Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (02-27-25)

Episode Title: Gene Hackman Along w/Wife And Dog Found Dead And We Remember His Greatness - Brady Tries To Somehow Connect The French Connection To A Bakery In Phoenix
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogan, Bret Vesley, Dick Toledo

1. Introduction and Current Events

The episode opens with the hosts briefly touching upon a measles outbreak, reflecting societal fears surrounding vaccinations and public health. John Holmberg sets the tone by referencing the heightened anxiety about measles, noting its sporadic occurrences and the media's role in amplifying fears.

John Holmberg [00:33]: "There is no measles yet here in the town. [...] Good luck. If you've got a dot on your face right now and you're hypochondriac because it's measles and you're gonna die from it."

2. Gene Hackman's Death and Legacy

The primary focus of the episode centers around the shocking news of renowned actor Gene Hackman's death. The hosts delve into Hackman's illustrious career, highlighting his versatility and authenticity as an actor who never relied on props or heavy makeup to portray his characters.

John Holmberg [04:08]: "What a great evil man that just looked like everyone else. Best thing about Hackman to me was, and I like admired everything he did."

They reminisce about Hackman's memorable roles in classics like The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Birdcage, emphasizing his ability to embody characters purely through his performance.

John Holmberg [06:00]: "If you want to study acting, that's the guy to do it. [...] It was the greatest expressive expression on a fairly expressionless face."

3. Speculations Surrounding the Tragic Event

The conversation takes a speculative turn as the hosts discuss the circumstances of Hackman's death alongside his wife and dog. John Holmberg theorizes potential causes, ranging from natural death due to age to more sinister possibilities like poisoning or accidental carbon monoxide exposure.

John Holmberg [03:20]: "Maybe that's what killed Gene Hackman. Maybe it was the measles. [...] One of the greatest iconic actors of the last 60 years... found dead in his house with his wife and his dog."

The hosts debate whether it was a peaceful passing or a result of foul play, considering factors like Hackman's age (95) and the lack of immediate signs of violence.

Bret Vesley [04:50]: "And I also heard carbon monoxide too."

4. The French Connection Bakery Conspiracy

Brady Bogan introduces a subplot attempting to connect The French Connection—a film starring Hackman—to a local Phoenix bakery bearing the same name. This segment blends humor with conspiracy, as the hosts jest about the possibility of the bakery's name being a tribute to Hackman's role or a nod to the infamous criminal case depicted in the movie.

Brady Bogan [07:45]: "The Connection goes here in Phoenix on Central and Camelback. There was a bakery called the French Connection."

John Holmberg playfully critiques this theory, comparing it to other fictional conspiracies and emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence.

John Holmberg [25:00]: "Maybe Brady's French Connection restaurant... just make up stuff about a restaurant when you're talking about something completely different."

5. Reflections on Aging and Celebrity Culture

The hosts transition into a broader discussion about aging actors and their inevitable decline, mentioning contemporaries like Clint Eastwood, Robert De Niro, and Al Pacino. They reflect on the loss of iconic figures and the gaps they leave in the cinematic world.

John Holmberg [28:54]: "They're all gonna start dropping like flies. Yeah, it's a ton of them. So Hackman is 95. First one. Really kind of. That was a."

6. Light-Hearted Banter and Closing Remarks

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter, interspersed with humor and occasional tangents. They joke about hypothetical scenarios involving the deceased actors and their legacies, maintaining an entertaining yet respectful tone.

Bret Vesley [19:00]: "Whore. And your father, what is he. What do they have in common? What do they talk about?"

As the episode concludes, the hosts wrap up the discussions with a mix of humor and admiration for the celebrated actor, leaving listeners with both reflections on Hackman's impact and amusement from their spirited interactions.

John Holmberg [35:30]: "Gene Hackman, Legend."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Holmberg [00:33]: "There is no measles yet here in the town. [...] Good luck. If you've got a dot on your face right now and you're hypochondriac because it's measles and you're gonna die from it."

• John Holmberg [04:08]: "What a great evil man that just looked like everyone else. Best thing about Hackman to me was, and I like admired everything he did."

• John Holmberg [06:00]: "If you want to study acting, that's the guy to do it. [...] It was the greatest expressive expression on a fairly expressionless face."

• Bret Vesley [04:50]: "And I also heard carbon monoxide too."

• John Holmberg [25:00]: "Maybe Brady's French Connection restaurant... just make up stuff about a restaurant when you're talking about something completely different."

• John Holmberg [28:54]: "They're all gonna start dropping like flies. Yeah, it's a ton of them. So Hackman is 95. First one. Really kind of. That was a."

• John Holmberg [35:30]: "Gene Hackman, Legend."

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness weaves together discussions on public health fears, the untimely death of a beloved actor, and speculative connections to local businesses. Through engaging dialogue and humorous speculation, the hosts honor Gene Hackman's legacy while entertaining their audience with lively conversations and memorable quotes.