Sylvester Stallone and His Friends' Films Podcast

Stallone Steps memoir chapter 6

Ryan and Jared listen to chapter 6 of Sylvester Stallone’s memoir The Steps, the Fight or Flight section that moves from the deli to a high-school dance and back again.

0:00 Welcome, Jared returns, chapter 6 Fight or Flight
5:00 Name tag change, first mention of Frank
9:44 Trash guy confrontation, walks away
14:05 1961 Father Judge dance, Fishtown
18:48 Gets punched, feels like a coward, goes back
22:23 Cheap shot, priest beaten, chain-link fence
25:15 Shot in the triceps
29:44 Back to the deli, hammer and knife
32:00 Arrested, the Tombs
50:15 Released, ap...

Ryan and Adrian continue the live listen of Sylvester Stallone’s The Steps memoir, still on Step One, through the deli shift, an audition, and the winter coat he had to save for.

Ryan and Adrian listen to Sylvester Stallone’s The Steps memoir, still on step one, in the chapter where he cleans lion cages and bombs a Juilliard audition.

Ryan and Doug stay cold on *The Steps*, chapter three of step one. First two agencies never get past the secretaries. No photo, no resume. Pharmacy booth, fifty cents, four poses, nose against the lens. Third office slides the strip back: professional shots only.

Last name on the list. Walk-up, German accent, no secretary. He gives Mike Stallone. Then the birth-certificate fight: mother wanted Tyrone, after Tyrone Power; father blew up and put Sylvester on the form, Americanized from the grandfather, firstborn Italian custom. School years as Sylvester the Cat, Tweety, fists, suspensions. Mike ever since, except...

Ryan and Doug keep the cold listen of Sylvester Stallone reading *The Steps*. Step one is New York. Off the bus at Port Authority, heat, horns, no bed, no one he knows. Walk to 46th and 9th, Hell’s Kitchen, where it started.

Born July 6, 1946. Mother in denial until labor on a bus. Forceps, crushed nerve, left side of the face, the slur. Cold-water flat, plywood on the tub, $15 rent, steel wool in the baseboards, pink mice under the sink. Father the barber who wanted to sing. Mother the cigarette girl at Billy Rose’s Diamond Horseshoe who...

Ryan and Doug go in cold on the first listen of Sylvester Stallone reading The Steps (William Morrow / Harper Audio). Ryan has been skipping the press tour so the book stays a surprise. Doug takes the inaugural episode after years on the Rocky and Rambo runs.

Dedication: Jennifer, Sophia, Sistine, Scarlet, then Sage and Serge. Chat flags Sasha as a character in I Play Rocky (Sir Robert). Sly did not write that film.

Then step zero. Pyrenees, 1969, 100 pesetas, Madame Pilar, an egg in a handkerchief. Double lifeline, change around 25, three marriage lines, fortune by 1976, drama...

Ryan welcomes Variety writer Matthew Chernov (How the West Was Cast) to It’s a Long Road for a scene-by-scene look at Rambo III’s botched rescue.

They talk Variety lists, why Matthew ranks Rambo III second in the franchise, then the failed raid: Trautman still captive, the injured boy, the sewer swim, the RPG that buys time, handing over Co’s necklace, and Stallone’s classic self-surgery with gunpowder. Matthew also walks through the 2021 Julian’s Auctions Stallone sale — First Blood knife, poncho, bow, Rocky script pages — and plugs How the West Was Cast plus his Variety pieces...

Ryan welcomes Dominick Tartamella (Movie Thoughts podcast, Genuine Reels impersonations) to It’s a Long Road for another scene-by-scene pass through Rambo III.

They cover Dominick’s Stallone fandom from his dad’s VHS tapes, why Rambo III is his least favorite of the series, and then the aftermath of the village attack: the leader’s “where is the honor?” speech, Rambo declaring “it is now” his war, the boy who wants to fight, and the famous “he would do it for me / he calls me Johnny” walk-off. Along the way: hairline debates, possible lip work, a visible costume flub...

Ryan welcomes Sicco (Hugging a Cactus / the Mel Gibson podcast, the Arnold podcast, Last of the Action Heroes Network) for his first appearance on It’s a Long Road, the Rambo series podcast.

They talk overall Rambo fandom — why First Blood is Stallone’s best acting work — then settle into Rambo III: the well-shot Russian prison sequence with Trautman, the village hospital, Soviet toy mines, Yuri the defector’s rock-and-stick briefing, and the council that decides whether to help free Trautman. Sicco adds real-world timing on the Soviet-Afghan war and why the movie already felt slightly out of date in...

Ryan welcomes friends Sean and Brad from **Eh & B! The PNW Sports Show** for more Rambo III coverage on It’s a Long Road!  

We pick up right after Troutman’s capture, dive into the intense interrogation with the Russian commander, Troutman’s powerful “We had our Vietnam” speech, the prophetic dialogue about the Afghan people, and the epic horseback trek through the mountains with Mousa.  

Expect plenty of laughs, wrestling stories, Sly vs. Arnold debate, and real talk about the franchise’s life lessons.  

**Find Sean & Brad:**  
Eh & B! The PNW Sports Show – av...

Continuing Season 3 of It’s a Long Road with special guest Dan from the Retrospectors YouTube channel (Sega retro gaming & online multiplayer on original hardware)! We break down key early Rambo III scenes: Rambo’s refusal of the Afghanistan mission (“I’m not ready yet”), the contemplative rooftop moments, Troutman’s bizarrely planned nighttime operation that goes sideways, and Rambo’s decision to go in unofficially.

Dan shares how he discovered the podcast via James Rolfe, his Sega roots (Phantasy Star stories!), and how a younger fan found Rocky & Rambo in the early 2000s. Like, comment your thoughts on th...

Host Ryan kicks off Rambo III coverage with special guest Nikki from the Beat the Cult podcast. We dive into the film’s unique opening: Rambo’s intense stick-fighting match in Thailand, his self-flagellation and guilt, Troutman’s surprise arrival at the monastery, and the pitch for the Afghanistan mission.

Nikki shares her Sly Stallone fandom origin story (Rocky IV inspiration during her weight-loss journey), first viewings of the Rambo films, and fresh perspective on the character. Like, comment, and subscribe!

Follow Nikki / Beat the Cult on YouTube (and Twitter).

00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome  
00:5...

Sylvester Stallone stars in the 2002 (filmed 1999) horror/thriller Eye See You (ICU) (aka Detox)! The crew dives into this overlooked slasher where Stallone plays an FBI agent tracking a cop killer who ends up in a remote Wyoming rehab facility with other troubled officers.

We discuss the bizarre kills (eye-drilling, impalements), weak plot, future tech predictions that didn’t land, strong supporting cast moments (Robert Patrick, Charles S. Dutton, Polly Walker), and why this one flopped despite the talent involved.

Dive into the 1993 Sylvester Stallone sci-fi action classic Demolition Man! The crew breaks down Stallone as John Spartan, Wesley Snipes as the chaotic Simon Phoenix, Sandra Bullock as Huxley, and the wild utopian future society complete with three seashells, simulated sex, and cryo-prison twists.

We cover the over-the-top action, hilarious one-liners, future tech predictions that came true, casting stories, and why this leave-your-brain-at-the-door buddy-cop movie still delivers. From the Taco Bell showdown to the epic finale, we discuss what holds up and what doesn’t.

Join the Stallone fan podcast crew for a deep dive into the 1981 classic Victory (aka Escape to Victory)! We break down Sylvester Stallone’s POW soccer drama with Michael Caine, Pelé, and Max von Sydow — covering the epic match, real soccer legends on screen, escape plans, John Huston’s direction, and tons of fun trivia.

From Stallone’s training injuries and on-set demands to the legendary bicycle kick, halftime escape chaos, and that crowd-rush finale, we discuss what makes this sports-war hybrid still hold up. Great cast chemistry, impressive cinematography, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Join Ryan, Kyle, and Katie for another fun-filled episode of One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast as we break down key scenes from Rocky II! We discuss Rocky's emotional rock bottom, his heartfelt conversation with Mickey at the gym, the powerful stairs scenes, and what it means for the Italian Stallion's future in the ring.

Plus: Sly news with the hilarious Paramount+ "Stallone Face" Super Bowl commercial featuring his daughters, updates on his upcoming reality show, an in-depth email from our favorite German listener Patrick about the toxic drama on the Stallone Zone forum regarding Creed...

Join us on One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast as we dive deep into Rocky II! We discuss the meat montage, Adrian's pregnancy tensions, Paulie's dockside wisdom, Rocky's eye injury struggles, fan emails, trivia, and why this sequel's fight and montages still hit hard. 

From Rocky hitting the slabs to debates on the rematch, Apollo's pressure, and classic Rocky-isms – this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and Rocky love.

0:00 - Intro & Hosts Check-In (Hangovers & Anti-Anxiety Meds)

1:50 - Listener Emails: Simon on Edits & Rocky’s Grammar

5:45 - YouTube Comments & Creed 3 News Tease...

Join Ryan, Katie, and Kyle on One More Round as they dive deep into Rocky II! From Rocky's hilarious office job interviews and Adrian's unwavering support to Paulie's thumb-breaking side hustle at the meat factory, this episode is packed with laughs, fan emails, trivia, and hidden details you might have missed.

We discuss Stallone's real-life home sales, Facebook's wild self-harm flag on a movie quote, listener stories from Spain, and so much more. Perfect for Rocky fans, movie buffs, and anyone who loves classic underdog stories.

0:00 - Intro & Listener Emails
7:35 - Jamie's Email...

Join Ryan, Katie, and Kyle on One More Round as they dive deep into Rocky II! In this episode, we react to Apollo Creed reading brutal hate mail, Rocky's neighborhood stickball game, Adrian's pregnancy reveal at the hospital, and the hilariously cringy Beast Aftershave commercial shoot. We discuss Rocky and Adrian's baby dreams, Apollo's mid-century modern mansion, continuity questions (like the cufflinks), Philly geography facts from listener Brian, and plenty of laughs along the way.

0:00 - Intro, Holidays, Patreon & Tulsa King Update
5:30 - Listener Email: Philly Geography in Rocky II (Ambulance Route & Zoo)
11:00 - Apollo...

 In this episode, Ryan, Katie, and Kyle discuss Rocky II (1979), picking up after the iconic first fight.

The crew covers Rocky and Adrian’s sweet (and awkward) married life, the neighborhood jukebox singers, the shopping spree with the Smokey and the Bandit Trans Am, the new house tour with sky-high taxes, Butkus in his Eagles jersey, brain damage banter, and plenty of Rocky-isms. Plus, they tackle listener emails, Tulsa King crossovers, trivia questions, and more!

 In this episode, Ryan (Going the Distance), Craig (Sly Cast), and Doug (Rocky Minute) from the Stallone Podcast Network tackle Backtrace (2018), one of Stallone’s lesser-known straight-to-video thrillers.

The guys start with an update on the upcoming Rocky 4 Director’s Cut before diving into Backtrace — a $6 million heist/amnesia movie starring Matthew Modine as a bank robber with memory loss, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), and Sly in a supporting detective role. They discuss the wild family twist, the experimental memory serum, endless plot holes, questionable acting (including investor-actress Meta Williams), the cement factory showdown, and why Sly signed...

In this episode, Ryan, Doug, and Craig from the Stallone Podcast Network sit down for a comprehensive discussion of Sylvester Stallone’s 1981 thriller Nighthawks.

The hosts explore Sly’s performance as undercover cop D’Silva (complete with the memorable beard), his strong chemistry with Billy Dee Williams as partner Matthew Fox, the gritty 1980s New York City setting, and the intense cat-and-mouse game with terrorist Wolfgar. They cover the film’s disco-heavy soundtrack featuring Rolling Stones' Brown Sugar, Keith Emerson score, key action sequences like the tram climax, deleted scenes, Stallone’s on-set influence, Rocky-isms, plot devices, and whethe...

 Ryan, Doug & Craig dive into Sylvester Stallone’s legendary TV appearances — his 1979 guest spot on The Muppet Show and his 1997 hosting gig on Saturday Night Live.

We break down the skits, Stallone’s straight-man energy with the Muppets, his comedic timing on SNL, and plenty of laughs along the way. Expect fun banter, behind-the-scenes insights, and classic Stallone moments from two iconic shows.

If you love Sly, comedy history, or nostalgic TV deep dives, this one’s for you!

0:00 – Intro & network update
3:30 – The Muppet Show (1979) discussion
10:00 – Gladiator & groupie skits
22:00 – Saturday Night Live (1997...

Join host Ryan and special guest Tim (Round 14 Podcast) for a detailed scene-by-scene breakdown of Rambo: First Blood Part II. They discuss the insane helicopter stunts, mud camouflage, explosive arrow kills, Russian hand-to-hand combat, village destruction, the iconic M60 one-handed rampage, and why the practical effects still hold up decades later.

Tim shares his long-time Rambo fandom and they compare notes on Sly Stallone’s action style, military themes, and 80s filmmaking magic.

0:29 – Intro & guest Tim
16:53 – Helicopter boarding & Russian fight
24:52 – Helicopter duel & village attack
29:53 – M60 rampage & chaos
42:09 – Helicopter chase & model explosion
49:40 – B...

Join host Ryan and special guest Adrian (Arcade Attack Podcast) for a detailed scene-by-scene breakdown of Rambo: First Blood Part II. They discuss the intense helicopter stunts, mud camouflage, explosive arrow kills, Russian hand-to-hand combat, village destruction, M60 one-handed rampage, and the practical effects that still hold up today.

Adrian shares his Rambo fandom, they compare notes on Sly Stallone’s action style, and appreciate the raw 80s filmmaking without CGI.

0:29 – Intro & guest Adrian
16:53 – Helicopter boarding stunt
24:52 – Russian helicopter duel
29:53 – Village destruction & missile barrage
33:30 – Rambo grabs the M60
42:09 – Helicopter chase & model...

Ryan sits down with **Robert Bruzio**, screenwriter of the underdog baseball drama **Bottom of the Ninth** starring Joe Manganiello. They discuss the film's journey, Rocky connections (John G. Avildsen, Bert Young, Sly Stallone), working on the set of Rocky Balboa, and the passion behind telling redemption stories.

Robert shares incredible stories about cold-calling legends, Italian-American themes, and what it’s like to see your words come to life on screen.

0:00 – Intro & Robert Bruzio welcome  
2:55 – Bottom of the Ninth background & Joe Manganiello  
9:12 – Rocky connections & John Avildsen  
13:12 – Meeting Sly Stallone on Rocky Balboa set  
18:1...

James Rolfe (Angry Video Game Nerd / Cinemassacre) returns to It's a Long Road for a deep dive into Rambo: First Blood Part II! We break down the brutal torture sequence (real leeches, hot knife, electric shocks), the legendary mic crush "Murdoch... I'm coming to get you" moment, Co's shocking death, Stallone's insane physique & practical 80s effects, helicopter chases, Russian villains, and why this sequel unleashes pure one-man-army action. Plus nostalgia talk, Rocky comparisons, Saturday morning cartoons, and James's thoughts on Rambo vs. Rocky legacy.

A fun, nerdy chat with one of YouTube's legends – if you're into Stallone, 80s...

Join host Ryan Rebalkin and special guest Walter Beneziak (Channel Awesome, FanScription, Nostalgia Critic contributor) for an in-depth breakdown of Rambo: First Blood Part II! We dive into the intense torture sequence, Stallone's insane physical dedication (real leeches, hot knife effects, and peak 80s flexing), the mic crush "I'm coming to get you" moment, Russian villains, POW camp escapes, and how the film differs from David Morrell's novel. Plus Stallone discoveries, practical 1985 effects, and why this sequel unleashes Rambo like never before.

If you're a Stallone fan, Rambo lover, or just into 80s action lore, this episode...

Ever wondered if Jean-Claude Van Damme's 1988 martial arts masterpiece Bloodsport still holds up? Kyle watches it completely blind for the first time while Ryan relives his teenage obsession with endless VHS rewatches. We break down the insane splits, brutal Kumite fights, Chong Li's villain energy, Ray Jackson's biker charm, that legendary training montage, and the shocking "true story" claim at the end (spoiler: it's wild).

From nostalgic highs to 2026 reality checks, we talk cult status, 80s cheese, questionable plot logic, Hong Kong filming locations, and why this low-budget gem made $65M on $2M. Plus first-time wife reactions...

Join the Stallone Podcast Network crossover as hosts from Rocky Minute (Doug), Sly Cast (Craig), and Going the Distance / One More Round (Ryan) dive into the cult classic Death Race 2000 (1975)!

In a dystopian 2000 where the Transcontinental Road Race scores points for running over pedestrians (toddlers = 70, elders = 100!), we break down Roger Corman's satirical grindhouse gem: Stallone's scene-stealing villain Machine Gun Joe Viterbo (pre-Rocky star power!), David Carradine's masked Frankenstein, Nazi drivers, fake tunnels, landmine kills, and the hilarious tone clash (comedy vs. grit tug-of-war between director Paul Bartel and Corman).

We react to key moments (grenade...

Join the Stallone Podcast Network crossover special as hosts from Rocky Minute, Sly Cast, and Going the Distance / One More Round unite to dissect Sylvester Stallone's 2000 remake Get Carter!

We dive into why this revenge thriller (with Michael Caine reprising his iconic role, Mickey Rourke's shady Cyrus, Alan Cumming's golf metaphors, and that infamous goatee) promised so much but delivered frustration: mismatched tone, dated early-2000s editing, low body count, weird soundtrack, and wasted potential for a dark Stallone anti-hero rampage.

Hear our first-watch memories (theater excitement vs. 20-year revisit disappointment), the Michael Caine cameo...

Dive deeper into Rocky II (1979) on One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast Season 2! We break down the heartfelt post-hospital moments: Rocky's fresh air freedom, quirky commercial pitches, the snowy zoo proposal (with that Bengal tiger cameo), the intimate Catholic wedding ceremony, and the sweet newlywed vibes. Hear our thoughts on why the zoo choice is iconic (or hilariously ironic), Adrian's beautiful dress, Father Carmine's Italian vows, Paulie's "proper busting" jokes, and Rocky's innocent take on marriage (no hair in the sink!).

Plus, fresh reactions to the first three episodes of Tulsa King—Sly's high limo scene, wo...

Dive into the heart-pounding start of Season 2 of One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast! We’re back and more excited than ever to relive the Rocky saga, beginning with the underrated powerhouse that is Rocky II (1979).

Expect heated debates on the hospital rematch chaos, Apollo's epic trolling, Rocky's "lucky" shots, brain damage concerns, and why this sequel might just be the most underappreciated in the franchise. We kick things off with fresh Sly Stallone updates—including reactions to the first episodes of Tulsa King (Sly looks sharp in that suit!), rumors about Rambo/Rocky prequels, Creed 4 poss...

The Season 1 finale of One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast is here! We break down the legendary Rocky vs. Apollo Creed fight—from the shocking first-round knockdown, brutal body shots, rope-a-dope moments, and rib-cracking drama to Rocky's true goal: going the distance. We discuss inspirations from the real Ali-Wepner fight, Mickey's "stay down," Apollo's panic, the "no rematch" line, and that emotional Adrian reunion. Plus, fan emails on cinematography, editing tricks (doubled punches!), bum counts finale, and why this ending feels perfect—no sequels needed (but thank goodness they happened). If you're a Rocky fan, this emotional close-out hits...

Dive into the heart of Rocky with hosts Ryan, Katie, and Kyle on One More Round: The Rocky Series Podcast! We react to the Creed 3 trailer (predictable but Jonathan Majors steals it?), discuss why Sly's absence might mean a time jump (or worse?), and break down the legendary training montage—from sunrise jogs and meat punching to one-arm push-ups and the iconic Philadelphia steps run. Plus, the emotional peak: Rocky's vulnerable "I can't beat him" confession to Adrian, where he redefines success as simply going the distance. This isn't just about winning—it's about proving you're more than "just anot...

Join hosts Ryan, Katie, and Kyle on The Rocky Series Podcast as they unpack one of the most intense family moments in Rocky history. Things get heated when Paulie comes home drunk on Thanksgiving, leading to raw confrontations, shocking lines, and Adrian finally standing her ground. We dive into Paulie's darker side, his obsession with "purity," that unforgettable "You're busted!" moment, and why this scene shows Rocky is way more than just boxing.

We also cover Stallone's real-life reconciliation news (right after we recorded divorce talk—talk about timing!), real leeches in Rambo (confirmed by a Sly fr...

Ryan (Going the Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast), Craig (SlyCast), and Doug (Rocky Minute) dissect this low-budget ($3.6M) revenge thriller, praising brutal kills, Max Zhang's standout martial arts, Dave Bautista's indestructible rampage, and Sly's Rambo-esque fury, while slamming convoluted plots, sloppy editing, illogical traps (exploding mines?), generic villains, and baffling choices like the spinning prison nod from Part 2. Better than Hades (25% on Rotten Tomatoes vs. 7%), but still a forgettable VOD slog with graphic violence, shaky fights, and zero spark. Highlights: Jin Zhang's choreography and Sly's throat-slit finale. Perfect for die-hards craving gritty '80s vibes, but skip if you...

Hosts Ryan (Going the Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast), Craig (SlyCast), and Doug (Rocky Minute) brave this fan-voted disaster, unpacking Ray Breslin's return to a high-tech hellhole prison run by a fired protégé, complete with convoluted plots, baffling "algorithm" rants, robotic doctors, spinning rooms, and martial arts shifts aimed at the Chinese market. They roast the bait-and-switch billing (Stallone and Dave Bautista barely share scenes), shaky editing, illogical twists (a massive underground facility beneath an Atlanta church?), generic villains, and Stallone's limited screentime amid bad CGI and zero chemistry. Highlights include Huang Xiaoming's solid fights, Titus Welliver's wasted "Zo...

Hosts Ryan (Going the Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast), Craig (SlyCast), and Doug (Rocky Minute) reunite for this fan-voted crossover, breaking down Ray Breslin's genius escapes, the clever twists (including Rottmayer's secret identity), Arnold's standout performance with killer one-liners and machine-gun mayhem, and Sly's MacGyver-level smarts. They geek out over the clever opening sequence, the ship reveal's ingenuity, fun nods to classic action tropes, and supporting turns from Jim Caviezel, 50 Cent, and Sam Neill, while nitpicking flaws like over-the-top tech, plot holes, and underwhelming villain payoffs. Despite mixed reviews (49% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a modest domestic box office, this $137...

 Join hosts Ryan (Going the Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast), Doug (Rocky Minute), and Craig (Slycast) as they suffer through a fan-voted deep dive into Stallone's early role as Stanley, the tough-but-vulnerable gang member navigating pregnancy scares, stolen cars, awkward dates, and zero character arcs. The crew rips apart the film's terrible soundtrack, out-of-focus shots, forced acting, endless dead air, and baffling plot holes, like why these 28-year-olds pass as high schoolers, the pointless subplots, and that infamous Richard Gere firing story involving mustard and hot dogs. Highlights include early Rocky vibes (pigeon coop monologues, animal talks), Godfather wedding r...