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"...

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 documen...

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 th...

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 d...

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 Chr...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 doc...

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 trav...

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...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 abl...

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'...