Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Summary: Pete Lee at Desert Ridge Improv - In Studio Release Date: February 14, 2025
Introduction
In this heartfelt and humorous episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg welcomes comedian Pete Lee to the Desert Ridge Improv studio. Accompanied by co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, the show delves into Pete's tumultuous journey over the past year, marked by personal loss, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of comedy amidst adversity.
Pete Lee's Absence and Return
Pete Lee begins by expressing his gratitude for being back on the show after a significant hiatus. His return coincides with Valentine's Day, adding a layer of irony given his current single status and commitment to abstinence.
Pete Lee [01:26]: "It's Valentine's Day and I'm back. I moved back. And yeah, I gotta say, I'm a single guy now and I've been practicing abstinence."
Holmberg and the co-hosts humorously probe Pete about his newfound abstinence, teasing him about resisting the advances from the attractive patrons frequenting his comedy venues.
Personal Struggles and House Fire
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Pete shares the harrowing experience of losing his house to a devastating fire. Living in La Ocean before relocating to Arizona, Pete's life spiraled when he moved back to heal from a failed relationship. However, fate had other plans when his home succumbed to flames, a tragedy that not only destroyed his possessions but also left him grappling with emotional turmoil.
Pete Lee [04:04]: "I moved back to that ocean neighborhood... two months later, my house burned down."
Pete recounts the chaotic moments leading up to the fire, including his Tesla's alarming temperature readings that ultimately served as an unintended alarm system.
Pete Lee [07:06]: "The Tesla was like, I'm 72 degrees. And I was like, oh, wow. So my house must not be on fire... Then it went to 310 degrees."
The loss was not just material; Pete touches on the profound emotional impact, highlighting how the absence of his belongings forced him to confront vulnerability in ways he hadn't anticipated.
Interaction with Dave Chappelle
Amidst the devastation, Pete finds solace in comedy, performing at the Comedy Cellar in New York City. It was here that he had an unexpected and inspiring encounter with legendary comedian Dave Chappelle. Sharing a space where both comedians were preparing material, Pete leveraged the situation to craft jokes about his personal loss, which not only resonated with Chappelle but also elevated his own comedic narrative.
Pete Lee [17:01]: "I went up and, like, imagine, like, you just told Dave Chappelle a joke, and he's like, that's great. Use it."
Chappelle's encouragement propelled Pete to integrate his real-life struggles into his performances, turning pain into humor and earning genuine laughs from his peers and audience alike.
Comedy Career Amidst Adversity
Despite the series of unfortunate events, Pete's commitment to comedy remains steadfast. He discusses the challenges of rebuilding his life from scratch, including the logistical nightmares of relocating to New York City with limited possessions and the emotional strain of starting anew.
Pete Lee [10:40]: "When I go to a comedy club, I look like a busboy that just forgot my name tag. That's how much black clothing I have."
Pete's ability to find humor in his darkest moments not only endears him to his audience but also serves as a coping mechanism, allowing him to process his grief and maintain his passion for performing.
The show also touches upon the broader impact of the fire on his community, highlighting the vulnerabilities of relying on products like fire safes and the tragic loss of belongings that often carry deep personal significance.
Pete Lee [07:36]: "But we all bought them on Amazon. And I think on Amazon, fire safes are made out of, like, Styrofoam and then a layer. A core layer of gasoline."
Through these anecdotes, Pete underscores the often-overlooked fragility of material possessions and the unforeseen consequences of everyday choices.
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Pete Lee reflects on his journey of loss and recovery, emphasizing the importance of community support and the healing power of laughter. Holmberg and the co-hosts commend Pete's resilience, celebrating his return to the comedic stage and his unwavering spirit despite facing significant personal challenges.
Holmberg [31:56]: "Please buy tickets. And I have a feeling this is like... You're just..."
The episode closes on a hopeful note, with Pete expressing gratitude for the support he's received and looking forward to future performances at Desert Ridge Improv.
Pete Lee [31:34]: "Hey, how's that working out for you?... When I leave places, they burn down. So have fun. You guys."
Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for Pete Lee's strength and the universal message that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the human spirit can find light through humor and connection.
Notable Quotes
- Pete Lee [01:26]: "It's Valentine's Day and I'm back. I moved back... practicing abstinence."
- Pete Lee [04:04]: "Two months later, my house burned down."
- Pete Lee [07:06]: "The Tesla was like, I'm 72 degrees... Then it went to 310 degrees."
- Pete Lee [17:01]: "Imagine, you just told Dave Chappelle a joke... Use it."
- Pete Lee [10:40]: "I look like a busboy that just forgot my name tag."
- Pete Lee [07:36]: "Fire safes are made out of Styrofoam and a core layer of gasoline."
- Holmberg [31:56]: "Please buy tickets."
- Pete Lee [31:34]: "When I leave places, they burn down. So have fun."
This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends humor with heartfelt storytelling, offering listeners a glimpse into Pete Lee's extraordinary resilience and the transformative power of comedy in overcoming personal tragedy.