Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 01-10-25 - Guad Squares featuring Frank Caliendo, Biden, Jim Rome, Trump and Obama, Morgan Freeman, Cancer Doc Brady, Football Playoffs Square, Howard Stern
Release Date: January 10, 2025
Host: John Holmberg with Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Platform: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Introduction and Comedy Promotions (00:00 - 00:31)

The episode kicks off with John Holmberg promoting upcoming comedy shows across Arizona's prominent improv venues. He highlights performances by notable comedians such as Paul Versey, Beth Stelling, Sarah Weinschenk, Joe Derosa, and Lil Rel, providing listeners with dates, venues, and ticket information.

Key Points:

• Tempe Improv: Paul Versey (Thursday), Beth Stelling (Friday-Sunday)
• Desert Ridge Improv: Sarah Weinschenk (Thursday), Joe Derosa (Friday-Saturday)
• Stand Up Live Downtown: Lil Rel (Friday-Sunday)
• Ticket links: standuplive.com, desertridgeimprov.com, tempeimprov.com

Core Institute Advertisement (00:31 - 01:05)

Dick Toledo delivers a promotional segment for the Core Institute, emphasizing its ability to alleviate pain and help listeners regain their quality of life after unexpected injuries.

Notable Quote:

• Dick Toledo (00:58): "Life can throw you a curveball now and again. One day you're trucking along, feeling great. Next day, your dog smashes into your head and knocks you cold."

Guest Introduction: Frank Caliendo (01:07 - 06:42)

Frank Caliendo joins the show to promote his upcoming performances. The hosts engage in playful banter, discussing past segments and teasing future content related to Caliendo's showcase.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction of Frank Caliendo and his comedic persona.
• Light-hearted interactions among the hosts about on-air scheduling and personal anecdotes.
• Promotion of Frank Caliendo's shows on January 31st and February 1st at Desert Ridge Improv.

Notable Quote:

• Frank Caliendo (01:07): "You've been deceived by an agent of Satan himself."

Guad Squares Segment with Frank Caliendo (06:42 - 17:52)

The segment "Guad Squares" features a game where listeners participate by selecting squares, each associated with different humorous prompts or questions. Frank Caliendo assists in moderating the game, adding his comedic flair.

Key Interactions:

• Presidential Humor: References to Presidents Biden, Trump, and Obama with satirical dialogues.

  • Corey Walsh (07:21): "Folks, when I was growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania."
  • Dick Toledo (11:16): "Let me ask you a question, Obama. Do you believe in life after death?"

• Celebrity Parodies: Mock interactions involving Jim Rome and Morgan Freeman, blending real personalities with comedic improvisation.

  • Dick Toledo (15:39): "And now Toledo will neuter him."

• Cancer Doc Brady: A humorous take on cancer research and awareness with Brady Bogen providing comedic insights.

  • Howard Stern (14:45): "Everyone has it. If you're weak, you get it bad. If you're strong like me, you don't have it out loud."

• Football Playoffs Square: Discussions centered around the upcoming football playoffs, blending sports commentary with humor.

  • Brady Bogers (15:39): "There's our little Super Bowl winner."

Notable Quotes:

• Howard Stern (14:59): "Everyone has it. If you're weak, you get it bad. If you're strong like me, you don't have it out loud."
• Corey Walsh (16:32): "I was once married to Paul McCartney. Shagged and rotten for years."

Howard Stern's Appearance (14:45 - 19:30)

Howard Stern joins the show as a guest, masquerading humorously as a cancer expert. His interactions are filled with satire and playful digs, blending serious topics with comedic delivery.

Key Highlights:

• Cancer Awareness Satire: Stern discusses cancer in a non-traditional, humorous manner.

  • Howard Stern (14:45): "Everyone has it. If you're weak, you get it bad. If you're strong like me, you don't have it out loud."

• Interactive Q&A: Listeners participate by calling in questions, leading to witty exchanges.

  • Miranda (18:01): Engages with Howard Stern on cancer-related queries.
  • Howard Stern (19:06): "That is not true. That's like Toledo. He likes cats."

Notable Quote:

• Howard Stern (19:25): "I am living proof..."

Closing Segments and Final Promotions (17:52 - 29:58)

The episode concludes with final promotional content and hosts wrapping up the Guad Squares game. Emphasis is placed on upcoming events, listener engagement, and humorous farewells.

Key Highlights:

• Final Promotions:

  • Desert Ridge Improv's upcoming shows.
  • Nighttime dentistry services at a local rodeo with references to orthodontics and arcade gaming.

• Humorous Farewells: The hosts exchange playful goodbyes, maintaining the show's comedic tone until the end.

  • Corey Walsh (29:52): "It's not weird. It's pretty cool, actually. No membership fee."

Notable Quote:

• Dick Toledo (28:31): "Frank. January 31st and the 1st at Desert Ridge Improv. You can get your tickets right there."

Conclusions and Takeaways

Throughout the episode, "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" blends humor with interactive segments, featuring celebrity guests and engaging games like Guad Squares. The show maintains a balance between promoting local comedy talent and providing entertaining discussions on various topics, including politics, sports, and health—all delivered with a comedic twist. Notable interactions with Howard Stern and Frank Caliendo add layers of satire and parody, enhancing the show's appeal to listeners seeking both information and amusement.

Overall Insights:

• Engagement with Listeners: The interactive nature of Guad Squares fosters a sense of community and participation.
• Balanced Content: Combines promotional segments with comedic discussions, ensuring a dynamic listening experience.
• Humorous Takes on Serious Topics: Approaches subjects like cancer and politics with satire, making complex topics more accessible through humor.

Final Thoughts: "Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona" continues to solidify its position as Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show by delivering a blend of comedy, interactive games, and engaging discussions. With a lineup of talented hosts and special guests, listeners are assured of an entertaining start to their day.