Going The Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast

Ryan and Ruban finally reunite to close out Rocky V and Season 5 of Going the Distance.

After the press conference, Tommy is still boiling about living in Rocky’s shadow. Duke fans the flames and pushes the challenge that leads straight to the street. What follows is the chaotic bare-knuckle brawl outside the gym — wild haymakers, CNC Music Factory crashing into Bill Conti’s score, Rocky Jr yelling “he took my room,” Adrian trying to stop it, and Rocky finally putting Tommy down for good. Then comes the iconic “Sue me” moment as Rocky drops Duke onto a car hood.

The episode wraps with Father Carmine’s blessing, the quiet jog up the museum steps with Robert, the Rocky Marciano cufflink passed from father to son, and the bittersweet final lines before Elton John’s “The Measure of a Man” plays over the closing montage.

Ryan and Ruban also read listener mail, talk about the Rocky Steps, and officially close the book on Rocky V.

If you enjoy these Rocky deep-dives, check out their other show, The Worst of the Best Podcast. Follow Ryan at @RyanRebalkin and the Rocky feed at @GTDRockyPodcast.

00:00 – Ryan & Ruben reunion, Worst of the Best plug, and Jolt Cola tangent  
04:40 – Listener mail (Greg Arnold + Burt Young paintings story)  
10:00 – Post-press conference: Tommy still in Rocky’s shadow  
17:00 – Duke pushes the challenge and the fight is set  
25:00 – Build-up and the street fight begins  
35:00 – Haymakers, “he took my room,” and Rocky takes control  
48:00 – Rocky finishes Tommy and drops Duke (“Sue me”)  
58:00 – Father Carmine, the steps, the cufflink, and the final lines  
1:03:30 – Elton John montage and Season 5 wrap-up

Creators and Guests

Host
Ruban Rebalkin
Host
Ryan Rebalkin

What is Going The Distance: The Rocky Series Podcast?

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!