Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: January 21, 2025
Title: Telling People To Calm Down Over Elon Musk's Awkward Crowd Wave - John Has Failed Once Again Trying To Handyman Himself Some New Bike Mounts In His Garage
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Release Date: January 21, 2025

1. Elon Musk's Awkward Gesture and Public Perception

The episode kicks off with Larry McFeely addressing recent viral images of Elon Musk performing what appeared to be Nazi salutes during public events. Larry emphasizes the importance of context, suggesting that Musk's gestures were likely unintentional and not meant to convey any malintent.

Larry McFeely [01:25]: "I know he's doing the thing. It was awkward. But he's doing a thing where he's kind of like, doing a point out. I don't think he's thinking Nazi now. If he is, I'm wrong."

Larry and Devin delve into the repercussions of such misinterpretations, highlighting how easily innocent gestures can be misconstrued in the digital age. They caution against hastily labeling public figures with historically charged terms like "Nazi," advocating for a more measured and informed approach.

Larry McFeely [05:00]: "We got to stop with the whole next Hitler Nazi thing now. Also stopped is the hand gesture. Just don't do that."

2. Historical Insight: Unity Mitford and Hitler's Personal Life

The conversation shifts to a historical anecdote shared by Devin, revealing details from the diaries of Unity Mitford, Hitler's secret English girlfriend. These diaries provide intimate insights into Hitler's daily life from 1935 to 1939, shedding light on a lesser-known facet of his personality.

Devin [03:48]: "Diary of Hitler's Secret English girlfriend reveals intimate details the furor that led up to World War II. This woman in England named Unity Mitford."

Larry adds context by reflecting on the complexities of such relationships, underscoring the dangers of idolizing or humanizing notorious figures without recognizing their profound impact on history.

Larry McFeely [04:25]: "But exterminating the Jews. One of those takes precedence... We got to stop with the whole next Hitler Nazi thing now."

3. Commentary on Public Perception of Wealth and Misuse of Comparisons to Hitler

Larry offers a critical perspective on the societal tendency to compare contemporary leaders and wealthy individuals to Hitler. He argues that such comparisons are both unfounded and harmful, fueling unnecessary divisions and overshadowing genuine societal issues.

Larry McFeely [05:55]: "Don't bitch when somebody makes more than you and then start calling it an oligarchy when you're sitting there complaining that MSNBC doesn't give you 30 million a year anymore for 52 shows a year."

He further critiques inconsistencies in public reactions to wealth and success, highlighting the irrationality of deriding others' achievements while faltering to appreciate one's own.

Larry McFeely [06:32]: "My success is not their failure. That's it. Period. And somebody else much more successful than me is not because I didn't get what I deserve. I'm getting what I am getting what I get."

4. Personal Anecdote: Larry's DIY Bike Rack Fiasco

The heart of the episode features Larry recounting his ill-fated attempt to install new bike mounts in his garage. What was intended to be a simple DIY project quickly escalated into a comedic disaster, complete with multiple drilling mishaps, cracked walls, and personal injuries.

Installation Attempt and Initial Failures

Larry describes his initial efforts to secure bike racks on brick walls, detailing the challenges faced with misaligned studs and improper tools. His attempts resulted in numerous holes and ultimately failed to support the bike racks.

Larry McFeely [07:53]: "I bought four bike racks for my bikes. I have four bikes that I have hung off my ceiling, and I don't like what I've done with that."

Escalation to Physical Injury

As Larry continues, his frustration mounts. During a particularly troublesome drilling attempt, he unintentionally causes his tools to overheat, leading to severe burns on his thumb and fingers.

Larry McFeely [13:04]: "I have burns on my thumb and fingers."

He vividly describes the pain and the subsequent failure of the bike rack installation, leaving his garage marked with numerous holes and unmounted bikes.

Larry McFeely [14:37]: "I've never felt a pain like I felt grabbing the threads of that screw coming out of that cement wall. That was live. I've touched fire. It was burning like I've never felt a burn in my life."

Reflection and Humorous Self-Critique

In hindsight, Larry humorously acknowledges his lack of handyman skills, poking fun at himself and highlighting the disparity between his confidence and his actual abilities.

Larry McFeely [16:37]: "Leave your handyman work for a day labor. That's so true. And it made me admire Mexicans. It made me anybody. I can't do anything. I am pathetic."

He concludes by advising listeners to seek professional help for similar tasks, underscoring the importance of expertise over self-reliance in certain situations.

Larry McFeely [19:30]: "No, not. I'm just saying. But you could move it over enough and try to cover."

5. Light-Hearted Banter and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with light-hearted exchanges among the hosts, teasing each other about their respective mishaps and skills. Larry emphasizes the importance of humility and laughter in the face of failure.

Larry McFeely [20:54]: "Look, if she. If I came home, there were four bike racks on the bricks, and it was like I killed myself. I probably. Probably fail at that. Yeah, I'm an idiot."

He humorously advises listeners to share in his embarrassment, fostering a sense of camaraderie and relatability.

Larry McFeely [21:43]: "If you see me, don't touch my hand. I might do a little Elon Musk thing with this one just to wave to you because it hurts when the air hits it."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Larry McFeely [01:25]: "It was awkward. But he's doing a thing where he's kind of like, doing a point out. I don't think he's thinking Nazi now."
• Devin [03:48]: "Diary of Hitler's Secret English girlfriend reveals intimate details the furor that led up to World War II."
• Larry McFeely [05:55]: "Don't bitch when somebody makes more than you and then start calling it an oligarchy."
• Larry McFeely [06:32]: "My success is not their failure. That's it. Period."
• Larry McFeely [14:37]: "I've never felt a pain like I felt grabbing the threads of that screw coming out of that cement wall."
• Larry McFeely [20:54]: "Look, if she. If I came home, there were four bike racks on the bricks, and it was like I killed myself."

Conclusion

This episode of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" blends sharp social commentary with personal humor, offering listeners both insightful discussions on current events and relatable tales of everyday struggles. Larry McFeely's candid storytelling about his DIY failures serves as a humorous reminder of the pitfalls of overestimating one's skills, while the broader conversations encourage a more thoughtful and less divisive public discourse.