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PODCAST · sports

Documentary Diehards

by Documentary Diehards

Three sports fans break down and review a new 30 for 30 documentary each week. Hosted by Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph.

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Episodes

  1. 2. Bonus Episode The Florida Gators

    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...

  2. 72. John DuPont, Wrestling, Pennsylvania

    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…

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  3. 71. USC football, Reggie Bush, and universally liked 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...

  4. 70. Skydiving, Nick Piantanida, Masters picks!

    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).

  5. 69. Sonny Vaccaro, Nike vs Adidas, S Foods

    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…

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  6. 68. Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, sports we wish were more popular

    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...

  7. 67. Christian Laettner, Super Bowl History

    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.

  8. 66. The other side of the Miracle On Ice, Super Bowl foods, Damian Lillard

    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…

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  9. The U again, NFL playoffs

    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…

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  10. 64. Randy Moss, Rand University, Wide Receivers

    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!

  11. 63. Defecting from Cuba, Hernandez Bros, Christmas Movies

    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...

  12. Bonus Episode: 1 - Tiger Woods

    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.

  13. 62. The Boz, NBA re-draft, Chet Holmgren

    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...

  14. 61. The Knicks and bad franchises

    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.

  15. 60. Earthquakes, World Series, rainy day activities

    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…

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  16. 59. Point Shaving, Goodfellas, tattoos

    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...

  17. 58. Tour De France, Greg LeMond, NFL quarterbacks

    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.…

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  18. 57. Detroit Pistons, Isaiah Thomas, minor inconveniences

    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!

  19. 56. The Big East, time travel sports moments, wrestling career routes

    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…

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  20. 55. Tanya Harding, figure skating drama, bad smells

    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...

  21. 54. Maurice Clarett, Jim Tressel, Olympic moments, and signs you're getting old

    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…

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  22. 53. Bernard King, laughing when it's not us, Greg Oden

    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...

  23. 52. Jimmy Connors, gas station food, and NFL playoffs

    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…

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  24. 51. We're back! John Spano, and winter activities

    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....

  25. 50. 'No Mas', Sugar Ray Leonard, dad things, and marathons

    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'…

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  26. 49. ABA basketball, NBA team names

    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...

  27. 48. Eddie Aikau, Hawaii surfing, bad sounds

    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…

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  28. 47. John Elway, Dan Marino, The Office

    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...

  29. 46. Jimmy V, NC State basketball, and travel destinations

    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…

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  30. 45. Bo Jackson, Suni Lee, Olympic sports

    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…

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  31. 44. Ole Miss football's messy history, Olympics, and love-hates

    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...

  32. 43. Benji Wilson, favorite combinations, NBA Finals

    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…

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  33. 42. The rules of basketball, Kansas basketball fandom, and sports memorabilia

    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...

  34. 41. 100 meter dash, Carl Lewis, favorite smells

    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…

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  35. 40. Broke athletes, wasting money

    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'.

  36. 39. Magic Johnson and favorite sounds

    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...

  37. 38. Todd Marinovich, 2000's QB's, and Trey Lance

    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…

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  38. 37. Chris Herren, NFL Draft, and emojis

    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…

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  39. 36. Rocky, blood, and movie theatre snacks

    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…

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  40. 35. Horse racing, jockeys, animals playing sports

    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...

  41. 34. Jalen Suggs, sports agents, and game winning plays

    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...

  42. 33. Renee Richards, Transgender athletes, and college mascots

    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...

  43. 32. Steve Bartman, fans, busted brackets, and live sports

    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....

  44. 31. We're back! The Fab Five, Pitino firing, alcoholic drinks

    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...

  45. 30. A milestone, SMU, recruiting violations, and a look 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...

  46. 29. Unfulfilled talent, Marcus Dupree, and running backs

    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…

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  47. 28. Steroids, Marion Jones, Olympic Athletes

    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...

  48. 27. FernandoMania, and baseball stadium bucket lists

    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...

  49. 26. NASCAR, the AIDS epidemic, and cereal

    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...

  50. 25. The breakup of Yugoslavia, international NBA players, and NFL playoff predictions

    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.…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Three sports fans break down and review a new 30 for 30 documentary each week. Hosted by Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph.

HOSTED BY

Documentary Diehards

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Documentary Diehards have?

Documentary Diehards currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Documentary Diehards about?

Three sports fans break down and review a new 30 for 30 documentary each week. Hosted by Sam Anderson, Ren Clayton, and Nic Rudolph.

How often does Documentary Diehards release new episodes?

Documentary Diehards has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

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You can listen to Documentary Diehards on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Documentary Diehards?

Documentary Diehards is created and hosted by Documentary Diehards.
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