Adam Carolla Show Mike Tollin + Ben Browning (Carolla Classics)
Jan 16, 2026
Mike Tollin, a prominent film and documentary director known for his work on sports-related films, shares insights into the drama of sports storytelling and the reality behind documentaries. He discusses the impact of Donald Trump on the USFL's downfall. Ben Browning, a former Survivor contestant, dives into his survival experiences, the complexities of camp politics, and his adventurous post-show life as a bartender. Alex Campbell advocates for cannabis legalization, discussing its benefits and the importance of reforming current policies.
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Built-In Drama Makes Sports Stories Work
- Mike Tollin says sports stories work because they already contain built-in drama: winners, losers, and clear stakes.
- He argues great sports films focus on character and deeper themes, not just the results on the scoreboard.
A Missing Reel And A Heartbreaking Finish
- Adam Carolla recounts his last high school football game where teammates had died days earlier and a punt return tied the game before they lost on a fake reverse.
- The film reel of the decisive play had run out, leaving the moment literally missing from their footage.
From State Champs To Mixed Adult Lives
- Mike Tollin told how his Morningside High documentary followed a team presumed unbeatable until two players were expelled for guns and they lost the final.
- He later revisited the five starters at 28 and found mixed outcomes: one degree, one overseas player, one jailed, others living the dream locally.