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.