Podcast Summary: "Naked Sports: Red, Black and Blue with Garrison Hayes"

Episode Title: Naked Sports: Red, Black and Blue with Garrison Hayes
Hosted by: Carrie Champion
Release Date: July 26, 2025
Podcast Series: The Breakfast Club
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction: Challenging Narratives in Women's Basketball

The episode kicks off with Carrie Champion expressing her frustration over prevalent narratives in the WNBA, particularly the portrayal of players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese as being "jealous" of each other. She criticizes prominent sports figures such as Dick Vitale, Charles Barkley, and Stephen A. Smith for perpetuating these stereotypes.

Carrie Champion [04:20]:
"I am really, really tired of the narrative that these women in the WNBA are jealous of Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese doesn't like Caitlin Clark."

Carrie highlights the gender bias in sports commentary, emphasizing that similar jealousy narratives are seldom directed toward male athletes in the NBA. She defends Caitlin Clark, asserting her excellence and the positive attention she brings to the WNBA, which in turn helps the league grow.

Introducing Garrison Hayes: A Voice for Black History and Politics

Carrie then introduces her guest, Garrison Hayes, a journalist and creator passionate about black history and culture. She lauds his ability to educate and inspire diverse audiences through his storytelling.

Carrie Champion [11:46]:
"Some people are put on this planet to give us very special messages... I believe that if you listen to Garrison Hayes, he's you an education."

Interview Segment: Exploring Black History, Politics, and Conservatism

Personal Journey and Passion for History

Garrison shares his deep-rooted love for history, inspired by his grandmother's oral storytelling about life in the South. This personal connection fueled his passion for documenting and disseminating black history.

Garrison Hayes [12:24]:
"When you live in California, the isms aren't obvious, especially not when I was growing up... Atlanta really helped me solidify my blackness."

He recounts his journey from making private YouTube videos in 2007 to studying film, becoming a pastor, and eventually producing impactful online content during the pandemic. His first viral video, recommending black literature, garnered over 150,000 views, solidifying his path as an educator and storyteller.

Black Republicans: Motivations and Misconceptions

The conversation shifts to the intriguing topic of black Republicans. Carrie and Garrison delve into why some black individuals align with the Republican Party despite historical affiliations shifting towards the Democrats post-civil rights movement.

Garrison Hayes [26:34]:
"Donald Trump is cozying up to them. The RNC was full of President Trump... He gained support across every demographic among people of color."

Garrison references research from Hit Strategies, noting that for black Republicans, issues like racism are lower on their priority list. Instead, economic policies and social conservatism, particularly concerning LGBTQ+ visibility, drive their political affiliations.

Carrie Champion [29:22]:
"If we had to go through individual items or issues that decide how we vote... we wouldn't be in the Democratic Party."

Historical Context: Evolution of Political Parties

Responding to Carrie's prompt, Garrison provides a comprehensive overview of the Republican and Democratic parties' historical stances, emphasizing the shift post-civil rights era.

Garrison Hayes [63:02]:
"Republicans were the party of Lincoln, fighting against the expansion of slavery. Over time, especially with the Southern Strategy, the Republican Party aligned more with racist policies in the South."

He underscores that black political alignment has evolved from the Republicans of the 1800s to the modern Democratic stronghold, driven by the latter's advocacy during the civil rights movement.

Contemporary Political Climate and Coalition Building

Garrison expresses concern over the current political climate, where tribalism overshadows collective progress. He advocates for coalition-building akin to the civil rights movement, aiming to foster unity across racial and social lines to combat systemic issues like racism.

Garrison Hayes [44:38]:
"A lot of the right wing's project is to get us to think extremely individually... We're all about us."

He criticizes the Republican Party's ongoing Southern Strategy, which he believes disenfranchises black voters in the South through tactics like gerrymandering and voter suppression.

Addressing Transgender Athletes in Sports

The discussion briefly touches upon the contentious issue of transgender athletes in high school sports. Both Carrie and Garrison express skepticism about the fairness and feasibility of integrating transgender athletes at the high school level, citing concerns over research and resource allocation.

Carrie Champion [38:56]:
"I think it has become politicized and frowned upon to even look into it... It's a non-issue."

Garrison suggests these debates are exaggerated due to political polarization and lack of substantive dialogue.

Garrison Hayes's Contributions and Future Endeavors

As the conversation nears its conclusion, Garrison promotes his children's book about Juneteenth, aiming to educate young audiences about this pivotal moment in black history.

Garrison Hayes [85:25]:
"I wrote this book to literally bring the story of Juneteenth to families, to caretakers and children, and to make sure that the story continues on."

Carrie encourages listeners to support Garrison's work, highlighting the importance of authentic and honest storytelling in fostering understanding and progress.

Closing Remarks: Advocating for Change and Support

Carrie wraps up the episode by reiterating the need to support the WNBA and challenge harmful narratives. She praises Garrison's efforts in educating and empowering listeners, advocating for widespread awareness and action against systemic injustices.

Carrie Champion [85:08]:
"I am grateful for the work that you do. I think that I would love to have you on forever... Your work is invaluable. Keep teaching the children, myself included."

She concludes by promoting upcoming events, including her own participation in the WNBA All-Star festivities and a conference for women in sports hosted by Swin Cash.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Carrie Champion [04:20]:
  "I am really, really tired of the narrative that these women in the WNBA are jealous of Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese doesn't like Caitlin Clark."

• Garrison Hayes [26:34]:
  "Donald Trump is cozying up to them. The RNC was full of President Trump... He gained support across every demographic among people of color."

• Garrison Hayes [44:38]:
  "A lot of the right wing's project is to get us to think extremely individually... We're all about us."

• Carrie Champion [29:22]:
  "If we had to go through individual items or issues that decide how we vote... we wouldn't be in the Democratic Party."

• Garrison Hayes [63:02]:
  "Republicans were the party of Lincoln, fighting against the expansion of slavery. Over time, especially with the Southern Strategy, the Republican Party aligned more with racist policies in the South."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Naked Sports" masterfully intertwines discussions on women's basketball narratives with deep dives into black political affiliations and historical shifts in American political parties. Garrison Hayes provides a thoughtful analysis of black conservatism, advocating for informed political engagement and coalition-building to address systemic issues. Carrie Champion's passionate advocacy for authentic representation and support of the WNBA underscores the podcast's commitment to challenging prevailing stereotypes and fostering meaningful conversations.

Listeners are encouraged to support educational initiatives, like Garrison's Juneteenth book, and to engage actively in conversations that promote understanding and equality across all facets of society.