours on the chance of meeting her:
“I got the gifts, it was so sweet...For them to go out of their way to do that, and getting to meet her the next day—so surreal.” — Azzi Fudd (36:40)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Curry’s Humanity:
“One thing I learned: he misses. Like, he is human.” — Azzi Fudd (06:43) - On First Class/Private Jet Life:
“I would fly to China first class over LA in a normal seat any day.” — Azzi Fudd (13:28) “Tony found the only open seat. Turns out, it was the bathroom.” — Katie Fudd (14:42) - On Language Barriers:
“My mom is like, basketball’s a universal language. Figure it out.” — Azzi Fudd (19:41) - On CurryCon Fan Dedication:
“We never saw the front of the hotel—just the garage, the underground back door exit.” — Azzi Fudd (16:22) - On Gifts in China:
“I get lots of bracelets from younger girls at home. This was a grown man, giving me a Labubu. I’ve never gotten anything from guys in the US.” — Azzi Fudd (17:18) - On Wild Snack Roulette:
“Snack roulette—no spitting it out. Some stuff tasted like the ocean!” — Azzi Fudd (30:38–31:06)
Fun Segment: "What the FUD of the Week"
- [40:04] Azzi’s pick: The juxtaposition of “incredible heated toilet seats” at the hotel versus the squat toilets (“just holes”) at Curry Con, and learning you have to bring your own tissues: “The contrast between heated toilet seat and being in holes...that was different for sure.” — Azzi Fudd (40:37)
Lightning Round: Favorite Places Traveled
- Top four: China, Europe (Slovenia and Bologna), Cayman Islands, and a cruise
- “I was living my best life on the beach and snorkeling...Everyone else hated it. I’d go back!” — Azzi Fudd (41:38)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening & Ashanti’s Update: [02:34–03:32]
- Relaxing in Sonoma: [03:40–04:30]
- Curry Camp & Steph Moments: [05:00–09:12]
- Curry Relationship Origin Story: [07:25–08:49]
- Intro to China Trip & Travel Stories: [13:07–16:29]
- China Fan Culture & Security: [15:32–16:29]
- Language Barriers & Coaching: [19:02–20:53]
- Curry Con & Sneaker Culture: [21:01–22:48]
- Opening Curry Con (Big Hoop): [22:56–23:32]
- Fan Security Incident: [24:10–25:07]
- Azzi Coaching the Girls: [25:50–27:04]
- Yao Foundation & Young Campers: [27:16–28:25]
- Snack Roulette Side Quest: [28:26–31:20]
- Fan Intensity Around Steph: [32:04–33:18]
- Reflections on Steph’s Fame: [33:02–34:28]
- Azzi’s Hopes for Next China Trip: [35:18–35:52]
- China Fan Gifts & Meeting Fans: [35:59–37:02]
- What the FUD of the Week: [39:49–41:03]
- Favorite Travel Destinations: [41:22–42:08]
Episode Mood:
Genuine, funny, and honest—Azzi’s storytelling brings listeners right into the action, from jetlag and pool sunburns to heartwarming cross-cultural moments and snack roulette. There’s humor, pride, a bit of awe at Steph Curry’s impact, and real inspiration from the connections possible through hoops—even when you don’t share a language.
For basketball fans, world travelers, or anyone curious about the real-life impact of sports stardom and the universality of hoops, this episode offers stories you can’t miss!