Host Ryan reunites with returning guest John Rivoli, Sylvester Stallone’s official Rocky and Rambo artist, for a hilarious and insight-packed deep dive into the infamous helicopter betrayal and POW rescue attempt in Rambo: First Blood Part II. From real leeches to a terrifying ex-con Russian henchman who once stalked Sly in Beverly Hills, plus behind-the-scenes bombshells about deleted scenes, novelization secrets, and whether Rambo’s still a virgin—this episode is pure 80s adrenaline with exclusive Stallone stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Ryan welcomes UK listener-turned-guest John, a psychology enthusiast with real insight into trauma and the human mind, as they dive deep into the heart-pounding prison camp infiltration of Rambo: First Blood Part II. From Rambo’s silent bow kills and explosive-arrow stealth to that heartbreakingly tender “You’re not expendable” moment with Co, they unpack the raw vulnerability beneath the muscle, the adrenaline-fueled defense mechanisms of PTSD, and why Rambo’s quiet fragility hits harder than any body count. It’s the ultimate blend of ’80s action mayhem and real psychological firepower

Dive back into the jungle with host Ryan and legendary Stallone documentarian Derek Wayne Johnson as they break down the steamy, sweaty early moments of Rambo: First Blood Part II – from Rambo’s botched drop zone and explosive-arrow memories to Co’s unforgettable introduction, pirate river boats, and that intimate “expendable”  chat that still hits hard. Derek shares wild behind-the-scenes stories, from holding an actual screen-used Rambo II arrow at Frank Stallone’s house to his secret Rocky IV location tour with James Rolfe (AVGN), plus updates on upcoming projects and candid thoughts on Sly’s recent frustrations. It’s a love letter to ’80s action excess and the man who made green berets cool again.

Ryan and Sean (host of the Dolph Lundgren career-deep-dive podcast *I Must Break This*) continue Season 2 with the explosive sequel that turned John Rambo from troubled vet into the ultimate one-man army.

The guys go scene-by-scene through Rambo’s mission briefing, the legendary “suiting-up” montage, the botched parachute drop, and the moment the movie fully unleashes the larger-than-life Rambo we all grew up worshipping.

Whether you’re here for the muscle porn, the bureaucracy-busting rage, or just nostalgia for when action heroes were our real-life superheroes, this episode is 80s action comfort food with detailed commentary.

In the season two premiere of the "It's a Long Road: The Rambo Series" podcast, host Ryan welcomes guest Jack from the "Drunk Bond" podcast to dissect Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985), kicking off with lighthearted banter about podcasting compliments, the hosts' shared love for Sylvester Stallone's Rocky and Rambo franchises, and Jack's irreverent yet respectful breakdowns of action classics. They dive into the film's explosive opening, Rambo's prison labor release by Colonel Trautman for a covert Vietnam recon mission to photograph POWs, and early character introductions, while riffing on confusing franchise titles, Stallone's peak physique, box office inflation ($750–800 million in today's dollars), screenplay credits (Stallone, James Cameron, Kevin Jarre), and director George P. Cosmatos's hands-off approach amid Sly's 1980s superstardom—celebrating the sequel's over-the-top action shift from the original's dramatic depth as a fun, nostalgic 1980s beast.

Ryan teams up with guest co-hosts Tim and Tony from the Round 14 Podcast—dedicated enthusiasts of Sylvester Stallone's iconic Rocky saga—for a high-octane breakdown of the film's climactic church standoff, Rambo's raw emotional monologue, and the cathartic resolution between the tormented veteran and a sympathetic yet beleaguered Sheriff Teasle. Blending sharp analysis of Brian Dennehy's standout performance as Teasle, Richard Crenna's paternal gravitas as Colonel Trautman, and Stallone's understated vulnerability that elevates the anti-hero from feral survivor to tragic everyman, the trio delves into the film's anti-war themes, practical stunts like the harrowing helicopter crash, and Jerry Goldsmith's pulsating score that underscores Rambo's descent into PTSD-fueled rage. Peppered with Round 14's signature banter on Stallone's chiseled '80s physique, crossovers between Rambo's grit and Rocky's resilience, and lighthearted asides on Vietnam-era politics, the episode wraps the inaugural film with heartfelt reflections on its enduring legacy as a grounded action blueprint, teasing future dives into the bombastic sequels.

Ryan welcomes Bob and Zip from the "No Redeeming Qualities" podcast to dissect a key action sequence from First Blood (1982), where John Rambo escapes a mine shaft, hijacks a National Guard truck, and unleashes chaos on a small town through daring stunts, explosions, and pursuits, all while the hosts intersperse humorous tangents on Stallone's physique, the book's darker violence, Italian heritage, and podcast crossovers.

In another Sylvester Stallone Podcast Network crossover, hosts Ryan Rebalkin of Going The Distance, Craig Cohen of Slycast, and Doug Greenberg of Rocky Minute reluctantly dissect The Expendables 4 (aka Expend4bles, 2023), Scott Waugh's underwhelming R-rated swan song that squanders a $100M budget on PlayStation 2-level CGI boats, forgettable ship-bound climax, and charisma-vacuum newcomers like Megan Fox's abrasive Gina and 50 Cent's placeholder Easy Day. The trio mourns the franchise's faded glory—praising Jason Statham's elevated Lee Christmas lead, Tony Jaa's disciplined fighter, and fleeting OG chemistry with Stallone's four-day cameo and Dolph Lundgren's aged Gunner—while eviscerating phoned-in villains (Iko Uwais' Rahmat, Andy Garcia's Ocelot), choppy AI-like banter, zero stakes, and passionless filmmaking that prioritizes F-bombs over practical '80s-style explosions, deeming it a fine-but-forgettable misfire that killed the series despite meta nods and martial arts flair.

In a rollicking Sylvester Stallone Podcast Network crossover, hosts Craig Cohen of Slycast, Doug Greenberg of Rocky Minute, and Ryan Rebalkin of Going The Distance team up to eviscerate and occasionally defend The Expendables 3 (2014), Patrick Hughes' PG-13 pivot that swaps brutal R-rated gore for broader appeal, introducing fresh blood like Wesley Snipes' Doc, Antonio Banderas' chatterbox Galgo, and Harrison Ford's gruff Church replacement while benching Bruce Willis amid salary disputes. The panel raves over Mel Gibson's magnetic Conrad Stonebanks as a betrayed co-founder turned arms-dealing menace, Snipes' tax-evasion quips and knife flair, and Banderas' scene-stealing energy, but lambasts the toned-down violence, convoluted Somalia skyscraper finale, forgettable young recruits (Ronda Rousey, Kellan Lutz), and Stallone's directorial absence, ultimately deeming it a flawed yet watchable franchise low with standout villainy and meta nods that still honors '80s excess despite corporate meddling.

In a high-octane crossover episode from the Sylvester Stallone Podcast Network, hosts Ryan Rebalkin of Going The Distance, Craig Cohen of Slycast, and Doug Greenberg of Rocky Minute reunite to dissect The Expendables 2 (2012), the Simon West-directed sequel that amps up the '80s action homage with relentless set pieces, meta quips, and an all-star mercenary ensemble led by Stallone's Barney Ross. The trio celebrates the film's non-stop gunfire, explosive Nepal rescue opener, and villainous tour-de-force by Jean-Claude Van Damme as Vilain, while critiquing tonal shifts toward goofiness, underdeveloped newbies like Liam Hemsworth's Billy, and scheduling quirks that sidelined Jet Li; they laud Van Damme's scene-stealing improv, Jason Statham's priest-disguised brawls, and cameos from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, and a meme-spouting Chuck Norris, ultimately hailing it as a fun, fan-service thrill ride that grossed $300 million despite minor script flaws in dialogue and realism.

In a thrilling crossover installment of the Sylvester Stallone Podcast Network, veteran hosts Craig Cohen of Slycast, Doug Greenberg of Rocky Minute, and Ryan Rebalkin of Going The Distance converge to unpack the explosive 2010 action opus The Expendables, Stallone's directorial homage to '80s muscle-bound cinema. The trio dissects the high-stakes tale of a ragtag team of mercenaries—led by Stallone's battle-hardened Barney Ross—tackling a tyrannical dictator on a remote island, praising the film's relentless gunfire, machete-wielding mayhem, and star power from Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and cameos by icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, while sharing laughs over production lore, character arcs, and why this testosterone-fueled ensemble piece endures as a guilty pleasure for genre aficionados despite its formulaic flair.

In this episode of "One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast," host Ryan, joined by co-host Katie (with Kyle absent due to an unforeseen event), dives into the Rocky franchise with a focus on a heartfelt scene where Adrian tends to Rocky’s injuries after his meat-punching training, while also addressing recent developments in Sylvester Stallone’s life, including his new film Samaritan and personal struggles. The hosts discuss listener emails, including a Samaritan review from Donald and a note from Doug about the filming of Rocky’s iconic stair-running scenes, highlighting Stallone’s acting range. They analyze the emotional nuances of Rocky and Adrian’s relationship, the cultural context of 1970s boxing myths, and engage with their Discord community, blending humor, trivia, and deep insights into Rocky’s enduring appeal and Stallone’s real-life parallels.

In this episode of "One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast," host Ryan reunites with co-hosts Katie and Kyle to discuss Sylvester Stallone’s recent personal and professional developments, including his divorce from Jennifer Flavin after 25 years and his new film, Samaritan. The trio reflects on the emotional weight of Stallone’s divorce, wishing both parties well, and speculates on how personal stress may have fueled his public disputes with producer Irwin Winkler. They dive into a pivotal scene from Rocky where Rocky trains at Paulie’s meat factory, analyzing the tension between Rocky and Paulie, the latter’s alcoholism, and the iconic meat-punching moment that underscores Rocky’s vulnerability and determination. Engaging with Discord listeners and tackling Rocky trivia, the hosts blend humor, personal anecdotes, and deep analysis, drawing parallels between Stallone’s life and Rocky’s struggles, while celebrating the film’s enduring cinematic impact.

In this episode of "One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast," host Ryan, joined by regular co-host Kyle and guest host Doug, replacing Katie, delivers a heartfelt exploration of the Rocky franchise, focusing on a pivotal scene where Mickey visits Rocky’s apartment to offer his managerial expertise. The episode kicks off with humorous banter about Katie’s absence and Doug’s introduction as the host of "Rocky Minute," a podcast dissecting Rocky films minute-by-minute. Ryan reads an email from Doug himself, highlighting the symbolic Italian flag colors in a gym scene and Jurgens’ antagonistic role, sparking a discussion on the film’s themes of opportunity and manipulation. The hosts dive into Rocky’s emotional confrontation with Mickey, analyzing its authenticity and parallels to Sylvester Stallone’s real-life struggles, while engaging with Discord listeners and tackling challenging Rocky trivia, blending fandom, humor, and deep cinematic analysis.

In this episode of "One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast," host Ryan, joined by co-host Katie and guest Jared Tockstein, delves into the Rocky franchise with a mix of humor, fan interaction, and deep analysis. The episode kicks off with introductions, spotlighting Jared’s podcasting credentials and his prior collaborations with Ryan on other shows within the network. Ryan addresses recent developments in Sylvester Stallone’s ongoing feud with producer Irwin Winkler, clarifying a misunderstanding with another YouTuber, Viking Samurai, over shared insider information about the Rocky franchise and Creed 3’s storyline. The hosts discuss a listener email from filmmaker Simon Drake, whose work was inspired by Rocky’s cinematography, and analyze a pivotal scene where Rocky is offered a life-changing fight against Apollo Creed. The episode blends trivia, Discord engagement, and reflections on Rocky’s emotional depth, particularly his vulnerability and relationship with Adrian, offering fans a rich exploration of the film’s themes and Stallone’s real-life parallels.

In this episode of "One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast," host Ryan, along with co-hosts Katie and Kyle, dive into a passionate discussion about the Rocky franchise, focusing on Sylvester Stallone's ongoing disputes with producer Irwin Winkler over the rights to the Rocky series. The episode begins with Ryan addressing a recording mishap and providing a disclaimer about insider information regarding Stallone’s lack of control over the franchise, particularly highlighting tensions surrounding a new Drago spin-off series. The hosts explore Stallone’s public frustrations, the Winkler family’s control, and the broader implications for the Rocky legacy, weaving in personal anecdotes, listener interactions via Discord, and trivia about the Rocky films. The conversation balances fandom with critical analysis, drawing parallels between Stallone’s real-life struggles and Rocky Balboa’s narrative, while also celebrating the cultural impact of the series and its relevance to themes of opportunity and legacy.

The Stallone Podcast Network episode features hosts Ryan, Doug, and Craig diving into a lively discussion about Sylvester Stallone’s career, focusing on the 1993 action film Cliffhanger. They explore Stallone’s recent appearance at the Conn Film Festival, where he unveiled a 4K edition of First Blood and shared updates on Rambo: Last Blood, alongside his surprising pitch for a new Rocky story involving an undocumented immigrant. The hosts also discuss a potential Cobra streaming series, expressing skepticism about its viability without Stallone’s iconic character. The bulk of the episode is dedicated to a detailed analysis of Cliffhanger, praising its visceral action, practical effects, and iconic stunts, like the plane-to-plane transfer, while critiquing its dated dialogue and certain unrealistic sequences. With personal anecdotes, like Craig’s passion for the Ramones and Ryan’s military training, the hosts blend humor, nostalgia, and critical insight, celebrating Stallone’s legacy while acknowledging the film’s flaws and its place in 90s action cinema.

Hosts Ryan, Doug, and Craig, along with guest Walt from The Wilder Ride, dissect the 1987 Sylvester Stallone film Over the Top in a simultaneous YouTube and Facebook live broadcast. They discuss the film’s surprising fan-voted selection over Cliffhanger in a listener poll, expressing mixed feelings about its campy charm and significant flaws, including a weak script and questionable plot points like Lincoln Hawk’s unexplained 10-year absence from his son Michael’s life. The hosts critique the film’s arm-wrestling premise, outdated 1980s tropes, and problematic scenes, such as a child traveling alone and a father-son relationship that feels forced, while praising Stallone’s genuine performance and the nostalgic soundtrack featuring Kenny Loggins. They engage with live chat comments, debate the film’s production choices, and reflect on its poor box office performance, ultimately labeling it a “good bad movie” that disappointed some expectations but retains a cult following.

In this episode of "It's a Long Road," host Ryan welcomes special guest John Rivoli, the official Rocky artist for MGM and Sylvester Stallone, to discuss Stallone's iconic films, particularly "Rambo: First Blood." Rivoli shares his background as an artist curating Rocky and Rambo-inspired paintings, his personal encounters with Stallone, and a new Rambo artwork depicting the character's emotional breakdown. The conversation delves into Stallone's acting prowess, the film's themes of veteran trauma and the American nightmare, behind-the-scenes insights like natural lighting in mine scenes and real rats, comparisons to biblical narratives, and scene breakdowns from the movie, including Rambo's escape from the mine shaft. They touch on Stallone's history in films like "Lords of Flatbush," the film's Christmas setting, and Rivoli's excitement about upcoming Rambo merchandise.

In this episode of "It's a Long Road: The Rambo Series Podcast," host Ryan welcomes guest Scott from the "All 90s Action All the Time" podcast, now part of the Last of the Action Heroes Podcast Network, to discuss Sylvester Stallone's "First Blood." They explore Scott's history with the Rambo franchise, his preference for Rocky over Rambo, and a detailed scene-by-scene breakdown of the film's mine shaft sequence involving Rambo's evasion tactics, the National Guard's incompetence, and key interactions between characters like Sheriff Teasel and Colonel Trautman. The conversation touches on the movie's tone shifts from thriller to action, Jerry Goldsmith's score, filming locations in British Columbia, comparisons to other films like "Southern Comfort," and humorous critiques of the National Guard's portrayal as "weekend warriors." They also share personal anecdotes, podcast network details, and listener feedback, ending with anticipation for future episodes.