Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (01-07-25)

Release Date: January 7, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Platform: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In the January 7, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg, alongside co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delved into a vibrant mix of hot releases spanning music, movies, television, and gaming. The episode, aptly titled "Hot Releases," provided listeners with comprehensive insights into the latest entertainment offerings, peppered with the show's signature humor and lively banter.

Music Releases

The discussion kicked off with an exploration of new music releases, highlighting artists across various genres.

• Stick to Your Guns – "Keep Planting Flowers"
  John introduced Stick to Your Guns' latest track, "Keep Planting Flowers," noting its presence on YouTube as part of a series of one-off releases ahead of the album drop. Brett provided his perspective, remarking, "He keeps it up, it's not going to be your last," although he humorously questioned whether the vocal delivery matched the music's tone. This led to a lighthearted exchange about the alignment of vocal styles with musical composition.

• Tremonti – "The End Will Show Us How"
  Highlighting Mark Tremonti's solo work, John praised Tremonti's consistent quality, stating, "His solo stuff's pretty good." Brett echoed this sentiment, adding, "I like his stuff. I always forget about Tremont, but I'm never disappointed."

• Franz Ferdinand – "Hooked Forever"
  The co-hosts discussed Franz Ferdinand's return with the track "Hooked Forever," noting its association with popular culture elements like Madden football. Brett expressed mixed feelings, saying, "I like the songs I hear from them, but I would never buy an album."

• Ringo Starr's New Venture
  Transitioning to veteran musician Ringo Starr, Brett humorously critiqued Starr's foray into country music: "Ringo is too old to do time on my hands." The conversation touched upon Starr's enduring vocal presence and his attempts to reinvent himself, with a playful jab at the challenges older artists face in new genres.

• Tate McCrae – "She Carries Two Pairs of Panties"
  Tate McCrae's latest release became a focal point of satirical commentary. Brett mocked the song's content, stating, "She'll do anything for attention," while John lamented, "She's in too many clothes for this one," highlighting the hosts' penchant for irreverent humor.

• The Darkness – "I Hate Myself"
  The Darkness' track "I Hate Myself" was discussed with a blend of critique and appreciation. Brett acknowledged the band's evolution, saying, "I started to like him quite a bit as a person. He does that podcast and I'll catch little clips," while also expressing continued reservations about certain musical elements.

Notable Quote:

Brett (02:55): "He keeps it up, it's not going to be your last."

Television and Movie Releases

Shifting focus to the visual entertainment landscape, the episode covered a range of new and upcoming TV shows and movies.

• The Traitors Season 3
  Dick Toledo introduced the latest season of The Traitors, describing it as a captivating game show that pits loyal players against hidden traitors. The hosts engaged in speculation about the strategic dynamics of the show, adding their own predictions and humor.

• American Primeval
  John and Bret reviewed American Primeval, a new series set in the Wild West, emphasizing its gritty portrayal of the era. Bret sarcastically summarized the show's premise: "It involves Native Americans, prospectors, the Mormons, and even some naughty children all trying to get their piece of the pie," highlighting the series' multifaceted narrative.

• Goosebumps – "The Vanishing David Schwimmer"
  The hosts briefly touched upon the release of a new Goosebumps installment featuring David Schwimmer, with Brett expressing disinterest: "Nope, I'm out."

• WWE Raw on Netflix and Jerry Springer Documentary
  Brett provided updates on WWE Raw's debut on Netflix, noting John Cena's involvement in his farewell tour. Additionally, the conversation covered a controversial Jerry Springer documentary, where Larry recounted disturbing content involving inappropriate relationships, leading to heightened host derision.

• Vinnie Jones in the Country
  The episode featured Vinnie Jones in the Country, a reality show following the ex-footballer turned actor's ambitious farm projects. The hosts speculated humorously about Jones' endeavors, with Brett quipping, "I want to see him throw his head through a door," reflecting skepticism about the show's premise.

Notable Quote:

Bret (06:13): "He's capitalizing. Beyonce not only did country, she made it good."

Gaming Releases

The "Hot Releases" segment also delved into the gaming world, highlighting anticipated titles and platform updates.

• Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6)
  Bret highlighted the imminent release of GTA 6, building excitement among listeners. He noted, "It's gonna be a busy time to stay on top of your backlog of your games because there's some big releases this year."

• Nintendo Switch Updates
  The discussion touched on upcoming releases for the Nintendo Switch, with no specific dates confirmed but expectations set for 2025.

• PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X Exclusives
  Brett and Dick discussed the enhanced games slated exclusively for the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X platforms, emphasizing the technological advancements and exclusive content driving console competition.

Notable Quote:

Brett (17:02): "But for streaming, we've got all the new shows are coming out because it's the winter season and now that football's over, everybody's giving you something to watch."

Special Segments

• N Word or F Word Game
  One of the episode's standout features was the "N Word or F Word for 2025" game. The segment involved the hosts attempting to decipher song lyrics that potentially included sensitive language. Brett humorously navigated the challenge, stating, "It's a sexual rendezvous with a slur," leading to a mix of laughter and critical commentary on the appropriateness of such content.

  Notable Quote:

  Brett (12:58): "I think it makes me a worse person. Oh, my God."

• Podcast Promotions and Collaborations
  The hosts also touched upon recent collaborations and podcasts emerging on platforms like HBO Max, including Cleats and Combos with Debo Samuel and The Steam Room with EJ and Chuck. Brett expressed amusement at the unconventional podcast settings, joking, "Chuck's takedown of JJ Redick over the holidays. That's phenomenal."

Humorous Banter and Host Dynamics

Throughout the episode, the chemistry among the hosts was palpable, characterized by playful teasing and sarcastic remarks. Brett's candid critiques and Larry's timely interjections added layers of humor. For instance, when discussing the amnesia-themed medical drama, Brett quipped, "A doctor can't remember her family, and she's bad at basics," leading to a spirited debate about the plausibility of such plotlines in reality.

Notable Quote:

Brett (23:39): "A doctor can't remember her family, and she's bad at basics, but she remains an amazing doctor, like you would trust me."

Conclusion

The January 7, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness successfully navigated a diverse array of entertainment topics, from the latest music and television releases to significant developments in the gaming industry. The hosts' engaging discussions, interwoven with their signature humor and candid opinions, provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of current entertainment trends. Notable segments like "N Word or F Word" and the collaborative podcast insights further enriched the episode, making it both informative and entertaining for a wide audience.

Closing Note

For those interested in exploring the discussed releases further, episode segments included references to various platforms and services. Follow Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD (97.9 FM, the 98 KUPD app, or www.98kupd.com) for more updates and engaging content tailored to Arizona's vibrant listener community.