Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Summary: January 6, 2025 Host: John Holmberg Guests: Craig Gass, Doug Hopkins, Dick Toledo, Larry McFeely

1. Arizona State Sun Devils Football Controversy

Timestamp: 01:07 – 09:06

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion on the Arizona State Sun Devils' recent performance in college football, particularly focusing on a controversial game against Texas. Host John Holmberg laments the perceived injustice and favoritism shown towards ASU by referees and the national ranking system.

• John Holmberg (01:07):

  "If you still like college football after that, you're a whore idiot. Because what they did was prove to you that it'll never be any teams that they don't want in their championships, in their finals and anything else."

• Big Dick Toledo (03:23):

  "So the refs helped them on the fourth and 12 play to."

• Brady Bogen (08:06):

  "They just wipe the sweat off their brow... it was ridiculous."

Holmberg criticizes the ranking system, suggesting it’s manipulated to favor traditional powerhouses over emerging teams like ASU. The conversation delves into the mechanics of college football rankings, playoff selections, and the financial motivations behind maintaining certain teams in the spotlight. The hosts express frustration over what they perceive as a rigged system that stifles competition and fairness.

2. Ticket Issues with Craig Gass and Doug Hopkins

Timestamp: 28:58 – 33:48

The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes involving ticket exchanges and social dynamics. Holmberg shares an experience where he offered tickets to comedian Craig Gass for a Suns game but faced complications when he fell ill.

• John Holmberg (28:58):

  "I was sick on Christmas... I missed the Suns game and offered the tickets to Craig, who then gave them to strangers."

• Larry McFeely (33:01):

  "Did he Venmo you?"

• John Holmberg (31:14):

  "Craig went with me... Doug leaves early. The total bill was $631."

The discussion highlights the complexities of social obligations and the challenges of managing event tickets among friends. Holmberg recounts how Craig Gass and Doug Hopkins handled the ticket situation, leading to unexpected outcomes and financial discrepancies. The hosts reflect on the importance of clear communication and the potential pitfalls of informal ticket exchanges.

3. Personal Health and Lifestyle Changes

Timestamp: 14:55 – 15:39

Brady Bogen opens up about his recent health struggles and his decision to change his daily routine.

• Brady Bogen (14:55):

  "I was sick for four days... starting 2025, I'm not doing any more bedtime nonsense."

• Brady Bogen (15:39):

  "I'm switching to an all-night schedule. No more bedtimes. That's my 2025."

Brady discusses the impact of his illness over the holiday break, describing symptoms like severe coughing and earwax issues. This led him to reconsider his daily habits, opting to become a night owl to better accommodate his lifestyle and personal preferences. The change signifies a shift in how he plans to manage his time moving forward.

4. Dumpster Diving for Christmas Decorations

Timestamp: 36:31 – 40:49

In a lighter yet still practical segment, the hosts explore the idea of dumpster diving for Christmas decorations as stores clear out their inventory.

• John Holmberg (36:31):

  "Dumpster dive for Christmas next year starts today on all those stores because they don't know what to do with all those things."

• Big Dick Toledo (36:32):

  "Stop it. Dumpster dive."

• Brady Bogen (39:10):

  "Load up the lakes and elephants... elephants eating trees is kind of neat."

The discussion covers the abundance of unsold Christmas items that end up discarded by major retailers like Marshalls, Kohl's, and Michaels. The hosts suggest that savvy shoppers can retrieve valuable decorations and festive items from dumpsters, emphasizing the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this approach. Additionally, they touch on the unconventional use of live trees by zoos, humorously mentioning elephants feeding on discarded Christmas trees, which adds an entertaining twist to the practical advice.

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg (01:07):

  "If you still like college football after that, you're a whore idiot."

• Brady Bogen (15:39):

  "I'm switching to an all-night schedule. No more bedtimes. That's my 2025."

• John Holmberg (36:31):

  "Dumpster dive for Christmas next year starts today on all those stores."

Conclusion

In this episode of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona," the hosts delve into a mix of passionate sports commentary, personal stories, and practical life hacks. From criticizing the integrity of college football to navigating social ticket exchanges and embracing lifestyle changes, the show offers listeners a blend of entertainment and insight. The segment on dumpster diving for Christmas decorations adds a resourceful tip for bargain hunters, rounding out an episode that combines humor with real-world advice.

Tune In: For more engaging discussions and insights, listen to "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on 98 KUPD (97.9 FM) or via the 98 KUPD app and www.98kupd.com.