[Go Awf] Cari Champion on Sexism, First Take & The Boys’ Club
[Go Awf] Cari Champion on Sexism, First Take & The Boys’ Club  
Podcast: Awf The Record
Published On: Tue Jul 21 2026
Description: Cari Champion knew what it felt like to be watched, judged, and picked apart before she was ever fully allowed to speak. In this segment, Cari opens up about her time at ESPN and First Take, where she says everything from her outfits to her makeup to her presence on screen was scrutinized. She reflects on being told to tone it down, navigating the boys’ club, and learning that visibility in sports media did not always come with protection. Cari also gets honest about her relationship with Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless during that era, why she felt hazed in the middle seat, and how she eventually realized that being a woman, looking good, and being smart were never mutually exclusive. It’s a sharp, candid conversation about sexism, scrutiny, and what it costs to be one of the first to push the door open.RESOURCES: Cari Champion IG | @carichampionKeep in touch with Awf The Record:Youtube: @AwfTheRecordInstagram: @awftherecordpodcastTikTok: @AwfTheRecordMona Kosar AbdiIG |  @monakabdi Jeannette ReyesIG |  @msnewslady Keep in touch with Awf The Record:Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecordFollow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcastFollow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecordVisit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com Follow Mona on TikTok and IGFollow Jeannette on TikTok and IG