Podcast
The Mount Rushmore Show
Hosted by Joe Mintz · EN
here bold takes and top 4 debates collide. Every week, we carve out our personal Mount Rushmore of everything—from sports and movies to moments in history and guilty pleasures. It’s a countdown show with strong opinions, big laughs, and the ultimate goal: choosing the four that stand above the rest.
If you're into passionate debates, hot takes, and settling the age-old question of “what deserves a spot on the mountain,” this is your show. Who makes the cut? Tune in and find out.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Mount Rushmore of Mobile Games
3d ago00:56:46Tap to summarizeTwo 40 year olds debate with two 7th graders about the best mobile games ever made. There are some very obvious choices, plus some questionable decisions and maybe even a few errors made along the way. It is often fun, and usually pretty funny. The picks are good, but the clear generational gap discussions are the best part.
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The Mount Rushmore of Military Movies
1w ago00:51:17Tap to summarizeMemorial Day is more than a long weekend, it’s a time to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our freedoms.In this special Memorial Day episode, we reflect on what the holiday means both from the perspective of military service and civilian appreciation. Mike shares his thoughts as an Army veteran, while Joe talks about honoring the day through fitness, sacrifice, and completing the legendary Murph workout.We break down the history and meaning behind Murph, the powerful community that surrounds it every Memorial Day, and how people of all fitness levels come together to do something hard in remembrance of Lt. Michael Murphy and those who served.Then we dive into one of the toughest Mount Rushmore lists we’ve ever attempted: The Mount Rushmore of Military MoviesRather than focusing only on traditional action-packed war films, this episode explores movies that capture the psychology, sacrifice, trauma, brotherhood, and emotional cost of war. We discuss the impact these films had when they released, their legacy today, and why military movies continue to resonate across generations.This episode is about remembrance, gratitude, and honoring those who sacrificed everything.#MemorialDay #MilitaryMovies #MurphWorkout #MountRushmore #WarMovies #Veterans #NeverForget #Podcast
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The Mount Rushmore of NBA Draft Lottery Winners and Losers
3w ago00:48:05Tap to summarizeThe NBA Playoffs are heating up, the Draft Lottery has reshaped the future of the league, and hope is alive again for fanbases across the NBA, including Washington Wizards fans after landing the number one overall pick.On this episode of The Mount Rushmore Show, we dive deep into the history of the NBA Draft Lottery, the conspiracy theories surrounding it, and how one ping pong ball can completely alter the trajectory of a franchise forever.Mike and Joe each build their own Mount Rushmore:Mike tackles the lottery picks that SAVED franchises and changed NBA history.Joe explores the darker side with the biggest Draft Lottery busts of all time and what went wrong.The episode also breaks down: Wizards lottery reactions and future outlook The history and evolution of the NBA Draft Lottery NBA Draft conspiracies and frozen envelope theories How franchises are built — or destroyed — through the draft NBA Playoff reactions and predictions Cavs vs Pistons Game 7 thoughts Why OKC may already be the NBA’s next dynastyHope. Hype. Superstars. Or heartbreak.One pick can change everything.
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The Mount Rushmore of Sports Scandals
May 200:42:17Tap to summarizeScandals have always been part of sports, but why are we so drawn to them?In this episode, we break down the biggest controversies that have shaken the integrity of the game and changed how fans view what they’re watching. From cheating and gambling to performance enhancement and corruption, we explore how these moments didn’t just impact outcomes, they altered trust in sports forever.We also dig into the psychology behind it all: Why do we build athletes up to legendary status… only to become obsessed when they fall? Is it pressure, money, competition—or something deeper wired into what makes great athletes tick?This isn’t about ranking personal behavior at its worst. Instead, we focus on scandals that made fans stop and ask:“Is this even real?”And as always, we each build our Mount Rushmore—four moments that define the dark side of sports.Topics Covered:The history of scandals in sportsCheating vs “leveling the playing field”Gambling and game integrityThe role of money and incentivesWhy fans are fascinated by downfallBig Question: Are sports scandals just part of the game… or are they slowly making sports more honest over time?The Mount Rushmore Show Where we debate the four things that define everything.
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The Mount Rushmore of Golfers to Never Win at The Masters
Apr 1200:49:00Tap to summarizeIt’s Sunday at The Masters Tournament—and there’s nothing like it. In this episode, we dive into what truly makes Augusta National the most iconic and prestigious stage in golf. From its origins with Bobby Jones to the traditions that define it today, we break down how the Masters became bigger than every other major—and why it continues to demand a level of precision, discipline, and mental toughness that few players ever fully master. We’re also joined by recurring guest and golf aficionado Jim Mintz, who brings his perspective on what makes Augusta so unique, the pressure players face on Sunday, and why even the greatest golfers in history have struggled to win here. Then we get into this year’s storyline, including Rory McIlroy taking control early before giving back the lead heading into the final round—setting up a wide-open Sunday where composure and experience will ultimately decide who slips on the green jacket. Finally, we build our Mount Rushmore of golfers who never won at Augusta—legends who had the talent, the opportunities, and the moments… but never got it done on golf’s biggest stage. This episode is all about pressure, legacy, and what it really takes to win at Augusta. Who would be on your Mount Rushmore?
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The Mount Rushmore of March Madness Cinderellas
Mar 2100:33:19Tap to summarizeMarch Madness is officially here—and just hours into the Round of 64, brackets are already falling apart.In this episode, we dive into what makes this tournament unlike anything else in sports. From early upsets shaking the bracket to the emotional intensity that defines March, we break down why the NCAA Tournament consistently delivers chaos, drama, and unforgettable moments.We explore:Why society is drawn to underdog stories and how Cinderella teams capture national attentionWhat the tournament truly means to players—especially seniors playing the final games of their careersHow urgency and desperation can outweigh talent in a single-elimination formatThe evolution of March Madness into a bracketology obsession and cultural phenomenonWhy even the most researched brackets fall apart—and why there has never been a perfect bracketWe also define what a true “Cinderella” really is—not just a lower-seeded team pulling an upset, but a group whose run becomes the defining moment of their lives and cements them as hometown legends forever.This episode sets the stage for one of the best traditions in sports—where anything can happen, and usually does.
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The Mount Rushmore Oscars Special
Mar 1501:03:36Tap to summarizeWith the Academy Awards taking place tonight, we kick off a special Oscars-themed episode of the Mount Rushmore Show. We start by sharing our thoughts on this year’s race, reflecting on the Best Picture nominees we’ve seen and discussing the movies and performances that stood out to us.From there, we explore the history of the Oscars, how the voting process works, and how momentum, timing, and industry politics often influence the results.The episode then shifts into two Mount Rushmore topics: the greatest acting performances and the most infamous Oscar snubs. Using clear criteria, we examine how certain Academy decisions have aged over time and why some results still spark debate among movie fans today.We close by discussing where the Oscars may be headed in the future and how the ceremony might continue evolving to stay relevant in a changing entertainment landscape.
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The Mount Rushmore of Jewish Athletes (With a Special "Jew-ISH" recurring guest)
Feb 2800:47:22Tap to summarizeHappy Purim to everyone celebrating! This week, Joe, Mike, and Jim kick off the episode with a lighthearted crash course on the story of Purim—complete with villains, secret identities, and yet another example of the Jewish tradition of surviving adversity and celebrating immediately afterward with food and drinks.From there, the conversation shifts to major news in the Jewish sports world, highlighted by a historic Olympic hockey moment that has the guys reflecting on how rare it is to see Jewish athletes in the spotlight as players rather than owners, executives, or agents. The discussion explores why Jewish representation in elite athletics has historically been limited, the cultural and historical factors behind it, and why moments like these resonate so deeply within the community.Before revealing their Mount Rushmore selections, the group sets clear criteria for what qualifies an athlete for consideration—focusing on those who were genuinely raised in the Jewish faith and embraced that identity throughout their lives and careers.As always, the episode blends sports history, cultural commentary, and plenty of self-aware humor, celebrating the athletes who helped redefine expectations and inspire future generations.Whether you're here for the sports debate, the history lesson, or just the laughs, this episode is one we’re especially proud of. Chag Sameach and enjoy.
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The Mount Rushmore of Dangerous Winter Olympic Sports
Feb 1400:31:02Tap to summarizeThis week on The Mount Rushmore Show, Joe and Mike were faced with a big decision: lean into Valentine’s Day season… or lean into sports. Let’s just say debating rom-coms didn’t survive the selection process.Instead, they dive headfirst into the icy world of the Winter Olympics — where athletes race gravity, defy physics, and somehow make sliding at highway speeds look graceful.We break down:How the Winter Olympics have evolved since 1924Why these events feel more intense than most Summer Olympic sportsWhat makes certain winter sports secretly more dangerous than they lookThe fascinating psychology of watching athletes compete on the edge of controlEarly impressions from this year’s gamesPredictions for Team USA’s medal outlookPlus, they debate what truly makes a sport “dangerous” — speed, height, collisions, unpredictability… or all of the above?If you’ve ever watched the Winter Olympics and thought “there’s no way that’s safe” — this episode is for you.Topics CoveredWinter Olympics history Olympic danger debate Extreme winter sports Olympic risk vs skill Team USA predictions Sports psychology of risk Olympic physics explained (kind of)Call to ActionThink your Mount Rushmore would look different? Send us your four most dangerous Winter Olympic sports and we might feature your list in a future episode.
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The Mount Rushmore Super Bowl Special - Turnaround Teams to Win it All
Feb 800:48:22Tap to summarizeSuper Bowl Sunday has become far more than just a football game — it’s an American cultural event that blends sports, entertainment, food, and tradition into one of the most-watched days of the year. In this special Super Bowl episode of The Mount Rushmore Show, we explore why the big game has evolved into an unofficial national holiday, from blockbuster commercials to halftime shows, prop bets, and, of course, billions of chicken wings consumed nationwide.With this year’s matchup featuring two teams that missed the playoffs just one season ago, the episode centers on one of the most compelling themes in modern sports: dramatic one-year turnarounds. Joe breaks down how today’s NFL allows teams to rebound faster than ever through free agency, trades, coaching changes, and smarter roster construction — a stark contrast to earlier eras when rebuilding required years of patience through the draft.The conversation then shifts to historic examples of Super Bowl champions who transformed their fortunes in just one season, examining what went wrong the year before and what specific changes — in coaching, personnel, and identity — fueled their rise to the top.To close the show, Jwe dive into Super Bowl predictions and also have some fun with Super Bowl traditions, including setting an over/under on how many chicken wings expected to be eaten on game day.Whether you’re watching for the football, the commercials, or the food, this episode celebrates everything that makes Super Bowl Sunday unique — and why turnarounds are now one of the defining stories of the modern NFL.
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