This week on The Mount Rushmore Show, we’re firing up the grill and diving into the Mount Rushmore of Cookout Foods — just in time for the 4th of July and the return of The Bear Season 4. We break down how the cookout became the American summer tradition it is today, from its post-WWII suburban roots to modern-day backyard feasts.

Then, we reveal our picks for the top four iconic cookout foods. Some traditional, some unique, and some regional only.

We talk tradition, flavor, regional flair, and why some dishes earn a permanent seat at the picnic table.

Whether you’re a grill master or just here for the sides, you’ll want to tune in. Just don’t show up with store-bought potato salad… we’re judging.

Let us know who had the best mount rushmore and the 4 heads you are carving on your plate.

With the release of the highly anticipated F1 movie and a candid new interview that shows Brad Pitt at ease with life and legacy, we’re taking a moment to celebrate one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring stars. From charming leads to offbeat character roles to serious dramatic turns, Brad Pitt has done it all—and done it his way.

In this episode, we kick things off with why Brad Pitt, why now, touching on his personal passion for racing, his recent media appearances, and how America’s growing obsession with Formula 1 makes this the perfect cultural moment. Then, we dive into what makes Pitt’s movie stardom unique—he’s part Tom Cruise, part Daniel Day-Lewis, and fully himself.

We break down each role, the legacy of the film, and where Pitt was in his career at the time. Finally, we close with admiration for a man who seems to be aging like a fine Napa Valley red—still compelling, still ambitious, and still one of the greatest movie stars of our time.

Tune in and let us know which Pitt performance makes your Mount Rushmore.

📅 Episode Description:

With the Indiana Pacers defying the odds and forcing a Game 7 against the powerhouse Oklahoma City Thunder, this week’s episode dives into the greatest NBA Finals upsets of all time. From the gritty 2004 Pistons to Dirk’s revenge tour in 2011, we break down how these underdog teams shocked the world—and what it would take for the Pacers to join their ranks.

We start with the significance of Indiana’s improbable run, why fans are drawn to upsets in a superteam era, and then carve out our Mount Rushmore of NBA Finals upsets

Plus: What the Pacers must do to finish the job and why underdogs will always have a place in our basketball hearts.

🎧 Available On:

Spotify | Apple Podcasts I Youtube

Episode Title: The Mount Rushmore of U.S. Open Golf Finishes

Episode Description: In honor of this weekend’s U.S. Open, we’re breaking down the most iconic and dramatic finishes in the tournament’s storied history. We kick things off with a look at what makes the U.S. Open golf’s most punishing and compelling major, plus what to watch for in this year’s field. Then we carve out our Mount Rushmore of unforgettable finishes:

We relive each finish, explore the pressure-packed context behind them, and debate what sets these moments apart from the rest. Whether you're a golf junkie or a casual fan, this episode is a must-listen before championship Sunday.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share!

Episode Description: They say Father Time is undefeated—but today’s athletes are giving him a serious run for his money. In this episode, we explore the rare air of sports legends who didn’t just hang on after 40… they dominated. We kick things off with the history of aging athletes and how modern recovery science, nutrition, and load management are rewriting the rules.

Then, we dive into why now, spotlighting Aaron Rodgers’ recent signing with the Steelers at age 40 and what it says about this new era of athletic longevity.

Our official Mount Rushmore of Post-40 Greatness. Plus, we each add in our honorable mentions.

Who will you carve on your mount rushmore? Let us know if you agree or who we missed.

Title: The Mount Rushmore of Live Talk Show Hosts

With John Mulaney’s Everybody’s in L.A. reviving the energy and chaos of the live-audience talk show, we dive into the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the genre—and debate who belongs on the Mount Rushmore of live talk show hosts. That’s right, no podcasts or radio icons allowed today. Our criteria: you had to host in front of a live audience. The applause, the laughter, the chaos—it all had to be real and in the room.

We walk through the legacy of late-night legends and chaotic curveballs, and unveil our four picks.

We discuss how each host earned their show, what they made of it, their impact on the culture, and where talk shows go from here in the era of streaming, podcasts, and social media. Plus, we tease a future Mount Rushmore: the one for podcast and radio legends.

Subscribe, review, and tell us your Mount Rushmore of Live Talk Show Hosts.

With Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning on the horizon, we take a high-speed motorcycle ride through the legendary career of Tom Cruise — the last true movie star. From fighter jets to flair bartending, emotional breakdowns to sports agents shouting "Show me the money!", we reveal our Mount Rushmore of Tom Cruise Movies and what makes each one iconic.

Plus, a bonus nod to one of the greatest cameo's in movie history and a deep dive into how Cruise built (and rebuilt) his place at the top of Hollywood.

Whether you love the stunts, the speeches, or the sunglasses, this one’s for you.

Subscribe, rate, and tell us your Cruise Mount Rushmore!

Episode Title: The Mount Rushmore of NBA Legends Who Never Won a Ring

Episode Summary: Not all legends get jewelry. In this episode, we break down the greatest NBA players to never win a championship ring — and why their legacies still shine without it. From MVPs and scoring champs to playoff heartbreaks and near-misses, we’re carving out the ultimate Mount Rushmore of ringless greatness.

What We Cover:

• Career accolades and playoff runs that almost ended with a ring
• The rival dynasties and bad breaks that stopped them
• Their enduring impact on basketball and culture
• A spirited debate on who came closest to sealing the deal

Why This Topic Now? With playoff narratives heating up, and championship rings always dominating the GOAT conversations, it’s the perfect time to appreciate greatness in its purest form — without the hardware.