Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness, “Don King Call-In” – January 1, 2026

Podcast: Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS) – 98KUPD, Arizona
Guests/Hosts: John Holmberg (host), Brady "Bulldog" Bogan (co-host), Don King (special guest)
Episode Air Date: January 1, 2026
Episode Focus: Legendary boxing promoter Don King joins the morning show to promote an upcoming fight and share his signature blend of hyperbolic enthusiasm, Americana, and storytelling.

Episode Overview

The episode centers on a high-energy call-in from Don King, who speaks with John Holmberg and Brady Bogan about upcoming boxing matches, the importance of supporting U.S. troops, memories from Arizona, and even — memorably — the virtues of ants. The conversation is a wild, entertaining ride through King's classic promotion style, personal philosophy, and larger-than-life persona.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Welcoming Don King and Boxing Nicknames

• [01:09] Don King joins the show, expressing his excitement about promoting an upcoming fight and being “back in Phoenix."
• King gives John Holmberg a fighting nickname, drawing a comparison to John Wayne:

  “John, you’ll be the fighting John Wayne...and everyone would know who you are. Fear would just come into their eyes when they see you step into the ring.” (Don King, 01:44)

• Brady (“Bulldog”) gets likened to “Chesty” from the Marines, making for jovial banter about nicknames and tough personas.

Patriotic Overtones and Support for Troops

• [02:45] King launches passionately into support for American troops:

  “We must support our troops. They’re the embodiment of America, the men and women that wear that uniform...” (Don King, 02:46)

• Directly addresses Senator John McCain, reinforcing the salute to veterans.

Fight Promotion & Colorful Descriptions of Matchups

• [03:17] King switches to promoting his latest fight cards:
  • “The Nightmare” Samuel Peter vs. Jameel “Big Time” McCline (Showtime main event)
  • Undercard includes Andrew Golota vs. Kevin McBride, Daniel Santos vs. Jose Rivera, and DaVarryl Williamson vs. Kali Meehan
• King’s promotional style blends bombast and national pride:

  “It’s gonna be great. The Puerto Ricans — Viva Puerto Rico!... and then the Colorado Kid, the Barrel Williamson...” (Don King, 04:12)

Reflections on Arizona and Past Fights

• [04:43] Don reminisces about past Arizona events and the state’s significance in boxing:

  “I think Arizona is one of the greatest places in the world...” (Don King, 04:47)

• Recalls the dramatic finish between Shannon Briggs and Sergei Liakhovich.

Philosophy on People, Places, and Perseverance

• [05:22] When asked if he’s ever been disappointed by a city, King riffs on his love for people:

  “Anywhere there’s people...I love people — every race, color, creed, and religion.” (Don King, 05:25)

• Discusses exhaustion, motivation, and the human connection.

The Ant Analogy – King’s Signature Tangent

• [06:03] Holmberg jokes about King talking to ants if stranded in the desert; King obliges:

  “Only the ants in the sand. And I would begin to talk ant language.” (Don King, 06:03) “The ants are really working...they build and rebuild...I try to be antlike, working for the betterment of this great nation...” (Don King, 06:12; 06:23)

Promoter's Resilience – Overcoming Setbacks

• [07:01] King details how he navigated three consecutive fight card changes and kept shows alive:

  “Three fights in a row fall out...thanks to Ken Hirschman and Jim Dolan, we are able to save that show.” (Don King, 07:01)

• Describes the resulting “faith card” and his gratitude to the American public.

Friendly Requests and Boxing Fandom

• [08:04] Holmberg, calling himself practically Don King's “best friend,” requests tickets to the upcoming Hatton vs. Mayweather fight.
• King quickly agrees, throwing in a classic Don King-ism:

  “Anything you want, you can get here...for the asking.” (Don King, 08:15)

Ohio Roots and the Governor’s Pardon

• [08:50] Brady notes a shared Ohio connection: his best friend’s grandfather, Jim Rhodes, was close to King.
• King fondly praises Rhodes, recounting his pardon after prison:

  “Jim Rhodes...his spirit still lives on...He gave me an unconditional pardon when I came out of the penitentiary.” (Don King, 08:59)

Arranging Tickets; Vegas & Casino Connections

• [10:01] King instructs John on how to claim Mayweather-Hatton tickets via his associate “Ivy,” relates anecdotes about Las Vegas and casino magnate Kirk Kerkorian.

  “Ain’t nothing but a stepper. I will secure that to get you to do that...” (Don King, 10:19)

Humorous Wrap-up & Reflections on Don King’s Persona

• [11:14] As King leaves, the hosts are left in awe (and a bit overwhelmed) by his ability to promote even ants:

  “He promoted ants. I’ve never seen a human being do that before...He could tell me Jesus was in the hallway; I’d go look.” (John Holmberg, 12:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Don King's Patriotic Passion:
  “We must support our troops. They're the embodiment of America, the men and women that wear that uniform...” — [02:46]
• On Ants & Perseverance:
  “I try to be antlike, working for the betterment of this great nation...” — [06:23]
• Don King's Promoter Resilience:
  “Thanks to Ken Hirschman and Jim Dolan, we are able to save that show… it’s a real faith card.” — [07:01]
• On Receiving a Pardon from Governor Rhodes:
  “He gave me a pardon, an unconditional pardon, when I come out of the penitentiary...He epitomized Americana.” — [08:59]
• On Don King’s Influence:
  “He could tell me Jesus was in the hallway; I’d go look.” — [John Holmberg, 12:52]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:21 – Don King joins, delivers signature intro and energy
• 02:45 – King’s tribute to U.S. troops and John McCain
• 03:17–04:43 – Fight promotion: Samuel Peter, Jameel McCline, undercard details
• 05:22–05:57 – Riff on loving people, places, Arizona memories
• 06:03–07:01 – The Ant Analogy: comedy and philosophy
• 08:04–08:26 – Request for Mayweather vs Hatton tickets; King promises to deliver
• 08:50–09:45 – Ohio memories and Governor Jim Rhodes’ pardon
• 10:01–10:39 – Ivy handles ticket logistics; King’s Las Vegas connections
• 11:14–12:52 – Hosts process the whirlwind; Don King's impact and humor

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode is a fast-talking, high-voltage showcase of Don King’s promotional genius and unique worldview. It’s energetic, quirky, sometimes surreal, and always delivered in King’s grandiloquent style. King's ability to weave together the themes of patriotism, perseverance, showmanship, and even the work ethic of ants provides amusement and inspiration. The hosts, rapt and at times bewildered, marvel at King’s ability to make any subject compelling.

For listeners, this episode is a colorful snapshot of both boxing culture and Americana, as filtered through one of its most eccentric promoters.