Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary Episode Release Date: January 7, 2025
Episode Title: Seeing Australian Guitar Virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel Live Has John Feeling Like An Unaccomplished Slob And Sparks A Discussion On Greatness

1. Introduction

In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg and co-hosts Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, and Dick Toledo delve deep into the profound impact that witnessing a live performance by Australian guitar virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel had on their perceptions of self-worth and greatness.

2. Witnessing Greatness: Tommy Emmanuel's Performance

The conversation kicks off as Brady recounts attending Tommy Emmanuel's concert at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Scottsdale. He describes the performance as an unparalleled display of human achievement and musical prowess.

Brady Bogen [02:35]: "What I saw was human achievement on display last night. What I saw was perfection... it was like the most amazing musical achievement I've ever witnessed."

Brady emphasizes Tommy Emmanuel's extraordinary skills, highlighting his ability to transform the guitar into a multi-instrumental masterpiece, effectively using his fingers to mimic drums and bass.

3. Impact on the Hosts: Feelings of Inadequacy

Brady's encounter with Tommy Emmanuel's performance triggers a wave of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy among the hosts. He openly expresses his sense of being an "unaccomplished slob" in comparison to the virtuoso musician.

Brady Bogen [02:24]: "I saw something last night that made me realize I've been wasting my time on the planet. I have achieved nothing. I am talentless. I am absolutely worthless."

This sentiment of personal failure resonates throughout the discussion, leading to a critical self-assessment among the hosts.

4. Defining Greatness: Characteristics and Examples

The hosts engage in a broader discussion about what constitutes greatness. They reference legendary figures across various fields to illustrate their points.

Brady Bogen [05:00]: "He was a drummer for a while and he used his guitar as an entire drum set. He plays by himself. It is the most... human achievement, the ability."

Examples mentioned include Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Simone Biles, each recognized for their unparalleled excellence in their respective domains.

5. The Toll of Comparison: Self-Deprecation and Resentment

Brady's admiration for Emmanuel's skill leads to a cascade of negative self-talk among the hosts. They engage in back-and-forth banter, expressing resentment and frustration over their perceived lack of achievement.

Brady Bogen [09:07]: "Enjoy your mundane life. We all should just go get ropes today. Let these great humans handle the Earth because we're... You're not special."

This segment showcases the hosts' struggle to reconcile their own lives with the extraordinary talents they observe in others.

6. Reflections on Personal Achievements

The dialogue shifts towards introspection, with each host reflecting on their personal lives and accomplishments—or lack thereof. They discuss their attempts and failures in pursuing various interests, further exacerbating their feelings of inadequacy.

Brady Bogen [13:14]: "I'm done faking it. I'm done with bedtimes and I'm done with alarms. I'm a grownup, for crying out loud."

7. Views on Ambition and Effort

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to debating the role of ambition and sustained effort in achieving greatness. The hosts argue that greatness is attainable through relentless dedication, dismissing the notion of innate talent or divine intervention.

Brady Bogen [34:09]: "We look at other people and you say things like, oh, he was given a gift. He's been blessed, it was touched by God. No, he hasn't. You just didn't do anything."

They stress that with sufficient effort, anyone can reach similar heights, although they admit their own struggles with maintaining such dedication.

8. Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reconcile their admiration for exceptional talent with their ongoing personal challenges. They emphasize the rarity of true greatness and the lengths required to achieve it, all while maintaining their characteristic humor and self-deprecation.

Brady Bogen [43:24]: "We never, ever, ever fail if you don't try. So true."

The episode ends on a contemplative note, urging listeners to recognize and appreciate greatness while also acknowledging their own journeys and struggles.

Notable Quotes

• Brady Bogen [02:35]: "What I saw was human achievement on display last night. What I saw was perfection..."

• Brady Bogen [02:24]: "I have achieved nothing. I am talentless. I am absolutely worthless."

• Brady Bogen [34:09]: "You just didn't do anything."

• Brady Bogen [43:24]: "We never, ever, ever fail if you don't try."

Key Takeaways

• Tommy Emmanuel's Performance: Served as a catalyst for the hosts to evaluate their own lives and achievements critically.

• Perception of Greatness: Defined not just by talent but by relentless effort and dedication.

• Self-Reflection: The hosts grapple with feelings of inadequacy, highlighting the universal struggle between admiration for others and self-worth.

• Encouragement vs. Despair: While the episode primarily leans into self-deprecation, it indirectly encourages listeners to strive for greatness through persistent effort.

This episode offers a candid and introspective look into the dynamics of self-perception influenced by witnessing exceptional talent. Through humor and honest dialogue, the hosts navigate their feelings of inadequacy while exploring the essence of what it means to be truly great.