Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: January 29, 2025
Title: How Does It Feel For Brady Turning 60 This Week - Anthony Mackie Taking Heat For QnA Saying Capt America Doesn't Represent America
Host: John Holmberg with Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Release Date: January 29, 2025

1. Celebrating Brady's 60th Birthday

The episode kicks off with the main focus on Brady Bogen celebrating his 60th birthday. The hosts engage in a heartfelt yet humorous discussion about the significance of turning 60, reflecting on societal perceptions of aging and personal experiences associated with this milestone.

Brady Bogen shares his excitement about celebrating his birthday at the Rah Rah Room, a favored spot for gatherings:

"Brady is getting to go to the Rah Rah room for his birthday this evening. Very excited about taking the riff raff down to the Rah Rah room." [01:08]

2. Reflections on Aging and Time

The conversation delves deep into the concept of aging, with Brady expressing his thoughts on how time feels different as one grows older. The hosts debate whether time actually accelerates with age or if it's a perception shaped by how we spend our days.

Brady Bogen muses on the passage of time:

"The older you get, the more time you waste. And then you complain you don't have enough time. Plenty of time in any day." [02:56]

Steve Trevino adds his perspective:

"Time for a nap." [02:56]

The discussion highlights a common sentiment about feeling older and the inevitability of time slipping away, blending humor with introspection.

3. Rah Rah Room and Birthday Plans

Brady elaborates on his plans to visit the Rah Rah Room for his birthday, reminiscing about past attempts to gain access and the lessons learned from those experiences.

Brady Bogen recounts a previous mishap:

"Don't forget, the last time Brady tried to get into an exclusive club. It was with Steve Trevino in Las Vegas and he got turned up." [01:41]

He humorously addresses the dress code challenges:

"Put on a pair of goddamn pants. Be a man." [02:03]

Despite past setbacks, Brady remains optimistic about this year's celebration, anticipating a fun-filled evening with friends.

4. Anthony Mackie’s Controversial Statements on Captain America

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Anthony Mackie's recent Q&A session where he stated that Captain America does not represent America. The hosts critique Mackie's comments, exploring the implications for both the actor and the character.

Brady Bogen criticizes Mackie's stance:

"Captain America doesn't represent anyone in America at all except a lunatic dressed up as a superhero." [08:16]

The hosts argue that Mackie overstepped by conflating his role with national representation:

"He's an actor who got a job wearing a suit, and he's got a shield, and we're like, yeah, you better say all the right things from here on out because you're representing us. No, he's not. He's Marvel. It's dumb." [08:45]

5. Discussion on American Representation and Superheroes

Expanding on Mackie's remarks, the hosts debate the responsibility placed on actors portraying iconic superheroes. They suggest that tying a fictional character too closely to national identity can lead to unrealistic expectations and pressures on the actors.

Brady Bogen emphasizes the separation between fiction and reality:

"Captain America is a dumb movie about a superhero. It has nothing to do with reality or what it represents." [09:02]

The conversation critiques the notion that fictional characters should embody complex societal values, advocating for a clear distinction between entertainment and real-world symbolism.

6. Interaction with Brittany Grant and Brittney Griner’s Release

The episode takes a lighter turn with interactions featuring Brittany Grant, referencing Brittney Griner’s release from Russian detention. The hosts celebrate her freedom and humorously discuss her return, intertwining it with personal anecdotes and playful banter.

Brady Bogen announces the good news:

"That's a big one. This here’s a big birthday... Brittany Grant: Mahmoud's morning sickness." [15:30]

Brittany Grant expresses relief and gratitude:

"I'm unfairly held in a Russian prison for being arrested for things I actually did. I'm a hero." [16:18]

The segment underscores solidarity with Brittney Griner, highlighting her bravery and the community's support for her.

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts tease upcoming segments and events, maintaining their trademark blend of humor and candid discussion. They encourage listeners to stay tuned for future episodes filled with engaging conversations and entertaining insights.

Brady Bogen concludes with enthusiasm:

"Rock wars coming up. We'll find out what Brady's got for us next. It's 98." [16:37]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brady Bogen: "The older you get, the more time you waste. And then you complain you don't have enough time. Plenty of time in any day." [02:56]

• Brady Bogen: "Captain America is a dumb movie about a superhero. It has nothing to do with reality or what it represents." [09:02]

• Brady Bogen: "All he needs to say is, go see my movie." [09:46]

Key Takeaways

• Aging Perception: The hosts explore the psychological effects of aging, debating whether time truly accelerates or if it's a matter of how one utilizes their time.

• Public Figures and Representation: A critical analysis of Anthony Mackie's comments highlights the complex relationship between fictional characters and their real-world cultural impact.

• Community Support: The episode emphasizes the importance of community and solidarity, particularly in celebrating personal milestones and supporting public figures like Brittney Griner.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully balances personal reflections with broader societal critiques. From celebrating a significant birthday to dissecting the responsibilities of public figures, the hosts provide listeners with a mix of humor, insight, and engaging dialogue. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this episode offers valuable perspectives wrapped in entertaining conversations.

Tune in to Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM to catch more engaging discussions and lively interactions.