Sylvester Stallone and His Friends' Films Podcast

Stallone The Steps Chapter 7 Ryan and Jared continue their listening party through Sylvester Stallone’s memoir *The Steps*, picking up at Chapter 7, My Buddies, the Pigeons. They are still in step one. The chapter opens with Stallone alone in a cold room that winter, eating chicken and feeding the pigeons on the fire escape, the same window-sill habit that shows up in Rocky. He writes about learning to love himself after affection felt like a mirage, the rigid discipline of open auditions, and the sting of being told his face would not sell. Mid-chapter Bill Conti music swells under the “dreams versus concrete vision” passage. The long stretch is Moondog, the blind street poet in Viking gear on 52nd Street who turns out to be a real composer with an apartment, a girlfriend, and albums. Ryan and Jared note how much of the biography is now on Wikipedia. The chapter ends on New Year’s Eve watching the ball drop as the 1970s begin, still with no first film credit named. The close is the timeline debate and Jared’s plug for The Hyperspace Podcasting in the 25th Century. 0:00 Chapter 7 starts, My Buddies, the Pigeons 0:38 Cold room, chicken, pigeons on the fire escape 2:09 No love coming from anywhere 4:29 Softcore audition note, open calls 9:47 Not commercial enough for TV ads 11:45 Dreams versus concrete vision, Bill Conti 15:40 Moondog on 52nd Street 21:15 Wikipedia check on Moondog 25:12 New Year’s Eve, the 1970s begin 28:56 Chapter 8 tease, timeline questions CREDITS Audiobook: Sylvester Stallone, The Steps, Chapter 7 (My Buddies, the Pigeons) Hosts: Ryan and Jared

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, apron in the trash CREDITS Book: The Steps by Sylvester Stallone (chapter 6, Fight or Flight) Hosts: Ryan and Jared

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 at home. That agent offers a 10 p.m. Brooklyn audition and does not come upstairs. Apartment 3D, a man called Ed, robe, sake, Death of a Salesman*, a noise in the closet. Sly leaves. Drink maybe laced. Cigarette, elevated train, proud he did not do something stupid. Bill Conti under the exit. Not *The Party at Kitty and Stud’s — Morton Lewis never shows. End of the chapter. No spoilers in chat. Fuse Gino and Sir Robert were in. Nine hours of audiobook, live and unedited, maybe into Christmas. Ryan’s Rocky and Rambo feeds; Doug is back when the clocks line up.

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 later claimed she was the star. She never divorced truck-driver Tommy; a four-year-old son she denied. Furniture broken. Then three years in Queens with Mama Hansen, visits once a month. Frank is not in the room yet — Ryan and Doug flag the half-brother from their Frank coverage and wait for the split. Back to 1969. Bench at Port Authority, Woodstock headline, $80, Bowery flophouses, two nights by the garbage cans, then the Sutton at $21.80 a week. Room smaller than a modern cell. Shared bathroom, shower with the clothes on, Yellow Pages open to talent agents. Bill Conti still under the steps. Ryan’s Conti interview is in the comments if you ask. Frank Stallone coverage lives on the other show.

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 not singing, avoid comedy. University of Miami, a few credits short. Draft-dodge line left as a claim; hearing-loss story (amp at a concert) not in the pages yet. Costa Brava at dusk, a fisherman’s mussels, driftwood, time undefeated, then New York. Piano under it is Bill Conti. Live, pauses for comment, no spoilers in chat. Thunderlips is in. Rocky 50th is this year; Star Wars is next. Ryan’s Rocky and Rambo feeds; Doug is back when the clocks line up. The Steps, Sylvester Stallone, memoir, audiobook, Madame Pilar, 1969, Bill Conti, Sasha, I Play Rocky, Rocky 50th

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, including Tulsa King costume design. Ryan also hosts One More Round, the Rocky series podcast. 00:00 – Intro and Matthew’s Variety work 08:40 – Why he ranks Rambo III #2 12:50 – Bond and western podcasts / How the West Was Cast 41:00 – Sewer escape, the boy, and the failed mission 43:30 – Sending the boy northwest / Co’s necklace 45:30 – Wound-cauterizing sequence and the body cast 48:30 – How the episode felt as a first-time video guest 49:50 – Plugs: How the West Was Cast, matthewchernov.com, Tulsa King 51:20 – Julian’s Auctions Stallone memorabilia 56:10 – Wrap-up

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, and plenty of Rocky asides. Find Dominick’s solo reviews on Movie Thoughts. Ryan also hosts One More Round, the Rocky series podcast. 00:00 – Intro and Dominick’s Movie Thoughts / Genuine Reels 06:00 – Stallone and Rambo fandom origin 12:30 – Overall take on Rambo III 16:00+ – Hair, lips, and peak physical Stallone 49:40 – Hair plugs debate 51:40 – Leader scene after the attack / “where is the honor?” 56:00 – “It is now” / “you’re a good friend” 59:30 – The boy wants to fight 1:00:30 – “He would do it for me” walk-off 1:01:30 – Wrap-up and plugs

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 1988. Also plugged: Game Changers (starting with G.I. Jane), Bird on a Wire, Nowhere to Run, Spies Like Us, Red Dawn, and the new Arnold season. 00:00 – Intro and Sicco’s shows (Mel Gibson, Arnold, Game Changers) 04:40 – Overall Rambo fandom and First Blood as acting 07:00 – How Rambo III felt in 1988 vs now 11:20 – Real-world Soviet-Afghan conflict timing 16:50 – Back at the Russian base / Trautman in the cell 18:00 – Cinematography and theatrical look 43:40 – Village hospital, prosthetic limbs, toy mines 45:40 – Yuri the defector 47:20 – Council meeting and the miniature base briefing 51:20 – “I’ll go alone” vs asking for two men 53:00 – Holy warriors speech and why Stallone made the movie 57:30 – Wrap-up and network plugs

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 – available on all major podcast platforms Facebook | Instagram | Twitter (search Eh & B! or The PNW Sports Show) 00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome 01:15 Sean & Brad Intro + Wrestling Stories 05:00 Eh & B! Podcast Background 05:45 Rambo Franchise Fandom Overview 08:29 Sean’s Rocky/Rambo Origin Story 11:31 Rambo 3 Production Facts 12:34 Sly vs. Arnold & Military Realism 16:20 Picking Up After Troutman’s Capture 43:03 Russian Commander Interrogation Begins 49:24 Troutman’s “We Had Our Vietnam” Speech 54:23 Mountain Trek with Mousa 56:05 Afghan Prayer & Prayer of Crom Comparison 59:15 Closing & Guest Plugs

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 the mission planning, and subscribe! Check out Dan’s channel: Retrospectors (Sega-focused retro gaming content). 00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome 00:44 Dan’s Channel & How He Found the Podcast 03:11 Sega Gaming Talk & Phantasy Star Story 09:27 Rambo/Sega Games & Sly Fandom Origins 15:37 Dan’s Path to Rocky & Rambo 32:33 “I’m Not Ready Yet” Scene & Analogy 35:31 Troutman’s Nighttime Mission Begins 41:07 Mission Failure & Capture 43:36 Rambo Learns the News & Goes Unofficial 45:12 Closing & Full Circle Discussion

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 00:53 Nikki’s Beat the Cult Podcast & Atheist Perspective 07:31 Nikki’s Sly Fandom & Weight Loss Journey 16:29 First Time Watching Rambo 3 20:30 Rambo III Opening Credits & Stick Fight Setup 27:22 Stick Fight Sequence & Self-Flagellation 36:27 Troutman Arrives at the Monastery 40:19 Afghanistan Mission Pitch 43:49 Closing Thoughts & Episode Wrap

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 III , and speculation on Creed IV . We also play Rocky trivia and chat vacations, vacation policies, and more! 0:00 - Intro & Listener Vacations 3:53 - Sly News: Paramount+ Commercial & Reality Show 7:14 - Email from Patrick: Stallone Zone Forum Drama & Creed Thoughts 17:58 - Creed III/IV Discussion & Gatekeeping 23:50 - Rocky Trivia 25:50 - Rocky II Scene Breakdown: Walk with Butkus & Mickey Reunion 31:28 - "You'll Go Blind" Eye Test & Emotional Locker Room Talk 42:34 - Rock Bottom & Working at the Gym 47:15 - Episode Wrap-Up & Trivia Answers

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 7:15 - Andreas Comments: Adrian Pressure & Rocky II Fight Analysis 11:45 - Donald on Rocky II Fight Rules & Slips 17:05 - Pam Anderson Sly Story & Meat Montage Preview 19:50 - Rocky Home from Work & Adrian Scene 27:55 - Full Meat Montage Discussion 31:20 - Rocky Gets Laid Off & Paulie at the Docks 39:05 - Basement Fight Decision & Adrian Argument 53:25 - Punching Bag Frustration & Episode Wrap

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 from Barcelona 15:44 - YouTube Comments & Facebook Drama 20:24 - Stallone Real Estate News 24:10 - Film Discussion: Rocky's Reading & Office Job Hunt 39:43 - Zoo Scene & Religious Themes 47:08 - Paulie at the Meat Factory & Joe Frazier Nod 53:34 - Rocky Trivia

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 Reading Hate Mail Scene Breakdown 20:00 - Cufflink Continuity Theory & Rocky V Connection 28:00 - Rocky Playing Stickball with Neighborhood Kids 31:30 - Adrian's Pregnancy Reveal & Hospital Scene 42:00 - Smart Deal Toy Commercial & Cringy Shoot Meltdown 59:00 - Director Drama, "Punchy" Explanation & Trivia Game 1:05:00 - Outro & Next Episode Tease