Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode Release Date: January 22, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Episode Title: Sharpton Calls For Boycotting Companies Who Cancel DEI - Update On Vince From Last Week - Toledo's Paternity Suit Story - Two Bigfoot Hunters Found Dead Sparking Bigfoot Offer - Having Empathy For Starving While Doing Food Contests

1. Al Sharpton's Call for Boycotting Companies Who Cancel DEI

The episode opens with an intense discussion led by Brady Bogen about civil rights activist Al Sharpton's recent call to boycott companies that have scrapped their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Brady and his co-hosts delve into the implications of this call, debating the effectiveness and potential backlash.

Brady Bogen criticizes Sharpton's approach, stating, "Sharpton’s gonna say, I'll never eat that again. Like, here's a lifetime supply of McRibs. McDonald's is all right." [(07:14)] He argues that despite the boycott efforts, major corporations like McDonald's and Google have widespread customer bases that are unlikely to be swayed significantly by such protests. The conversation shifts to how the free market responds to business decisions, with Brady emphasizing that if consumers disapprove, it naturally affects the business's bottom line.

Dick Toledo adds a lighter note, making a humorous comparison: "Can I help a lady in the house? I don't think she was legally." [(04:46)]. This interjection serves to lighten the heavy discussion on DEI and boycotts.

2. Update on Vince From Last Week

The segment transitions to an update on a previous listener story involving Vince, whose marital issues have taken a dramatic turn. Vince reached out with a tumultuous account of his wife's possible infidelity and the ensuing paternity doubts.

Brady Bogen narrates Vince’s predicament with a mix of humor and empathy: "Vince is gonna break it off. We found out you can test the DNA of a baby prenatally, if that's how it works." [(13:15)]. The co-hosts humorously dissect Vince's situation, imagining various outcomes and offering tongue-in-cheek advice on how he might handle the uncertainty surrounding the paternity of his child.

Josh Mulcahy and Michael engage in a playful back-and-forth, questioning the logistics and emotional toll Vince faces. The dialogue underscores the show's characteristic blend of comedy and candid conversation, making the listener both entertained and reflective on personal relationship dynamics.

3. Toledo's Paternity Suit Story

Dick Toledo shares his personal experience with a paternity suit, providing a real-life perspective that resonates with the ongoing themes of trust and responsibility discussed earlier.

Dick Toledo recounts, "I was top of the list, so I was first contacted. I had to first... Have had to get a DNA test." [(31:38)]. He explains the complexities and financial burdens of proving paternity, highlighting the emotional strain it imposed on him and his family. This narrative is complemented by Brady's sarcastic remarks, which add humor to the otherwise serious topic: "Imagine knocking on that door. Are you Ben? Yes. You work at KUPD?" [(37:41)].

The story serves as a vessel for broader discussions about the legal and societal expectations placed on individuals regarding paternity and familial responsibilities.

4. Two Bigfoot Hunters Found Dead Sparking Bigfoot Offer

A shift towards the bizarre occurs as the co-hosts discuss the tragic deaths of two Bigfoot hunters in Washington, using it as a springboard for a comedic deep dive into the mythos surrounding Bigfoot.

Brady Bogen laments, "Two less people that we have to deal with that annually go out search for Bigfoot." [(41:02)]. He humorously suggests that the deaths should deter future hunters, advocating that the taxpayer should not fund rescue missions for those seeking mythical creatures. The conversation takes a satirical turn as Brady and his co-hosts mock the futile endeavors of Bigfoot hunters, blending dark humor with cultural commentary.

Josh Mulcahy responds with a mix of skepticism and amusement, "But we need more people hunting." [(41:05)], reflecting the show's ability to balance humor with absurdity, keeping listeners engaged through unpredictable dialogue.

5. Having Empathy For Starving While Doing Food Contests

The final segment tackles the dichotomy between global hunger issues and the frivolity of competitive food events. The discussion centers on the perceived lack of empathy exhibited by society when confronted with severe food scarcity compared to exaggerated feats of food consumption for entertainment.

Brady Bogen expresses frustration: "This lady in Turkey who squashed giant fruits between her thighs and says we've got a food issue." [(52:45)]. He criticizes the celebration of food contests amidst real-world hunger, arguing that society overlooks the severity of famine in places like Africa in favor of trivial entertainment.

Diane Fisher and Michael contribute with their own takes, underscoring the contradiction between wastefulness and genuine need. Their banter highlights the tension between enjoying food-related entertainment and recognizing the hardships faced by those who lack basic sustenance, promoting a thoughtful reflection on societal priorities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brady Bogen on Sharpton's Boycott:
  "Sharpton’s gonna say, I'll never eat that again. Like, here's a lifetime supply of McRibs." [(07:14)]

• Brady Bogen on Vince's Paternity Issues:
  "We found out you can test the DNA of a baby prenatally, if that's how it works." [(13:15)]

• Dick Toledo on Handling Paternity Suits:
  "I had to get a lawyer. Had to pay for the DNA test. Had to pay for everything." [(33:02)]

• Brady Bogen on Bigfoot Hunters:
  "Taxpayer should not fund your retrieval. You should be Bigfoot food and lay in the woods forever and ever." [(41:02)]

• Brady Bogen on Empathy and Food Contests:
  "It's terrible, it's not politics or losing your minds over that. The world's a better place." [(40:34)]
  "This is why you people are hungry. It's not because I'm a lack of food is what you're stuffing in your gullet." [(50:41)]

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully intertwines humor with pressing social issues, offering listeners a blend of entertainment and insightful commentary. From critiquing high-profile activism to sharing personal anecdotes and satirizing hunting myths, John Holmberg and his team engage their Arizona audience with a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation. Whether dissecting the efficacy of boycotts against DEI initiatives, navigating the complexities of paternity disputes, or highlighting societal hypocrisies, the show remains a staple for those seeking both laughs and meaningful dialogue.