Robert Parish with Jake Uitti, "The Chief: The Story of the Boston Celtics’ Most Enigmatic Icon" (Triumph, 2026)

·58 min·5 clips

Jake Uitti types out athletes' responses live to capture their true voice and rhythm for co-written memoirs.

The episode begins with a promotional survey announcement for the New Books Network. Host Paul Knepper introduces guest Jake Uitti, a writer who has co-authored memoirs with several NBA players. Uitti explains his method for writing books with athletes, starting with creating a table of contents and conducting interviews that capture the subject's authentic voice. He types responses live to understand their rhythm and language. Uitti emphasizes collaboration, sending chapters to athletes for review to ensure accuracy and comfort. He discusses navigating sensitive topics, like domestic abuse rumors with Robert Parish, and building trust with subjects. Uitti shares personal anecdotes, such as becoming close friends with Earl Cureton during their year-long collaboration. The conversation shifts to Robert Parish's book, with Uitti describing Parish as surprisingly charismatic and funny, contrary to his public image as gruff. Uitti talks about Parish's introverted nature, his sacrifice as the third option on the Celtics, and his recent embrace of public attention through social media and book signings. The episode covers Parish's relationships with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale, including past tensions over contract negotiations. Uitti highlights Parish's close friendship with Bill Walton, who immediately endeared himself by accepting a backup role. The rivalry with the Lakers is discussed, with Parish acknowledging their firepower but calling them 'the Fakers.' Uitti touches on Parish's time with the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, including a positive experience with Michael Jordan despite media narratives. Parish's openness about marijuana use is mentioned. Uitti reflects on his dream collaborators, like John Stockton or Steph Curry, and the ethical considerations of working with athletes. The episode concludes with details on Uitti's upcoming book with Jason Terry, scheduled for release in September.

As heard by us

Jake Uitti frames Robert Parish's renewed visibility as a warm late chapter in a Celtics life.

Robert Parish's public reemergence gives this single-episode review its spine, with Jake Uitti discussing The Chief: The Story of the Boston Celtics' Most Enigmatic Icon through the lens of a figure who has often seemed less present around the Celtics than Larry Bird or Kevin…

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Why you'd press play

You get a warm courtside glimpse of Robert Parish stepping back into public view, enjoying book signings, Boston Garden memories, and long lines of fans.

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