01-17-25 - Entertainment Drill - FRI - Thriller's New Lee Harvey Style Haircut - Trump Names Arnold Stallone And Mel Gibson Ambassadors Of Hollywood

Summary

Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (January 17, 2025)

Host: John Holmberg | Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo Episode Title: Entertainment Drill - FRI - Thriller's New Lee Harvey Style Haircut - Trump Names Arnold Stallone And Mel Gibson Ambassadors Of Hollywood

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1. Celebrity News: Legal Battles in Hollywood

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the escalating legal feud between Justin Baldini and Blake Lively over their collaborative film, "It Ends with Us." Brett highlights the gravity of the situation:

Brett (04:30): "A new shot was fired yesterday in the battle between Justin Baldini and Blake Lively over 'It Ends with Us,' the movie that only moms saw. She's suing, or he is suing both Ryan Reynolds and B.L. Lively for $400 million, allegedly orchestrating a smear campaign against him and trying to take control of the movie to distract."

The hosts delve into the implications of this lawsuit, speculating on its impact on the movie industry and the personal lives of the involved celebrities.

2. Trump Appoints Iconic Figures as Hollywood Ambassadors

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the surprising announcement by Donald Trump naming Arnold Stallone (Rocky Balboa) and Mel Gibson as special ambassadors of Hollywood. The hosts engage in a humorous and satirical debate about this appointment.

Dave introduces the topic with a playful jab:

Dave (05:08): "Thriller just walked in the room with Lee Harvey's hair. He's got a little gump going on. Holy. But when I saw him eating that banana, I thought, oh Christ, he's gonna kill a Kennedy. He's got Lee Harvey's full gear."

Brett adds to the banter:

Brett (05:20): "Trump nominated Rocky Balboa as the special ambassador to Hollywood."

Lil Rel responds with enthusiasm:

Lil Rel (05:26): "Yeah. The man, the Myth, the legend, Mr. Balboa himself, the greatest heavyweight champion of all time."

The conversation takes a comedic turn as the hosts imagine Rocky Balboa interacting in this role, complete with exaggerated actions and dialogue, blending elements of pop culture and political satire.

Mel Gibson's appointment is also humorously addressed:

Eddie (06:01): "I'm the ambassador to Hollywood. I know I can get here someday. Donald Trump said I could do it."

The segment playfully questions the practicality and symbolic value of appointing such figures to diplomatic roles within the entertainment industry.

3. Award Honors and Upcoming Concerts

Transitioning from political satire to music, the hosts celebrate Mark Mothersbaugh's achievement:

Brett (08:16): "Conan O'Brien will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American humor in March. Well deserved."

They discuss Mothersbaugh's contributions to music and his impact on various projects, highlighting his versatility beyond his work with Devo.

Further, Brett unveils the lineup for the January 30th Fire Aid Concert, showcasing a star-studded array of performers:

Brett (09:06): "The lineup includes Billie Eilish, Green Day, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Pink Sting, Stevie Nicks, and for some reason, Earth, Wind and Fire."

The hosts express excitement over the diverse range of artists, debating the inclusion of bands like Earth, Wind & Fire and reminiscing about past performances, while also acknowledging the challenges in organizing such expansive lineups.

4. Comedic Sketch: Thriller's Transformation

A recurring comedic character, Thriller, makes an appearance with his new Lee Harvey Oswald-inspired haircut, sparking humorous interactions among the hosts.

Dave initiates the sketch:

Dave (04:30): "I don't know if anybody told you today, Thriller, but you're scaring me a little with the outfit today. You've got Lee Harvey's hair and a little gump going on."

The hosts engage in lighthearted teasing, blending historical references with contemporary humor:

Brett (05:09): "You have a date with a girl this weekend. Would you like one? I'll pay for it. Anything to make you happy right now, Thriller."

The sketch continues with Thriller struggling to maintain his ambassadorial duties, ultimately highlighting the absurdity of his role in a comedic light.

5. Music Industry Insights: Rush and Legacy

Towards the episode's conclusion, the discussion shifts to the legendary band Rush and the legacy of drummer Neil Peart. Brett shares insights into Alex Lifeson's perspective on a potential reunion:

Brett (10:41): "Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson is interested in a reunion, even though he jams with Getty Lee every week. He says he'd rather their legacy with Neil Peart be remembered and then become a top Rush tribute band."

The hosts reflect on the importance of preserving the authenticity and spirit of iconic bands, emphasizing that a tribute band cannot replicate the original's essence.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brett on Legal Battles: "[04:30] Brett: ... She's suing, or he is suing both Ryan Reynolds and B.L. Lively for 400 million."
• Lil Rel on Trump's Ambassadors: "[05:26] Lil Rel: Yeah. The man, the Myth, the legend, Mr. Balboa himself..."
• Brett Celebrating Mark Mothersbaugh: "[08:16] Brett: Conan O'Brien will receive the Mark Twain Prize..."
• Brett on Fire Aid Concert: "[09:06] Brett: He's put out the lineup for the January 30th fire aid concert..."

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends celebrity news, political satire, and comedic sketches to entertain and engage listeners. From dissecting high-profile lawsuits to lampooning unconventional ambassador appointments, the hosts provide insightful commentary wrapped in humor. Additionally, celebrating achievements in the music industry and honoring legendary artists adds depth and variety to the discussion, making it a comprehensive and enjoyable listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[John Holberg]

All right, HMS Podcast, time again to let you know where to go for some great comedy in the Valley this week. Get out to the Tempe Improv on the east side to see Paul Versey on Thursday and Beth Stelling Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Desert Ridge Improv up north features Sarah Weinschenk this Thursday and Joe DeRosa on Friday and Saturday. And downtown at Stand Up Live, check out the very funny Lil Rel performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the complete lineups. And for tickets, go to standuplive.com desertridgeimprov.com and tempeimprov.com it's John Holberg here for.

[Brady]

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[Dave]

And.

[Brady]

And all you have to do is trust the experts at the Core Institute head there right now, the core institute.com.

[Eddie]

Sleeper is falling sickness.

[Dave]

Keckner's awesome. Yeah, that's just. That's just a fun bug, that dude. Like I told him when he was leaving, I'm like, you just make my job easy. You show up here 8:30 on a Friday, and I pull the string and cut you loose for a half an hour. That makes my life easy. He's great. Open book, tells the story. Every time he's here, I like him a little more, Dave.

[Brett]

And I told him, you and I have a lot in common.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Brett]

Make John's life easy.

[Dave]

That's right. Yeah, that's right. And you've similar sounds. Everybody emails and goes, is that Brady? After like 10 packs of smokes. You guys have a very similar tone. But yeah, it's. He's great.

[Lil Rel]

He talks about other people being up for champ. I can't imagine anybody else doing that. Yeah.

[Dave]

I mean, who else, right, would have been that? Yeah. He was so good. So, anyway, if you want to go see him, Desert Ridge improv.com is where you get. You'll have a good time out there for sure. In fact, I believe I mean, we're loaded up this weekend for comedians that Keckner's here and then Craig Ferguson's here Sunday night. I think it's just Sunday. No, I think he's here the whole weekend. I think, man, that guy. Forget it. You got some good stuff going on. Our comedy clubs are. We got some. We got some special stuff going on. This is a good city for funny, so take advantage of it when you can. And it makes. I'm half interested in going out there and testing my office knowledge, but I know if I went with the people who actually know it, oh, you're gonna.

[Lil Rel]

Get the nerds out there.

[Dave]

Then I'd be like, I'm just a child when it comes to this. It's time now for the entertainment drill. It's brought to you by our [e-mail] the home of tactical black self defense systems. Get on out there, start getting yourself in great shape, and while you do it, learn on how you can become a better version of you. Like telling Adam Ray the other day, you get in on that deal and you start learning knife defense, machetes. We do gun. The gun defense stuff is unbelievable. And then you start learning, like, different little things that bad guys learn. Bad guys teach each other stuff based on what we know and what they've told each other. It's weird. It's almost like they train to be bad guys. Bond isn't wrong. There's a whole, like, group of people trying to be ultimate bad guys. And for some reason, they're out there with us. And there's no reason to think that they won't someday bother you. Don't make yourself a victim. Do not audition for that role. You don't want it, and they see you trying. So what you got to do is keep your eyes open, head on a swivel, and they teach all that stuff. And in case things go sideways, they teach you how to defend yourself the best possible ways in about a billion scenarios that they've created. They got that airplane, they got a bedroom situation up there. Everything just head on up there. And the deal is amazing. 199 bucks right now. Personal training for two months. $199 total for the entire time. You take any class you want, you run through there and just become a better you in two solid months. You are not putting that down. You're going to keep going. Trust me on that. Reactdefense.com the home of Tactical Black Brady Entertainment.

[Brett]

A new shot was fired yesterday in the battle between Justin Baldini and Blake Lively over. It ends with us, the movie that they worked on together that only moms saw. Yeah, she's suing. Or he is suing both Ryan Reynolds and B.L. lightly for 400 million. Allegedly orchestrating a smear campaign against him and trying to take control of the movie, which Justin directed not to distract.

[Dave]

Brady, but Thriller just walked in the room. I don't know if anybody told you today, Thriller, but I don't know if Lee Harvey Oswald had a garage sale, but you're scaring me a little with the outfit today. I don't know what's going on. He's got Lee Harvey's hair. He's got a little gump going on. Holy. But when I saw him and he started eating that banana and he looked to the side, I'm like, oh, Christ, he's gonna kill a Kennedy. He's got Lee Harvey's full gear.

[Brett]

He put a long gun next.

[Dave]

I want to party with you, cowboy. Did you know that when you got up that you looked a little bit like an assassin? All right. Oh, I'm worried now. Is everything okay?

[Brett]

I'm gonna go take a lap.

[Dave]

You got a date with a girl this weekend. Would you like one? I'll pay for it. Anything to make you happy right now. Thriller. I don't like when people, you know, come in dressed in their best Lee Harvey.

[Brett]

Brett, did you see you? Trump nominated for the special Ambassadors to Hollywood.

[Lil Rel]

Yeah. The man, the Myth, the legend, Mr.

[Dave]

Balboa himself, the greatest heavyweight champion of all time.

[Lil Rel]

Damn right.

[Dave]

Rocky Balboa right in front of Marciano. What is his job?

[Brett]

Special ambassador to Hollywood.

[Eddie]

I want to tell everybody I'm the ambassador to Hollywood. I know I can get here someday. Donald Trump said I could do it. Adrian.

[John Holberg]

We own Hollywood, so they have a purpose.

[Brett]

And the purpose is to bring businesses that have been lost to foreign countries.

[Eddie]

Filmmakers, back to the U.S. chinese. These Chinese people taking all the movies. I'm going to go over them. Hey, look, China, I already took care of Drago. I can take care of Xi Jinping.

[Rocky Balboa]

I have to interrupt real quick. I have to tell everybody here. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Rock, but I don't trust that you can get back this next one. I'm an old man, and if I can slap you in the eyes, Xi Jinping's gonna get you. So I'm gonna have to let you go.

[Dave]

I'm not gonna.

[Eddie]

Hey. Oh. You know, you can't do this to me right now.

[Rocky Balboa]

I'm sorry. We can't have it.

[Dave]

We have to let you go.

[Rocky Balboa]

We're gonna. The younger version.

[Dave]

Hey.

[Eddie]

I only had a job for a day. What I do.

[Rocky Balboa]

I don't know what's wrong with this guy. I don't know what I was thinking. There is no ambassador to Hollywood. That's stupid. I would have to let you go. Rocky. We can't. We can't let it happen. You're the ambassador to the La Brea Tar Pits.

[Dave]

We'll leave it at that.

[Rocky Balboa]

Just close to Hollywood.

[Lil Rel]

So basically the Expendables are the.

[Rocky Balboa]

That's exactly it.

[Adam Ray]

Queen.

[Lil Rel]

Rocky.

[Eddie]

Melania.

[Lil Rel]

Rocky.

[Dave]

Win.

[Eddie]

She said I gotta win this. Donald.

[Dave]

Time to try it. Rock.

[Eddie]

Nobody tells me I can't do nothing now.

[Brett]

Get the chicken.

[Rocky Balboa]

There's no stopping him. Off to China. Beat them down. Take the movies away. The next Transformers will be filmed in Canada.

[Dave]

Our 51st date.

[Rocky Balboa]

It's going to happen.

[Eddie]

I love it here.

[Dave]

Sorry. I'm excited about this because I find it to be absurd. We have an ambassador of Hollywood.

[Lil Rel]

Three of them.

[Dave]

I know but come on. Who are we sending them to foreign country saying I know but didn't we.

[Brett]

Over here in the U.S. didn't we.

[Dave]

All kind of lose our minds when Dennis. Dennis Rodman was talking to Kim Jong. They're like, what have we come to now? We're sending Sylvester Stallone overseas. I don't know. I know. You think he can.

[Lil Rel]

He can.

[Eddie]

I've been training all my whole life.

[Dave]

Yeah, there we go.

[Eddie]

I know. I. I just need a few minutes alone in my Lamborghini to think about how I'm gonna talk to somebody.

[Brett]

Those cousins have seen Tulsa King.

[Dave]

Oh, Rocky here associate Justin does a wanna arm a push up all day. Make him a go home.

[Brett]

Conan O'Brien will receive the Mark Twain Prize for American humor in March.

[Dave]

Well deserved.

[Brett]

Pretty cool. Yeah. Mark Mothersburg or Mother's Ball from Devo makes a million dollars a year from the theme song that he wrote for ridiculousness on MTV, man.

[Dave]

Cuz they show it 27 hours a day.

[Brett]

He. It's a reworked version of Uncontrollable Urge. And they show it. It's the most played song.

[Dave]

He makes a million dollars a year and forget you forget that he's done. He's like Danny Elfman Jr. He did the soundtrack to the Lego Movie and a couple other and they're awesome. Like the stuff he did for. Those were incredible. Mark Mothersbaugh has. You know, aside from all that Devo crap that Brady seems to like and only Brady. That dude has a rich history A t History of Music.

[Brett]

He's put out the lineup for the January 30th fire aid concert. Includes Billie Eilish, Green Day, Gwen Stefani, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Pink Sting, Stevie Nicks, and for some reason, Earth, Wind and Fire.

[Lil Rel]

Interesting.

[Dave]

Well, I mean, you said Steven.

[Brett]

Great.

[Dave]

And then Earth, Wind and Fire gets there. Stevie Nicks is kind of out of the.

[Lil Rel]

Well, I think Stephen Stills is on there too.

[Dave]

Yeah, that's just.

[Brett]

But I. I think they're. People are like, why would you put the Earth Wind in Fire?

[Dave]

Oh, that's true. Didn't even think of the other element in that. And also Stevie Nicks, but of all of them.

[Lil Rel]

Maybe they can play. The Ohio players can show up and play Fire.

[Dave]

Stevie Nicks. Lately, she looks a little like Carla Tortelli from Cheers now. Like, there's. I don't know what happened, but her hair got a little too tight.

[Brett]

And I saw Earth, Wind and Fire a couple of months ago with Chicago.

[Dave]

That's right.

[Brett]

Great show.

[Lil Rel]

Are they all still there or is it just Earth? I mean, Fire still around or what?

[Brett]

The bass player. Okay. There's only two, and I know that they're kids.

[Dave]

You're right. I think Wind and Fire both are kind of.

[Brett]

Yeah. Maurice White, he was the main guy. He died a long time ago.

[Dave]

We need to come up with.

[Lil Rel]

It's like Chicago. I think the horn guys are the only guys left.

[Dave]

There's nothing in there. Earth, Wind, two horns.

[Lil Rel]

Yeah. I wonder if. Wonder if Frank Stallone gets a gig with them too. I mean, he's in everything else with rock.

[Dave]

Be great. Don't do it, Brad.

[Eddie]

You know what? I'll make sure he's in it. I'm the ambassador of Hollywood. I get everything.

[Brett]

Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson is interested in a reunion, even though he jams with Getty Lee every week.

[Dave]

There is no reunion.

[Brett]

He says he'd rather their legacy with Neil Peart be remembered and then become a top Rush tribute band.

[Dave]

You can't.

[Brett]

It's not the same.

[Dave]

Neil was rushed. He wrote the songs, he put things together. He did. A lot of those guys were brilliant, but can't do that. All right. It's 9:30, for crying out loud, we're late. You gotta really zip through this one. Thriller. We're late today. And I got. I got a lot going on still. So, Thriller, it's on you. Your hosting skills are putting on the gun. Don't f around. Put the gun down. Don't f around there, Lee Harvey. Let's get you. Yeah, Just like they told you in Dallas. We need you in, we need you out.

[Brett]

We want to party with you.

[Dave]

You are a madman. Who dressed you today? You're making me nervous.

[Brett]

Sit down, Cruiser.

[Dave]

Yeah, I don't like this at all. And then you combed your hair Lee Harvey style. Everything's new. Thriller.

[Brett]

What, did you intentionally change your boy band audition?

[Thriller]

Yeah, I just wanted a different hairstyle and I thought. Okay, this could either look okay or terrible.

[Dave]

Yeah, it looks fine. Yeah, but it looks like you're the king of the incel convention that's coming in. No, come on. I'm just saying it's the.

[Thriller]

I at least buttoned on my button.

[Dave]

It's the shirt. And you just look too buttoned up. Yeah, yeah. There's too much going on here.

[Thriller]

I'll show some skin then, if that helps.

[Dave]

Yeah, that's what I need.

[Eddie]

Okay.

[Dave]

I need you to loosen up a little.

[Brett]

I know that. I heard that Old west gun shows happening this weekend in the fairgrounds.

[Dave]

I don't know.

[Brett]

Crossroads in the west.

[Dave]

Yeah, I don't want them there either.

[Thriller]

Near a gun?

[Dave]

Are you sure? Yeah. I don't even like that you're on the second floor, let alone there's four to go. All right. Anyway, Thriller, Harvey Oswald here to do the squares. We need you guys to come up with a call. 585-9-800. We'll speed through them today, the Guadalupe Squares. Coming up next, Arizona's most powerful rock. It's out of control now.

[Adam Ray]

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