INTERVIEW: Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson Talk WNBA Draft, S.C. Gamecocks, College & Early Career Adversities + More
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “INTERVIEW: Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson Talk WNBA Draft, S.C. Gamecocks, College & Early Career Adversities + More” inside PodZeus.
In this episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts Charlemagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and Just Hilarious welcome two standout South Carolina Gamecocks basketball players, Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson, as they prepare for the WNBA Draft. The conversation dives deep into their emotional journey from college champions to professional prospects, highlighting the whirlwind transition from the national championship game just nine days prior. They reflect on their bond forged in high school, rekindled at South Carolina, and the profound impact of adversity—Raven’s struggles with weight gain, social media backlash, and mental health during her freshman year, which she credits with building her resilience. Both athletes discuss the importance of authenticity, mental toughness, and the power of sisterhood in their success. They also address broader issues in women’s basketball, including media misrepresentation, the lack of recognition for dominant teams like South Carolina, and the need for genuine support from fans and male allies. As they look ahead to the WNBA, they express excitement about the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the opportunity to grow as professionals, and their commitment to being role models for young Black girls. The episode closes with heartfelt reflections on legacy, self-worth, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of fame and pressure.
Adversity builds resilience: Raven Johnson’s struggles with social media, weight gain, and mental health during her freshman year ultimately strengthened her mentally and prepared her for the WNBA.
Authenticity and sisterhood are key: The deep, genuine friendship between Raven and Ta'niya, built over years and tested by distance and competition, translates into powerful on-court chemistry and mutual support.
The WNBA draft is a life-changing moment: The emotional weight of the draft, especially after a national championship, underscores how quickly college careers end and professional journeys begin.
Media narratives often distort reality: The hosts and guests challenge the false narratives of rivalry and animosity between women’s college teams, emphasizing that competition is healthy but friendship exists beyond the court.
Black excellence deserves recognition: Despite six Final Fours and three national titles in a row, South Carolina’s dominance has not been adequately celebrated by mainstream media, highlighting systemic underrepresentation.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction & WNBA Draft Countdown
The episode opens with a series of promotional segments for other iHeart podcasts before introducing Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson as the special guests preparing for the WNBA Draft. The hosts express excitement for the historic moment and set the tone for an emotional, personal conversation.
From College Champions to Pros: The Emotional Transition
Raven and Ta'niya reflect on the surreal shift from playing in the national championship game just days before to now being WNBA draft prospects. They express disbelief at how quickly their college careers ended and how the draft feels like the beginning of a new chapter.
The Power of Friendship: A Bond Forged in High School
“We're two different people, but we balance each other. She tells me when to not say that thing or when to say it or how to say it. And then I'd be like, tonight, all right, bring more. She can bring more.”
Raven’s Adversity: Weight, Social Media, and Mental Health
“I went viral on social media. Every time you got on social media, you see Raven Johnson, blah, blah, blah, blah. It wasn't for a good reason. It was for a bad reason.”
The Gamecocks Culture: Discipline, Legacy, and High Standards
“You better be ready. You better be mentally prepared. It's basketball. If you love basketball, you commit to South Carolina. You got to be about basketball. They're serious about basketball.”
“We are a reflection of our coach. At the end of the day, we don't care what nobody say about us because our coach don't care.”
“I went viral on social media. Every time you got on social media, you see Raven Johnson, blah, blah, blah, blah. It wasn't for a good reason. It was for a bad reason.”
“They try to paint pictures on us girls outside of... They try to put us enemies. Yeah, y'all don't like each other. But whole time it's not that. It's just being competitive on the court.”
Hosts
Guests
Raven Johnson
person
Ta'niya Latson
person
South Carolina Gamecocks
other
WNBA
other
Dawn Staley
person
Coach Daly
person
Anthony Edwards
person
iHeartRadio
other
Tina Thompson
person
The Breakfast Club
media
All Good News ( Tyler Perry's 250K Surprise and Brandy Gets a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame)
The Breakfast Club • 16m • 3/31/2026
INTERVIEW: Cody Rhodes Talks WrestleMania 42, 'STREET FIGHTER,' & Return To WWE After AEW Departure +More
The Breakfast Club • 38m • 3/31/2026
INTERVIEW: Pinky Cole Talks 'Slutty Vegan' Bankruptcy, Bounce-back, Entrepreneurial Lessons + More
The Breakfast Club • 29m • 3/31/2026
FULL SHOW: Brandy Gets A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, TSA Workers Asked To Return $1K Gift Cards Donated By Tyler Perry + More
The Breakfast Club • 1h 41m • 3/31/2026
INTERVIEW: John Leguizamo Talks 'Dear Killer Nannies,' ICE, Trump Administration, Bad Bunny Super Bowl, New Exorcist Movie, Hollywood + More
The Breakfast Club • 44m • 4/1/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “INTERVIEW: Raven Johnson and Ta'niya Latson Talk WNBA Draft, S.C. Gamecocks, College & Early Career Adversities + More” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime
