Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode Summary: "Stephen Hawking Super Genius" (Originally aired in 2009, Best Of)

Date: February 20, 2026
Hosts: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Guest (portrayed): Stephen Hawking

Episode Overview

In this playful "Best Of" episode, the HMS crew brings back one of their most memorable comedy segments: a fictional, comedic appearance by Stephen Hawking, pitting his "super genius" intellect (portrayed with a robotic voice) against callers in a rapid-fire pop culture and trivia quiz. The segment is all about subverting expectations, poking fun at the Hawking persona, riffing on motor and science stereotypes, and delivering irreverent radio banter—classic HMS.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing the Stephen Hawking Segment

• The hosts hype up "Stephen Hawking" as the smartest man ever—“the highest IQ ever…resting comfortably now in the hospital” (01:37).
• Running jokes about how Hawking (portrayed in the studio) would knock, despite his condition: “How is he knocking? That's what I want to know!” (01:54).

2. The Quiz Competition: Listeners vs. "Hawking"

• Listeners call in to challenge "Stephen" on a wide range of movie, music, and pop culture trivia.
• The format: Contestants buzz in with their names; Hawking delivers his answers using drawn-out, intentionally slow computer voice, mixing insults and comic arrogance.

Notable Rounds & Exchanges

(All times approximate and refer to main content after sponsors/ads)

[02:17] First Round – Making Introductions

• Hawking (portrayed): “Hello, all. I want to thank you for allowing me here.”
• Co-Host: “It's good to have Stephen Hawking here. Shall we get directly to the game, Mr. Hawking?”

[03:07–04:21] Pop Culture Quiz Highlights

• Q1: Which actor died during "Shrek" production, forcing recasting?

  • Hawking: “Is Chris Farley correct?” [03:24]
  • Co-Host: “Beat by the smartest man in the world.”

• Q2: 7up commercial actor, “Make Seven Up Yours”

  • Hawking: “Orlando something. The black guy from Mad TV?” [04:05]
  • Host: “Orlando Jones.”
  • Hawking: “Damn it, I knew that one.” (Shows fallibility and comic tone.)

[04:27–05:00] Movie Trivia: "Executive Decision"

• Q: Name the film where Steven Seagal’s character dies trying to board a 747.
  • Hawking: "Executive Decision." [04:58]
  • Host/Panel: “Correct. Nailed it.”

[05:25–06:24] Callers Get the Upper Hand

• Callers occasionally beat "Hawking" to the answer:

  • Q: Forrest Gump's university?
    • Caller: "Alabama." [05:33]
  • Q: NFL player Lyle Alzado on Sports Illustrated after brain cancer?
    • Caller: “Lyle Alzado.” [05:58]

• Hawking (jokingly justifying missed answers):

  • “I was busy banging your mom. I didn't hear the question.” [06:24]

[07:34–08:22] More Trivia & Banter

• Q: Foo Fighters song, “There Goes My Hero”—a tribute to Kurt Cobain.

  • Hawking: “There goes my hero.” [07:52]
  • Co-Host: “Correct. Yes. I didn't know he was a big Foo Fighters fan.”
  • Panelist: “Huge Foo fan too, but I can't play the drums.”

• Q: First film where Tom Cruise and Kevin Bacon star together?

  • Hawking: “A Few Good Men.” [08:20]
  • Co-Host: “Yes.”

[08:34–10:16] Mixed Trivia & "Hawking" Roasts

• Q: Who shot Gianni Versace & committed suicide eight days later?

  • Hawking: “Andrew Cunanan.” [09:02] While jabbing at caller: “Steve is a gay parrot. Andrew Cunanan.”

• Q: 45-year-old boxer becomes oldest champion?

  • Hawking: “God damn Foreman.” [09:31] (George Foreman)

• Q: "King of the Hill"—what does Hank Hill sell?

  • Hawking: “God damn propane and propane accessories.” [10:10]
  • Panelist: “Big King of the Hill fan.”

• Banter references Hawking's "brilliance," the hosts' typing speed, and poking fun at the Hawking persona's blend of arrogance and social cluelessness:

  • “If you're so brilliant you could get a voice box that works instantaneously…” [10:06]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hawking’s "genius" persona:

  • “The effing brilliant yet wheelchair bound Stephen Hawking to answer the question.” — Hawking (portrayed), recurring self-intro [03:15, throughout]

• On his failed answer:

  • “Damn it, I knew that one.” — Hawking (portrayed) [04:21]

• On losing a round:

  • “I was busy banging your mom. I didn't hear the question.” — Hawking (portrayed), irreverent quip [06:24]

• Banter after a zinger:

  • “I thought space was the biggest, most infinite space in existence. Then I saw between Eric's memoirs, his legs.” — Hawking (portrayed) [06:55]
  • Host: “Zinger. Good one.” [07:10]

• Playful panelist jabs:

  • “If you're so brilliant you could get a voice box that works instantaneously for God’s God damn propane and propane accessories.” — Panelist riffing on Hawking's slow responses [10:06]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:08 – Segment introduction, set-up for Stephen Hawking appearance
• 02:02 – "Stephen Hawking" greets the panel
• 03:07–04:21 – 1st round of trivia (Chris Farley, Orlando Jones)
• 04:27–05:00 – Movie trivia (Executive Decision)
• 05:25–06:24 – Callers beat Hawking (Alabama, Lyle Alzado), comedic insults
• 06:55–07:10 – "Space" joke & banter
• 07:34–08:22 – Foo Fighters, A Few Good Men
• 08:34–10:16 – Andrew Cunanan, George Foreman, King of the Hill, more pop culture, and panel banter

Tone & Style

The tone is irreverent, fast-paced, and comedy-centric. The "Stephen Hawking" impression is used to lampoon both "genius" stereotypes and radio show trivia antics, with a heavy dose of sarcastic, adult humor and frequent roast-style one-liners. The panel's energy is punchy, and the rapid-fire format keeps the exchange lively for listeners.

Conclusion

This "Best Of" HMS episode delivers exactly what fans expect: quick-witted banter, edgy humor, and a memorable parody segment that uses the Stephen Hawking "character" as a vessel for pop culture showdowns and off-the-wall jokes. Even for first-time listeners, it’s a showcase of the hosts’ signature blend of irreverence and radio fun.