"The Pretender"

A year and a bit ago I was scrolling on instagram and came across a "story" or "reel" or post by Sylvester Stallone, and he was talking about a gentleman named Mike Kunda and mentioned his podcast "The Rocky Files". I thought to myself a podcast about ROCKY? Hell yeah sign me up, and I immediately searched for The Rocky Files on my Google podcast app and subscribed. I started at the beginning (as I try and do with all new podcasts I listen too). I tuned in to the very first episode and I literally couldn't believe how much this gentleman sounded like Rocky, it was SOOOOO weird for me. But I was hooked, listening to episode after episode with so many great nuggets about the movies, and different perspectives and my favourite part was listening to how the movie, the character the philosophy of the movie inspired people.

If you have known me for a long time you know that, this aligned with some of the stuff that inspired me on a day to day, when I was training, and just about life. Listening to this "rocky bubble" this community of people I literally felt so connected even though I've met NONE of them.

I wanted to give back and I wanted to inspire someone out there as these podcast guests and host had inspired me, so I wrote into the Rocky Files... and THEY got back to me. I was in utter like jaw dropped on the ground, and then after that was fear. LOL! The in August of 2022, I sat down with Mike and Stacey, and chatted about all things Rocky and where it influenced me. I remember sweating, I was so nervous but it was amazing talking to people who get it and don't think I'm a little crazy. I still listen to the Rocky Files, and it fills my cup to continue to hear how people are pushing forward and in a way supports me with continuing to take one step at a time, one punch at a time one round at a time.

Mike has a book called "Cue the Rocky Music", I purchased it on Amazon and gave it a read... and it was amazing.

Fast forward to TODAY, and I was able to find and watch a documentary called "The Pretender" which was a documentary about Mike Kunda, how he perused his passion for Rocky and most importantly how it's impacted his life. This documentary was so transparent, raw, honest, and inspiring. I loved when he said "the more I watch rocky the more it intensifies and backs up just standing at the end of the day. Rocky is a bench mark of just make it, I don't have to win, I don't have to have a fancy car, I just want to be standing at the end of the day"

I loved that he just perused what he loved regardless of what people thought and I think the most touching part is that EVERYONE around him that was close to him never stopped him from perusing that dream. THEY were unconditionally supportive regardless of the path he chose and that can be hard. I loved hearing his dad speak about when Mike joined the wrestling team, and having him not QUIT that... I don't know how many times I wanted to give up in my training because I was the only girl in most cases and in competition the smallest. But my family and friends were always supportive. It's comforting to know that some of Mike's life aligns with some of mine, and I truly feel that obviously we were meant to cross paths. This documentary really really resonated with me.

I am SO SO thankful to have met and cross paths with not only Mike and Stacey but also the entire Rocky Files bubble. I can't wait to take Mike's "Yo Philly Film Tour" at some point...

If your a Rocky fan... you need to watch this documentary....

The Pretender - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXh7Y26qK4o

AND you need to find "The Rocky Files" on whatever podcast platform you use! You won't be sorry! I'm episode 45 :) lol in case your wondering!