Rushmore Podcast

Lou Adler Builds the Mount Rushmore of 1970s Bands and Artists

Welcome to the Rushmore Podcast, where legends join Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky to debate the ultimate Mount Rushmore of any topic.Music pioneer Lou Adler, film and record producer and co-owner of the Roxy Theatre, joins the Rushmore podcast to tackle an impossible task: building the Mount Rushmore of the greatest bands and artists from the 1970s. With hosts Ben and Ari, Lou makes his case for Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Carole King, and David Bowie. The debate that follows is chaotic, passionate, and hilarious—featuring Wings, Queen, ABBA, Bruce Springsteen, Black Sabbath, the Sex Pistols, and the Ramones. After intense deliberation, the final four are locked in.Special thanks to Lou Adler for joining our Bands of the 70s episode.

Anna Wintour & Andrew Bolton Build the Mount Rushmore of Fashion Designers

Welcome to the Rushmore Podcast, where legends join Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky to debate the ultimate Mount Rushmore of any topic.Two of the most influential figures in fashion, Anna Wintour and Andrew Bolton, sit down to build the Mount Rushmore of the greatest fashion designers. The result is a masterclass in style, history, and artistic vision. Andrew champions the pioneers who changed construction and silhouette. Anna counters with the rule‑breakers who redefined what a designer could be. Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky add their own picks, and the debate turns to legacy, influence, and cultural impact. Who deserves the final four spots?Special thanks to Andrew Bolton & Anna Wintour for joining our designers episode.

Dana White & Max Kellerman Build the Rushmore of Middleweight Boxers

Welcome to the Rushmore Podcast, where legends join Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky to debate the ultimate Mount Rushmore of any topic.Two of the most passionate minds in combat sports, UFC president and CEO, Dana White, and boxing analyst, Max Kellerman, sit down to build the Mount Rushmore of middleweight boxing. From the mythical Harry Greb who fought 250 times before age 32, much of it with one eye to the sublime Sugar Ray Robinson, from the warrior Marvin Hagler to the unbeaten champion Carlos Monzon, this debate covers a century of fighting greatness. Dana champions the modern legends he grew up on. Max argues for the forgotten giants of the 1910s and 1920s. The hosts weigh in with their own lists. The result is a furious, informed, and deeply respectful argument about who truly rules the 160‑pound division.Special thanks to Dana White & Max Kellerman for joining our Middleweight Boxing episode

Shaquille O'Neal & Reggie Miller Debate The Mount Rushmore of NBA Point Guards

Welcome to the Rushmore Podcast, where legends join Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky to debate the ultimate Mount Rushmore of any topic.Reggie Miller and Shaquille O'Neal, two Hall of Fame legends with four championship rings between them, sit down to settle the ultimate playground debate: who are the four greatest point guards of all time? Stephen Curry, Isiah Thomas, Allen Iverson, Kyrie Irving, John Stockton, Tony Parker, Jason "White Chocolate" Williams, and even Bob Cousy all enter the conversation. The arguments get heated, the criteria get tossed around, and Shaq even threatens to eat a Tide Pod. From championships to handles to cultural impact, this is a point guard battle for the ages. Four lists. One winner. Final Rushmore revealed.Special thanks to Reggie Miller and Shaquille O'Neal for joining our greatest point guards episode.

Ken Burns & Walter Isaacson Build The Mount Rushmore of US Non-Presidents

Welcome to the Rushmore Podcast, where legends join Ari Emanuel and Ben Persky to debate the ultimate Mount Rushmore of any topic.Two of America's greatest historians, Ken Burns and Walter Isaacson, sit down to build the Mount Rushmore of U.S. non‑presidents from 1900 - present. The result is a breathtaking conversation about the inventors, artists, activists, and innovators who truly shaped modern America. Walter champions the giants of science and technology: Louis Armstrong, Philo Farnsworth, John Mauchly, and Steve Jobs. Ken counters with moral and cultural titans: Louis Armstrong, Eleanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., and Henrietta Lacks. From the improvisational genius of jazz to the immortal HeLa cells, from the Marshall Plan to the iPhone, this debate explores who actually changed the way we live, think, and see ourselves. Four brilliant lists. One unforgettable Rushmore.Special thanks to KenBurns & Walter Isaacson for joining our Non‑Presidents (1900s‑Present) episode.