Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode: 02-19-26 - FULL SHOW - THURSDAY - McFeelie's Morning Sickness 98 KUPD

Date: February 19, 2026
Guest Host: Larry McFeely (subbing for John Holmberg)
Contributors: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

Episode Overview

This special episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness is guest-hosted by Larry McFeely, filling in for John Holmberg, who's out due to emergency eye surgery. The team delivers their signature blend of banter, off-kilter humor, and local promotions, with significant airtime dedicated to checking in on Holmberg’s health, running a motorcycle rider gas giveaway at Circle K with Law Tigers, discussing AI in music production, and touching on quirky news and pop culture topics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. John Holmberg's Emergency Eye Surgery

• Background:

  • The show opens with the reason for Holmberg's absence: a torn or nearly detached retina, which led to sudden and severe vision loss after a workout.
  • Holmberg underwent surgery on Monday, and the details of his uncomfortable recovery (lying flat with a gas bubble behind his eye) are discussed at length.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “He realizes he can't see out of his right eye. So he goes 90%. 90% vision loss.” – Bret Vesely [04:11]
  • "He's laying flat...and miserable." – Larry McFeely [04:49]
  • “He's like, I am stir crazy... coming up with ways to murder people with all that downtime.” – Brady Bogen [04:54]

2. The McFeely Takeover & Gas Giveaway

• Theme:

  • Larry McFeely takes the reins for the day, calling the show “McFeely’s Morning Sickness.”
  • Major focus on the Law Tigers Rider Appreciation Fuel-Up Event at Circle K (Val Vista and Germann), giving free gas to motorcycle riders until 9 AM.
  • Live check-ins with Bret Vesely on location.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “I thought this thing was really important that we're doing with the gas this morning... showing their appreciation to riders.” – Larry McFeely [05:28]
  • “If you roll in on a bike, we're gonna take care of you.” – Bret Vesely [14:46]
  • “For those of you that were going, ‘I’m not gonna go out... too many people’, well, sounds like you will.” – Larry McFeely [14:34]

• Timestamps:

  • [13:35] First live Circle K check-in with Bret Vesely
  • [20:10] Second live update from Circle K
  • [42:07] Third check-in with Bret, wrapping up the event

3. AI and Music Production

• Content:

  • The crew discusses the increasing prevalence of AI-generated music, referencing contestant submissions (like DJ Bathsheba) and AI tools (like Suno) used for jingles and remixes.
  • Raises copyright concerns around AI recreations of famous artists' voices.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “People keep emailing me about Palladio… an AI side and then like a real band side…” – Larry McFeely [07:27]
  • “We used AI a year ago to clone Dale Brady Brett's voice to do Christmas jingles. And it's gotten so much better.” – Brady Bogen [09:28]
  • “If they took his voice and had it regenerated by AI, does he have any recourse?" – Larry McFeely [08:59]

• Timestamps:

  • [07:15]–[10:39] Discussion about AI music, contest categories, and implications

4. Listener Q&A, Code Words, and Promotions

• On-Air Contests:

  • Multiple code words (“terrible,” “loud,” “legend,” “vessel”) announced for the Suite that Feeds contest (Nine Inch Nails at Desert Diamond Arena).
  • Emphasis on engagement and last-chance reminders for entry deadlines.

• Timestamps:

  • [05:25], [12:42], [20:48], [43:42], [44:34], [45:25] – Code word announcements and contest reminders

5. Daily “Brady Report” – Fun Facts and Banter

• Fun Facts & Quirks:

  • The origins and meaning behind chef hats
  • Controversy and history around the now-defunct Sambo’s restaurant chain
  • Trivia about parking spaces, wedding veils, animal names, and more
  • Debates on shower routine order, Lent abstentions, and favorite local food spots

• Notable Exchanges:

  • “There are roughly 2 billion parking spots across America. That's seven spaces for every car.” – Brady Bogen [23:09]
  • "The world record for the longest wedding veil... 23,000 feet. Four miles long!" – Brady Bogen & Larry McFeely [24:03]
  • [27:08]–[31:07] Extended riff on Sambo's, Denny's, and local diners and desserts

6. Entertaining Side-Talks & Anecdotes

• Family and Generational Habits:

  • The hosts share stories about their kids and changes in young people's habits (e.g., not drinking soda, sharing drinks with parents, international drinking ages).
  • Banter about candy changes, specifically Reese’s formula rumors and Hershey’s response.

• Olympics, Pop Culture & Odd News:

  • Run-ins with wild (but friendly) dogs during cross-country skiing events
  • Shia LaBeouf’s arrest at Mardi Gras
  • Trivia: First YouTube video now being archived in a museum
  • Quirky lists like “Most Diabolical Sitcom Characters” (Eric Cartman tops the list)
  • News tidbits: Van Halen unreleased album update

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “My daughter, who's almost 21 years old, and I'm still getting her Valentine's gifts.” – Larry McFeely [32:44]
  • “It's always weird, too...if it's boneless, it just–it's not as good as with the bones.” – Larry McFeely [33:26]
  • “The first video that was uploaded to YouTube is now going to a museum.” – Brady Bogen [34:07]

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Holmberg's Recovery:

  • “I was texting with him last night. He's like, I am stir crazy.” – Larry McFeely [04:54]

• AI Generated Music Banter:

  • “You guys should keep playing that...Can I get that from you?” (on the AI Marilyn Manson song) – Larry McFeely [08:30]
  • “If they took his voice and had it regenerated by AI, does he have any recourse?” – Brady Bogen [08:59]

• Circle K Check-In (Promotion Energy):

  • “He's out here with a credit card burning a hole in his pocket. Yeah, he wants to take care of all the riders out here in the East Valley.” – Bret Vesely [13:35]

• Sambo’s Discussion:

  • “They had them in Montana though...Sambo’s, highly racist.” – Brady Bogen [25:33–25:35]

• Banter on Lent & Food Traditions:

  • “If I'm gonna give something up, it's gonna be a Wendy's Bacon Angel.” – Brady Bogen [29:55]
  • “Speaking of Frosties and shakes…tell me all about it. I went in to try to get a shamrock shake yesterday.” – Brady Bogen [30:10]

• Pop Culture Riffs:

  • “The first video was uploaded on April 23rd...It's titled Me at the Zoo.” – Brady Bogen [34:43]
  • “Eric Cartman, South Park.” – Larry McFeely [49:04] (on diabolical sitcom characters)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Holmberg’s Health & Eye Surgery Discussion | 03:21–05:09 | | Circle K Law Tigers Free Gas Remote | 13:35, 20:10, 42:07 | | AI in Music/Radio Production Conversation | 07:15–10:39 | | Fun Facts & “Brady Report” | 22:32–32:44 | | Miscellaneous Food/Nostalgia Banter | 27:08–31:07 | | Entertainment Drill (Olympics, Pop Culture) | 45:25–51:33 | | Contests & Code Word Announcements | Throughout |

Episode Tone & Style

• Language and Tone: Sarcastic, irreverent, playful—the crew rib one another freely, peppered with local cultural references and offbeat insights. There’s a clear sense of camaraderie, even as they toss barbs.
• Audience Engagement: The show leans heavily into listener participation (promos, check-ins, code words), with the personalities frequently breaking the fourth wall to address the audience and each other.
• Humor: Anchored in local flavor, generational quirks, and subversive asides, the episode stays true to the classic HMS mix of ribald fun and community service.

Highlights & Memorable Moments

• Holmberg’s recovery becomes a running thread, equal parts concern and comic riffing.
• High-spirited, friendly roasting between Larry and Bret during location check-ins keep the tempo up.
• Rapid-fire trivia and local nostalgia—like the Sambo’s chain—evoke laughter and incredulity from hosts and listeners.
• AI-generated music debate provides a look at current radio challenges and wonders.
• Constant, easy interplay between personal stories, local promotions, and pop-culture hot takes.

“If your morning feels outrageous, then you're in the family.” – Larry McFeely [Theme Song]

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is classic HMS in a new wrapper: with John Holmberg out recovering from surgery, McFeely leads the team through wild local promotions, deep (and offbeat) dives into AI and pop culture, and a steady drumbeat of banter and trivia. The gang keeps listeners laughing, informed, and rooting for Holmberg's swift return—even as they revel in a day of unpredictable morning radio.