Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – Episode Summary
Date: January 14, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode centers on breaking news in sports, especially the unexpected resignation of longtime Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, mixed in with the show’s signature irreverent banter. The hosts also tackle a new Samsung TV update raising privacy concerns and riff on the sexual assault allegations against 80-year-old Julio Iglesias, examining them with their trademark shock-jock, satirical style.
Main Topics & Discussion Points
1. Arizona’s Odd Weather & Global Warming
- The show kicks off (00:36) with hosts marveling at the warm Arizona winter. Holmberg jokes about being happy for global warming and speculates about Phoenix’s bright future if the ice caps melt, quipping:
- "If they keep saying the sea levels rise a foot... that just makes the oceans closer to us and drops our temperatures in the summer because we'd be... It's actually gonna work out great for us."
(01:53, John Holmberg)
- "If they keep saying the sea levels rise a foot... that just makes the oceans closer to us and drops our temperatures in the summer because we'd be... It's actually gonna work out great for us."
- They joke about Yuma being beachfront property and riff on why Yuma has hotels at all.
2. Mike Tomlin Steps Down as Steelers Coach
- Breaking News Analysis (03:25–15:16)
- Holmberg expresses genuine shock at Tomlin’s abrupt resignation:
- "A little bit shocking that he stepped away when he did and how he did it." (03:25, John Holmberg)
- Explains the technicalities of coaching rights, compensation, and the improbability of Tomlin coaching another team soon.
- Discusses how spoiled Steelers fans are:
- “When your team wins 10 games every year, you should be happy. But they're spoiled... they’re good enough to be a playoff team, not good enough to be a real threat.” (09:03, John Holmberg)
- Speculates about possible Cardinals interest and related trade scenarios, emphasizing Tomlin’s value and likability.
- Holmberg remarks on his emotional press conference after the Ravens game, suggesting Tomlin knew he was leaving.
- Multiple references to tip-offs from texts, listeners, and even Brady's daughter, showing the news’ impact on fans.
- Holmberg expresses genuine shock at Tomlin’s abrupt resignation:
3. Samsung TV Update and Tech Paranoia
- Tech Worries & Jokes (16:32–24:45)
- Holmberg describes a strange Samsung TV “update” where his TV reacts to him walking by:
- "I walked by it and it went to the home screen... Samsung television, you're watching me." (17:04, John Holmberg)
- Launches into an extended, bawdy bit about smart TVs spying on users, making repeated jokes about masturbation and being watched by Korean or Chinese tech workers.
- Satirizes modern privacy paranoia, recalling how his grandfather once suspected microwaves of surveilling Americans.
- “My grandpa was convinced that the microwave... was either reading your brains or paying attention to you or recording you.” (23:12, John Holmberg)
- Expands into a broader discussion about all smart devices and the ways tech companies may be gathering private data for advertising.
- Holmberg describes a strange Samsung TV “update” where his TV reacts to him walking by:
4. Julio Iglesias Sexual Assault Allegations Commentary
- Irreverent, Controversial Riffing (25:02–38:50)
- Holmberg dives into news that Julio Iglesias faces allegations of sexual assault at age 80, specifically being accused of “digitally violating” a houseworker.
- The hosts are deeply skeptical and openly mocking:
- "You cannot get sexually assaulted by an 80 year old man without a gun." (25:13, John Holmberg)
- "I'm going to say it. I'm victim shaming. It's your fault for having a pre-lubed anus in front of an 80 year old man and then blaming him. No, it's your fault." (37:25, John Holmberg)
- They compare the case to previous accusations against Smokey Robinson.
- The hosts repeatedly joke about the physical frailty of elderly men, alleging it’s impossible for an 82-year-old to overpower a housekeeper.
- They offer tongue-in-cheek “legal advice” about fighting back or getting evidence, perpetually straddling the line between crude humor and outright disbelief.
- Reflect on aging, sexuality, and elderly men’s persistent lust, with personal anecdotes about old men’s inappropriate advances, particularly on golf courses.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Steelers Fans’ Expectations
- “Steelers wouldn't have even been very happy winning this game. Like, alright, finally.” (10:01, John Holmberg)
- On Tech Surveillance
- "Next time you're whacking it, just know that the folks in Korea are watching, and I'm fine with that. Put on a show..." (18:12, John Holmberg)
- On Julio Iglesias Allegations
- “I support Julio Iglesias and his sexual assault. He didn't do anything wrong.” (36:41, John Holmberg — said deliberately for shock value)
- “If you get sexually assaulted by an old man, it’s your fault. Period. End of story. Sorry ladies.” (46:17, John Holmberg — in the context of the ongoing bit)
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Time | Segment Description | |----------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:36 | Arizona’s weird winter weather, jokes about global warming | | 03:25 | Tomlin news breaks, NFL playoff coach drama unfolds | | 09:03 | Spoiled Steelers fans & high coaching expectations | | 16:32 | Smart TV tech paranoia bit (Samsung update) | | 25:02 | Julio Iglesias sexual assault allegations satire | | 41:39 | Anecdotes about elderly men’s behavior (golf course, etc) | | 45:03 | Ongoing jokes about old men’s persistent sexuality |
Tone & Style
The episode is classic “Holmberg’s Morning Sickness”:
- Irreverent – No topic is off-limits or too sensitive for satire
- Conversational – Banter between hosts is rapid, casual, and densely packed with jokes
- Crude/Satirical – Many segments, especially those on Julio Iglesias and tech, push boundaries with dark humor and shock value
- Self-Referential – The hosts frequently reference fan feedback, listener emails, and their own running gags
For Listeners Who Missed It
This episode dives deeply into the sports news of the day, offering both informed takes and mockery of fan culture, dips into modern tech paranoia about smart devices “spying,” and serves up a controversial, darkly comic take on celebrity sexual assault allegations involving the elderly. The chemistry between Holmberg, Brady, and the crew keeps the pace brisk—with the caveat that, true to their reputation, no topic is ever approached with restraint.
Content advisory: The humor is very adult, often purposely offensive, and not for sensitive listeners.
