Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona
Episode: 02-02-26 – “Artist's ICE Protests May Have Turned Us Off On Grammys – Woman Grows Third Boob – Protesters, Award Show Oddities”
Date: February 2, 2026
Hosts: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, Dick Toledo
Overview
This episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness starts with birthday celebrations and tales of raucous weekends, then transitions into a lively breakdown of the Grammy Awards, hammering on political tangents and the pitfalls of mixing social protest with entertainment. The crew also dives hilariously and curiously into a story of a woman who grew a third breast after childbirth. The episode closes by poking fun at protest culture, highlighting a run-in John had with a would-be protester in downtown Phoenix.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Birthday Banter and Wild Weekends
- The show starts with jokes about Brady's birthday and sharing stories of partying.
- John recounts a night out with Suns announcer Kevin Ray, a wild round of drinks, and an unexpected morning after.
“There was a lot going on. And then the next thing I knew, I was opening the door and the sun was up. It was a fun night. It was exciting—one of the best times I’ve had in a long time.” (03:17)
- John recounts a night out with Suns announcer Kevin Ray, a wild round of drinks, and an unexpected morning after.
- Concert highlights: John is blown away by the band Nothing More, praising their Van Buren show as potentially making them “the biggest band in rock” had it been released in an earlier era.
“If it was 1999 to 2004, this might be the biggest band in rock. They have everything you need. Anthemic, stadium music, a ripped singer that owns the room.” (04:22)
- Brady shares about tequila and sangria at Hooters, celebrating his birthday responsibly.
2. Grammy Awards Recap: Protest Fatigue & Old Guard
- Discussion pivots to the previous night’s Grammys, layered with social and ICE protests that the hosts find grating.
- John confesses he avoided the live show, opting instead for online highlights due to expected over-politicization.
“I had a feeling with ICE being involved in everything that this one was going to be a rough watch. So I let the Internet give it to me this morning, which it did. I got everything I needed.” (09:19)
- Notable moments dissected:
- Cher’s Song-of-the-Year Goof: The hosts mock Cher’s confusion on stage and suggest it might be intentional for viral appeal.
“She stood on the thing and said, ‘And the song of the year goes to...’ and just stands there and stares. And she goes, ‘Oh, they told me it would be on the teleprompter. Then what’s in the envelope?’” (11:04)
- John jokes about award shows dragging out elderly stars:
“I hate when people over 50 try to be relevant… Quit rolling their old ass out there.” (13:14)
- John jokes about award shows dragging out elderly stars:
- Musical Highlights: Post Malone and Slash’s tribute to Ozzy is universally praised, recommended as the only must-watch segment.
“If you do get a chance today… watch the Post Malone Slash... tribute to Ozzy. Just ridiculous. That was really good. Post Malone did an amazing job.” (20:48)
- Cher’s Song-of-the-Year Goof: The hosts mock Cher’s confusion on stage and suggest it might be intentional for viral appeal.
3. Politics and Protest Overload
- Fatigue with award shows using their platforms for political statements (specifically anti-ICE remarks) dominates this segment.
- Brady observes:
“It was, you know, it was ‘f*** ICE’ and most of them, consensus on that. Some were slightly more subtle.” (19:13)
- Brady observes:
- John expresses why he, and perhaps many viewers, tune out:
“You can’t have flippant, light, fun anymore without somebody going up—by the way, reminder, a lot of awful things going on. I’m like, ‘That’s why we tune into this stuff.’” (18:33)
- The hosts comment that even when just trying to enjoy music, political posturing keeps popping up.
- Discussion of how the NFL clamps down on halftime performances to avoid similar occurrences (re: Bad Bunny needing to stay non-political).
4. Weird News: The Woman Who Grew a Third Boob
- The hosts latch onto the bizarre, viral headline—one of those water-cooler stories you can’t ignore.
- John breaks down the phenomenon:
“A lady gave birth to her baby and went to sleep afterwards and woke up with a fully grown third breast with a nipple on it... And the doctor said… in the womb… we all have teats in a line… and sometimes, pregnancy reawakens one.” (22:35)
- The conversation detours into wild speculation about the looks and placement of the extra breast, referencing sci-fi (Total Recall), and devolves into a comedic debate about the pros and cons of “armpit boob.”
“If I told you right now, Brett, I met a girl this weekend—boobs everywhere. You’d be like, ‘Tell me more!’” (27:37) “It’s a pop-up boob. Pops up in your parking lot. You would run down there and try it. That’s all I’m saying—it’s a pop-up boob.” (35:53)
- Brett is not on board:
“Sounds kind of sloppy to me. What happens if it’s got B.O.?” (28:18)
- John breaks down the phenomenon:
- John tries to bring optimism:
“Why can’t you guys be positive and think, what if it’s perfect? ...Even if you hug her, you’re already on second base.” (33:07)
5. Protest Culture: The Organized Protester
- John shares an “only-in-Phoenix” moment: spotting a man, decked out in upscale attire and protest gear, meekly obeying the crosswalk signal on his way to a demonstration.
“You’re not a very good protester. Like, protesting, you’re listening to the walk/don’t walk... Just get that upside down flag up and start walking... But you’re only mad when you get there. You seem pretty okay.” (37:02, 39:04)
- The group riffs on the performative nature of modern protests and the tendency for even angry activism to have an air of routine or vanity.
- “It was kind of a nice little [moment] ... Like going to the ball game. You got your signs, you’re under control. Fanatic, yeah, it is kind of that… It’s like he was leaving his house in his little outfit...” (40:44)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “There was talk of pegging—and not me, but just—it got... there was some stuff happening.” —John (03:40)
- “If Post Malone and Slash are together, you watch. That’s the rule.” —Brady (20:48)
- “I miss the days where… you didn’t have to tie in all the politics and stuff. And stories like the one I saw this morning—a lady gave birth… and woke up with a third breast. And the doctor says, ‘Yeah, that can happen!’” —John (23:08)
- “If you have a third boob, it has to line up with the other. I don’t want no freak show.” —Brett (36:55)
- “He took time to wear a scarf and it’s not even cold!” —John on the protester’s attire (39:36)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Birthday & Weekend Tales: 01:11 – 08:32
- Grammy Awards Recap & Cher Discussion: 09:18 – 14:13
- Musical Performances Worth Watching: 20:48
- Award Shows & Political Fatigue: 16:14 – 20:23
- Third Boob Story & Absurd Banter: 22:29 – 36:15
- Protester Story & Activism Satire: 37:19 – 43:14
Conclusion
This episode serves a healthy mix of personal storytelling, pop culture analysis, and irreverent but sometimes insightful commentary on society’s need to bring politics into everything, especially award shows. The comedic highlight is the crew’s off-the-rails debate about an unexpected third boob, which serves as the perfect palate cleanser between heavier topics. If you’re looking for a rundown on why the Grammys feel less and less essential—and want to laugh at the thought of “pop-up boobs” and dapper yet mild-mannered protesters—this is a classic HMS episode not to miss.
