This week on The Cover, we dive into Unbroken, the remarkable true story of Louis Zamperini — Olympic runner, WWII bombardier, castaway, and prisoner of war. Hillenbrand’s book takes us through a journey of endurance, resilience, and redemption that reads more like an epic novel than history.

We’ll unpack Zamperini’s transformation from rebellious kid to Olympic hopeful, his harrowing survival at sea, the brutality of POW camps, and the unbreakable spirit that carried him through it all. Along the way, we’ll talk about what makes this story so powerful, what the book leaves you wrestling with, and how it stacks up against the film adaptation.

If you love stories of grit, faith, and the resilience of the human spirit, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

This week on The Cover we’re diving into Spotlight — the gripping true-story drama that pulled back the curtain on one of the biggest scandals in modern history. We’ll talk about how the film captures the power (and responsibility) of journalism, why the pacing feels so different from other newsroom movies, and the real people behind the story.

We’ll also explore the moral weight of chasing truth when every obstacle is pushing against you, and how Spotlightmanages to make quiet conversations feel just as intense as a thriller. Expect behind-the-scenes trivia, historical context, and the usual mix of laughs and tangents as we break down one of the most important films of the last decade.

Grab your fedora and your bullwhip, because this week on The Cover we’re diving headfirst into Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark.

We explore what made this 1981 classic not just a movie, but a cultural landmark. From Spielberg and Lucas teaming up to reinvent the adventure genre, to the real-world myths behind the Ark of the Covenant, we cover it all. Expect fun facts you’ve probably never heard, surprising historical context, and a few eyebrow-raising questions about just how realistic Indy’s adventures really were.

Why did the Nazis care about the Ark? Could the Ark even be found today? And what makes Indiana Jones such an enduring character more than forty years later?

It’s part movie talk, part history lesson, and a whole lot of fun.

This week on The Cover, we’re cracking open the cell door on one of the most beloved films of all time — The Shawshank Redemption. We’ll talk about the surprising origins of the story, how a short Stephen King novella became a cinematic masterpiece, and why this slow-burn prison drama continues to top “greatest movie” lists decades later.

From Andy Dufresne’s quiet resilience to Red’s unforgettable narration, we’ll explore the themes of friendship, injustice, and the stubborn endurance of hope. Plus, we’ll dig into behind-the-scenes facts — from casting almost-misses to the truth about that famous escape.

Whether you’ve seen it a hundred times or you’re just discovering it, this is a trip to Shawshank you won’t want to miss.

🦇 In this episode of The Cover, we dive deep into Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight — not just the blockbuster, but the bold cultural moment that redefined superhero cinema. From Heath Ledger’s haunting Joker to the moral dilemmas that still mess with your head, this movie isn’t just good... it’s iconic.

We talk:

• Why Batman’s cape carries more weight than just vigilante justice

• The Joker’s chaos theory (and why he might’ve had a point)

• The quote that still gives us chills: “You either die a hero...”

• Ledger’s legendary performance and the actors who turned down the role

• What The Dark Knight says about power, corruption, and sacrifice

It’s dark. It’s brilliant. And it’s absolutely worth covering.

🎧 Tune in, vote Harvey Dent, and don’t forget to check your boat for explosives.

In this episode of The Cover, we unzip the soul-baring memoir Open by tennis legend Andre Agassi. This isn’t your typical sports biography. Agassi takes the court not to celebrate his victories but to wrestle with his demons. He hatestennis. He questions fame, rebels against his upbringing, and ultimately discovers meaning far beyond the Grand Slams.

We dive into:

• Why a top athlete would say “I hate tennis” — and mean it

• His complicated relationship with his father (and that terrifying ball machine, “The Dragon”)

• The hairpiece, the meth use, and the moment he hit rock bottom

• His unlikely redemption story through education and love (Steffi Graf, anyone?)

Plus: We ask the big question — can you be the best at something you hate? And should you?

Whether you're a tennis fan or just a sucker for a brutally honest memoir, Open is a rare look at the cost of greatness. Game, set, introspection.

🎙️ Let's serve up some truth.

In this episode, we break down the brilliance of Happy Gilmore: the quotes, the cameos, the swing that defied physics, and how Adam Sandler changed golf (and comedy) forever. From fistfights with game show hosts to Subway sponsorships and the legend of Chubbs, this is the cinematic fairway you didn’t know you needed.

🍿 Fun facts.
🏌️‍♂️ Nostalgia.
😂 Zero putting skill.

And yes—we talk about the price. And it’s still wrong.

This week on The Cover, the boys head to Amity Island and dive deep into the classic thriller that made everyone afraid to go back in the water — Jaws.

We break down:
🎬 Spielberg’s genius and the birth of the summer blockbuster
🍻 Quint’s iconic monologue and what it still teaches us about storytelling
🎵 That two-note score that scared a generation (and saved the movie)
🏖️ And yes... why Jaws is secretly a movie about mayors being terrible at their jobs

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just here for the blood in the water, this one's got something for everyone.

Hit play, and let’s talk about the movie that made fear float.

In this episode of The Cover, we dive into the revolutionary hit musical Hamilton — but we’re not throwing away our shot at digging deeper. The musical dazzled Broadway, but how closely does it stick to the historical script?

We compare Lin-Manuel Miranda’s lyrical masterpiece with Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, unpacking:

• The biggest historical omissions and creative liberties

• What the show gets right (and why it matters)

• The real-life drama that’s too wild for a stage

• Burr, Jefferson, and Washington — heroes or hype?

Whether you're a Hamilfan or a history buff, this episode pulls back the curtain on America’s ten-dollar founding father. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe question everything you thought you knew about the Revolution.

📚 Book: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
🎭 Show: Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda
💥 Let’s go back to 1776 — with rhythm.

This week on The Cover, the boys crack open The Greatest Beer Run Ever — both the book and the movie — and it’s just as ridiculous and heroic as it sounds. We’re talking about a guy who literally sneaks into Vietnam during the war to deliver beers to his buddies on the front lines. Yes, this really happened.

We dive into the wild true story of Chick Donohue, explore how the book captures the heart and chaos of the era, and debate whether the movie does it justice. Along the way, we unpack the difference between courage and stupidity, and what this story says about friendship, patriotism, and the American spirit (fueled by cold PBR).