Mt. Rushmore Podcast

This week we're looking at lone wolves - people who live by their own set of rules and don't need YOUR help. It's a longtime trope in pop culture and we have plenty of choices both real and fictional.  Arr-arr-awooooo! SHOW NOTES Ted Kaczynski (Joint Choice) Omar Little (Richard's Choice) Crocodile Dundee (Michael's Choice) The Man With No Name (Richard's Choice) Rambo (Michael's Choice) "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (Richard's Choice) Kermit the Hermit (Michael's Choice)

Any schnook can break walls one through three... but it takes someone with true mastery of their art to make it on the Mt. Rushmore of Breaking the 4th Wall. This time tested trope of acknowledging the audience is as old as the art of storytelling, but it’s not like all these old hacks have Ryan Reynolds good looks and charm in Deadpool. 

Look, let’s get something straight: robbery is bad. Unless you are robbing from the poor to give to the rich. Or are a suave gentleman thief who is more in it for the thrill than the score. Or if you are the ringleader of a gang that stole the Eiffel Tower. The point is this: it’s great to be a robber if you are cool. Here’s our choice for thieves who had that something extra that puts them ahead of your common criminal in life’s great police line-up.  SHOW NOTES  Robin Hood (Michael’s Choice) Bill Mason (Richard’s Choice) Jack MacLean (Michael’s Choice) Danny Ocean (Richard’s Choice) Thomas Crown (Michael’s Choice) The Great Train Robbery/Ronnie Biggs (Joint’s Choice) Carmen Sandiego (Richard’s Choice)

Gutzon Borglum chose the four Presidents who make up Mt. Rushmore because he thought they symbolized the birth (Washington), expansion (Jefferson), development (Roosevelt) and preservation (Lincoln) of the United States. Plus, he totally wanted a chance to carve Teddy's sweet 'stache. But what if we had the chance to create a sequel: a Mt. Rushmore 2, Electric Boogaloo for Presidents who almost made the first cut or came along later? Who would be on this almost as impressive monument (probably in Montana or Wyoming)? We attempt to find that out this week as we celebrate our 150th episode and make our picks for a new Mt. Rushmore.

A famous German philosopher once said "and when Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer." Of course, little did he know that within a few years after his death, Macedon would be ripped apart by civil war and in-fighting. What a dope! Yes, all great civilizations come to an end at some point, whether it's for reasons catastrophic or simply the ravages of time. But that will never happen to us, right? WESTERN CIVILIZATION NUMBER 1 WOO HOO! So join us this week as we discuss the empires that fell apart. SHOW NOTES Atlantis (Michael's Choice) Easter Island (Richard's Choice) The Mayans (Joint Choice) The Vikings (Joint Choice) Godfellas from "Futurama" (Michael's Choice) Western Civilization from "The Terminator" (Richard's Choice) The Mole People (Jeff's Choice)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! You know what this time of year means. It's time to get really meta and review all of the best things that happened on the podcast this year. Some might say that this is an excuse for us to get lazy and not do any research for an episode over the Christmas break. Others will contend that this is a form of wankery designed to make us feel better about our cute little podcast. To which we say: why does it have to be just one thing? What was your highlight from this year? Anything you'd like to see us do more of this coming year? (Except for "shut up", I mean.)

If there is one thing that cool-guy hipster doofuses like us know: it's that holiday music doesn't have to be so dull and boring. This week we skim through our record collections to handpick the most essential holiday music for your bougie party on the Mt. Rushmore of Hipster Holiday Songs.  SHOW NOTES "Jesus Christ" by Big Star (Richard's Choice) "The 12 Days of Christmas" by John Denver and the Muppets (Michael's Choice) "Wonderful Christmastime" by the Shins (Richard's Choice) "Santa Claud Go Straight to the Ghetto" by Belle and Sebastian (Michael's Choice) "Father Christmas" by the Kinks (Richard's Choice) "Christmas Wrapping" by Save Ferris (Michael's Choice) "Your Christmas Whiskey" by the Minus 5 (Richard's Choice) "Come On! Let's Boogie to the Elf Dance!" by Sufjan Smith (Michael's Choice) "The Man in the Santa Suit" by Fountains of Wayne (Jeff's Choice)

What would you do if you were trapped on an island? Maybe look for a source of fresh water, or get a fire started? How about building yourself some sort of shelter from the elements? OK, let's be honest - the first thing you'd do is get butt naked and let the warmth of the sun hit every forbidden spot on your body. But it's the things that would happen after the inevitable sunburn subsides that would determine your ability to survive on a desert island. This week we're talking about everything from the crippling boredom of being alone to the possibilities of building a taco machine. So yeah, we're pretty all over the place, kind of like a fever dream you might have if you decided to drink sea water out of desperation. SHOW NOTES "The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan's Island" (Richard's Choice) "The Descendents" (Jeff's Choice) "Cast Away" (Richard's Choice) The Island of Misfit Toys from "Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (Jeff's Choice) "Far Side" Cartoons on a Desert Island (Richard's Choice) "Godzilla vs. G

I'm the summary writer and I'm here to say, I'm the baddest rapper in the USA... Sorry about that, guys, but I just had to do it. After all, we're talking about the lighter side of rap. While we've talked about gangster rap acts like NWA in the past, this week we're spitting out fire about artists who care more about getting a laugh than getting props for their rhymes. And this week's extra-special, because it's Part One of our Wacky Mix Up where Jeff steps down from his high inquisitor throne to give his picks. This week he's taking on Michael while Richard takes a turn as judge. SHOW NOTES Michael's Choices: "Lazy Sunday" by Lonely Island https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRhTeaa_B98 "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW3PFC86UNI "Ya Mama" by Pharcyde https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnCeZY6nxjQ "White and Nerdy" by Weird Al Yankovic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9qYF9DZPdw Jeff's Choices: "Rapper's Choice" by Sugarhill Gang https://www.yout

What's up amigo? Friend? Pal? You get the idea, because this week we're talking about Sidekicks. No, not the Chuck Norris/Jonathan Brandis team-up from the 90s! Actual sidekicks - the people (or things) whose primary job is to support something else and make it better in the process.  

The Swiss invented it. Mice swear by it. People are forced to smile at it's mere mention.  Here's to CHEESE: the cause of, and solution to, all of life's problems. RICHARD "QUESO FUNDITO" MANFREDI and MICHAEL "MOZZARELLA FOR BLOOD" WINFIELD go head to head as they battle over the Mt. Rushmore of Cheese.  JEFFREY "THE FONDUDE" HOPKINS is our judge and makes up our formage-a-tois. 

Breakfast is not only the most important meal of the day, but it's also the setting for some of the most important scenes in our favorite movies. To investigate, we invited our friend Alex Gradet of the Wild Brunch podcast on to debate the Rushmore of Breakfast Scenes in Movies. So, butter up your bacon and load up your double decaf half caf with a twist of lemon - this one's fortified with all the important nutrients, minerals and laughs your body needs.

As the year begins to come to a close we decided to talk about the Mt. Rushmore of Songs about The Seasons. Paprika, Coriander... Oh! THOSE seasons!  For reals its a Mt. Rushmore of Songs About the Four Seasons: Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry, Walk Like a Man and Workin' My Way Back To You Oh, we're just being silly, there are only four seasons: Fall, Autumn, The Harvest and Halloween. That's it. We did it. Every joke one could make before you even listen to the episode. 

Kids! What's matter with kids today? A question that echoes through the ages from the cavemen of old to the millennial parents of today.  Rachel, from the excellent podcast We Are Weezer, joins us, not to talk Weezer, but about all those exasperating and needling things toddlers, kids and teens do that drive us parents up the wall.  Check out We Are Weezer podcast here!  https://www.weareweezer.com/

To celebrate Halloween we've invited the ladies from Stupidstition Podcast (Brenda and Liz), experts in all manor of spooky and spoopy subjects, to discuss the Mt. Rushmore of Hauntings. We delve into real world hauntings and those of a fictional nature to cover all things... unnatural. 

Do you miss the days when FAKE NEWS meant stories about Bigfoot getting married, Elvis being spotted in an Akron bowling alley or the continuing adventures of Bat Boy? Then join us in looking back on some of the most unbelievable, outrageous and hilarious articles ever produced by the Weekly World News, aka America’s Finest Newspaper.  No stone will be left unturned and no fact will remain unfabricated as do a deep dive into the tabloid waters to find the stories that you had to read to (not) believe. SHOW NOTES Bat Boy! (Joint Choice) The Lincoln Leg Lock (Michael’s Choice) Elvis Lives (Richard’s Choice) Alien in Slammer After Fistfight with Bill… over Hillary (Michael’s Choice) Ed Anger (Richard’s Choice) Face of Satan Seen Over U.S. Senate (Michael’s Choice) Bill Clinton Hires Three-Breasted Intern (Richard’s Choice)

We've all done it - discovered that something in our fridge we really wanted is just a few days past the expiration date. But there's no mold on it, and it doesn't smell funny. Why not take a chance? But what if we're talking months instead of days? 12 months, to be exact. We're talking about foods that you'd be willing to take the calculated risk on eating even if it's a year past its expiration date. Live a little! Enjoy that Twinkie with the wrapper that looks like it dates back to the Carter Administration while you digest our high-quality, preservative-laden podcast. SHOW NOTES Twinkies (Michael's Choice) Beef Jerky (Richard's Choice) Spices (Joint Choice) Nuts (Michael's Choice) Pasta (Richard's Choice) Cadbury's Creme Eggs (Michael's Choice) Hot Pockets (Richard's Choice)

We all know that we should eat healthier. But no one has ever come home from a miserable day at work and decided that the only thing that would make them feel better is a kale salad. When you are leaning on food as the crutch to get you through this slog we call life, you want carbs, sugar and/or greasy meat. We’re talking about our favorite comfort foods this week – the meals that make us feel all warm and squishy inside, and fat and squishy outside. What’s your all-time comfort food? SHOW NOTES Butter noodles (Michael’s Choice) Boxed mac ‘n’ cheese (Richard’s Choice) Grilled cheese and tomato soup (Michael’s Choice) Chicken McNuggets (Richard’s Choice) Numero Uno Pizza (Michael’s Choice) Little Caesars Pizza (Richard’s Choice) Pint of Gold Medal Ribbon ice cream (Michael’s Choice) Bacon sandwiches (Richard’s Choice)

Scrappy? Check. Unconventional? Check. 5000 to 1 odds? Triple Check! This episode we break down those facing an insurmountable challenge against a much more overpowering foe. Also a talking pig. On the Mt. Rushmore of Underdogs.   

It’s the end of the world and we...well, we don’t feel fine at all. In fact, it’s pretty depressing! We’ve had nothing to eat but canned pumpkin and Twinkies for the last three months and quite frankly, we’re starting to get a little sick of each other. Also, sick from likely radiation poisoning. On this episode we’re discussing everything that has to do with the Post-Apocalyptic world as it has been portrayed in popular culture throughout the years. So, head down to your bomb shelter, crack open an MRE and blast this week’s episode through your ham radio. It will give you something to do to break up the boredom. The maddening, maddening boredom. SHOW NOTES Doomsday Bunkers (Michael’s Choice) “The Day After” (Richard’s Choice) “The Matrix” (Michael’s Choice) “Fury Road” (Richard’s Choice) “The Planet of the Apes” (Michael’s Choice) Dogs (Richard’s Choice) The Svalbard Global Seed Vault (Michael’s Choice) “Wall-E” (Richard’s Choice)