In the latest episode of The Adrian Moment podcast, hosts Ocean Murff and Jim Pullen dive into the high-octane world of auto racing as they discuss the 2019 film "Ford v Ferrari." The movie, starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, depicts the true story of Ford Motor Company's mission to build a revolutionary race car to challenge Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.

Throughout the episode, Ocean and Jim explore various aspects of the film that resonated with them. Jim expresses his fascination with the portrayal of Ford executives as the "villains" of the story, highlighting their initial reluctance to fully invest in the development of their own racing vehicle. The hosts also touch on the allure of Ferrari's brand compared to Ford's mass-produced cars, emphasizing the prestige and rarity associated with the Italian automaker.

Ocean and Jim delve into the engineering genius of Ken Miles, played by Christian Bale, and his crucial role as both a skilled driver and an invaluable source of feedback for the Ford racing team. They discuss the challenges of communication between the driver and the pit crew during the era in which the film is set, and how Miles' expertise was essential to the success of the GT40 program.

The hosts also express their admiration for the film's stunning racing sequences and the incredible endurance required to compete in a 24-hour race like Le Mans. Ocean and Jim's lively discussion offers listeners an engaging look at "Ford v Ferrari" and the world of auto racing, making this episode a must-listen for fans of the film and the sport alike.

Links & Notes

• • Ford v Ferrari: Apple • Amazon • JustWatch

This week on the show, Ocean and Jim discuss the 2001 film "61*", chronicling the 1961 competition between Yankees teammates Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris to surpass Babe Ruth's single-season home run record.

Ocean and Jim explore the film's central theme of hero worship and how it influenced public perception of Mantle and Maris as they chased the iconic record. The hosts examine the portrayal of the two players and the media's role in shaping the narrative surrounding their pursuit.

The pair also delves into the controversy surrounding the asterisk placed next to Maris' record due to the extended 162-game season. They consider how the conversation might have differed if Mantle had been the sole contender and discuss the significance of the record in the context of baseball history.

Throughout the episode, Ocean and Jim offer their insights and impressions of the film, analyzing its depiction of a pivotal moment in the sport's past. Listen to the latest episode of The Adrian Moment for an engaging look at "61*” and its representation of a memorable chapter in baseball history.

Links & Notes

• • 61*: Apple • Amazon • JustWatch

The crowd roars. The impossible shot sinks through the net as the buzzer sounds. We live for these epic sports moments on the big screen—even if we've never laced up cleats or set foot on a field.

Why do sports films captivate us? How do they speak to the competitor deep inside? Can a great sports flick make you fall in love with a game you never cared for?

Join lifelong friends and film fanatics Ocean Murff and Jim Pullen as they go deep into the psychology, storytelling, and raw emotional power of the greatest sports movies ever made.

Laugh and cry with them as they re-live the agonizing defeats, underdog triumphs, coaching miracles, and adrenaline-soaked championship glory only the big screen can deliver. From tales of individual perseverance to the bonds of teamwork, Ocean and Jim break down just how sports films distill the human experience like no other genre.

Strap in for a cinematic thrill ride covering everything from boxing to baseball, hockey to horse racing. You'll never see sports—or sports movies—the same way again. The whistle blows on The Adrian Moment.

Welcome to The Adrian Moment, a podcast about sports movies with Ocean Murff and Jim Pullen on TruStory FM. New episodes coming in May 2024.