Podcast Summary: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – Entertainment Drill with Marlon Wayans

Episode: 01-09-26 – The Price We All Have To Sell Out
Date: January 9, 2026
Guests: John Holmberg (Host), Marlon Wayans (Guest), Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

Overview

In this lively episode, comedian and actor Marlon Wayans joins the crew of Arizona’s popular morning show for the Entertainment Drill. The discussion is a mix of irreverent banter, commentary on celebrity news, reflections on comedy’s deeper truths, and personal stories from Marlon’s evolving stand-up act. The recurring theme is “the price we all have to sell out,” explored both humorously and sincerely.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrity Insanity: Tom Cruise, Selling Out, and “Doing Anything” for Money

• Tom Cruise's Dedication:
  The group discusses a story about Tom Cruise arriving by helicopter to help film a Star Wars-themed lightsaber fight in the mud, wearing expensive shoes.

  • Marlon’s Take:

    “I think he can afford it. Yeah, he can do no wrong... And by the way, if they pay me what he gets paid, you could attach my black ass to the back of a plane and I would do those things.” (02:29)

• Selling Out for the Right Price:
  The gang jokes about what they’d do for Cruise-level money, with Marlon and John trading outrageous ideas.

  • Exchange:

    Marlon: “I’ll do anything. I’ll sell out.” (03:00)
    John: “Look, Al Qaeda starts handing me cash… I’m gonna start thinking.” (03:02)
    Marlon: “We all got a price.” (04:36)
    John: “I’ll shove hot sauce in my ass for a plane.” (04:39)

2. Jackass Film & Comedy’s Physical Boundaries

• Aging Jackass Crew:
  News breaks about a new Jackass movie, prompting amazement at their endurance and potential hazards.

  • Marlon’s Reaction:

    “Ain’t they too old to be doing… They got gray hair, somebody dying. You know what I mean?” (03:12)

• Love for Jackass:
  Despite the risks, Marlon expresses admiration for the Jackass team’s commitment to absurdity and the niche they fill in comedy.

  “But you know what? I will say, I really like the Jackass movies... I love Johnny Knoxville and I love… with the brand, with those guys.” (03:35)

• Steve-O’s Antics:
  The group riffs about Steve-O’s limits (or lack thereof) and invent fantastical new “Jackass”-style stunts, carrying their earlier “selling out” humor to extremes.

3. Comedy, Anger, and the Role of Pain

• Conan O'Brien’s Critique:
  Discussion pivots to Conan’s comments about comedians’ anger clouding humor—especially regarding politics.

  “He thinks comedians are letting their anger at President Trump ruin their comedy... You put down your best weapon as being funny.” (05:12)

• Marlon’s Philosophy:
  Marlon offers a nuanced defense of anger as fuel for comedy—noting that many great comedians (like Paul Mooney and Sam Kinison) channeled rage or pain into brilliance.

  “Anger’s good for comedy ... Anger protects you and makes you defensive ... I’m not mad at angry comics. A lot of great comedians were birthed from anger. Paul Mooney was one of the most angry comedians ever... but he was brilliant.” (05:12–06:15)

  • Further Reflection:

    “Vulnerability ... you gotta speak your truth on stage, man. And if you’re angry, then be angry. There’s nothing wrong with that.” (06:19)

• Sam Kinison Origin Story:
  Marlon recounts watching Kinison bomb until anger unlocked his voice:

  “And then one day he got pissed off and he just started screaming out the audience... and he killed.” (06:49–07:06)

4. Blurring Comedy and Sadness: Marlon’s Current Work

• Comedy That Makes You Cry:
  A listener praises Marlon’s Netflix comedy special for stirring tears; he reflects on balancing humor and heartbreak.

  “Sometimes my shows make you cry laughing and also cry because I talk about real stuff. I did a special called Good Grief, about my parents... dealing with their death. But it was the funniest special I did.” (08:14–08:16)

• His New Special:
  Marlon reveals he’s preparing an hour on parenting and acceptance as the father of a trans child:

  “My transition—going from denial to acceptance and the five stages of grief... It’s a brilliant hour.” (08:40–08:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We all got a price.” – Marlon Wayans (04:36)
• “I’ll do anything. I’ll sell out.” – Marlon Wayans (03:00)
• “I really like the Jackass movies.” – Marlon Wayans (03:35)
• “Anger’s good for comedy... A lot of great comedians were birthed from anger.” – Marlon Wayans (05:12–06:15)
• On comedy and vulnerability:

  “You gotta speak your truth on stage, man. And if you’re angry, then be angry. There’s nothing wrong with that.” (06:19)

• On personal material:

  “I did a special called Good Grief... Now I have a new special... about my transition... going from denial to acceptance and the five stages of grief to get there.” (08:14–08:52)

Important Timestamps

• 01:24: Marlon jokes about being “drunk as hell” and the crew starts the Entertainment Drill.
• 02:29: Marlon and crew riff on Tom Cruise’s mega-stardom and what they’d do for that kind of money.
• 03:12: News about a new Jackass movie; the gang discusses aging daredevils and the franchise’s appeal.
• 03:35–04:39: Outrageous selling-out and stunt hypotheticals escalate.
• 05:12: Discussion shifts to celebrity comedians, anger in comedy, and political polarization.
• 06:49: Marlon recalls Sam Kinison’s breakthrough.
• 08:14–08:52: Listener feedback leads Marlon to describe the emotional core of his stand-up and his newest, deeply personal material.

Overall Tone and Style

True to the Holmberg’s Morning Sickness brand, the episode is fast-paced, irreverent, and boundary-pushing, peppered with jokes about selling out, wild celebrity antics, and playful one-upmanship. Yet underneath is a current of sincerity—especially when Marlon discusses the evolving nature of comedy, anger, vulnerability, and his family life. Marlon keeps the energy high while deftly mixing humor with real talk, leaving the listener entertained and with something to think about.