Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (February 4, 2025)

Hosted by John Holmberg with Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo on 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Overview

In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness, the hosts delve into the latest hot releases in music and media, providing insightful and entertaining commentary. From lengthy progressive rock tracks to controversial music videos and gripping Netflix series, Holmberg and his team cover a diverse range of topics aimed at engaging Arizona's #1 morning radio audience.

Music Releases

Dream Theater – "Night Terror"

The episode kicks off with a discussion about Dream Theater’s latest single, "Night Terror." Despite being released three months prior, the song's 10-minute length continues to spark conversation among listeners.

• Brady Bogen remarks on the band's dynamic changes, noting, “[02:07] Is there anybody in this that's still...”

• Bret Vesely highlights the return of drummer Mike Portnoy, stating, “[02:08] I think Portnoy's back.”

The hosts reflect on Dream Theater's signature lengthy compositions, with Bret humorously adding, “[02:38] After their first three or four albums, I was kind of done.”

The Weeknd – "Open Eyes"

Transitioning to pop, the hosts discuss The Weeknd's new track "Open Eyes," praising his talent and the intricate storytelling in his music videos.

• Brady enthuses, “[02:49] The weekend. This dude's insanely talented. All the silver and gold only made my sk[...].”

• Bret appreciates the cinematic quality, “Do the Michael Jackson thing. Stuff he does for these videos...”

The conversation touches on the challenges of maintaining long-term engagement with lengthy songs, with Brady quipping, “[02:35] But even after a while you're just going to dry out.”

Saliva’s Latest Release

The discussion shifts to Saliva’s newest music, focusing on the band's evolving lineup.

• Bret comments on the changes, “[03:47] Everybody's gone.”

• Brady adds, “[03:55] But all the original members have trickled out.”

This segment underscores the band's transformation and the impact on their musical style.

Electric Callboy – "Elevator Operator"

Electric Callboy's latest single, "Elevator Operator," becomes a topic of enthusiasm among the hosts.

• Bret shares excitement about their live performances, “[04:46] This is Elevator Operator.”

• Brady reminisces about their energetic shows, “[04:57] Electric Callboy. This band is fun. Top to bottom. It's filthy.”

The hosts discuss the band’s growing popularity, especially in Europe, and their potential impact on local music scenes.

Squid – "Crispy Skin"

Diving into alternative music, Squid’s "Crispy Skin" garners mixed reactions.

• Brady expresses intrigue, “[05:55] I'm intrigued mainly because I don't know where it's gonna go.”

• Bret admits uncertainty, “[06:04] I can't hear squat.”

This segment highlights the band’s experimental sound and the varied listener reception.

Freya Skye – "Can't Fake It"

A significant portion of the episode centers on Freya Skye's "Can't Fake It," particularly focusing on the controversial depiction of the artist's age in her music video.

• Brady voices discomfort, “[07:08] Is she 16 or 30? My erection's confused.”

• Bret seeks clarification, “[08:08] Have we seen her before?”

• Brady realizes the truth, “[09:22] Oh, my God. She's only 15. Oh my God. No. Stopped.”

This revelation sparks a discussion on ethical portrayals in media, leading to a swift apology from Brady with help from his co-hosts.

Apple Cider Vinegar – "We Live In Time"

The episode also touches on Apple Cider Vinegar's "We Live In Time," a piece that merges health and wellness with online influence.

• Dick Toledo provides a synopsis, “[11:27] It is set at the birth of Instagram...”

• Brady skeptically responds, “[11:53] It's us. So it's pretends to have cancer to get followers.”

The hosts critically analyze the authenticity of health narratives in the influencer space, questioning the sincerity behind such stories.

Media Releases

Netflix Series and Movies

The hosts review several Netflix releases, offering their takes on various genres:

• "Apple Cider Vinegar": A survival series set in New Zealand, which Brady humorously criticizes for its perceived lack of authenticity, “[12:58] Nine of us will die.”

• "Sly Lives, AKA the Burden of Black Genius": A documentary on Sly Stone, praised by Bret for highlighting the band's unique sound, “[15:50] I'm gonna watch that one. That's out now.”

• "Wicked Game: The Devil in the Desert": A true crime series that Bret describes as a gripping tale of kidnapping and torture, "[16:28] Wicked Game. The Devil in the Desert is for you true crime fans out there."

• "We Live in Time": A romantic drama starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, discussed by Brady and Bret with a mix of sarcasm and intrigue, “[14:31] We Live in Time... The classic rom-com.”

• "Heart Eyes": A horror film centered around a murderous stalker, which Bret finds unexpectedly thrilling, “[18:00] How about Heart Eyes?... There’s a dude in the closet with a mask on.”

The hosts juxtapose these releases with classic films like "Silence of the Lambs," noting its strategic release during Valentine's weekend, “[18:34] It was a Valentine's weekend release. Silence of the Lambs. Perfect.”

Interactive Segment: N Word or F Word

A playful segment engages the hosts in a game of distinguishing between words starting with 'N' or 'F.'

• Dick Toledo introduces, “[08:29] All right, that brings us to N word or F word...”

• The segment takes a humorous turn as the hosts navigate the complexities of language and context, culminating in an apology when a sensitive topic arises, “[09:19] Brady's got her apology.”

This interaction showcases the show's dynamic chemistry and ability to handle delicate subjects with levity.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the discussed releases and sharing light-hearted banter. They underscore the importance of authenticity in media and the evolving landscape of the music industry, leaving listeners with both insights and entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen: “[02:35] But even after a while you're just going to dry out.”

• Bret Vesely: “[03:47] Everybody's gone.”

• Brady Bogen: “[07:08] Is she 16 or 30? My erection's confused.”

• Bret Vesely: “[15:50] I'm gonna watch that one. That's out now.”

Timestamp Highlights:

• [02:07] Discussion on Dream Theater's lineup changes.

• [07:08] Revelation about Freya Skye’s age leading to comedic awkwardness.

• [15:54] Critical take on Apple Cider Vinegar's authenticity.

• [18:34] Comparison of "Silence of the Lambs" with current horror releases.

For more engaging discussions and the latest hot releases, tune in to Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10 AM or visit www.98kupd.com.