Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode: 02-23-26 – BBTL - Break 2 – Update On John – National Tootsie Roll Day

Date: February 23, 2026
Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo, Larry

Episode Overview

This episode features the Morning Sickness crew in the absence of John Holmberg, giving updates on his recovery, reminiscing about past show and personal history, celebrating National Tootsie Roll Day, and engaging in wide-ranging banter fueled by bagels, nostalgia, and classic morning radio antics. The tone is upbeat, irreverent, and filled with inside jokes and local Arizona flavor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. John Holmberg Health Update

• John's Absence & Recovery
  The team gives a candid update on John’s condition following his recent medical issues (eye surgery/recovery). They express empathy for John, describing his frustration over enforced inactivity.

  • "Here's a guy that is like so active...and he is stuck. He's just stuck there." – Larry (05:14)
  • John's one-word, “meh” responses are highlighted as uncharacteristic and concerning.
  • Missteps during recovery discussed (using the wrong eye drops), with relief that no infection developed.

• Listener Reactions & Show Continuity
  The crew jokes about rumors of John's job security and audience complaints about on-air changes.

  • "We got a few of those emails over the week." – Brett (07:35)
  • Some listeners nostalgia for “just John and Brady”—debunked as myth.

2. Bagels, Baking, and Office Camaraderie

• Larry brings homemade bagels, sparking praise and playful jealousy.
  • "John never brings us bagels." – Brett (04:54)
  • Light joking about baking with love and missing out.

3. Show History & Crew Nostalgia

• Origin of the show and original team members discussed, including the rarely-remembered female member and Bo Duran.
• Brady’s 2006 wedding is remembered, including the band lineup (Seether, Static X, Signs of Betrayal) and iconic local music scene memories.
  • Wayne Static’s on-stage “objection” at the wedding is recounted with fondness.
  • A highlight is the creation of a video with marriage advice from comedians—Frank Caliendo, Joe Rogan (“Fear Factor Rogan!”), Chelsea Handler, Norm MacDonald, Harlan Williams, and Bob Saget.

4. National Tootsie Roll Day Segment

• The show turns festive for National Tootsie Roll Day, with trivia and treats:
  • Larry brings in a bag of Tootsie Rolls to fill Brady’s “Honey Pot.”
  • Historical trivia: Leo Hirschfield invented the Tootsie Roll in 1896, naming it after his daughter, Tootsie. It was the first penny candy that wouldn’t melt and was included in WWII GI rations. (14:13–14:59)
    • "Over 64 million Tootsie Rolls are produced daily." – Larry (14:36)
  • Jokes about dental crown casualties due to Tootsie Rolls.

5. Musical Memories and the Wake-Up Song

• Discussion of possible “wake up” songs ties in with nostalgia and listener suggestions.
• 69 Boyz’s “Tootsie Roll” cues jokes and themed music.
• Bands from Brady’s wedding and Arizona’s rock scene are celebrated.
• Anecdote: Seether signed Brady’s cargo shorts at a recent show (and drew a penis).

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On John's Recovery:
  "I asked him yesterday, 'How we feeling?' 'Meh.'" – Dick (05:42)
  "That's so not John…one word responses are rare from him." – Larry (05:51)

• On Rumors and Nostalgia:
  "You miss the days when it was just John and Brady alone. It's never been that way alone." – Larry (08:51)

• On Show Alumni:
  "Most people don't realize it was John and Brady and a girl that were on…" – Larry (09:03)

• On Tootsie Roll Invention:
  "Leo Hirschfield...named it after his five year old daughter, Clara, whom he affectionately called Tootsie." – Larry (14:16)

• On Brady’s Wedding Video:
  "The Joe Rogan thing blew me away when I saw him…we had Joe Rogan before he was Joe Rogan! Holy crap." – Larry (12:38)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:23-04:20 – “Brady’s Morning Cup” song & bagel banter
• 05:06-06:55 – John Holmberg health update; crew messages and jokes
• 07:28-08:51 – Listener feedback, show rumors, and on-air lineup nostalgia
• 09:01-10:02 – Early show lineup and staff memories (Bo, “the girl”)
• 10:11-13:11 – Brady’s 2006 wedding, bands played, and comedian marriage advice video
• 13:20-14:59 – National Tootsie Roll Day: trivia and treats
• 15:25-17:44 – Wake up song selection: 69 Boyz’s “Tootsie Roll,” memories of live music
• 17:44-18:42 – Seether cargo shorts story, Static X recollection

Notable Themes & Running Jokes

• Playful Office Rivalry: Teasing John for never bringing breakfast, Larry’s pride in his baking, and jokes about “filling Brady’s Honey Pot” with candy.
• Listener Trollers: Recognition of “unhappy effing people” and trolls among the loyal audience.
• Nostalgia: Memory lapses (e.g., trying to recall band members), but also deep pride in Arizona radio and local music scene history.
• Dental Casualties: Quips about losing dental work to Tootsie Rolls: "How many fillings have been lost to Tootsie Rolls?" (15:10)

Conclusion

This episode is a lively mix of personal updates, inside jokes, Arizona music and radio nostalgia, and silly celebrations (National Tootsie Roll Day). Even without John on the mic, the crew delivers their trademark blend of humor, local insight, and raunchy camaraderie—keeping the “Morning Sickness” spirit very much alive until John's return.