Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Jamie Lissow at Scottsdale Performing Arts Center

Episode Release Date: February 13, 2025

Introduction

In the February 13, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg welcomes comedian and actor Jamie Lissow to the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center studio. Jamie, known for his appearances on The Greg Gutfeld Show and various film roles, engages in a lively and candid conversation with Holmberg and co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo.

Show Success and Ticket Sales

Jamie opens the discussion by sharing the success of his performances at the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center. Highlighting the overwhelming demand, he remarks, “I guess we sold it out. And I went, did you misspell my last name? Fox. What is going on? Why are we selling so many tickets?” (01:14). The positive reception has even led to additional show times being added to accommodate eager audiences, showcasing Jamie's growing popularity in the Arizona comedy scene.

Radio Industry Experiences

Delving into his past, Jamie recounts his five-year tenure in morning radio. Despite enjoying being on air, he struggled with the technical aspects behind the scenes. “I was the worst radio employee, I think, of all time,” Jamie admits (03:22). He shares a humorous anecdote about being tasked with cutting up stand-up comedy clips only to neglect the assignment, opting instead to wave goodbye at the end of his shift (03:59). This candid reflection underscores the challenges he faced in transitioning from on-air talent to behind-the-scenes roles.

Appearance on Gutfeld Show and Comparisons

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Jamie’s experience on The Greg Gutfeld Show. He discusses the scrutiny of his appearance, particularly how lighting and makeup can alter perceptions. “People go, I've been told I look like AI,” Jamie states (05:35), addressing comments about his glowing eyes and overly white teeth. The hosts joke about the high standards of on-screen beauty, with Jamie noting, “I get so much feedback. Is the nice word about this” (06:01), highlighting the pressures of maintaining a certain image on national television.

Personal Life: Marriage and Divorce

Jamie opens up about his personal life, specifically his divorce and subsequent remarriage. “The worst thing that happened to me was my divorce,” he shares (26:23), discussing the emotional toll it took and how it has shaped his identity. He touches on the challenges of co-parenting and maintaining a cordial relationship with his ex-wife, emphasizing the importance of putting aside ego for the sake of their children. Jamie also reveals his upcoming marriage to Erica on June 7th, reflecting on how his personal happiness intersects with his public persona.

Political Context and Gutfeld Show

The discussion shifts to the evolving political landscape within the comedy and media industries. Jamie observes that more comedians are now open to appearing on The Greg Gutfeld Show, a shift from previous years when political differences were a significant barrier. “A lot of the guys who... really come out against you. And I have had... almost half of those guys ask me how to get on Gutfeld,” Jamie notes (15:20). This change indicates a growing acceptance and perhaps a strategic move by comedians to diversify their platforms amidst a polarized media environment.

Humorous Anecdotes and Stories

Throughout the episode, Jamie shares several humorous stories that illustrate his life in comedy and media:

• Elevator Encounter with Jesse Waters: Jamie recounts an awkward encounter in an elevator with actor Jesse Waters, speculating humorously about Waters' attractions (07:35).

• Comparisons to Rodney Dangerfield: Addressing comments that liken him to Rodney Dangerfield, Jamie reflects, “Some people have called me, like, they say I remind them of Rodney Dangerfield... I get no respect, but here's so much cocaine” (23:15), blending self-deprecation with humor.

• Traveling with Comrades: The co-hosts discuss Brady Bogen’s plan to travel to Germany with friends, prompting Jamie to humorously contemplate the potential chaos such a trip might entail (19:26).

Future Shows and Promotions

Jamie enthusiastically promotes his upcoming performances at the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center, emphasizing that the shows cater to a mature audience. “I love early show times. I feel like I'm an old guy at heart,” Jamie shares (25:27), highlighting the inclusive and relaxed atmosphere of his performances. He encourages listeners to purchase tickets through the center’s website, promising an enjoyable evening for all attendees.

Closing Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

As the conversation winds down, Jamie offers personal insights and words of wisdom. He endorses the philosophy, “The obstacle is the way,” inspired by Marcus Aurelius, reflecting on his journey through personal hardship and professional growth (26:12). Jamie acknowledges the struggles he faced during his divorce but emphasizes the value of overcoming challenges: “I would do it all” (27:08), suggesting that his experiences, though painful, have been instrumental in his development both as a person and as a comedian.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jamie sharing his gratitude for the respect and support he’s received, both personally and professionally. “I get free stuff. It’s wonderful,” Jamie jokes (24:08), before Holmberg wraps up the segment, reminding listeners of Jamie’s upcoming shows and encouraging them to attend. The hosts and Jamie share a moment of camaraderie, celebrating his achievements and looking forward to his future endeavors.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jamie Lissow on Sold-Out Shows: “I guess we sold it out. And I went, did you misspell my last name? Fox. What is going on? Why are we selling so many tickets?” (01:14)

• Jamie on Radio Struggles: “I was the worst radio employee, I think, of all time.” (03:22)

• Discussion on Appearance: “People go, I've been told I look like AI.” (05:35)

• Jamie on Divorce: “The worst thing that happened to me was my divorce.” (26:23)

• Political Shifts in Comedy: “Almost half of those guys ask me how to get on Gutfeld.” (15:20)

• Jamie’s Words of Wisdom: “The obstacle is the way.” (26:12)

• Jamie Reflecting on Experiences: “I would do it all.” (27:08)

This episode offers a comprehensive and engaging look into Jamie Lissow’s life, blending personal anecdotes with insightful discussions about the entertainment industry and politics. For fans of Holmberg's Morning Sickness and Jamie Lissow alike, this episode provides a thoughtful and humorous exploration of balancing personal identity with public persona.