Read the MAR ISSUE #111 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
THE 9LIST
Read the MAR ISSUE #111 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
Read the MAR ISSUE #111 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
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In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with NFL Super Bowl Champion of the Kansas City Chiefs, Rashee Rice. We talk about his passion for the game, his journey, staying in shape, the upcoming season, and how he gives back philanthropically!
We sat down with Creator, Executive Producer, and writer Chris Brancato for Godfather of Harlem which is back for S4 on MGM+. We also interviewed cast members Rome Flynn, Lucy Fry, and Michael Raymond James as we talk about this historically inspired series, why they are part of this program and what we can expect this season.
We sat down with pro surfer Brianna Cope who talks with us about her love for the beach, surfing, being in Surfer Girls on Prime Video, and her love for cooking on the beach! We chatted with her about her ambassadorship with Gozney and why this is something that we can enjoy when it comes to making pizzas wherever we roam.
We enjoyed an amazing dinner a few weeks back at Ludlow House to celebrate the launch of Cards on the Table, a digital series hosted by Stanley Tucci in partnership with Allbirds. After having such a great time at the event we wanted to know more about Allbirds as a brand, footwear aesthetic, how this series came about, and what we can look forward to.
We have been fans of Chef Maneet Chauhan for a number of years from her restaurants to her hosting and judging shows on Food Network. We sat down with her to find out how she got into the industry, why she loves cooking, finding out about her restaurant group, and upcoming projects.
Our kick off to Spring wouldn't be complete without our recap of this past Awards Season via 9R3DCARP3T which shares exclusive quotes with those who walked the red carpet as well as their teams.
This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Singapore where we dine at Burnt Ends. We talk with Chef David Pynt on his culinary journey as well as what led him to launching this restaurant and what we can expect when we come in to dine.
This month's Athleisure List comes from Lolita in Midtown NY which have a phenomenal menu for your next meal as well as cocktails! In addition, we also head to Italy to enjoy ARIA Retreat + Spa.
This month we have our 9PLAYLIST from NFL Super Bowl Champion and Athleisure Mag cover, Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs. We have an additional 9PLAYLIST with EDM DJ/Producer, KAAZE. This month's 9PLAYLIST MULTI comes US Open 2017 Grand Slam winner, Sloane Stepens who shares what she enjoys listening to, streaming, and reading. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Rashee Rice and from pro surfer, Brianna Cope. This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS comes from Chef Hailey Nissimov of Figaro Cafe, Owner Will Patton and Creative Dir Devin of Press Club Cocktail Bar and our THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from BRAVO Top Chef S22 that is currently airing - Chef Lana Lagomarsini as she shares what dishes we can enjoy for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Tooth loss can affect daily life in more ways than one. Beyond the impact on appearance, it can lead to difficulties with eating, speaking, and maintaining oral health. Finding the right replacement is essential for both function and comfort. While traditional options may provide a temporary fix, they often come with drawbacks that make them less than ideal for long-term use.
Full-arch dental implants provide a lasting alternative designed to restore more than just missing teeth. They integrate with the jaw for a secure fit, offering the closest experience to natural teeth. With the right care, they can provide a lifetime of benefits, making them a worthwhile investment.
Read on to see why full-arch dental implants stand out as a long-term solution for your health and smile.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Superkitina
Missing teeth can make everyday activities like eating and speaking more difficult. Full-arch dental implants offer a secure and comfortable solution, reducing common issues like slipping and discomfort.
Below are the ways these implants restore functionality and comfort:
Improved chewing ability: A strong bite makes it easier to eat a variety of foods without difficulty. Unlike removable dentures, which can feel unstable when chewing, full-arch implants provide a firm foundation for biting and grinding food. This allows for a more natural eating experience.
Clearer speech: Gaps in the mouth or loose dentures can cause speech issues, such as slurring or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Full-arch dental implants remain firmly in place, allowing for natural tongue movement and improved clarity in speech.
No slipping or irritation: Traditional dentures can shift out of place or cause gum irritation due to friction. Since full-arch implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, they stay secure without the need for adhesives, minimizing discomfort.
With enhanced stability and function, full arch dental implants provide a long-lasting solution that allows you to eat, speak, and go about daily life with confidence.
Tooth loss affects more than just appearance—it also impacts bone health. When teeth are missing, the jawbone loses stimulation, leading to gradual bone deterioration. Full-arch dental implants help maintain bone structure and prevent long-term changes to facial features.
The following are ways these implants support jawbone health:
Jawbone stimulation: Full-arch dental implants act as artificial tooth roots, keeping the jawbone engaged and preventing shrinkage. This ongoing stimulation helps maintain bone density and preserves the natural contours of the face.
Reduced need for bone grafts: Severe bone loss may require grafting before placing traditional implants. However, full-arch implants can often be placed with minimal or no bone grafting, making the procedure more accessible for many patients.
Prevention of facial changes: Bone loss can cause the lower face to appear sunken or collapsed over time. By keeping the jawbone strong, full-arch implants help maintain a youthful facial structure and prevent the sagging that often occurs with missing teeth.
By preserving jawbone density, full-arch dental implants support both function and appearance, providing lasting benefits beyond tooth replacement.
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Colourblind Kevin
Full-arch dental implants require an initial investment, but they offer long-term value. Unlike other tooth replacement options that need frequent repairs or replacements, implants are built to last, making them a cost-effective choice over time.
The following are key reasons why full-arch dental implants provide lasting benefits:
Exceptional durability: Full-arch implants are designed to function like natural teeth, with strong materials that resist wear and tear. With regular care, they can remain in place for decades without the need for replacements.
Lower maintenance costs: Traditional dentures require ongoing adjustments, relining, and adhesive costs. Implants, on the other hand, stay securely in place and only need standard brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups.
Fewer complications over time: Bone loss and gum irritation can occur with removable dentures, leading to additional treatments. Full-arch implants help preserve jawbone health, reducing the risk of these complications and future medical expenses.
Long-term financial savings: While the upfront cost may seem high, implants eliminate the repeated expenses of replacing bridges or dentures. Over time, this makes them a more economical solution.
Investing in full-arch dental implants provides a stable, long-lasting replacement that minimizes future costs and maintenance concerns.
A full smile can make a significant difference in how you feel about yourself. Full-arch dental implants provide a natural look and a secure fit, helping you feel more confident in daily interactions.
The following are ways full-arch dental implants enhance appearance and self-assurance:
Lifelike aesthetics: Each implant-supported restoration is carefully crafted to match the size, shape, and color of natural teeth. This ensures a seamless appearance that blends well with facial features. Whether up close or from a distance, implants help improve your smile with a natural and polished look.
Stable and comfortable fit: Unlike removable dentures, which can shift or feel bulky, full-arch implants integrate with the jawbone for a secure and natural sensation. This stability eliminates concerns about slipping or discomfort.
Improved facial support: Missing teeth can lead to a sunken or aged appearance over time. Full-arch implants provide structural support to the face, helping maintain a fuller and more youthful look.
Confidence in everyday situations: Whether speaking, eating, or smiling, implants allow you to interact without worrying about gaps or unstable dentures. This reliability can make social and professional situations more comfortable.
With full-arch dental implants, you get a smile that looks and feels natural, giving you greater confidence in your daily life.
Choosing full-arch dental implants is a commitment to long-term oral health and overall well-being. They restore function, preserve bone density, and provide a natural smile without the inconveniences of removable dentures. Their durability and success rate make them an excellent choice for those seeking a permanent solution to tooth loss.
We’re excited to continue the tennis season and the Miami Open is always one that we enjoy watching whether we’re in the stadium or watching it from home. It kicked off March 16th and runs through March 30th which means that this weekend we’re all set for some great matches as we navigate the year. If you missed or want to watch some of your favorite matches, we suggest heading over to their YouTube channel to see some of the greatest moments! We were glued to Taylor Fritz v. Matteo Berrettini.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
How are your brackets going? As always the road to the Final Four is filled with surprises and this season hasn’t disappointed with Men’s Basketball! The Sweet 16 is when the field narrows down yet again over the next few days before the Elite Eight, the Final Four, and the First Four. That means we’ll be heading into our favorite spots or watching from home as we watch our favorite rivalries, cheer on or Alma Mata, or give our conference our support if our team didn’t make the Big Dance or has already been eliminated! You can check out your bracket and the latest news by heading to March Madness’ home, the NCAA.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO CREDITS | Disney/Anne Marie Fox
PHOTO CREDIT | ABC/The Bachelor Key Art
PHOTO CREDIT FOR THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS | Disney/Matt Sayles
It’s the finale! We will see how it all goes down as well as getting a recap once the show transitions into After the Rose! Jesse Palmer welcomes us and lets us know that we’re definitely in for a ride here and we’ll have to wait until the very end to see how it all plays out on tonight’s ABC’s The Bachelor!
We’re ready to see what happens with Julianna and Litia and up first is that each of the women get to meet Grant’s family. First up is Litia. She meets his mom, sister, and his father. It’s the first time in 10 years that apparently, his mom and dad have been in the same room! You can tell that she gets along well with his parents and even his sister says that she liked her from the beginning. The family likes her, they both let each know that they love one another which is the first time that she has ever said that to anyone. Their date seems like it went well.
In Julianna’s date you can see that her and Grant are quite a match. She lets his mom know that she has not said that she is in love with him and is hesitant and has been holding back a bit. His mom sees that she may not be there yet. She tells him that if she doesn’t say that she loves him, he needs to walk away. Interestingly enough, she does tell him that she loves him so now it’s interesting to see how everything will play out.
We come back to the stage and see Charity, Gerry, and Clayton who provide their opinions on what it’s like to make those decisions. They give their thoughts and even Joan gets to weigh in as well!
Now that both women have met his family, they will not have their last individual dates. Julianna and Grant are in Punta Cana getting time together as they sail around the island. You can see that they have a great bond with one another. During their night date, he asks her if she will break his heart as an engagement is coming up. She acknowledges that she has held back, but that she doesn’t want to hurt him. She lets him know that through this process, she knows that she can commit to him and that she feels that they can handle the road ahead and she says that she is ready.
Litia’s date includes riding horse and there was a bit of rain that allowed them to talk and connect again. Later on they talk as they try to figure out how they would navigate their life as he wants time to travel and she wants have children. She let him know that when you are with someone, it’s about compromise and she is ready for that.
As he decides who he will pick, his father comes by and tells him that he will make the right decision. We’re back with Neil Lane as he selects a ring for the woman that he intends to ask.
As we finally arrive to the venue which is raining, Grant has to let Jesse know who he will see first. He seems that he is still undecided and he lets him know that he has gone back and forth with his decision.
The first one out of the limo is Litia who makes her way to Grant. Although he said sweet things to her, he opted to not get engaged to her. He definitely let her feel that things were going in a certain direction throughout their time together and to change it up at the end after promising her that it would be them - is shocking. We hear more about what he promised her when she chatted with Jesse and it’s such a shame to see that how he presented himself and what happened is so far apart. Grant makes his way on the stage and Litia tells him that she thinks he started out with great intentions, but along the way he continued to say things to her where she had no way of thinking that he wasn’t sure.
We’re back in Punta Cana and we had to remember that we still have to wait to hear what happens with Julianna! He tells us that he wants to be with her. We know that she wants to be with him as well and ultimately, he does ask to marry her. We can see how happy they look while they are in the Dominican Republic. She receives the final rose.
Grant is back on stage chatting with Jesse after being engaged to Julianna. We find out that they are still together, the families are excited to be together now that it’s public. We also learn that Grant will move to Boston. Jesse gives them a trip to Italy where they can learn more about their pizza making.
RECEIVED A ROSE AT THE FINALE | Juliana.
DIDN’T RECEIVE A ROSE | Litia
Each night during this season, we will tweet about The Golden Bachelorette and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Each week we will let you know who our faves were from the last episode and if we’ve changed up since then as it pertains to who we think should go to Hometowns.
We also suggest a podcast that we’ve become obsessed with over the past few seasons, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour to get their feedback!
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
This month, we took a moment with the GOAT , boxing great, promoter, and entrepreneur Floyd Mayweather Jr! When he boxed professionally from 1996 - 2017, he won 15 major championships, was undefeated with a 50-0 record, fought in 5 separate weight classes and has a number of records that are still unbroken!
Even after he retired professionally, he still boxes in exhibition fights; continues to train; and has an amazing portfolio that includes: The Money Team, Mayweather Promotions, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Gyms, his real estate investment firm VADA Properties and most recently 1 of 1 his supplement brand. He continues to extend his brand across verticals! We wanted to know more about how he came to boxing, his approach to his fights, his legacy, and how he looks at adding to his projects and portfolio.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What is it about boxing that drew you in and why do you love it?
FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR: Boxing has been a part of my life since day one. My father and my uncle were fighters, so I grew up in the gym, watching and learning. What drew me in was the challenge—the mental and physical battle of proving you are the best. I love the strategy, the discipline, and the hard work it takes to stay at the top. Boxing is not just about throwing punches; it’s about skill, precision, and intelligence. That’s why I dominated the sport for decades.
AM: On Feb 12th, you launched 101. Why did you want to create a supplement brand?
FM JR: During my training sessions through the years, everyone was always asking which supplements kept me at the top of my game. That curiosity sparked the decision to eventually create my own line, a clean brand that is science backed and delivers on its promise. There are too many brands out there in the marketplace that still contain unsafe ingredients, so I set out to create 101 to give consumers a trusted product they can feel working. When a trusted product they can feel working. When it comes to my fitness and nutrition, I refuse to settle for less, and I want the same for athletes of all levels.
AM: What was the process like for you in creating this brand and what was the most important part of the formulation to you?
FM JR: In collaboration with industry leader Magnum Nutraceuticals, we worked hand in hand to ensure products contained only the best ingredients and have met the highest standards. Products went through rigorous testing, are backed by science, innovation, and are truly determined to be safe and effective. Simply put, athletes will feel the difference and see the results with the supplements which is why I created the One of One brand.
AM: Tell us about the initial supplements that you started with and when do you take them?
FM JR: The line of products from 101 helps any athlete’s journey, from energy and endurance to recovery and hydration. There are some products that I take daily. Whey Protein delivers high-quality protein and prebiotic fiber, and digestive enzymes for smooth digestion and muscle recovery. Greens + Gut Health helps supercharge my daily nutrients. It is packed with superfoods, prebiotic fiber, and essential vitamins to promote gut health and digestion. Peptide Builder is scientifically proven to enhance muscle growth and recovery. I reach for our Hydration to keep hydrated and to help with muscle cramping.
There are 3 products that are best used as part of your training regime. Sport Pre-Workout is meant for more moderate energy and endurance and includes caffeine for an additional boost in energy and strength. Loaded Pre-Workout is what I take before looking for high-intensity, extreme focus and maximum blood flow to carry more oxygen to my muscles. Creatine Monohydrate I also take before working out, to help with performance and cognitive function.
Together all these products provide a complete toolset to fuel performance, enhance endurance, and accelerate recovery.
AM: Are there plans to include additional products within this assortment?
FM JR: Yes, we definitely have plans to launch several new innovative supplements, several are in development and testing currently. We will be continuously looking to bring new innovative products to meet the needs of our One of One community on their fitness journey. Watch this space to see what innovations 101 will be bringing consumers next to stay ahead of the game.
AM: In your career you have fought in 5 weight classes. When you make that decision to navigate those classes what are the things that you have to do in order to prepare for that class?
FM JR: Moving through weight classes is all about preparation and making the right adjustments. It is not just about gaining or losing weight—it is about maintaining speed, power, and endurance while adapting to different styles of opponents. I worked closely with my team to ensure I was always in peak condition, no matter the division. We focused on nutrition, strength training, and the right fight strategy for each weight class. Every move I made was calculated, and that is why I remained undefeated.
AM: You have had a number of memorable fights, what are 3 fights or moments that are a favorite in your career?
FM JR: I have had so many great moments, but three fights stand out:
Oscar De La Hoya (2007) – This was a turning point in my career. It was the biggest fight in boxing at the time, and when I won, I became the face of the sport.
Manny Pacquiao (2015) – The world waited for this fight for years, and when it finally happened, I showed why I was the best. It was a masterclass in skill and strategy.
Emanuel Augustus (2000) – Not the biggest name, but one of the toughest fights I ever had. He was unpredictable, but I adapted and proved I could handle any style.
AM: You do exhibition bouts after retiring from professional boxing - why is this important to you to continue to engage in the sport in this way and for you, is the training different?
FM JR: Exhibitions allow me to keep doing what I love while giving fans around the world a show. I accomplished everything I needed to in professional boxing, so now it is about enjoying the sport on my own terms. The training is different. I do not have to prepare for 12-round wars, but I still stay sharp, stay in shape, and put on great performances. It is about continuing to entertain and inspire.
AM: Tell us what a week is like with you in the gym and your wellness game. What are 3 exercises that we can do if we want to train like Floyd Mayweather Jr?
FM JR: I train every day because staying in shape is a lifestyle for me. My workouts focus on endurance, speed, and skill. Three exercises I recommend for anyone who wants to train like me:
Jump Rope – It builds endurance, improves footwork, and sharpens coordination.
Pad Work – Essential for speed, accuracy, and defensive reflexes.
Core Training – A strong core gives you power, balance, and control in the ring.
AM: You retired with an undefeated record 50-0, won 15 major World Championships across 5 weight classes, 3X BWAA Fighter of the Year, 6X Best Fighter ESPY Award, inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021, and you are known as one of the best defensive boxers in history, and as the most accurate puncher, and one of the most lucrative pay-per-view attractions across any sport - what does it mean to you to have all of these accolades?
FM JR: It means I did exactly what I set out to do. I dominated the sport for over two decades, stayed undefeated, and broke records that may never be touched. People will always debate who the greatest is, but my record speaks for itself. I mastered the sport, changed the business of boxing, and walked away on top.
AM: I've been a fan of boxing since I was 3 years old so I grew up watching Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Lennox Lewis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Oscar De La Hoya, Evander Holyfield, Manny Pacquiao, Marvin Hagler, and you. What do you want your legacy to be known as in this sport?
FM JR: I want my legacy to be simple: The Best Ever. Not just because of my record, but because of how I changed the game. I showed that boxing is about intelligence, strategy, and discipline. I controlled my career, I made the biggest fights happen, and I made sure I was paid what I deserved. That is the blueprint I want future generations to follow.
AM: Tell us about TMT.
FM: JR: The Money Team is about hard work, dedication, and smart decision-making. People see the success, the cars, the watches, but what they don’t see is the discipline that got me here. TMT represents a mindset - believing in yourself, staying focused, and never settling for less than what you are worth.
AM: Why did you create Mayweather Promotions and what are some upcoming events that we should keep an eye out for?
FM JR: I created Mayweather Promotions because I wanted to take control of my career and help other fighters do the same. Too many athletes let other people hand their business, and they end up with nothing. I made sure I controlled my own destiny. Now, Mayweather Promotions is one of the biggest brands in boxing. We have exciting events coming up, and we are always looking for the next superstar.
AM: You have been in the fitness and wellness space for some time with the Mayweather Boxing + Fitness Gyms. What does it mean to you to offer boxing fitness in a studio format?
FM JR: It is about making boxing training accessible to everyone. You do not have to be a professional fighter to train like one. Boxing is one of the best workouts in the world, and with Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, people can experience my training style in a fun, high-energy environment. It is about building confidence, discipline, and physical strength.
AM: We shoot a number of our editorials in luxury residences here in NY and your diversified portfolio also includes real estate where you founded VADA which has properties here in NY including 410 Tenth Ave Hudson Yards, The Copper, Two Sutton as well as properties in Jersey City, Chicago and The Villa Casa Casuarina at the former Versace Mansion in Miami - it's quite an assortment. Why is having this in your portfolio important to you?
FM JR: Real estate is about building wealth for the future. I made my money in boxing, but I invested it wisely. I own properties across the country because I understand that money has to work for you. The goal is to create generational wealth, and real estate is a major part of that strategy.
AM: We can't talk about you without talking about your style from your luxury brands, diamond necklaces, insane bags, and more. Why do you love fashion?
FM JR: Fashion is about expressing success. When you work hard, you should be able to enjoy the rewards. I take pride in my style, whether it's a custom suit, a designer bag, or a one-of-a-kind watch. Everything I wear is a reflection of my success
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 16 - 20 Floyd Mayweather Jr. | PG 23 + 24 Floyd Mayweather Jr./IG | PG 26 + 32 Gene Blevins Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire | PG 28 Jeff Gritchen/ZUMApress.com/Icon Sportswire | PG 30 Chris Farina/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire |
Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see THE LEGACY OF 101 | Floyd Mayweather Jr. in mag.
We love a good documentary and docuseries and when it covers something iconic in sports, you don't have to tell us twice! HBO's CELTICS CITY takes us through one of the most storied franchises in the league that is truly a dynasty and most recently won their 18th Championship last year. In this 9 episode docuseries premiering on March 3rd, we learn about the history of the Boston Celtics from its start, how it fits within the city of Boston, the impact of the sport, as well as culture on the game and more!
We sat down with the docuseries director, Lauren Stowell (144, Tiger Woods: America’s Son, SC Featured: Together – The Jrue and Lauren Holiday Story) and its producer Gabe Honig (PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, US Open Epics: Tiger Woods: Perfection at Pebble Beach, The Captain) to find out about the series, how they went about covering 75 years of history, incredible interviews, and what the Celtics mean to fans, sports enthusiasts, and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s great to talk to both of you! Before we delve into CELTICS CITY, can you tell me a bit about your backgrounds? Lauren, I know that you did Tiger Woods: America’s Son and Gabe, The Captain – as a Yankees fan, that was a phenomenal docuseries!
LAUREN STOWELL: Yeah, I, currently work with Connor Schell (co-creator and Executive Producer of the 30 for 30 series for ESPN, O.J.: Made in America, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story) at Words + Pictures as a Director/Producer there. I've been there for 2 years since we really started CELTICS CITY. Prior to that, I was at ESPN as a Storyteller Feature Producer documentarian for 16 years. Before that, I was at UConn, you know, I'm a Connecticut native!
GABE HONIG: I've been a freelancer for all the very many years of my career and done such shows as Friday Night Tykes and then The Captain. I hooked up with Words + Pictures with Connor and Libby Geist (The Last Dance, Giannis: The Marvelous Journey, Court of Gold), and then Lauren too to embark on this adventure.
AM: So, what was it about CELTICS CITY that made you guys want to be part of the project and to tell this onion of a phenomenal story?
LS: Initially, after reading the treatment that, you know, Connor and Bill Simmons (The Ringer podcast network, 30 For 30, Music Box: Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary), had the initial idea to do something longform - multi-part, but really starting to get into the layers of the story for me personally, obviously, Gabe can speak to his experience once we started discussing the story. It was so multi-layered. It was so nuanced, there was so much room for possibility and opportunity, within the story. When, Gabe came on board and we started discussing the story, the arnrative, and the structure. It was almost unbelievable how many highs and lows and larger than like characters, iconic figures, not just sports, but American history. Yeah. So the opportunity for me to tell a story that went beyond just the story of the Celtics, something that could resonate and connect to American culture as large, was really what drew me to the project.
GH: So as a lifelong New Yorker and fan of all things New York sports. This is the last project that I think that I could ever think that I would spend 2 years of my life doing around the Boston Celtics! Words and Pictures passed me the treatment after I was done with The Captain, and I read it and I was just like, “there's a lot here that I think as a Storyteller you can really sink your teeth into.” I was still a little skeptical and then I met with Lauren and her vision for how she wanted to tell this story, I was inspired within the first 20 minutes of what ended up being our 2 hour conversation!
AM: Oh wow!
GH: We spent a lot of time before we shot a single frame, really figuring out what are the tent poles here? What are the stories and where do all the branches come off of? Who are the characters? And I think that's what also separates this story from other stories about franchises. Lauren's focus was on the people and their experiences as they move throughout history. I think that's the thing about the Celtics that, like, I think people are going to really fall in love with, and that makes it the most interesting is that it's the people. The organization leans into the people, the people that have been there for 40 plus years that are still there. That's unheard of in professional sports!
And that comes with pluses, and minuses with that as well. We don't shy away from any of that. It's about character and how those people grew, didn't grow, and all the pros and cons of complicated human beings?
AM: What was each of your favorite moments in the docuseries? Whether it's something you know that we actually get to see through the series, or maybe just something just being in the production side that that really spoke to you?
LS: Ugh, it's such a good question! It's so hard! I know for Gabe it will be difficult for him too. We talk about this all the time, the moments that you know over the almost 2 years that we were working on this story. I would say for me, one of the moments that just really resonated with me was when we were able to get Karen Russell and Randy Auerbach together. They’re close friends and we kind of discovered that through speaking with each of them in our kind of early research phases. I think what was important to all of us on the team was really understanding Red Auerbach and Bill Russell as men, as people, what their character was, and their values. Because without understanding that, you can't really understand the history of the Boston Celtics without understanding those two - the architects of what it became and what it is. I think that was, like, such a special moment for me.
Just seeing them sit across from each other, the genuine admiration and reverence that they each held for each other, but that they talked about each of their fathers holding for one another and how much I guess it meant you know that even they were able to keep this relationship all these years later, and it was just cool to see the daughters of 2 Legends!
AM: Right.
LS: Sitting across from each other all these years later and reminiscing on their favorite moments and how much their father's impact on the sport and on America was. It was really cool for me. I think there's so many moments, but that's probably one for me. That just felt really special.
AM: That's really cool.
GH: I'm going to give you a 3 part answer here.
AM: Give it to us!
GH: Easily the coolest moment. Yeah, okay. As a huge sports fan, like, yeah, being in the room when Larry Bird was interviewed!
AM: Um yeah!
GH: It’s like Holy Shit. And yeah, you know, I'm riding up in the elevator with Larry Bird of the Celtics who has been there for 40+ years and Jackie MacMullan (Editor’s Note: She is a retired freelance newspaper sportswriter and NBA columnist for ESPN.com). What am I doing here?
AM: Yup!
GH: So that's cool. There were other moments I had the easy job of sitting in the room, but not actually asking the questions. That was, Lauren, uh, who was doing most of the question asking for the process. And there were several times, and I don't want to spoil anything. There were several times where I'm just like, that bite right there, what that person just said that's going to be in the show and will be in the trailer. That question that I mentioned earlier, why do I have these preconceived notions about Boston. By having somebody answer that for me in a way that resonated for me was like a magical moment.
Then the third thing is another kind of, like, just really cool moment man, like being there when they won Banner 18. I'm not a Celtics fan. I try to be impartial on my job. Being in that building, a culmination of almost 2 years of work and seeing that green and white confetti come down, that was pretty fucking cool!
AM: I can see that, wow!
LS: You just gave me chills Gabe again – such a cool moment.
AM: I can only imagine, I mean, sometimes you'll watch a game and even if you're not necessarily a fan, you're rooting for and hoping for a better season.
How long did it take for you guys, to work on this in terms of production/post-production? You guys truly are dealing with research and acquiring these amazing people to speak, from relatives, front office, players, etc. I can't even imagine, like how much time was involved?
LS: Gabe, I mean you’re air traffic control. Please tell her the air traffic that you work with!
GH: The day-to-day of the project started in January of 2023. You know, we started staffing up in February of that year, and our first interview was Bob Cousy (Editors Note: Bob Cousy played point guard for the Boston Celtics from 1950-1963. He was a 6X NBA Champion, 13X NBA All-Star and 1957 NBA MVP and was known as a core piece during the early half of the Celtics dynasty known as The Houdini of the Hardwood and is regarded as the 1st great point guard of the NBA and was the first to reach the 4,000, 5,000, and 6,000 career assists milestones), because there was concerns about his health, and by the way, Bob is still doing fine. We filmed that interview on, I think the first week of April of ‘23.
We really started filming heavily that May all throughout the end of the Summer. We had, I think, 50 interviews in the can.
AM: Wow.
GH: The Summer of ’23 was an incredible blur. I mean, I'm just in awe of Lauren and our producers, Sascha Gardner (American Greed, The Athletic, The Captain), and Christina Lenis (The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth, The First 48 Presents: Homicide Squad Atlanta, Slow Burn). Like, I don't know how they did it, we all did it. We ended up doing 98 interviews. Our final interview was Kevin Garnett in August of ‘24.
AM: Wow!
GH: Yeah, we started editing in May of ‘23. Throughout the process, we had to submit for review, between 70 and 80 cuts that all had their sets of notes. We've got a lot of partners and things like that. You know, Lauren and I are still laughing and smiling. There were times like in any creative process where you want to, uh, pull your hair out and you feel like all is lost.
AM: Yup.
GH: At the end of the day, I couldn't be prouder of what our team was able to accomplish.
LS: I'll add on to what Gabe is saying too. I mean, you know, he talks about that summer of ‘23, that was just kind of a blur. I mean. I cannot say enough about the team, the preparations that was required for these interviews. If you think about the story we're telling, starting in 1950 to a current hunt for a championship with these players. It was 75-80 years of history that everyone on the team - I mean, there were probably 25-30 books that everyone had to read. There was no one definitive work that we could use that just is the history of the Boston Celtics. We had to piece together almost like a patchwork of the research. And you know, Gabe and the team the preparation for the interviews for me was unreal.
Like, I'm talking some of these interviews, a lot of them are 3-4 hours on average. And you know, I had 10-12 pages of notes, research questions, and topics. All of that had to be a fine-tuned, well-oiled machine to be able to do week after week after week. And yeah, it was a very aggressive timeline. And yeah, our team was amazing in accomplishing so much in a short amount of time.
AM: I love how basketball - obviously, it’s great for entertainment and learning about the people who play the sport and the dedication they have. But it's also a vehicle about the larger story of what's going on and what that mirror is and what it can be. What do you want the viewers to get after they enjoy seeing all 9 episodes?
LS: I think what I would want the viewer to walk away with is having conversations that maybe they thought they would never have. That's what I would hope, because I do think our goal as a team was to challenge some of the perceptions, to bring truth, to allow the characters of the story - the fabric of the Celtics to speak. These individuals, who many of them never have told their stories some have, many haven't. For them to speak their truth, and I hope that that becomes a source of, you know, again - important discourse, especially in today in our culture and society right now. We need to have these conversations, and I hope that this film allows that because we were able to show the arc of 75 years of Celtics history, but also American history.
GH: That’s a great answer Lauren. Again, as I tend to do, I'm going to answer this in 2 parts.
AM: Nice!
GH: Number 1 - you know and it’s something that I don't even know if I've ever talked to Lauren about this. In our first conversation, Lauren, brought something to my attention that I think is vitally important if you're a sports fan. This film is not just for sports fans.
AM: Right.
GH: I think somebody that doesn't know anything about basketball, you will enjoy it. For sports fans, I want, you know. I'm hoping that people can take away something, which is like, if you love sports, you know, the story understandably, and you should know the story about Jackie Robinson, the Brooklyn Dodgers and Branch Rickey (Editor’s Note: Branch Rickey was a baseball executive and player who broke MLB’s color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He also created the framework for modern minor league farm system, and he introduced the batting helmet).
AM: Right.
GH: No one talks about Red Auerbach or the Boston Celtics in terms of moving this country forward in terms of Civil Rights within sports and understanding that an athlete is just an athlete. I hope that the takeaway here is that there are other people in that conversation that move the ball forward and perhaps, moved it forward in really interesting ways as well as those never really talked about ways.
And then, just to add on to what Lauren said quickly - what I loved about working with Lauren is that we were pushed to hear from people who haven't been allowed to tell their story, who the camera has not been pointed at and these stories - some of these stories with the Celtics yeah, they've been told before.
AM: Right.
GH: We had a challenge to tell them in a different way and Lauren put people in front of the camera and they were so happy to finally be able to tell their side of the story, and it's so vitally important, and it's a perspective that needs to happen more in all of media, but especially sports documentaries.
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PHOTOS COURTESY | HBO