Explore every episode of the podcast Going The Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast

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

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

Ryan and Ruban break down the legendary press conference where Paulie gets accused of being Al Capone, Rocky’s grocery list becomes a national tragedy, and Mickey roasts our hero so hard he feels like a Kentucky Fried Idiot. Apollo’s pure business, the chat’s popping off, and the boys are getting trained in real time by the best listeners in Philly. Grab your raw eggs, mute your domestic drama, and come get motivated, champ – distance awaits!

Ryan, Ruban, and Super Fan Kyle go ringside as the Balboa household cracks under money woes, Rocky’s stubborn pride, and one very damaged eye. Adrian’s fed up, Apollo launches an old-school smear campaign (no social media required), and somehow Kyle ends up slapping himself in pure passion. From street fights to bedroom fights, this is Rocky at his absolute lowest – grab your turtle food and brace for the drama, champ!

Yo Adrian, we did it again – this time with mega-fan Kyle crashing the mic! Rocky’s broke as hell, selling his beloved car to a frighteningly skinny Paulie while Adrian eyes a gig at the pet shop just to keep the lights on. Times are brutal in Philly, but the heart of a champion still beats. We also dive into that glorious Carl Weathers + Stallone Golden Globes moment and laugh at the ridiculous controversy that followed. Grab your raw eggs, hit play, and let’s go the distance with the Italian Stallion!

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.

Join Ryan and Ruban on the Going the Distance podcast as they dive into Rocky Balboa vibes, the art of humor, and the real grind of a comedian's life, with veteran stand-up legend Brad Upton dropping wisdom we desperately need! This hilarious episode features Brad, a former fourth-grade teacher and track coach turned comedy powerhouse, who first hit the stage in 1984 and now boasts over 40 years of non-stop laughs, thousands of performances worldwide, and massive viral fame from his Dry Bar Comedy specials that have racked up hundreds of millions of views. Brad shares stories from opening for icons like the late Joan Rivers and Johnny Mathis (until his 2025 retirement), headlining internationally, winning the Las Vegas Comedy Festival, and his clean, relatable style that crushes crowds from 18 to 80 with razor-sharp takes on marriage, aging, generations, and everyday absurdities. The guys geek out over comedy timing, stage secrets, and balancing life on the road—perfect for Rocky fans, comedy nerds, or anyone craving authentic laughs and inspiration.

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 chats with Scottish actress and Rocky superfan Kirsty Strain (known for Burnistoun and River City) about her lifelong passion for the Rocky franchise, her favorite moments from the series, and her exciting new creative project: writing and starring in a new play while simultaneously producing a documentary on its creation titled "One More Round"—a heartfelt exploration of perseverance, performance, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Ryan and Ruban sit down with legendary YouTuber, filmmaker, and die-hard Rocky fanatic James Rolfe (the Angry Video Game Nerd from Cinemassacre) for an in-depth conversation exploring his passionate love for the Rocky franchise, including shout-outs to his epic series review, along with behind-the-scenes insights into his iconic career, Cinemassacre productions, personal life, and more, all captured in a raw webcast from his home studio, with an unedited video version available for purists.

Ryan sits down with veteran actress Rutanya Alda for an engaging career-spanning conversation, delving into her iconic roles as Angela in The Deer Hunter, devoted housekeeper Carol Ann in the cult classic Mommie Dearest, and her memorable part in Amityville II: The Possession, alongside behind-the-scenes stories from Rocky II, working with legends like Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and insights into Joan Crawford's world—plus reflections on early films like Greetings, Scarecrow, and more, all while encouraging listeners to grab her revealing memoir available on Amazon.

Ryan and Ruban mark the triumphant close of Season 2 with an in-depth wrap-up of Rocky II, blending heartfelt reflections on the film's iconic rematch and underdog spirit with lighthearted tangents like Sylvester Stallone's recurring on-screen butt appearances across his career, speculation on upcoming Stallone projects, a candid recap of Season 2's highlights and challenges, and exciting teases for what's ahead in Season 3—capping off with an enthusiastic shout-out to fans declaring "We DID IT!"

Super Fan Mat joins hosts Ryan and Ruban to dive into the highly anticipated rematch between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa in Super Fight II. Despite earlier declarations that there would be no rematch following their epic first bout, the excitement builds as they break down what this unexpected showdown means for both fighters, exploring the stakes, motivations, and potential outcomes in one of boxing's most iconic rivalries.

Ryan and Ruban lace up for the ultimate deep dive into Rocky II’s legendary training montage: raw eggs flying, chicken chasing, Mickey screaming “Speed, speed!”, kids mobbing the streets of Philly, and that glorious moment when the music swells and our broke, battered champ finally becomes the beast who can go the distance. From dawn sprints to sunset triumph, this is pure 1979 goosebump fuel. Grab your sweats, crack five eggs in a glass, and let’s get motivated, champ – because the montage hits harder than Apollo’s right hand!

Ryan and Ruban dive deep into the gut-punch moments of Rocky II: Adrian flatlines, Rocky prays at the hospital chapel, Mickey’s loyalty gets tested, and Paulie spirals harder than ever. From “I just wanna go the distance” to “Win… win!” this is the episode that breaks you before it builds you back up. Tears, raw eggs, and pure Philly heart – come cry with us, champ, because nothing hits harder than love in a coma.

Ryan and Ruban celebrate on Ruban's couch with a special milestone episode wrapping up Rocky IV season. They read heartfelt listener emails, share fan stories (meeting Stallone, childhood memories, Rocky pajamas), recap favorite interviews, debate Creed II moments, Dolph Lundgren in Aquaman, and look ahead to Rocky V. Full of laughs, appreciation, and that classic "keep punching" spirit.

We went the distance with Rocky IV! We watch the epic final fight in Moscow as Rocky Balboa faces Ivan Drago on Christmas Day. Packed with play-by-play commentary, laughs over Paulie’s heartfelt moment, the robot Sicco, crowd flips, brutal punches, Tony’s corner wisdom, and that unforgettable “If I Can Change” speech. Plus Vancouver filming trivia, 80s nostalgia, and full credits discussion.

00:00 Intro & Starting the Final Fight
01:31 Moscow Broadcast & Christmas Tree Talk
03:38 Paulie’s Heartfelt Moment & Man Kiss
06:00 Crowd Energy & Rocky Jr. at Home
08:47 Drago’s Entrance & Vancouver Filming Trivia
12:23 Fight Instructions & Round 1 Breakdown
16:54 Round 2 Chaos, Cuts & Trainer Brawl
19:03 Music Montage & Crowd Turning
23:36 Crowd Flip to Rocky & Drago’s Struggle
27:59 Knockout Punch & Post-Fight Celebration
31:22 Rocky’s Iconic “If I Can Change” Speech
35:02 Ending Reactions, Credits & Podcast Wrap

Ryan is joined by our good friend Kyle Pederson, who steps in to help with hosting duties on this episode of Going The Distance.

In Rocky IV Episode 5, the guys discuss the simple setup that somehow takes the entire episode to break down — full of laughs, deep dives, and classic Rocky vibes.

How amazing is this episode? After a 4-month hiatus, Ryan and Ruban are finally back on The Rocky Series Podcast!

In this return episode, the brothers break down the **Creed II Trailer**, share an incredible piece of Rocky II clarification/trivia, and actually source Sylvester Stallone in the process — all thanks to their good friend and Rocky documentarian **Derek Wayne Johnson** (director of “40 Years of Rocky: The Birth of a Classic,” narrated by Stallone himself).

You’ll hear the full story behind the trivia, see the photo of Derek with Sly (Ryan wishes he was in that picture 😂), and get their fresh take on the Creed II trailer.

Special thanks to Derek Wayne Johnson for the incredible Rocky connection!

Join Ryan and Ruben as they continue dissecting Rocky IV in this fun and lively episode of The Rocky Series Podcast!

In this part of the journey, the brothers break down:
- Ivan Drago’s terrifying punching power and what makes him such a beast
- The further idiocy and hilarious moments of SICO the Robot
- Plus plenty of laughs, fan comments, and classic 80s Rocky vibes

Ryan and Ruban are back with another fun and lively episode of The Rocky Series Podcast as they continue their journey through Rocky IV!

In this episode, the brothers dive into some of the most memorable (and hilarious) moments early in the film:
- Apollo Creed swimming with his 3 hairy dogs in the pool
- Apollo’s insanely advanced giant TV (way ahead of its time — and yes, they compare it to SICO the Robot!)
- Ivan Drago’s dramatic arrival in the USA
- Drago’s wild real-life connection to Grace Jones
- Ludmilla Drago as the ultimate diplomat and her powerful presence

Recorded live with online guests chiming in and plenty of laughs along the way!

If you love the over-the-top 80s vibes, iconic characters, and behind-the-scenes fun of Rocky IV, this episode is for you.

Join Ryan and Ruban as they kick off the epic journey through Rocky IV! 

In this live-recorded episode, the brothers break down the explosive opening scenes of Rocky IV — from Apollo Creed’s tragic fight against Ivan Drago, James Brown’s unforgettable performance, to the intense Cold War vibes that set the tone for the entire film.

They also dive into what Sylvester Stallone was up to between Rocky III and Rocky IV, discussing the movies he made during that gap. The show was recorded live with online guests chiming in throughout, and Robert Tepper makes multiple cameo appearances (including his iconic song “No Easy Way Out”)!

Whether you're a die-hard Rocky fan or discovering the series for the first time, this is the perfect start to one of the most iconic entries in the franchise.

Special thanks to all our live viewers and Robert Tepper for the fun cameos!

In this fun and fascinating episode of The Rocky Series Podcast, host Ryan sits down with actress, singer, psychic medium, and Rocky III dancer Patty Negri!

Patty shares her unforgettable experience working on Rocky III (1982) — from being a “Rocky Girl,” getting personally picked by Sylvester Stallone to sing backup with Frank Stallone on the song “Take It Back,” earning her SAG card, and how she still receives residuals from the film decades later.

But that’s just the beginning! The conversation dives deep into the paranormal as Patty opens up about:
- Her lifelong gifts as a psychic medium (talking to spirits since age 3)
- Real stories from Ghost Adventures and her own séances
- Crossing over spirits, house clearings, and dealing with dark energy
- Shadow people, extraterrestrials, past lives, and dream work
- Why fear feeds negative entities and how to protect your space

A perfect mix of Rocky nostalgia and mind-bending spiritual discussion!

👉 Listen to Patty’s Rocky III moments and hear how Stallone stood up for her on set.

Patty Negri’s Website: https://pattynegri.com

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Introducing Patty Negri
02:40 - Patty’s Rocky III story & singing with Frank Stallone
05:33 - Getting her SAG card thanks to Sylvester Stallone
07:19 - Working with Stallone on set
10:33 - From Rocky to the spirit world
15:45 - Patty’s earliest psychic experiences
24:00 - What happens when we die?
31:40 - Ryan shares his childhood paranormal experiences
42:18 - Shadow people encounter
44:52 - Childhood encounter with gray beings

If you love Rocky movies or the paranormal, this episode is for you!

Join Ryan (@RyanRebalkin) as he sits down with Derek Wayne Johnson (@derekwaynejohnson), the director and producer of the acclaimed documentary John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs!

In this incredible interview, Derek shares his passion for bringing the story of John G. Avildsen — the Oscar-winning visionary behind Rocky, The Karate Kid, and so many inspiring underdog tales — to life. We dive into Avildsen's journey, the heart behind his iconic films, rare insights from the making of the doc, and why his name deserves to be celebrated more.

It was a real pleasure and full of genuine movie love — expect heartfelt moments, behind-the-scenes energy, and motivation to go watch (or re-watch) those classics!

Be sure to check out and buy John G. Avildsen: King of the Underdogs — available on Prime Video, Amazon, and more platforms. 

Join Ryan (@RyanRebalkin) and special guest host Kyle Pederson as we bring the Rocky III journey to an epic close!

Tonight, we wrap up the entire film — diving into the high-stakes rematch tension, the raw evolution of Rocky, the unbreakable bonds formed along the way, and why this ending delivers such massive emotional payoff. We tease the glory, the heart, and the ultimate triumph without giving away the punches... you'll feel every moment when you watch!

Expect laughs, deep movie insights, fan debates, and pure nostalgia. Don't miss the finale discussion!

Join Ryan (@ryan.rebalkin) and Ruban (@rebalkin) live for Episode 59 of the podcast — and tonight we finally reach one of the most uplifting and beloved sequences in the entire Rocky saga: the Rocky III training montage!

Rocky and Apollo are having the time of their lives — running on the beach, laughing together, embracing, grooving to the music, and rebuilding that fire in a way that feels genuinely joyful. It’s flashy, it’s fun, it’s heartfelt, and it’s the turning point we’ve all been waiting for.

We break down every moment, the music (obviously), the bromance, the energy shift, the 80s vibes, and why this montage still feels so damn good to watch.

Join Ryan and Ruban as they take a close and heartfelt look at one of the most beloved and emotionally raw scenes in the entire Rocky franchise: the famous Rocky & Adrian beach scene in Rocky III.

After struggling to fully commit to Apollo’s high-energy training, Rocky finally sits down with Adrian on the beach and tells her the real reason he hasn’t been training properly. Fear, doubt, pressure, and the shadow of Mickey’s death all come pouring out in one of the most vulnerable moments Rocky Balboa ever has on screen.

We break down the writing, the performances, the quiet power of the ocean backdrop, Adrian’s perfect response, and why this scene remains a high point of the series — even decades later.

Deep dive into Rocky IV’s training sequences in Episode 14 of Going The Distance! Guest Kyle joins to break down Paulie roasting marshmallows to Alvin and the Chipmunks, Tony Duke’s heartfelt talk with Rocky about training alone, the epic side-by-side montages (Rocky’s raw nature training vs Drago’s high-tech steroid-fueled sessions), and Adrian’s surprise return with “No Matter What” support leading into the “Hearts on Fire” montage.

Join Ryan and Ruban as they continue their journey through Rocky III — and this one gets complicated fast.

Rocky truly cannot sing, cannot dance… but Apollo Creed is determined to transform him into something flashy and new, training him with all the showmanship and swagger he’s got. Meanwhile, Paulie keeps throwing curveballs that make it very hard to root for him — and even harder to defend him through a modern lens.

We don’t shy away: the guys navigate the jungle of political correctness, cringe-worthy lines, character complexity, and how these moments land today. Is Paulie redeemable? Is Apollo’s training genius or pure 80s cheese? We dig in.

Join Ryan and special guest host Kyle as they dive into the early moments of Rocky III — specifically the beginning of Apollo Creed’s bold attempt to retrain Rocky Balboa in his own flashy, high-energy style.

We explore how Apollo starts reshaping Rocky, the cultural clash, the 80s showmanship, and the electric dynamic between the two fighters. But things take a darker turn when Paulie lets his true colors show — particularly regarding race — in ways that are impossible to ignore today.

This episode doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable moments. We talk about what these scenes meant then, how they land now, and what they reveal about the characters and the era

Join Ryan and Ruban as they tackle one of the most talked-about and eyebrow-raising moments in the entire Rocky series: the scene where Apollo Creed propositions Rocky!

Yes, you read that right. Things get flirty, things get bold, and yes — we all get curious. Ryan and Ruban break down the context, the tone, the 80s energy, the subtext (or lack thereof?), and why this scene still sparks so much conversation among fans today.

Is it pure 80s bravado? A deeper character moment? Just pure fun? We go there.

Ryan is once again joined by fellow Canadian and passionate Rocky fan Tyler Morgan for this emotional continuation.

This episode dives into two of the heaviest moments in Rocky III:

• Mickey’s heartbreaking death and what it truly means for Rocky
• Rocky’s devastating loss in the ring at the hands of Clubber Lang

We close the episode with the incredibly moving cast tribute to Burgess Meredith featuring words from:
Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Talia Shire, and Carl Weathers

Also in this episode:

• Tyler shares his children’s book (link below)
• We talk about his comedy work with The Live Dudes

📖 Tyler’s children’s book: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01IFZEA6G
🎤 The Live Dudes comedy: @thelivedudes
📺 YouTube: @livedudes

Ryan is joined by fellow Canadian and die-hard Rocky fan Tyler Morgan for a heartfelt and fun episode of Going the Distance!

In this one we focus on one of the most emotional threads in the entire Rocky series: Mickey’s ailing health and what it means for Rocky, the story, and the fans. We also cover plenty of other classic Rocky moments, memories, and discussion points that only true fans will appreciate.

Plus—Tyler talks about his own comedy work with The Live Dudes!
Check out their comedy here:
TikTok/Instagram: @thelivedudes
YouTube: @livedudes