Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 02-10-25 - No Three Peat For Chiefs After Philly SB Beat Down - Kendrick Lamar's Halftime Show For New Generation - John Met Very Tall Miss AZ At PHX Open And Saw Women Get Catty
Release Date: February 10, 2025
Host: John Holmberg with Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, Dick Toledo, and Louis Moses

1. Super Bowl Analysis: Chiefs' Three-Peat Hopes Dashed

Timestamp: 00:39 - 02:43

John Holmberg kicks off the discussion with a retrospective on the recent Super Bowl outcome. He muses on the elusive concept of a three-peat in the NFL, highlighting that no team has achieved this feat in the Super Bowl since the Packers' era.

John Holmberg (01:10): "Most of the continent of Africa is about to learn what a three peat is because they're getting all those shirts."

Holmberg expresses skepticism about the Kansas City Chiefs securing a third consecutive championship, noting the difficulty of maintaining such dominance in the modern, competitive NFL landscape.

Brady Bogen (01:41): "I don't know if it can be done."

Holmberg elaborates on the historical challenges of achieving a three-peat, emphasizing the increased team mobility and market saturation in today's game.

John Holmberg (02:30): "We got those last give. So you got that three peat in the football. Not a thing. Can't even utter it for another."

Ultimately, the discussion settles on the Philadelphia Eagles' impressive performance, attributing their success to relentless improvement and a formidable defense, while casting doubt on Tom Brady's continued influence.

John Holmberg (02:43): "Patrick Mahomes can't beat Tom Brady... When he's in a Super Bowl, I'm usually miserable."

2. Kendrick Lamar's Controversial Halftime Show

Timestamp: 02:43 - 17:20

The conversation shifts to Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance, which stirred significant debate among viewers. Holmberg critiques the choice of Lamar, suggesting it alienated the traditional NFL audience while successfully engaging a younger, more diverse demographic.

John Holmberg (04:11): "The only real excitement in the entire broadcast was for people who are following the Kendrick Lamar Drake battle."

He delves into the racial and generational divide sparked by Lamar's performance, arguing that the NFL is strategically targeting the 25 to 45-year-old demographic, thereby sidelining the older, predominantly white fan base.

John Holmberg (06:57): "That's the target for us now. Hey, old guys get a lot of expendable cash. Bet it. Kick of Destiny."

Holmberg also touches on issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), critiquing Kendrick Lamar's hiring practices for the halftime show, which he perceives as lacking in diversity.

John Holmberg (09:00): "I didn't see any Asians, I didn't see any Mexicans... Kendrick had a targeted audience of what he wanted that to look like."

The hosts discuss the broader implications of such performances on the NFL's brand and audience engagement, with Holmberg labeling Lamar's show as "garbage" yet acknowledging its effectiveness in capturing new viewership.

John Holmberg (16:49): "Worst halftime show ever. And we'll still watch. It was a huge success for the NFL. Gigantic."

3. Encounter with Miss Arizona at the PHX Open

Timestamp: 17:20 - 31:54

John Holmberg shares an anecdote from attending the Phoenix Open, where he met Miss Arizona, a statuesque and commanding presence, who sparked considerable attention among attendees.

John Holmberg (25:00): "A statuesque, super tall lady comes in... this 6 foot 4 inch woman in heels, Morning sickness."

He recounts the interactions with Miss Arizona, highlighting her grace and the envy it sparked among other attendees eager to wear her crown.

John Holmberg (29:03): "Can we wear the crown? And, like, sure. She couldn't have been nicer and whatever else."

The episode humorously details Holmberg's awkward attempts at wearing the Miss Arizona crown, emphasizing the social dynamics and the allure of pageantry within the event.

John Holmberg (30:05): "Pretend to be you? No. You gotta go buy one of your own. But she allowed the pigs to wear the crown."

4. Phoenix Open Success and Event Management

Timestamp: 31:54 - 35:12

Transitioning from personal anecdotes, Holmberg praises the Phoenix Open's improved event management, particularly lauding the Thunderbirds for streamlining entry processes and enhancing attendee experience.

John Holmberg (32:00): "There was no crowd. Yeah. No backup. Everybody walks right in and you blip right in."

He speculates on the financial aspects of the event, questioning the sustainability of its charitable contributions against the backdrop of significant corporate sponsorships and high ticket prices.

John Holmberg (33:35): "Over 33 years, 150 million. But I gotta think you're pushing a billion dollars in income."

The hosts discuss the economic model of such large-scale events, noting the balance between attendee satisfaction and financial viability.

5. Upcoming Sports and Events: March Madness and Beyond

Timestamp: 35:12 - End

Looking ahead, Holmberg touches on the anticipation for March Madness, expressing a lukewarm interest in college basketball while highlighting the shift towards major sports like baseball and the Miami Heat.

John Holmberg (35:30): "March madness... I don't want to watch college football because it's slop fest. Pros are good."

The conversation briefly mentions the United Football League (UFL), critiquing its quality compared to established professional leagues and pondering its place in the sports ecosystem.

John Holmberg (36:36): "It's like this purgatory of decent play. I don't want to watch college football because it's slop fest."

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about personal experiences at sporting events and the dynamics of attending concerts and games with family members.

Key Takeaways:

• Super Bowl Insights: The Philadelphia Eagles' victory over the Chiefs underscores the challenges of achieving a three-peat in the NFL's competitive landscape.
• Halftime Show Controversy: Kendrick Lamar's performance represents the NFL's strategic pivot towards a younger, diverse audience, sparking debate over DEI practices and traditional fan engagement.
• Event Experiences: Holmberg's interaction with Miss Arizona at the Phoenix Open highlights the social allure of beauty pageants within large sporting events.
• Event Management Praise: The Phoenix Open receives accolades for its efficient management, setting a standard for future events.
• Future Sports Outlook: While March Madness and other sports loom on the horizon, there's a clear preference for professional over collegiate competitions among the hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• John Holmberg (16:49): "Worst halftime show ever. And we'll still watch."
• John Holmberg (06:57): "That's the target for us now. Hey, old guys get a lot of expendable cash."
• John Holmberg (29:03): "Can we wear the crown? And, like, sure. She couldn't have been nicer and whatever else."

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness provides a candid and humorous take on recent sports events, cultural shifts within the NFL, and personal anecdotes from local happenings in Arizona. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or interested in the evolving landscape of morning radio, this episode offers insightful commentary and relatable discussions.