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.

In this spontaneous and chaotic live episode, hosts 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.