Mt. Rushmore Podcast

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)