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.