Documentary Diehards

Sam, Ren, and Nic bust their format and review a Netflix documentary. They break down "Swamp Kings" about the Florida Gators powerhouse football teams in the late 2000's. The gang compares and contrasts Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer along with the cost of winning. Then the guys draft NFL teams to accumulate points for a season-long contest. Who will win!?

Documentary reviewed: The Prince of Pennsylvania. Sam, Nic, and Ren chat about the complicated life of John DuPont, a millionaire who funded an elite wrestling program. The guys debate who may have played a role in enabling DuPont as his paranoia led him to murder one of his closest friends and an Olympic gold medalist wrestler. The gang also plays Mt. Rushmore with "Pennsylvania Things". Nic pitches an idea for a doc on Sean Payton, an NFL coach that Nic isn't too fond of.

Documentary reviewed: Trojan War. Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss a film focused on USC football's golden era in the 2000's. They dissect the careers of Pete Carroll, Matt Leinart, and Reggie Bush. The gang also plays Mount Rushmore with their universally liked things. Sam is whisked away by much more important things than the number one ranked podcast in North America.

Sam, Nic, and Ren dive into a documentary about skydiving fiend Nick Piantanida. They chat about the adrenaline junky's unsuccessful attempts to set the highest skydiving record. The guys also make the picks for the Masters Tournament (spoiler: one of Ren's picks is Tiger Woods).

Documentary reviewed: "Sole Man." Sam, Ren, Nic dive into the career of Sonny Vaccaro, the man responsible for Michael Jordan signing with Nike. They discuss his role in how the basketball evolution evolved from the 1980's to present day. They play a game of Mt. Rushmore with foods that start with the letter S. Don't miss Sam's beautiful sandwich song. Plus, Ren pitches an idea for a documentary about Shohei Ohtani.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Little Master." Sam, Ren, and Nic dive into cricket, reviewing a documentary about Sachin Tendulkar, one of the greatest cricket players of all time. They also play Mt Rushmore with sports they wish had more of a following in the United States. Nic presents an idea for a doc about Dick Vitale. Enjoy!

Sam, Ren, and Nic convene to discuss Christian Laettner and the hate that he attracts. They also draft their personal favorite Super Bowl games. Sam pitches an idea for a documentary about Joe Montana.

Documentary reviewed: "Of Miracles and Men." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss the losing team in the famous Miracle On Ice game at the 1980 Olympics. They have a wide-ranging chat about Russian government involvement in sports, the growth of hockey in the USSR, famous sports broadcasting calls, and more. They also play a game of Mt. Rushmore with Super Bowl foods. Plus, Ren thinks it's about dame time that documentary was made on Damian Lillard.

Documentary reviewed: "The U: Part 2. Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph reconvene to watch and review the the sequel to "The U." The exclaim over the talent-laden era that included Ed Reed, Willis McGahee, Andre Johnson, Bryant McKinnie, and Ken Dorsey, to name a few. Then, the guys draft "teams" of four NFL playoff teams, with the postseason starting this weekend. Sam has an idea for a documentary on football coaching trees.

Sam, Ren, and Nic gather (on zoom) during a blizzard to opine about Randy Moss, his struggles off the field in high school and accomplishments on the field. They rank their top four active NFL wide receivers. And Ren pitches an idea for documentary of the wild MLB life Carlos Correa has led. Brr!

The boys are back, again. Reviewing a documentary titled 'Brothers in Exile.' Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss the fairytale timing of what happened in this documentary about Livan and Orlando Hernandez. The guys learn a lot about the recent history in Cuba, and why defecting was considered the best option for many Cubans. Later, a game of Mt. Rushmore is played with the guys selecting their favorite Christmas movies.

We're back! Sam, Ren, and Nic break their five month long hiatus for a bonus, non 30 For 30 episode. The guys discuss the HBO documentary "Tiger." They break down the psyche of Tiger Woods during his life and unparalleled career.

Documentary reviewed: "Brian and The Boz." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss the story of Brian Bosworth, the former Oklahoma football star with an attitude/alter ego issue. Ren has a dramatically divergent take from the trio. Then, the gang drafts NBA players in snake order, attempting to formulate a dynasty franchise. Nic has an idea for a doc about MN HS basketball star turned potential #1 draft pick Chet Holmgren.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "When the Garden was Eden." Sam, Ren, and Nic review a film covering the New York Knicks franchise from its genesis through its two NBA Finals wins. The guys discuss the NFL draft, and Sam has an idea for for a documentary on the Lakers NBA Finals run.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Day the Series Stopped." Sam, Ren, and Nic review a film about the 1989 World Series between two Bay Area teams, the A's and the Giants. And the deadly earthquake that interrupted it. They discuss the lack of cohesion despite very compelling characters. And the wild sequence of events that occurred at this time. The guys play Mt. Rushmore with favorite things to do when stuck in the house and Ren has a weird idea to make a doc about the gum, tobacco, and sunflower seed habits of MLB players.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Playing with the Mob." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph review a film about a film... sort of. The story of how members of the Boston College men's basketball team participated in a scheme to help the mob fix games. The story was featured in the famous movie "Goodfellas." Much talk is had about who did what, and how much they did it. Questions are asked, some answered, some not. Then, the gang plays Mt. Rushmore with theoretical tattoo ideas. And Nic has an idea about a future documentary to be made about Coach K.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Slaying the Badger." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph discuss the twists and turns this winding road of a documentary took to describe the drama in a 1980's cycling rivalry. The guys learn a lot about the rules and strategy in premiere level cycling. Then, a game of Mt. Rushmore is played with current NFL quarterbacks. And Sam has an idea for a documentary about NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Bad Boys." Sam, Ren, and Nic opine on the 'Bad Boys' era of Detroit Pistons basketball and Isaiah Thomas' behavior. They play Mt. Rushmore with minor inconveniences (a rock in your shoe). And Ren pitches a doc about the Minnesota state hockey tournament. Enjoy!

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Requiem for the Big East." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss the rise and fall of the original Big East Conference and all the drama, personalities, basketball stars, TV deals, and big money that was involved. The gang chats about what, if done differently could have saved the conference. Mt. Rushmore is played with sporting events the guys wish they could time travel to. And Nic has an idea for a documentary about wrestling and the career paths for it after college or the Olympics.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Price of Gold." Sam, Ren, and Nic delve into the infamous Tanya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan scandal in which a hit was put out to injure Harding's figure skating rival, Kerrigan. Do we think Harding was involved? Answers vary. Also, the parallels to the timely ROC figure skating doping problem are addressed. Sam has an idea for a future doc to be made about storied long distance runner Frank Shorter. The gang also plays Mt. Rushmore with least favorite smells.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "Youngstown Boys." Sam, Ren, and Nic review a doc about Maurice Clarett, an uber-talented running back who won a national championship at Ohio State as a true freshman alongside head coach Jim Tressel. Clarett's career then was effectively ended after NCAA violations and alcohol abuse. The guys dive into many of the questions this film presents and how it would have been drastically different, had it played out today. Ren talks to much about the winter olympics, and the gang plays Mt. Rushmore with 'signs you're getting old.'

30 for 30 reviewed: "Bernie and Ernie." The gang discusses the friendship and unique basketball journey's that Bernard King and Ernie Grunfeld had, their legendary time at the University of Tennessee, and the different paths their NBA careers took. Nic has an idea for a documentary on Greg Oden's quick disappearance from the NBA. And Mt. Rushmore is played with 'Things that are funny when they don't happen to me.' Weird, but relatable!

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "This is What They Want." Sam, Ren, and Nic regroup to discuss Jimmy Connors' comeback-filled run at the 1991 US Open. They consider whether they would have been a fan of the brash yet charismatic tennis star. The Cowboy's playoff defeat is broken down. The gang play Mt. Rushmore with their favorite gas station foods - so healthy! Sam Anderson has a pitch for a documentary to be made on legendary NBA and sports journalist Jackie MacMullan.

We return! A three month hiatus for a new baby and a new job was enough. Sam Anderson, Nic Rudolph, and Ren Clayton get back to what really matters, watching 30 for 30 documentaries. Doc reviewed: "Big Shot" which is about the former (briefly) owner of the New York Islanders NHL team John Spano. Spano was worth about $200,000 but said he was worth over $200 million. The guys dissect how he was able to buy the team for $165 million, the unreal circumstances and lengths Spano went to to commit this fraud. The gang plays a game of Mt. Rushmore with their favorite winter activities and Ren has an idea for a Klay Thompson documentary. Enjoy!

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "No Mas." Halfway to a century! Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph celebrate 50 episodes of Doc Diehards! They discuss a film about the boxing rivalry between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. Theories are put forward for the controversial 'No Mas' ending of the two boxers' second title fight. Nic's great finish in the Twin Cities Marathon and Sam's upcoming entry into the Chicago 26.2 miler are topics of discussion. And with a big moment on the horizon in Rudy's life, the mount rushmore game in this pod is themed: "things dads do." Ren pitches an idea for a future documentary on PGA Tour golfer Tony Finau. A bit of a hiatus upcoming. But best believe we'll be back!

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Free Spirits." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph break down a movie about the 'Spirits of St. Louis' ABA basketball team. Wild escapades took place during the Spirits' two season lifespan. The gang marvels at the deal struck, giving the team's owners a yearly (big) paycheck from the NBA in perpetuity. A game of Mount Rushmore is then played with favorite NBA team ~names~. And Nic pitches an idea for a documentary about the impact the NIL is having on college athletes.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph break down a film about one of Hawaii's surfing icons, Eddie Aikau. They traverse the jam-packed life that Aikau led, saving lives as a lifeguard and winning surf competitions. Sam and Nic learn about Hawaii history. Then, they guys play Mt. Rushmore with their least favorite sounds. Sam has a an idea for a doc about Brett Favre's life.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Elway to Marino." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss Sam's favorite topic: the NFL Draft! Specifically the 1983 edition that featured John Elway refusing to sign with the team that drafted him. They debate the merits of the decision and other rookies who followed the same path. The gang also plays a much awaited game of Mount Rushmore with favorite characters from The Office! Ren has a idea for a doc about Minnesota's homegrown basketball royalty, Tyus and Tre Jones.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Survive and Advance." Sam, Ren, and Nic chat about the legendary Jimmy Valvano and the national championship NC State men's basketball team of 1983. Ren is in withdrawals from the Olympics. The gang plays Mt. Rushmore with their top travel destinations (to visit for the first time). Sam pitches an idea for a future documentary to be made on the making of the X Games.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "You don't know Bo." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph discuss the heroics that Bo Jackson performed in his cut-short MLB *and* NFL careers. Ren explains the significance of Suni Lee's Olympic Gold Medal in the gymnastics all-around. A game of Mount Rushmore is played with favorite 2021 Summer Olympic Sports. Nic has an idea for a future documentary about Dick Beardsley, a Minnesotan long distance runner with a unique life story.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Ghosts of Ole Miss." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph break down a doc about Ole Miss football's turbulent 1962 season. A time when the school was refusing to integrate black people. Riots ensued. The football team, though, went undefeated and won the Sugar Bowl. The guys discuss the dissonance that Mississippians experience when facing their past. The gang also categorizes this film as one of the most educational they've reviewed, giving it a top-five overall rating. A game of Mount Rushmore with 'things we hate but wish we loved' is played. And the guys talk Olympics!

30 for 30 reviewed: "Benji." The guys return after a "forced" hiatus to review a documentary about Chicago prep basketball star Ben Wilson who was killed down the road from his high school, Simeon. A game of Mount Rushmore is played with favorite "combinations." Sam brings up the idea for a future doc about infamous NBA referee Tim Donaghy. And of course, the NBA Finals, Olympics, and Open Championship is discussed.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "There's No Place Like Home." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss the wild story of a KU basketball fan raising money to buy the original rules of basketball at auction. They talk about how the doc was presented, the central character also being one of the co-directors. They also play Mount Rushmore with sports memorabilia they;d like to own. And finally, Ren has pitches a future documentary about Shohei Ohtani.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "9.79*." Sam, Ren, and Nic break down a doc about the dramatic 100 meter race in the 1988 Olympics and the steroid problem in track and field. They debate whether or not American track star Carl Lewis was using PEDs. Also, a game of Mount Rushmore is played with the gang's favorite smells. And Sam has an idea for a documentary on Padres legend Tony Gwynn.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "Broke." Sam, Ren, and Nic review a doc about star athletes who went broke after retiring. Some disagreement and agreement is had on the quality of the film's production. The gang plays mount rushmore with how they'd blow their imaginary signing bonus'.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "The Announcement." Sam, Ren, and Nic break down a documentary about Magic Johnson's announcement that he was HIV positive, and everything that came after that for Earvin. The gang discuss the awareness that Magic has brought to HIV. A game of Mount Rushmore is played with favorite sounds. And Sam has an idea for a documentary about Andrew Luck and his sudden retirement from the NFL.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Marinovich Project." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss 'Robo QB' aka Todd Marinovich who was raised from an infant to be a football player by his one-track-minded father Marv. The guys chat about the pros and cons (mostly cons) this experience had on Todd, and may have on other athletes. A recap of the NFL Draft is done, led by Sam. And Trey Lance is discussed in length.

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "Unguarded." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss a film about Chris Herren, a drug addict and star basketball player. They disagree on the overall score given to the doc, with opinions varying on how the roller coaster of a life story was told. Sam shares some of his NFL Draft expertise. Plus, the three-letter-name-gang play mount rushmore with their favorite emojis.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Real Rocky." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph discuss a doc about they guy 'Rocky Balboa' was seemingly based off of. The wild life Chuck Wepner led included a fight against Muhammad Ali, a stint in the military, prison time for cocaine, a bout with a bear, and a liquor sales career. Much to talk about for the guys! And we haven't even gotten to the blood squirts animation this documentary featured. The crew then plays Mount Rushmore with movie theatre snacks! Ren has an idea for a doc about another extremely interesting and unique character: Joey Votto.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Charismatic." Sam, Ren, and Nic discuss the Triple Crown run that Charismatic (the horse) and Christ Antley (the jockey) made in 1999. The guys opine on the structure of the doc that focused on Antley's tragic drug problem. A game of Mount Rushmore is played. The topic is animal species that would be good at sports! The episode also includes: a Masters recap, Nic's idea for a documentary about Baylor MBB's scandal in early 2000, and the subsequent rise to the top in 2021.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Dotted Line." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph review a documentary about sports agents. They discuss the opinion that agents make sports overall worse. They also aim to temper the view that "players make too much." Of course, a lengthy breakdown of Minnesota's own Jalen Suggs and his buzzer beater in the final four. Jordan Spieth's first win in forever is also briefly covered. And the guys play Mt. Rushmore with game winning moments in sports -- a fun one! Sam has an idea for a documentary about an Olympic marathon that had it all, dog chases, brandy, cheating with cars, and much, much more!

30 for 30 Documentary reviewed: "Renee." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph discuss a doc about the first transgender tennis player to play in the U.S. Open. They break down the infinitely unique life Richard Raskind and then Renee Richards led. They guys also play Mount Rushmore with college mascots, in honor of March Madness and Rudy's 99th percentile bracket. Ren has an idea for a documentary on the difference the climate you live in has on your athletic career.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Steve Bartman: Catching Hell." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph review a movie covering the famous fan interference play that occurred in the playoffs at Wrigley Field. They go in the moral ambiguity that takes place for some fans when they attend games. Sam and Ren nearly rate the doc the exact same, again. The guys play mount rushmore with things they miss from live sporting events. Sam has an idea for a 30 for 30 to be made about Rober Griffin III and Kirk Cousins' relationship when they played in Washington. Much lamenting in made of the gang's disheveled brackets. Go Oral Bob!

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Fab Five." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph return for season 2 of Documentary Diehards! Breaking down what turns out to be one of their favorite docs about the elite men's basketball class at the University of Michigan which included Jalen Rose and Chris Webber. The pod slams to a halt when the news breaks that Gophers MBB head coach Richard Pitino is fired. Resident college hoops expert breaks down the hires and gives his top three targets for Pitino's replacement. The guys play Mount Rushmore with alcoholic drinks. and Rudy has an idea for a doc made about Clem Haskins of Gophers fame. We Back!

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Pony Excess." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph review the classic movie about the SMU football program receiving the 'Death Penalty' after repeated recruiting infractions. They ponder the questions many of us do. Should college athletes be paid? What is the fair way to run the business of college football? On a lighter note, this is the 30th episode! The final documentary in Volume 1 of ESPN's 30 for 30 franchise. The guys take a look back on all the reviews they've done and choose some superlatives. The Super Bowl is also discussed and Ren brings up an idea for a future doc to be produced on Minneapolis North star turned NFL champion, Tyler Johnson.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "The Best That Never Was." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph chat about Marcus Dupree and how he went from top nationwide recruit and star sophomore running back at Oklahoma to out of the USFL a couple year later. Then a game of Mount Rushmore is played with running backs! Sam wraps it up with an idea for a documentary on the NBA's Rick Berry, an extremely disagreeable superstar.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Marion Jones: Press Pause." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph discuss the rise and fall of Marion Jones, the track star who admitted to using performance enhancing drugs. They discuss her confession, ensuing prison time, and "comeback" into the WNBA. Ren also gets a little too worked up roasting the production quality of this doc, which was subpar. Then the guys play Mt. Rushmore with their favorite Olympic Athletes! Bye now.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Fernando Nation." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph discuss the phenomenon of Fernando Valenzuela's rookie season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The left-handed pitcher won the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards in 1981. Fernando's meteoric rise was in stark contrast to his humble origins in a small town in Mexico. The guys play Mount Rushmore with their baseball stadium bucket lists. And Ren has an idea for a future documentary about Cody Bellinger.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Tim Richmond: To the Limit." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph break down a doc about one of the most interesting characters in NASCAR history. The guys learn more about the AIDS epidemic and discuss the moral issues Richmond faced when he allegedly was denying his AIDS diagnoses. And in a Doc Diehards history making moment two of the gang rate the doc the EXACT same score and give it the identical moniker! Mount Rushmore is played with favorite cereals. Finally, Sam gives his idea for a D'Brickashaw Ferguson documentary.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Once Brothers." Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph opine about Vlade Divac and the negative implications that the Yugoslavian Civil War had on his former teammates and friends. The guys get a good history lesson about what is now the former Yugoslavia. They play Mount Rushmore with international NBA players. And Nic suggests a doc idea for a film exploring how sports mascots come to be, and the issues surrounding the topic. Oh, and the the NFL playoffs are chit chatted about.

30 for 30 documentary reviewed: "Four Days in October." Sam, Ren, and Nic break down a film about the 2004 ALCS where the Red Sox made history by coming back from down 0-3 in the series. Boston beat the Yankees and would go on to win the World Series, breaking the 86 year long championship draught and the Curse of the Bambino. The guys get deep in nostalgia and Ren and Nic re-express their disdain for the Evil Empire in NYC. They also play mount rushmore with their favorite Christmas Songs. Ren would like to see a documentary on Chloe Kim in the future. Happy New Year! Bring on 2021...