Going The Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast

Ryan Rebalkin

Step into the ring with *Going The Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast*, the ultimate celebration of Sylvester Stallone's iconic underdog saga. Hosted by passionate Rocky superfan Ryan Rebalkin, this dedicated feed dives deep into every punch, montage, and heartfelt moment of the *Rocky* franchise—one film at a time, in glorious chronological order. Whether you're reliving the gritty streets of Philadelphia in the original *Rocky* or breaking down the epic family legacy in *Rocky Balboa*, Ryan brings the energy of a champion. Joined by his brother Ruban, fellow superfans, amateur boxers and even musicians behind the films' anthems (shoutout to Robert Tepper's "No Easy Way Out"), each episode unpacks scenes with infectious enthusiasm, behind-the-scenes trivia, and personal stories that capture why *Rocky* still inspires millions to "go the distance." From dissecting the legendary training montages and rematches, this podcast isn't just analysis—it's a knockout conversation that honors the heart, humor, and hustle of the Italian Stallion. It's perfect for die-hard fans, casual viewers, and anyone chasing their own eye-of-the-tiger moment. Tune in for laughs, insights, and motivation that hits harder than Apollo Creed's left hook. Lace up your boots—it's time to go the distance!

  1. vor 49 m

    Rocky V (Episode 9) - Heart, Fire, and Headlines: “Balboa’s Boy” Takes Over

    Ryan Rebalkin and guest host Kyle continue their Rocky V breakdown with one of the film’s longest stretches: Rocky and Tommy visit Father Carmine for a blessing, then launch into Tommy’s rise-through-the-ranks montage. They cover the church scene and the “angel on your shoulder” talk, Tommy’s first pro fight in the same gym Rocky fought Spider Rico, the over-the-top newspaper headlines that keep calling him Rocky’s boy/clone/robot, and the parallel story of Robert training on his own with Jimmy (Mike) and Paulie while his dad is busy with the new kid. Plenty of talk about Rocky living vicariously through Tommy, time jumps, writing choices, and whether those headlines would ever actually get printed. Kyle is back in the guest chair. If you enjoy this kind of scene-by-scene Rocky talk, also check out Ryan’s other show, The Worst of the Best Podcast (every major app, YouTube, Facebook, and X). Follow Ryan at @RyanRebalkin and the Rocky feed at @GTDRockyPodcast. 00:00 – Intro from Quebec, Ruben update, Worst of the Best plug, and the Patreon rant  07:02 – Quick Stallone news: thoughts on the female Cliffhanger remake  08:22 – Rocky and Tommy visit Father Carmine for the blessing  11:34 – “Angel on your shoulder” and forcing Tommy through Rocky’s journey  14:54 – Training/fighting montage begins (church gym callback to Rocky 1)  19:45 – Rocky’s pep talk: fear is a fire, heart and fire  26:09 – First knockout and the start of Tommy’s winning streak  29:57 – Robert watching, split lip from Chicky, feeling replaced  32:39 – Blue Horizon, speed bag struggles, and “Balboa’s pupil” headlines  39:27 – Rising venues, “Rocky’s clone” and “Rocky’s robot” headlines  45:38 – Rocky running with Tommy, Adrian calling from the pet shop  51:02 – One-arm push-ups and playful father-son time in the ring  55:31 – Rocky gives Tommy Apollo’s stars-and-stripes trunks  57:17 – Madison Square Garden, crowd chanting Tommy’s name  1:00:11 – The stairs scene and Tommy’s cartwheel  1:02:11 – Wrap-up and what’s coming next (Chicky rematch incoming)

  2. vor 3 Tagen

    Rocky V (Episode 6) - Prison Yard Playground: Rocky Jr’s Brutal Welcome Home

    Ryan Rebalkin and special guest Kyle pick up the Rocky V breakdown right where they left off. The Balboas are back in the old neighborhood, and Rocky Jr immediately finds out the schoolyard plays by prison rules. Chicky (Kevin Connolly) and his crew size up the “rich kid,” a jacket gets stolen, and the graffiti on the wall quietly nods to Rocky and Mick. Then it’s over to Mighty Mick’s Gym, where Rocky is training amateurs, Paulie is hustling a used coffee cup with “lip marks” for five bucks, and a hungry young fighter named Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison) walks in looking to prove himself. What starts as sparring quickly turns personal. Rocky sees too much of his old street-fighter self in the kid and has to decide whether he’s ready to step into Mickey’s old role. Plenty of deep-cut observations along the way: the Jimmy/Mike continuity headache, the “kajones” pronunciation mystery, visual callbacks to Rocky 1, and why this “failure” of a fifth film actually set up everything that came after. Ruban couldn’t make this recording, so Kyle steps in as guest host extraordinaire. If you like this kind of movie-by-movie, scene-by-scene breakdown, check out Ryan’s other show **The Worst of the Best Podcast** (available on every podcast app, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter). Follow Ryan at @RyanRebalkin and the Rocky show at @GTDRockyPodcast. 00:00 – Intro, naming the show, Rambo location ideas (Hope, BC and the Philly steps)  02:31 – Kyle’s honest take on Rocky V and why it aged better than expected  06:39 – Playground scene: Rocky Jr, the high fence, “Rocky and Mick” graffiti, and Chicky’s crew  15:00 – The beatdown and stolen jacket  18:23 – Mighty Mick’s Gym: Rocky training amateurs and the return of Jimmy (Mike?) Gambina  24:02 – Paulie sells a used coffee cup with lip marks for $5  27:40 – Tommy Gunn walks in and asks to fight  31:31 – “Kajones” pronunciation debate and script continuity roast  35:29 – Sparring gets out of hand: no headgear, full power shots, Rocky sees red flags  40:22 – Post-spar conversation: “You fight like a street fighter” and Tommy asks to be managed  45:06 – Tommy Morrison’s real name on the gear + visual echo of Rocky and Mickey  50:49 – Wrap-up, The Worst of the Best plug, and checking the credits for Jimmy’s name

Info

Step into the ring with *Going The Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast*, the ultimate celebration of Sylvester Stallone's iconic underdog saga. Hosted by passionate Rocky superfan Ryan Rebalkin, this dedicated feed dives deep into every punch, montage, and heartfelt moment of the *Rocky* franchise—one film at a time, in glorious chronological order. Whether you're reliving the gritty streets of Philadelphia in the original *Rocky* or breaking down the epic family legacy in *Rocky Balboa*, Ryan brings the energy of a champion. Joined by his brother Ruban, fellow superfans, amateur boxers and even musicians behind the films' anthems (shoutout to Robert Tepper's "No Easy Way Out"), each episode unpacks scenes with infectious enthusiasm, behind-the-scenes trivia, and personal stories that capture why *Rocky* still inspires millions to "go the distance." From dissecting the legendary training montages and rematches, this podcast isn't just analysis—it's a knockout conversation that honors the heart, humor, and hustle of the Italian Stallion. It's perfect for die-hard fans, casual viewers, and anyone chasing their own eye-of-the-tiger moment. Tune in for laughs, insights, and motivation that hits harder than Apollo Creed's left hook. Lace up your boots—it's time to go the distance!