Mt. Rushmore Podcast

Grocery shopping is one of those things that ALL of us have to do, whether you are making a big trip to get your weekly meal supplies or just need to stop in to grab a few things. Depending on your point of view (and the check-out line), it can either be a relaxing way to spend some time or a trip to a hellish nightmare. (This also depends on if you go to Costco or not.) This week we're diving into grocery shopping and all of the wonderful/awful things about it. And don't worry, our choices add up to less than 10 items. SHOW NOTES Check-Out Line Profiling (Michael's Choice) The Express Line (Richard's Choice) Going to a New Grocery Store (Michael's Choice) Self Check-Out (Richard's Choice) Not Cooking After Shopping (Michael's Choice) The Clearance Section (Richard's Choice) The Cereal Aisle as a Kid (Michael's Choice) Late Night Family Shopping (Richard's Choice)

Some of us are old enough to remember when the year 2000 was a benchmark for the promise of the future. And 2000 was a weird year, even if people weren't zooming to work on jetpacks or eating hamburger pills for dinner. Not least of all, it seemed like January 1, 2000 would be the end of Western Civilization thanks to the Y2K bug. Y2K never really hit, and we had to wait until November 2016 for the apocalypse, but 2000 was a very interesting year in all of our lives. So let's turn back the clock to the days of boy bands, Tiger Woods and True Religion jeans and check in on what was big in 2000. SHOW NOTES Y2K Scare (Joint Choice) Flying Cars (Richard's Choice) New Year's Eve (Michael's Choice) Richard's Nights at the Smog Cutter (Richard's Choice) Sci-Fi Promises (Michael's Choice) The Sorry State of Rock Music in 2000 (Richard's Choice) Bush vs. Gore (Michael's Choice)

Cats are trusting, loyal and loveable pets. Wait, I'm thinking about dogs. Let me start over. Cats are jerks. That being said, we love our cats anyway - everyone on the show has at least one. So it only made sense to do an episode where we decide which animals would belong on a feline Mt. Rushmore. Expect plenty of talk about Mondays, lasagna and Richard making a terrible, stupid mistake. SHOW NOTES The Cheshire Cat (Michael's Choice) Garfield (Richard's Choice) Lil' Bub (Michael's Choice) Maru (Richard's Choice) Felix the Cat (Michael's Choice) Bill the Cat (Richard's Choice) Toonces the Driving Cat (Michael's Choice) Peter Criss (aka Catman from Kiss) (Richard's Choice)

Celebrity stature has a huge influence on the world at large. Just by their sheer presence of being popular, famous and wealthy, they inspire us, the lowly dregs of society, to imagine that we TOO could be popular, famous and wealthy by buying the crap they promote.    From Michael Jordan's Nike campaign to Brooke Shields wiggling like a weirdo in her Calvins, we examine the products and politics of Celebrity Endorsements.

Bram Stoker didn't intend Dracula to become one of the most endearing comedic characters of all-time. But I'll be damned if it didn't turn out that way. If you are making a comedy and you need laughs, there's a good chance that ol' Stakey Heart is the first name to which you turn. This week we're looking at the Mt. Rushmore of Comedic Draculas. And no, that doesn't include Keanu Reeves' performance - we mean INTENTIONALLY funny Draculas. CHOICES George Hamilton in "Love at First Bite" (Joint Choice) Leslie Nielsen in "Dracula: Dead and Loving It (Joint Choice) Mr. Burns from "The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horrors IV" (Richard's Choice) Grandpa from "The Munsters" (Michael's Choice) Judd Hirsch from "The Halloween That Almost Wasn't) (Richard's Choice) Garbage Pail Kids Draculas (Michael's Choice)

61 percent of Americans wear glasses, while the other 39 percent are either lying to themselves or will need them soon enough. Fortunately, wearing glasses doesn't make you a nerd anymore. (Lots of other things make YOU a nerd, but I digress...) In fact, some of the most iconic looks in pop culture history involve someone wearing a particularly hip style of glasses. Want to see what we mean? Just hold this up to your left eye and see if you make out the choices below: SHOW NOTES Buddy Holly Glasses (Richard's Choice) Geordie LaForge (Michael's Choice) Ray-Ban Sunglasses (Richard's Choice) New Year's Eve Novelty Glasses (Michael's Choice) Randy "Macho Man" Savage's Wrap-Around Sunglasses (Richard's Choice) Clark Kent (Michael's Choice) Mr. Peanut's Monocle (Richard's Choice) Holly Golightly (Michael's Choice)

If you're a famous musician, it's easy to feel like you are doing the same thing over and over. Sometimes you just need to mix it up and do something different. Play a style of music you aren't known for, or collaborate with a new group of musicians. Of course, this can come at a cost, as the "musical side project" is often code for "pretentious, navel-gazing mediocrity." But there are some definite exceptions to this rule, which is why we're debating what belongs on the Rushmore of Musical Side Projects. SHOW NOTES Traveling Wilburys (Joint Choice) Monsters of Folk (Michael's Choice) New Pornographers (Richard's Choice) The Glove (Michael's Choice) Power Station (Richard's Choice) Gorillaz (Michael's Choice) The Raconteurs (Richard's Choice)

Sometimes the best actors aren't actor-actors, you know what we mean? It's those actors who are acting at acting.  On this episode we examine a number of amazing dramatic acting performances by those that are more attuned to wearing a comedic, musical or even a luchador mask.  Michael's Picks: Bill Murray (Lost in Translation) Madonna (Dick Tracy) Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) George "The Animal" Steele (Ed Wood) Richard's Picks:  Henry Gibson (Nashville) Melissa McCarthy (Can You Ever Forgive Me) Pam Greer (Jackie Brown) Courtney Love (The People vs. Larry Flynt)

In ancient times, Hundreds of years before the dawn of history Lived a strange race of people, the Ninja. No one knows who they were or what they were doing But their legacy remains Hewn into the living rock, of Stonehenge.   For the record this podcast about ...The Ninja... is about as historically researched as any Spın̈al Tap tune. This week we delve into the je ne sais quoi (That's Japanese for "ninja sais, quick!") that makes ...The Ninja... so fascinating to 9 year old boys and 40 year old men.    Joint Pick:   Ninja III: The Domination   Michael's Picks: Ninja Weapons Revenge of Shinobi Real Ultimate Power Richard's Picks: Home Made Ninja Star Michael's Ninja Star Tattoos Todd Steel's Nunchucks 

On a special episode of Mt. Rushmore, Jeff talks one-on-one with musician Matthew Sweet about his personal Mt. Rushmore of Bass Players.  The other lads had to be kicked out of the room for Jeff to keep his own rhythm talking to his all-time favorite musician. A big thanks goes to Matthew for his insight and conversation.   Matthew Sweet's Picks Carol Kaye Chris Squire Stanley Clarke Paul McCartney Matthew Sweet's Twitter Matthew Sweet's Website

TV sitcoms are a dime a dozen, but some ideas strike like a bolt of lightning: A recovering alcoholic ex-ballplayer runs a bar with a motley crew of regulars. Boom. "Cheers". Six twenty-something friends are friends. Boom. "Friends". An alien from the planet Melmac crash lands on earth and lives with a family and eat cats. Boom. "Frasier".  But not all have the greatest starting point. This week we break down those ridiculous TV sitcom ideas that somehow made it to air on the Mt. Rushmore of Bad Sitcom Premises.  Michael's picks: Cavemen The Flying Nun Boosom Buddies Richard's picks:  My Mother the Car Mr. Smith Whoops! Joint picks:  Heil Honey I'm Home

Hair. Few are blessed with truly amazing locks. From Samson to Medusa, these legendary hirsute heroes have flaunted their furry domes and manicured their manes since the dawn of history.  But mostly we stick to the 20th century.    Michael's Picks Dolly Parton Robert Smith Chris "Kid" Reid Cousin Itt   Richard's Picks The B-52's Mike Score Oscar Gamble Marge Simpson  

Being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a major achievement in any artist’s career. It signifies that your musical output was deemed to have lasting influence and significance and that you met the Hall’s criteria of “rock and rolling every night” and “partying every day.” (We just made that last part up.) With the induction ceremony taking place this week, we thought this would be a good time to take a look at the bands that aren’t in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but probably should be. We cross genres from Krautrock to classic indie bands to talk about the Rodney Dangerfields of the music world who deserve more respect. SHOW NOTES Nine Inch Nails (Joint Choice) Kraftwerk (Richard’s Choice) Bjork (Michael’s Choice) The Pixies (Richard’s Choice) The Smiths (Michael’s Choice) Judas Priest (Richard’s Choice) Weird Al (Michael’s Choice)

This week we’re looking at America’s national pastime: marijuana. OK, that might not technically be true, but there’s no denying that legalization and shifting public opinions have caused pot culture to come from the underground to the mainstream. Even grandmas are learning to love getting stoned as a way to deal with chronic pain or simply to feel good. We’re debating to find out what the most interesting and important things are that surround pot. We touch on personal experiences, pop culture and vow to leave no stone – or stoner – unturned as we work out the Mt. Rushmore of Marijuana. SHOW NOTES Cheech and Chong (Joint Choice) Innovative Bongs (Michael’s Choice) Edibles (Richard’s Choice) Medical Marijuana (Michael’s Choice) The Dispensary Experience (Richard’s Choice) Obnoxious Weed Culture (Michael’s Choice) Bob Marley Posters (Richard’s Choice)

It’s our Wayne’s World Podcast! Party Time! Excellent! Just yesterday I saw someone with a Wayne’s World hat, which shows just how much of an impact it has had on pop culture. There’s a reason why it’s so endearing – the sketches and the movies still hold up. (Well, let’s not talk about Wayne’s World 2.) This week we’re looking at the greatest things about the most successful SNL sketch of all time. (Get out of here, Omeletteville.) So, get into the “schwing” of things and make sure you listen. SHOW NOTES   It Had No Right Being Successful (Richard’s Choice) The Madonna Episode (Michael’s Choice) Celebrity Guests (Richard’s Choice) Top Ten Lists (Michael’s Choice) Mike Myers and Dana Carvey Didn’t Get Along, Maybe? (Richard’s Choice) The Airplane Scene (Joint Choice) The Larger World of Aurora, Illinois (Michael’s Choice)

Italian contributions to society are almost limitless, bringing us innovations ranging from pizza to famous works of art such as the Mona Lisa and the song “Dominic the Christmas Donkey.” That’s why we’re focusing in on the most influential and significant Italians throughout history for this week’s episode. Who will be etched onto the Mt. Rushmore of Italians? Listen this week to find out. SHOW NOTES Marco Polo (Michael's Choice) Leonardo DiVinci (Joint Choice) Luciano Pavarotti (Richard's Choice) Enzo Ferrari (Michael's Choice) Luigi del Bianco (Richard's Choice) Raffaele Esposito (Michael's Choice) Sophia Loren (Richard's Choice)

If you’ve ever been to Las Vegas, you probably have a strong opinion about it. Either it’s a non-stop thrill ride or a sinkhole of American morals. But no matter which side you fall on, everyone can agree on one thing: Vegas is unlike any place else. Join us this week as we try our luck at building the Mt. Rushmore of Las Vegas. It’s a lot like being in Las Vegas, except without the $5.99 steak breakfast or free, watered-down drinks. SHOW NOTES: Food Options (Michael’s Choice) Buffets (Richard’s Choice) Gambling (Michael’s Choice) Non-Gambling Entertainment Options (Richard’s Choice) Booze (Michael’s Choice) Pai Gao Poker (Richard’s Choice) Welcome to Vegas sign/Luxor pyramid (Michael’s Choice) Showgirl Shows (Richard’s Choice)

John. Paul. George. Ringo. The foundation behind the greatest band of all-time. But how well do you really know the Beatles? This week we shatter all of the myths about the Fab Four. Well, some of them. Not the "Paul is Dead" thing, though, because...I mean, look at his ears - they aren't even close to being the same! SHOW NOTES John Lennon: Asshole (Joint Choice) Paul McCartney's Asshole Virtuosity (Richard's Choice) Their Failings as Individual Artists (Michael's Choice) "Magical Mystery Tour" (Richard's Choice) The Tate-Labianca Murders (Michael's Choice) Modern Beatles fans (Richard's Choice) The Well Running Dry (Michael's Choice)

Revenge: a dish best served cold. But it’s pretty good piping hot as well. Just don’t serve it at room temperature – when you do that, the revenge starts to congeal and it just turns gross. We’d like to swear our revenge on our enemies, because that sounds like fun, but unfortunately, we don’t have any enemies. We’d like some, though, so if you would like to be the Mt. Rushmore Podcast’s bitter rival, please let us know. Meanwhile, while we wait for someone to wrong us so we can exact our sweet justice, enjoy this week’s new episode, where we talk about other people who were able to get revenge in ways big and small. SHOW NOTES  Dave Carroll, aka “United Breaks Guitars” (Richard’s Choice) The Trump Presidency (Michael’s Choice) “The Shawshank Redemption” (Richard’s Choice) Lorena Bobbitt (Michael’s Choice) “The Cook, the Thief, His Wife and Her Lover” (Richard’s Choice) “Fish Called Wanda” (Michael’s Choice) Pierre Picaud (Richard’s Choice) “The Stars My Destination” (Michael’s Choice)

Listening to a live album is as close to the concert experience as you can get. Personally, I like to try and make it even more realistic by having a tall friend stand directly in front of me while I hold a watered-down drink in a plastic cup and listen through a speaker two inches from my ear that is blaring at maximum volume. This week we’re looking at our favorite concert albums of all time. Some remind us of bands we’ve seen before while others are snapshots of live acts we’ll never get to see perform.  SHOW NOTES XTC, “BBC Radio One Live in Concert 1980” (Richard’s Choice) Portishead, “Roseland NYC Live” (Michael’s Choice) Johnny Cash, “At Folsom Prison (Joint Choice) Queen, “Live at Wembley ’86” (Michael’s Choice) Nirvana, “Unplugged in New York” (Richard’s Choice) Talking Heads, “Stop Making Sense” (Michael’s Choice) Cheap Trick, “Live at Budokan” (Richard’s Choice)