Rocky IV- Episode #866

Rocky IV- Episode #866

From Zen Pop by Todd and Cathy Adams

April 28, 2026 · 59 min · Season 1 · Episode 866

About this episode

Cathy and Todd discuss the cultural significance and themes of the film Rocky IV.

Cathy and Todd discuss Rocky IV, the 1985 film that Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in, grossing $300 million on a $31 million budget and spending six weeks at number one over Christmas. They break down Apollo Creed’s shocking death at the hands of Ivan Drago and the real story of Brigitte Nielsen sliding a photo under Stallone’s hotel room door and landing a role he wrote specifically for her. They dig into what the film is really about, whether Drago is a villain or the Soviet state’s most tragic victim, how every great sports movie is secretly about an individual fighting an institution that doesn’t want them to win, and why a film that won five Razzie Awards is still so beloved to this day. This is our last entry for Rocky month! Some Ways to Support Us Sign up for Cathy’s Substack Order Restoring our Girls Join Team Zen Links shared in this episode: For the full show notes, visit zenpopparenting.com . This week’s sponsor(s): Avid Co DuPage County Area Decorating, Painting, Remodeling by Avid Co includes kitchens, basements, bathrooms, flooring, tiling, fire and flood restoration. David Serrano- Certified Financial Planner- 815-370-3780…

People in this episode

Hosts: Cathy Adams, Todd Adams

Topics covered

  • Rocky IV
  • film analysis
  • sports movies
  • 1980s cinema
  • cultural impact
  • character study

Keywords

  • Rocky IV
  • Sylvester Stallone
  • Apollo Creed
  • Ivan Drago
  • Brigitte Nielsen
  • sports movies
  • 1980s film
  • cultural analysis

Sponsors

Avid Co, MenLiving, Todd Adams Life & Leadership Coaching for Guys

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