Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Episode Summary

Episode: 01-09-26
Date: January 9, 2026
Main Theme:
The crew recaps a dramatic Miami win over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, dives into an enthusiastic review of the musical "The Book of Mormon," and has a lively conversation about how affinity for musicals and artistic pursuits are—sometimes absurdly—interpreted as indicators of sexuality. Nostalgic stories about art students and the intersection of art, sexuality, and youth fill out the episode, punctuated by plenty of signature irreverent humor.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Miami Wins the Fiesta Bowl (05:17 – 07:07)

• Recap:
  • John Holmberg congratulates visiting Miami and Ole Miss fans, wishing them a safe trip home and joking about Arizona’s less-than-ideal weather.
  • The hosts discuss the strong showing of Ole Miss fans in the crowd compared to Miami, referencing red as the dominant color in the stadium (05:24).
  • John conveys his enjoyment of the playoff format over regular college season "cupcake games."
  • Critical analysis of the game-ending Hail Mary and how pass interference is essentially ignored in such chaotic moments:

    "The game ends with a clear pass interference. But Hail Marys, you don’t get those. I mean, it’s just dudes tackling each other trying to get a football." (06:29, John Holmberg)

The Book of Mormon: Brett’s First Impression (07:07 – 11:17)

• Theatrical Praise:
  • John's high recommendation sends Brett to the show, who is thoroughly impressed:

    "I don’t think it’s possible [to overhype it]. It may have been underhyped ... some of the stuff I was just like, what the—" (07:10, Brett Vesely)

  • John and Brett detail the show’s sharp satire and the way its shock value enhances, rather than detracts from, the message (07:16 – 07:59).
  • Vivid, comedic recall of favorite numbers and characters (Hitler, Johnny Cochran, "Spooky Mormon Hell Dream"), with both Brett and John in stitches over Brett’s reactions:

    "The part where they mention... well, they say the C word in the most perfect way I’ve ever heard in my life because that’s where you get to kick God. And I was dying." (07:16, John Holmberg)

  • Brett shares that his wife, from Salt Lake City, especially appreciated the in-jokes and insider references (10:50).

Homophobia and Affinity for Musicals (11:17 – 14:57)

• Douglas’ Email:
  • John reads a hyperbolically homophobic email from a listener, "Douglas," who equates love of Broadway and musicals with being gay (11:45).

    "Holmberg, you eat dicks for breakfast. ... Wrote it yesterday is proof your fingers have explored the darkest spaces of a man’s body." (11:45, Email from Douglas)

  • The crew satirically riffs on Douglas’ logic, calling out the absurdity and internal insecurity implied in such stereotypes:

    "If something can make you gay, guess what? You’re gay. That made me gay. I liked it." (14:32, John Holmberg)

  • Brett admits even he questioned his own “Twinkie” status attending his first Broadway show, but emphasizes its hilarity and brilliance (13:03).

Artistic Expression = Gay? Reflections & High School Memories (15:00 – 30:48)

• Art as a 'Sign' of Sexuality:
  • John regales the group with memories of art students (particularly Haim Sanchez), who’d slip explicit caricatures of teachers and classmates into their sketchbooks (19:07+).
  • Discusses the odd social perception that boys who draw are automatically labeled as "gay” or “weird," especially if they draw nudes or female anatomy—with much irreverent storytelling.

    "There was a kid in class who was a jock and ... he thought Haim was gay because he drew, like, little artist crap..." (21:29, John Holmberg)

  • To reinforce their point, John jokes about James Cameron drawing Kate Winslet naked in Titanic being universally praised as 'art' instead of what it so obviously was—a way to get a hot actress to pose nude for him (26:29 – 36:17).

Musings on Art, Perception, and Sexuality (30:48 – 35:27)

• Art vs. Pervert:
  • Holmberg expounds: If a non-artist draws someone nude, it’s “perverted,” but if you’re officially an artist or director—suddenly it’s “artistic.”

    "If anybody’s ever drawn you naked, they’re weirdos. End of story." (28:05, John Holmberg)

  • Mentions numerous acquaintances who used art as an excuse for sexual curiosity.

The Trauma of Sports Fandom (39:20 – 41:59)

• Ravens Loss and Kid’s Reaction:
  • John gleefully describes a viral clip of a young Ravens fan breaking down in tears after their team’s playoff elimination—using it as an allegory for the emotional hazards of sports fandom.

    "Amazing to watch an 8-year-old boy emotionally damaged, maybe for a year at least... His little 8 years had never seen that yet." (39:21, John Holmberg)

  • The group jokes about the emotional support provided by the boy’s mom and how a dad’s reaction would have been a lot less sympathetic.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Broadway Stereotypes:
  "Gay people are hilarious sometimes. ... And they’re very flamboyant, which is what you want in a live stage performance is people who are really, you know, you need to gay." (13:11, John Holmberg)

• Satire on Sexual Insecurity:
  "How insecure are you with yourself? If you have to wonder if you’re—I better swallow some man juice because that was pretty entertaining. ... If something can make you gay, guess what? You’re gay." (14:32, John Holmberg)

• The Joy of Stomping on Ravens Fans’ Dreams:
  "There’s nothing better than a crying Ravens kid under the age of 10. No empathy." (41:05, John Holmberg)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Miami Fiesta Bowl Recap:
  05:17 – 07:07

• Book of Mormon Review:
  07:07 – 11:17

• Reading the Homophobic Listener Email:
  11:45 – 12:29

• Discussion on Musicals and Sexuality:
  12:29 – 14:57

• Art Students in School & Their Reputation:
  19:07 – 24:20

• James Cameron, Broadway, and “Artistic” Nudity:
  26:29 – 36:17

• Viral Ravens Kid, Sports Trauma:
  39:20 – 41:59

Tone & Style

The tone is irreverent, self-deprecating, and rapid-fire—a blend of nostalgia, shock humor, and deadpan parody. The hosts riff fluently off each other, unafraid to tackle taboo topics while deftly lampooning outdated stereotypes and attitudes. The conversation is lively, unapologetically crass at times, but leavened by genuine insight into fandom, memory, and masculine insecurity.

For New Listeners

This episode encapsulates Holmberg’s Morning Sickness: a rapid mix of sports, pop culture, offbeat nostalgia, and unapologetic comedy. Whether you’re here for football, musical theater, or outlandish junior high stories, the hosts’ signature blend of crude jokes and sharp insight delivers consistent entertainment—assuming you can keep up.