Join Ryan and Ruban on the Going the Distance podcast as they dive into Rocky Balboa vibes, the art of humor, and the real grind of a comedian's life, with veteran stand-up legend Brad Upton dropping wisdom we desperately need! This hilarious episode features Brad, a former fourth-grade teacher and track coach turned comedy powerhouse, who first hit the stage in 1984 and now boasts over 40 years of non-stop laughs, thousands of performances worldwide, and massive viral fame from his Dry Bar Comedy specials that have racked up hundreds of millions of views. Brad shares stories from opening for icons like the late Joan Rivers and Johnny Mathis (until his 2025 retirement), headlining internationally, winning the Las Vegas Comedy Festival, and his clean, relatable style that crushes crowds from 18 to 80 with razor-sharp takes on marriage, aging, generations, and everyday absurdities. The guys geek out over comedy timing, stage secrets, and balancing life on the road—perfect for Rocky fans, comedy nerds, or anyone craving authentic laughs and inspiration.

Ryan chats with Scottish actress and Rocky superfan Kirsty Strain (known for Burnistoun and River City) about her lifelong passion for the Rocky franchise, her favorite moments from the series, and her exciting new creative project: writing and starring in a new play while simultaneously producing a documentary on its creation titled "One More Round"—a heartfelt exploration of perseverance, performance, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Ryan and Ruban sit down with legendary YouTuber, filmmaker, and die-hard Rocky fanatic James Rolfe (the Angry Video Game Nerd from Cinemassacre) for an in-depth conversation exploring his passionate love for the Rocky franchise, including shout-outs to his epic series review, along with behind-the-scenes insights into his iconic career, Cinemassacre productions, personal life, and more, all captured in a raw webcast from his home studio, with an unedited video version available for purists.

Ryan sits down with veteran actress Rutanya Alda for an engaging career-spanning conversation, delving into her iconic roles as Angela in The Deer Hunter, devoted housekeeper Carol Ann in the cult classic Mommie Dearest, and her memorable part in Amityville II: The Possession, alongside behind-the-scenes stories from Rocky II, working with legends like Sylvester Stallone, Burt Young, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and insights into Joan Crawford's world—plus reflections on early films like Greetings, Scarecrow, and more, all while encouraging listeners to grab her revealing memoir available on Amazon.

Ryan and Ruban mark the triumphant close of Season 2 with an in-depth wrap-up of Rocky II, blending heartfelt reflections on the film's iconic rematch and underdog spirit with lighthearted tangents like Sylvester Stallone's recurring on-screen butt appearances across his career, speculation on upcoming Stallone projects, a candid recap of Season 2's highlights and challenges, and exciting teases for what's ahead in Season 3—capping off with an enthusiastic shout-out to fans declaring "We DID IT!"

Super Fan Mat joins hosts Ryan and Ruban to dive into the highly anticipated rematch between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa in Super Fight II. Despite earlier declarations that there would be no rematch following their epic first bout, the excitement builds as they break down what this unexpected showdown means for both fighters, exploring the stakes, motivations, and potential outcomes in one of boxing's most iconic rivalries.