Ruban and Ryan, joined by Ryan’s wife Becky, dive into Rocky II, exploring Rocky Balboa’s struggle to transition from fame to everyday life after his failed commercial ventures. The discussion captures Rocky’s humbling job search, from his earnest but monotone reading practice with Adrian to his ill-fated office job interviews and eventual work at Shamrock Meats, secured through Paulie’s connections. They reflect on Rocky’s relatable desperation to provide for his pregnant wife and their new home, highlighted by poignant scenes like his heart-to-heart with his dog Butkus and the cathartic meat factory montages. With humor, personal anecdotes, and fan engagement, including a shoutout from listener Alex about a favorite Rocky scene, this episode celebrates Stallone’s nuanced writing and the emotional depth of Rocky’s journey, while also touching on the hosts’ own experiences with job struggles and fandom.

 Ryan and Ruban dive into Rocky II with a mix of humor and nostalgia, dissecting the iconic Beast After Shave commercial scene where Rocky fumbles through cue cards and faces a condescending director, while weaving in tangents about Sylvester Stallone’s career, the 2016 U.S. election shock with Trump’s victory, and a humorous obsession with bear rugs inspired by Burt Reynolds’ infamous photoshoot. The hosts reflect on personal anecdotes, from Ryan’s military grandfather to awkward workplace moments, and celebrate their superfan Mat, blending Rocky analysis with pop culture commentary, political musings, and a nod to freedoms that allow such candid discussions, all while battling technical glitches and embracing the raw, unpolished charm of their podcast.

In this knockout follow-up episode, superfan Mat returns to join hosts Ryan and Ruban for another round of Rocky II dissection, diving deeper into Sylvester Stallone’s iconic underdog saga while exploring the champ’s questionable spending habits, from flashy purchases to the financial strain of his post-fight life, alongside a broader celebration of Stallone’s cinematic legacy, including his gritty roles in films like First Blood and Cobra. Mat’s infectious enthusiasm as the show’s biggest fan fuels a lively discussion that blends humor, nostalgia, and sharp analysis, making this episode a heartfelt tribute to Rocky II’s enduring charm and Stallone’s larger-than-life persona.

In this lively episode, superfan Mat joins the hosts to dive deeper into Rocky II, bringing his infectious passion for Sylvester Stallone to the table as they unpack iconic moments like Rocky and Adrian's heartfelt wedding and the quirky zoo scene where Rocky’s softer side shines, while also branching out into Stallone’s broader legacy with a spirited discussion of Rambo and its gritty, action-packed contrast to Rocky’s underdog spirit. Mat’s enthusiasm as a devoted listener of the show adds a vibrant energy, making this episode a celebration of Stallone’s cinematic universe, from tender romantic beats to explosive heroics, all filtered through the lens of a fan who lives and breathes the Italian Stallion’s legacy.

In the kickoff episode of Season 2, Ryan and Ruban dive straight into the gritty underdog saga of Rocky II, picking up right where the original left off with Sylvester Stallone's iconic boxer facing new rounds of triumph and turmoil, while taking a nostalgic detour through the eclectic films Stallone cranked out in the gap between the two Rocky installments—like the gritty crime drama F.I.S.T. and the high-octane action flick Paradise Alley—showcasing his raw versatility before Apollo Creed came calling again. Amid the cinematic reminiscing, they pivot to a cheeky nod at Burt Reynolds, urging listeners to Google his infamous 1972 Cosmopolitan photoshoot where the mustachioed heartthrob lounged au naturel on a bearskin rug, a bold, hairy emblem of '70s machismo that's been parodied endlessly and serves as a playful, NSFW warning for the episode's irreverent vibe.

 Ryan has an engaging interview with Felice Cantatore, author of Rocky Spirit: The Rocky Balboa Connection to Success, a book praised by Burt Young as a masterpiece. Despite audio issues affecting Ryan’s voice, Cantatore’s responses shine through, detailing his lifelong passion for the Rocky franchise, sparked by seeing the original film in 1977 at age 11. He shares vivid memories of the electric theater experience, his role as an extra in Rocky Balboa, and his journey to attend the film’s premiere, inspired by the law of attraction and positive thinking. Cantatore discusses how the Rocky films’ messages of perseverance and family shaped his life, leading to his book, which analyzes the series’ motivational themes. He recounts personal connections, like meeting Burt Young and helping a woman with cerebral palsy climb the Rocky Steps, emphasizing the franchise’s global impact and inspirational power

Hosts Ruban and Ryan interview Robin Schomberg-Nicholls, daughter of A. Thomas Schomberg, the sculptor of the iconic Rocky statue. Despite a humorous scheduling mix-up, Robin graciously shares her experiences growing up around the statue’s creation, including Sylvester Stallone modeling for her father and undergoing a plaster life mask. She discusses her role in revitalizing the family business, promoting the Rocky statue to new generations through events like Philadelphia Comic-Con, and clarifying details about the three cast statues, including one available for purchase in Colorado. Robin reflects on the statue’s cultural significance, its universal appeal as a symbol of overcoming adversity, and its debated status as art, while also touching on her father’s upcoming 9-11 memorial project. The episode captures the enduring legacy of Rocky and the statue’s role in inspiring fans worldwide.

In this episode of the "Going the Distance" podcast, hosts Ruban and Ryan kick off with a lively discussion about Guns N' Roses' song "Get in the Ring," reflecting on Axl Rose's fiery attitude and its relevance to their Rocky-themed podcast. The episode transitions into an interview with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Vitez, who shares his journey of co-authoring Rocky Stories, a book capturing the tales of people running the iconic Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Vitez recounts his fascination with the joy and triumph of visitors, his persistence in securing a foreword from Sylvester Stallone through a series of missed calls and voicemails, and the cultural impact of the Rocky franchise. The conversation blends humor, heartfelt stories, and insights into how Rocky inspires people worldwide, from Philadelphia locals to international fans like Bulgarian lifeguards and a couple from Finland.

Hosts Ruban and Ryan engage in humorous banter about their studio setup, perform a comedic ad read for a pet shop that goes hilariously awry due to mispronunciations, and delve into tangents on topics like hair, toupees, celebrities such as Donald Trump and Burt Reynolds, and Wayne's World. The main highlight is an insightful interview with Broadway actor Andy Karl, who discusses his role as Rocky Balboa in the Rocky musical, including his preparation, interactions with Sylvester Stallone, the physical demands of performing fights onstage eight times a week, and his initial skepticism about the project. Karl also shares stories from his career, including upcoming projects like Groundhog Day the Musical and his time on Law & Order: SVU, while reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Rocky franchise and its inspirational impact.

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of the "Going the Distance" podcast, brothers Ryan and Ruban welcome Mike Kunda, a passionate Rocky Balboa impersonator and tour guide, to discuss his lifelong connection to the Rocky franchise. The episode dives into Mike’s inspiring journey from a childhood shaped by Rocky’s underdog spirit to his career leading Rocky film location tours in Philadelphia, highlighted by his book 'Cue the Rocky Music' and personal encounters with Sylvester Stallone. With their signature blend of nostalgia, family banter, and pop culture tangents—ranging from mistaken identities involving Sidney Crosby to 1976 music milestones like U2 and Tom Petty—Ryan and Ruban explore how Rocky’s themes of perseverance resonate across generations, culminating in Mike’s vivid recounting of the iconic 14th-round scene in Rocky (1976) as his favorite moment, cementing the film’s enduring legacy.

Ryan and Ruban celebrate the wrap-up of their Rocky (1976) discussion with a lively mix of humor, trivia, and reflections on the film’s enduring legacy. Kicking off with a playful nod to Suicidal Tendencies’ “Church of Suicidal” and its guitarist Rocky George, they dive into personal anecdotes, including meeting the band and a near-death camping story, before sharing fascinating Rocky trivia, such as Stallone’s knuckle-flattening meat-punching, Elvis Presley’s request to watch the film, and unscripted moments like Adrian’s hat loss. The hosts reflect on the podcast’s journey, their lack of credentials, and the global reach of Rocky’s inspiration, while teasing upcoming Rocky II discussions and interviews with notable figures like Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Vitez, all wrapped in their signature banter and passion for Stallone’s iconic creation.

 Ryan, Ruban, and guest Kyle Peterson break down the climactic fight scene of Rocky (1976), focusing on Apollo Creed’s theatrical entrance, the brutal 15-round battle, and Rocky’s emotional journey to prove he’s not “just another bum.” The hosts mix insightful analysis with humor, personal stories, and pop culture references, celebrating the film’s authenticity and lasting impact.

Hosts Ryan and Ruban, joined by guest Kyle Peterson, dive into the iconic training montage of Rocky, analyzing its gritty authenticity, from running with bricks in an industrial Philadelphia to the triumphant stairs scene. They share personal anecdotes, like Kyle’s visit to the Rocky Steps, and discuss the emotional weight of Rocky’s introspective moment with Adrian the night before the fight, where he confronts his fear of being "just another bum." The conversation blends humor, with playful banter about Mother’s Day and name origins, and deeper insights into the film’s cultural impact, including the Steadicam’s debut and Stallone’s athleticism, while touching on alternate casting and the enduring inspiration of the montage, all underscored by a fan-driven passion for the Rocky saga.

In this episode, hosts Ryan and Ruban dive into the iconic Rocky movie, blending casual banter with in-depth analysis of key scenes like the Philadelphia stairs run, the meat-punching training montage, and emotional confrontations involving characters Rocky, Adrian, and Paulie. They explore personal anecdotes, such as Ruban's honeymoon visit to the actual Rocky steps and his wife's evolving appreciation for the film, while touching on trivia including the invention of the Steadicam, name origins and gender neutrality, and the inspirational spirit of Rocky. The conversation meanders through humor, pop culture references like the song "Hey Mickey," and reflections on relationships, training motivation, and film alternate casting, all while maintaining a fun, unscripted vibe that celebrates the enduring legacy of Sylvester Stallone's classic

Brothers Ryan and Ruban dive into the pivotal moments of the original Rocky film following Rocky's tender first date with Adrian, blending nostalgic analysis with personal anecdotes, brotherly banter, and tangents on everything from Ringo Starr's underrated Beatles contributions and the awkwardness of podcasting for a small audience to Stallone's masterful screenwriting in scenes like the street bum's quip ("I'm not deaf, I'm just short") and Rocky's explosive confrontation with Mickey over past neglect. They unpack Rocky's reluctant acceptance of the title shot against Apollo Creed—complete with inflation-adjusted purse revelations of $627,000—his raw egg chugging training ritual (which they recreate on-air), and the emotional reconciliation that forges the iconic trainer-fighter bond, all while riffing on body hair guessing games at the beach, the pitfalls of "brutal honesty," ham-and-eggs dilemmas, and celebrity fame's weird underbelly, capturing the film's themes of underdog potential, tough love, and redemption with infectious enthusiasm and unfiltered humor.

In episode three of "Going the Distance," hosts Ryan and Ruban dive into Act 2 of the classic film Rocky, blending nostalgic banter with sharp analysis as they introduce Paulie (Burt Young) through a memorable bar bathroom scene, explore Rocky's salt-of-the-earth character during a heartfelt talk with young Marie about avoiding bad influences, and dissect the iconic ice-skating first date with Adrian—complete with thrift-store charm, vulnerable confessions about self-worth and fighting as a path out of "bum" status, and a tender, transformative kiss that awakens Adrian's confidence. The duo interweaves pop culture nods to American Idol's early hosting drama (comparing themselves to Ryan Seacrest and the forgotten Dunkleman), personal anecdotes like family Brussels sprouts mishaps and teenage romantic lines, and trivia on Stallone's real-life smoking quit mirroring his character's arc, all while championing equal pay feminism, the timeless "I can't sing or dance" quip, and the raw, unplugged appeal of Rocky over flashy wizardry, wrapping with a word-power segment on synonyms for "famous" and a playful challenge to listeners to endure the full "distance."

In episode two of Going the Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast, brothers Ryan and Ruban Rebalkin continue their three-act dissection of the 1976 original, delving into Act 2's escalating underdog grit as Rocky navigates loan-sharking failures, gym exile, and budding romance amid Philly's raw underbelly. Ruban spotlights Rocky's heart-of-gold ineptitude as Gazzo's thumb-breaking enforcer—chasing debtor Bob on the docks, bluffing mafia quips ("wanna dance, pay the band"), and sparing a digit for a $300 jacket (~$1,500 today) despite predatory cycles—while Ryan geeks over improvised apartment stink lines and the infamous ice rink first date (budget-forced empty rink serendipity, turning "bad luck" into romantic magic). Tangents fly from Better Off Dead to Lou Ferrigno's Celebrity Apprentice temper, Sebastian Bach concerts, and crayon "flesh" color controversies, with trivia on Rocky's Swedish admissions (68K), U.S. ticket sales (55M, #77 all-time), and Oscar noms (Peter Finch's Network win over De Niro/Holden/Giannini). Teasing Paulie's debut and Rocky V's street-fight regrets, the duo celebrates Stallone's self-deprecating casting genius (Weathers' "real actor" diss birthing Apollo rivalry) and quirky portmanteaus ("insem-matically"), inviting flub-spotters to Facebook for a brotherly, unscripted romp through Rocky's resilient soul.

In the debut episode of Going the Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast, brothers Ryan and Ruban Rebalkin launch an enthusiastic three-act breakdown of the Rocky franchise, kicking off with Act 1 of the original 1976 underdog masterpiece as a passion project born from Ryan's lifelong fandom and Ruban's reluctant-but-genuine appreciation (equating it to multiple viewings of Better Off Dead). Tangenting from Lou Ferrigno's Hulk temper to Always Hungry anecdotes, the duo unpacks the gritty Resurrection Gym opener—Jesus motif symbolizing Rocky's 30-year-old "resurrection" amid Catholic roots, barbaric street-fight chaos with Spider Rico (real boxer Pedro Lavelle), mid-round bets, and headbutt rage KO—before delving into Rocky's lonely $40 victory (~$175 today, bi-weekly supplement to loan-sharking), fixture status in decaying Philly (doo-wop "Take Me Back" singers as eternal routine), and poignant apartment solitude: practicing moss/fly "shell shock" dad jokes for shy Adrian, mirror-gazing at childhood photos evoking lost innocence, and quirky turtle chats (Cuff, Link, Moby Dick) underscoring his quirky, isolated heart. Blending trivia (Stallone's $70 bank account desperation, Party at Kitty and Stud's softcore debut), flubs (steam train anachronism, no South Philly El trains), and brotherly banter, they tease escalating stakes, Paulie dynamics, and Oscar-robbing speeches while inviting listener corrections via Facebook

In this introductory trailer for the re-released Going the Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast feed, host Ryan Rebalkin warmly invites listeners into the origins of his podcasting journey, reflecting on the raw, cringe-worthy early episodes (1-100) where audio quality and delivery evolve amid patient brotherly banter breaking down the Rocky films from the original 1976 classic through Creed III. Acknowledging the feed's standalone revival after the Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network implosion, Ryan highlights its non-evergreen tangents tied to recording-era events, yet promises enduring fun in dissecting Stallone's underdog saga—now complemented by the polished One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast redo and It's a Long Road: The Rambo Series Podcast. Search Sylvester Stallone and His Friends' Films Podcast for the network's action-packed extensions, urging fans to embrace the archival charm as a prequel to today's refined reviews