02-12-25 - Listeners Are Emailing In How Sad They Are To Hear Brady's Dying After His Visit To The Nephrologist

Summary

Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Listeners Are Emailing In How Sad They Are To Hear Brady's Dying After His Visit To The Nephrologist
Release Date: February 12, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Station: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

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Overview

In this emotionally charged and humor-infused episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness, Arizona's favorite morning radio show delves deep into the personal struggles of co-host Brady Bogen following his recent visit to a nephrologist. The episode seamlessly blends listener interactions, personal anecdotes, and the hosts' signature wit to explore themes of health, mortality, and resilience.

Listener Emails and Initial Reactions [00:39 - 04:38]

The episode kicks off with John Holmberg addressing a flood of listener emails expressing sorrow over Brady's deteriorating health. One particularly impactful email from listener Edgar Brady stands out:

Edgar Brady [04:33]: "When Brady's kidneys finally get fully pissed out and can't be reinserted anymore, will you please call Happy Endings and have Brady put down on the air for us? [...] Signed, Edgar Brady."

John reflects on Edgar's heartfelt yet darkly humorous plea, highlighting the deep connection between the hosts and their audience. He notes how listener engagement underscores the community's concern and support for Brady during this challenging time.

Brady's Personal Health Journey [00:39 - 08:04]

Brady Bogen opens up about his father's hidden battle with AIDS, revealing a poignant backstory that adds depth to his character and influences his current outlook on life and health:

John Holmberg [01:34]: "I was raised by a dad who hated gays. Hated them, died of aids, secret gay life, which is the same story as in American Beauty, remember?"

This revelation sets the stage for a candid discussion about personal health struggles and the stigma associated with them, resonating with listeners who may face similar issues.

Reflections on Past Experiences and Apologies [01:34 - 03:36]

John shares a nostalgic and remorseful story about receiving an apology from a former classmate, Patrick Kingman, nicknamed "Pissy Pants Pat." The conversation touches on the lasting impact of childhood nicknames and the importance of reconciliation:

John Holmberg [03:02]: "I got this says earlier this morning we were talking about. I didn't know what we were talking about..."

He continues to express heartfelt apologies, emphasizing themes of growth and forgiveness.

Euthanasia Banter and Future of the Show [03:02 - 05:34]

The discussion takes a somber yet humorous turn as the hosts explore the hypothetical scenario of Brady's end-of-life care, blending dark humor with genuine concern:

John Holmberg [04:38]: "And we'd wheel you in and we say goodbye."

Brady Bogen [04:43]: "There seems to be a little bit of kidney left. I think this is gonna be the last one."

The conversation underscores the bond between the hosts and the lengths they'll go to support each other, even in jest.

Deep Dive into Nephrology and Medical Insights [06:45 - 11:38]

The hosts engage in an informative yet lighthearted exploration of nephrology, discussing Brady's kidney issues, treatments, and the implications of living with kidney disease:

Dick Toledo [12:28]: "When should I see a nephrologist?"

Brady Bogen [08:15]: "I took potassium citrate to try to balance that out. That doesn't work."

They break down complex medical terminology for their audience, making the discussion accessible and relatable.

Community Support and Dark Humor [11:03 - 14:08]

Throughout the episode, the hosts employ dark humor as a coping mechanism, fostering a sense of camaraderie with their listeners facing similar challenges:

John Holmberg [08:56]: "If my kidney came out, I'd be shoehorning my kidney back into my wiener."

This balance of humor and vulnerability strengthens the show's connection with its audience, highlighting the therapeutic power of shared experiences and laughter.

Closing Discussions and Teasers for Future Segments [14:08 - End]

As the episode winds down, the hosts tease upcoming segments like "Rock Wars," aiming to lighten the mood after intense discussions:

John Holmberg [14:08]: "Rock wars coming up. It's 98. It's out of control."

They also hint at ongoing support and adaptability, reassuring listeners that the show will continue to navigate challenges together.

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg [00:39]: "Brady's dying. And I'm like, I know the only one who doesn't. It happens."

• Edgar Brady [04:33]: "When Brady's kidneys finally get fully pissed out and can't be reinserted anymore, will you please call Happy Endings and have Brady put down on the air for us?"

• John Holmberg [08:56]: "If my kidney came out, I'd be shoehorning my kidney back into my wiener."

• John Holmberg [14:08]: "Rock wars coming up. It's 98. It's out of control."

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends heartfelt vulnerability with the hosts' characteristic humor, creating a deeply engaging and relatable narrative. By openly discussing Brady's health struggles, the show not only addresses important health topics but also fortifies its bond with listeners through shared empathy and laughter. As the hosts navigate these personal and sensitive subjects, they uphold the show's reputation as a supportive and entertaining morning staple for Arizona's community.

Transcript

[Dick Toledo]

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[John Holmberg]

I went downstairs real quick and Ed goes, my God, you're making me so sad this morning. I said, why? Brady's dying. And I'm like, I know the only one who doesn't. It happens. Brett says we all have to do it eventually. Yeah, hold on. I got a couple of good ones here. Oh, that's a solid one. We'll end with that. The emails are rolling it or didn't realize we were eulogizing it. I did get this says earlier this morning we were talking about. I didn't know what we were talking about. This on Brady Dyne has brought up a lot. The guy says, as much as you didn't and don't want kids, John, I think you'd actually be a great parent. I was raised by a dad and my and thinking that your dad was gay is probably the best thing that ever happened to you. I was raised by a dad who hated gays. Hated them, died of aids, secret gay life, which is the same story as in American Beauty, remember?

[Brady]

Yeah.

[John Holmberg]

And so I said, is that true? And he said, yeah. We found out three weeks before he died that he had the AIDS and he was having sex with men for most of his marriage. With my mom, he was in the hospital with cancer. And my wife at the time said to the nurse, it looks like he's got aids. He had sores and lesions that weren't healing. And my mom was appalled and offended and they tested him and stuff. And he had. Was a blow to our Mormon family. Indeed. Oh, boy. I think a blow. Your dad was a blow to many families. I don't care what your religion is, you can be Shinto. And when you find out that dad's blowing dudes and holy smokes, you guys share a lot. We also had the thing because yesterday I got that apology letter from that drunk loser in Gilbert. Says since we're apologizing for past mistakes. John, I'd like to take the time to apologize to a former classmate of mine, Patrick Kingman. He pissed his pants in the second grade class. Nicknamed PE Pants Pat. And the nickname eventually evolved as we aged to Pissy Pants Pat. And it never went away. He later drove into oncoming traffic. Nicknames are dangerous. I feel that me and the other kids in his graduating class had to contribute to that a little bit, being unliving and stuff. So today I apologize officially to Pissy Pants Pat. You just call him Patrick at this point.

[Brady]

Matt O'Connor still running strong.

[John Holmberg]

And the fact that that guy that you nicknamed Matt O Comers. Yeah. You were part of it. You called him that. I'm sure a couple of times. You did. Here. You brought it to us.

[Brady]

I knew his nickname.

[John Holmberg]

I know, but you. You said it. You brought it to the party.

[Brady]

Yeah.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah. You're culpable in the pain. If Matt O'Comer decides to throw himself into traffic, he's accepted.

[Brady]

It. Seems to be doing very well.

[John Holmberg]

You don't know that, because when he was at the reunion and somebody goes, hey, O Comer, he lost his mind. So I don't know. He's doing that great.

[Brady]

Just killed one person.

[John Holmberg]

And then this one comes in, and I like this, it says, john, let me first say I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you. It's been a tough transition. I would like to, however, suggest something, because you, sir, introduced me and my wife. Was that. Who was that Brad, or is that Brady?

[Brett]

That was me.

[John Holmberg]

Okay. I got nervous. I was looking down. I didn't see who's doing it. I was worried that it was his death. Gurgle, you cough, and I'm fine with him. We got to keep an eye on it. Said you, sir, introduced me and my wife. And I know from listening to the show, a ton of fans. To the brilliant and beautiful service known as Happy Endings. Pet Euthanasia. When Brady's kidneys finally get fully pissed out and can't be reinserted anymore, will you please call Happy Endings and have Brady put down on the air for us? The listeners that have been with you for 24 years, we want to be there for it. Signed, Edgar Brady. Can we euthanize you with Dr. Mike and the Happy Endings crew? It is a beautiful thing.

[Brady]

Yes.

[John Holmberg]

You wouldn't mind that on the last days, we just wheel you in and we say goodbye.

[Brady]

There seems to be a little bit of kidney left. I think this is gonna be the last one.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, it's the last Cheeto Yeah. A little drop of kidney comes out. That's it. I got nothing left to give. And then we'll have Dr. Mike go. He's sleeping. He doesn't feel anything. Say goodbyes. And then you whisper in his ear, I'm gonna miss you so much. And then finally they come in and administer the final blow. That eye glaze, so horrible, but yet such a beautiful service. And I'd love to, hopefully we could provide that for you. And then somebody, you know, somebody else said, what are we gonna do when Brady goes and the news is like, researched, investigated, and well delivered. I'm like, I don't know where we're gonna find somebody.

[Brett]

It'll be the end of the show.

[Brady]

You have to promise. But you can't do that with equal.

[John Holmberg]

Or less curiosity than Brady when it comes to news stories. I don't know where we're gonna find that person.

[Brett]

We won't give him Brady. We'll stay.

[John Holmberg]

That's right. We'll find a relatively uncurious human being to just read those stories. And question as well, is there a.

[Dick Toledo]

Chance you can call Dick Broadcasting? We can get Brattle and back.

[John Holmberg]

I don't know. She's got too many opinions. You think, oh, yeah. I'm sorry that Brady scarne here, but I've got a couple of feelings about this Luigi Mangioni. I'm like, oh, here we go. No, we'll get. We'll get somebody. But missing Brady already. I'm telling you, you made me nervous with how deadpan and just kind of emotionless you are about your kidneys falling out of your dick. That is an uncomfortable conversation that most people would be like, I'm nervous. That's bad. Doctor tells me I'm urinating out parts of my body and I gotta figure out what's going on. Toot sweet. I'm in that hospital pretty much all the time. But I do have the rule that if it doesn't hurt, I'd never go. So I don't know what caused you to go in the first place, but I probably wouldn't have gone because I don't go to the doctor until it hurts.

[Brady]

Yeah, nothing.

[John Holmberg]

So if you didn't have any pain. In my world, I just kept pissing out my teeth.

[Brady]

I started from adjusting the, like, what's going on with the blood pressure, but.

[John Holmberg]

That'S you going to the doctor to figure that out.

[Brady]

General Doctor.

[John Holmberg]

So you had just went to a G.P. you know what?

[Brady]

We did some tests. He's like, there's something in there. You need to go to this nephrologist and because I've been to a nephrologist.

[John Holmberg]

I remember I heard that word.

[Brett]

Yeah. What is that?

[Brady]

I think a kidney specialist.

[John Holmberg]

Sounds like you're saying Nosferatu, like his doctor.

[Dick Toledo]

That's what I thought, too.

[John Holmberg]

Nephrologist. Almost too much. Like neck. What is that stuff?

[Dick Toledo]

Nephrology is the study of kidneys and diseases that affect them.

[Brett]

Brady.

[Dick Toledo]

Diseases that affect them.

[John Holmberg]

Right. He just nods. Yeah. No, that's why.

[Brady]

Yeah, that's it.

[John Holmberg]

Because I got that correct kidney disease thing going on. Yeah, that's it. Valderi. Valdera.

[Brady]

They're fun.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah. No, it's awful.

[Dick Toledo]

Hear the words you say sometimes.

[Brady]

I mean, who talks like that?

[John Holmberg]

98 KUPD. Holmberg's Morning Sickness. Well, we're rooting for it, but it's getting weird.

[Dick Toledo]

Wow. Do not look at the images of nephrology.

[John Holmberg]

Have you looked into it? Have you done a lot of googling of, like, what's gonna happen, or have you made yourself really nervous?

[Brady]

Well, I mean, years ago, like 2006. I'm saying I went to the same clinic. The nephrologist, a different doctor. Marioti.

[Brett]

All right, Good man.

[John Holmberg]

Do you get a discount every time you mention him? And you went there for what? Kidney stones.

[Brady]

Just to check the kidneys after. You know, Dr. Lynn recommended I go see him on following up because we want to make sure kidney stones don't form.

[John Holmberg]

Sure.

[Brady]

And keep those out. So I take a, you know, potassium.

[John Holmberg]

Citrate to try to balance that out. That doesn't work.

[Brady]

Mine are formed through uric acid, which is proteins.

[Dick Toledo]

Are you going to have to have this procedure done? A fistulogram.

[John Holmberg]

That sounds rough.

[Dick Toledo]

Imaging test that checks for an abnormal connection in your kidney called a fistula.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, I've heard of that. I think I've Googled that on pornhub before.

[Brett]

That lady had that Chuck Taylor going up.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, that's kind of it. That's a footula. That's different. Anyway. And then Paulie Shore likes it. It's a spatula, so it's all. Anyway. Well, you've made us all nervous. Except yourself, Brady. So you're Absolute lack of curiosity.

[Brady]

It's not a Wednesday.

[John Holmberg]

That's just you not having that curiosity thing, which is a beautiful gift. I'd be all over WebMD. I was.

[Dick Toledo]

I thought you got yourself off WebMD.

[John Holmberg]

No, if my kidney came out, I'd be shoehorning my kidney back into my wiener. I'd be all over WebMD. This is not good if. Yeah, if I carry around a stick and a shoehorn to pee, that's coming too. The doctor tells me that my kidneys are falling out every time I pee. People are worried, and I gotta talk to Dr. Mike over there at Happy Endings, make sure that this is legal. I'm not sure it is, but we'll figure something out.

[Dick Toledo]

First stage is seeing a nephrologist before kidney transplant.

[John Holmberg]

Oh, and again, he said he wouldn't.

[Brady]

They've been waiting a long time.

[John Holmberg]

And, Brett, you said your dad's missing a kidney? He doesn't have one because he had kidney cancer. Kidney cancer. Did. Can. Can Brady call him later and talk about what that's like? Because I think so. You got to get that removed. Did he have any effects afterwards? Did he. No, nothing. He just went on. He's fine. He never had to ask you for it? Kidding. Would you have given him one?

[Brett]

Yeah. Yeah, probably.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah.

[Brett]

Why not?

[John Holmberg]

Well, you got two, and he's like, if he loses this one, that's not.

[Brett]

Guaranteed to be a match either.

[John Holmberg]

Ah, so is that what you're kind of hoping for? Fingers crossed.

[Brett]

I wouldn't say it out, but, you know, you never know.

[John Holmberg]

Like, if dad's next kidney goes south and he needs a new one and you're a match, you'd do it?

[Brett]

Yeah, I would do it then.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, I would do that.

[Brett]

I'm not giving him one of mine. So he could have two, right?

[John Holmberg]

Yeah. Double down if the other one.

[Brett]

Yeah, if the other one takes the dump. Yeah, absolutely.

[John Holmberg]

Okay.

[Dick Toledo]

When should I see a nephrologist?

[John Holmberg]

Okay. That's the question on Google.

[Dick Toledo]

With a biological family history of kidney disease.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah.

[Dick Toledo]

Do we have that?

[Brady]

My dad passed some stones.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, it was a big time stone.

[Dick Toledo]

Diabetes? Don't have that in the family. High blood pressure, changes in your pee?

[John Holmberg]

No, no.

[Dick Toledo]

Being honest.

[Brady]

Yeah.

[Dick Toledo]

Okay.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah.

[Brady]

Because that's the one thing that I know, you know? That's why they always check, like, prostate and stuff like that, if the flow is interrupted. That can be a number of things.

[Dick Toledo]

Well, then allow us to judge this last one. Brain fog.

[John Holmberg]

Oh, my God. You're gonna die tomorrow.

[Brett]

Goodbye.

[John Holmberg]

Brain fog is a sign of kidney problems. Yeah. Oh, Jesus. Oh, little buddy.

[Dick Toledo]

I known that it isn't a medical condition, but your health care provider may use the term when talking to you to describe slow or impaired thinking.

[John Holmberg]

And a lot of the times Brady's doc's like. Hey. Hey. What? Wake up. I wasn't sleeping. I asked you a question five minutes ago.

[Brett]

What was that? Painting on the wall.

[Brady]

Let me take a look at the.

[John Holmberg]

Ceiling tiles and get an answer anyway. Well, Brady, we're very nervous for you, and you seem to need that because you don't have any concerns at all. Is Ronnie extra happy?

[Brady]

This thing in the bud, John?

[John Holmberg]

That's right. Thanks. We go get him. Belichick. We're on to kidney cancer. Hopefully it isn't, but we need answers faster than what you're providing. Are you gonna be on the horn an awful lot?

[Brady]

You can't get you those answers?

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, the Brady report. Yeah, yeah, it's just the same. We'll get them when we get them.

[Dick Toledo]

This can't be true, guys. They don't remove a bad kidney. They just add it. Add the additional one during a transplant. So you're walking around with three, two.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, I think that's true. They just disconnect.

[Dick Toledo]

Really?

[John Holmberg]

The other kidney. I've heard that before, too. And the li. What's the liver? The one that kind of grows back?

[Dick Toledo]

Yeah, the liver grows back.

[Brady]

Yeah, I read about someone that donated part of their liver.

[John Holmberg]

They chunk it out. Yeah, they can chunk some stuff out. And if you just take some of your liver out, the rest, it'll go back, regenerate anyway. Let's hope you don't have to deal with that. And if you do need a kidney, Toledo is available. I'm not a match. I can tell you right now, I'm not a match. I'm just not a match. I know that for sure. Just because.

[Dick Toledo]

Bringing out a lot of partners in pain here. Brady. Hey, Brady. I just recently learned that I have prostate cancer, leukemia, and multiple myeloma. So tell Brady.

[John Holmberg]

Sup? You cancer folks are fun. I can start hanging around that ward a little more often. That dark humor thing's floating around your world. Well, we're rooting on.

[Dick Toledo]

And stop texting in dates. I'm trying to enter the contest to tell to date Ronnie after Brady passed.

[John Holmberg]

No, no, we're not farming his wife out quite yet. Out loud. Although, I mean, but, you know, Brett isn't a tuxedo and brings daisies to work every day.

[Brady]

Anything for ratings, man.

[John Holmberg]

Yeah, anything for ratings. Yeah. Who? You should pass like Brady's bachelor before you go. You know, who would have to be. He's probably dead because it was a On the Brady lookalike contest years ago. Dan Bungart.

[Dick Toledo]

Yep.

[John Holmberg]

I don't know if he's still around.

[Dick Toledo]

Well, then this guy says, hey, tell Toledo to start stockpiling that A.I. brady.

[John Holmberg]

Oh, that's a good. Hey, A.I. brady. We can take advantage of that. Well, get on that. I don't know if the technology will be ready by the time we need it, which will be April, but this guy.

[Dick Toledo]

Can I. Can I call my shot? Good morning, everybody. I'm John Holmberg. There's Brett. There's Big Dick Toledo. And welcome to the Ian Campfield.

[John Holmberg]

Hey. Nah, annoying. Love Ian. But once a week is good for Ian. Dale Hellas tray was a suggestion, too. You think we could get Dale in here every day? He's equally as uncurious. Brady knows more about pop culture and, like, history. I don't know what Dale knows.

[Dick Toledo]

This one just came in. Hey, is Bo still alive?

[John Holmberg]

Oh, yeah. Give him a call.

[Dick Toledo]

Everybody's about Second Chance.

[John Holmberg]

He loves the phone. All right, we'll be done here. I don't want Brady to die, but we will go on without him.

[Brady]

I'll give you five more years, man.

[John Holmberg]

You got five in you. Yeah, that's not what your doctor says. That's terrible. We're gonna have Rock wars in a little bit, too, and try to calm him down. I won last week. Yeah, so it's me. All right. I'll have a topic for you in just a little bit. Rock wars coming up. It's 98. It's out of control.